Is nursing a good idea?

U.S.A. Michigan

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Last year, I completed an 18 month program in cardiac sonography and have yet to find work. When I began the program I was constantly being told that registered techs were in high demand. Unfortunately, I am finding this to NOT be the case. My initial career direction was geared toward nursing however the wait lists discouraged me from applying. I am now working on my application for Davenport's LPN program and am concerned that I may end up in the same situation as I am now. I read everywhere about the high demand for nurses here in Michigan however I am now hearing that nurses are having trouble finding jobs. I see postings EVERYWHERE for LPN's and RN's so I don't know how this can be. I just want to be sure that I am not wasting even more money on schooling that wont land me a job.

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I don't think you would necessarily be wasting money on going to nursing school at all! I am currently in the process of completing the last of pre req's and applying to schools and it is EXTREMELY competitive. I have also heard that LPN are starting to be eliminated a lot of places and that it is better to go for your RN. I am trying to do an RN program and I have also heard it may be hard to find a nursing job in Michigan however nursing jobs are plentiful all over the country! Once you get your degree/diploma you can pretty much use it as your plane ticket to anywhere you want to go. I say stick it out and complete the program but maybe try the RN track

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I would say to do so, if nursing is what you truly want to do. Don't have high hopes about being able to work right away because it may not happen. The market is saturated with applicants, so understand that for every job posting you see, there are at least 20 (conservative number) nurses applying for it. There are people that graduated from my school last year that still don't have jobs, or are just finding one. At my work, they have eliminated nurse extern positions, graduate nurse positions and aren't even considering applicants now until they pass boards, including internal apps.

I am not trying to discourage you in the least. I would say wholeheartedly, go to school if you know that you are going to be a great nurse and you want to do it. Ultimately, I think the economy will bounce back and we may be in demand again, simply because they can't get computers to do what we do (at least not yet...lol). But, if you aren't completely sure, or are doing it for job security...your motivation may not last and it may not be worth it for you.

Personally, I graduate in May and things look bleak and I work at a hospital....but I would do it all over again, because I have no doubts about wanting to be a nurse (although I may have doubts once I start working as an RN with the staffing shortages:banghead:). There is just no money in the budget for more employees, so RNs and NAs are working with high nurse:patient ratios. So it's not that we don't need nurses...at this point we just can't afford them.

Hopefully, when the economy recovers, we will all reap the benefits of this wonderful career. Ultimately, you have to make the choice that is right for you. Follow your heart and I wish you all the best.

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I read everywhere about the high demand for nurses here in Michigan however I am now hearing that nurses are having trouble finding jobs. I see postings EVERYWHERE for LPN's and RN's so I don't know how this can be. I just want to be sure that I am not wasting even more money on schooling that wont land me a job.

It's frustrating that they keep advertising that everyone should go into nursing because there are "so many" jobs out there. Yes there are some jobs, but not for new grads. I know way too many people that are graduating without jobs. Even people working as externs are being turned away! What they want is experience!

If this is what you really want, go for it. This should pick up in a couple eyars when you would finish anyway.

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Specializes in Step-down/ICU.

I agree with pretty much everything everyone has said. Getting a job in this market is very hard, I know, as I'll be graduating in May. In past years grads would have jobs lined up before graduation. This is no longer the case. Job postings require you to have exerience and even when it's not mentioned it's still implied. Allegedly, we will be more marketable once we have a license (sometime in June/July), but it's still no guarantee you will be employed immediately.

Yes, there are posting but if you keep in mind what I said before and the fact that every May and December 100s of students will be graduating plus, experienced RNs looking for jobs, you'll realize that the postings aren't very promising. I've heard from nurse recruiters that approx. 100 people apply for every one job posting.

So, go in to nursing only if you absolutely want to, as it may take months to find a job. Or if possible you can relocate to another state and try there, post graduation. Also, things may turn around by the time you graduate.

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I agree with everything. I love being a nurse, and am very blessed to have the job I have. However there are many nurses looking for work. My suggestion is for you to really think about it. If nursing is whre your heart truly is, then go for it. Another thing that I might suggest is that if you can find a way to get certifications for your ACLS and such. Do it. Many regular med/surg units, even, are asking for this from applicants. This might help set you apart from others. It does cost, but keep in mind it will be worth it. And it still doesn't mean that the job you apply for is in the bag. Good luck to you. It really is a wonderful profession.

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