Is there a Nursing shortage?

[clar]

I'm an RN who has been out of work for years; I'm considering taking a refresher course and going back to work.

I have been reading a lot of post of people complaining they can not find a job. Is there a nursing shortage or no?

Thanks!

[theatredork]

I think for new grads the nursing shortage doesn't exist. I know that a few hospitals in the NYC area have closed in the last year, which means more nurses with experience looking for jobs that might have otherwise gone to new graduate nurses. I experienced this same "shortage" in NJ during the summer of 2007, which led me to NYC.

You might get lucky since you're coming back to the workplace, and most likely have past experience as a nurse.

[trini1186]

I agree. New grads are having the hardest time finding jobs in nyc. Some hospitals are hiring but they are looking for "experienced" nurses! It may also help if you get a referal from someone who works at that hospital otherwise expect to be searching for a while (months). Good luck!

[HappySH]

there is a shortage but the hospitals do not have the money to pay for nurses..so they pick the experience over the new grad (like myself) b/c it's more cost effective.

[Milkberry]

I have been turned out by being told that they are only looking for nurses with at least 1 or 2 years experience. I feel so frustrated about not being able to find a job as a RN. If I'll never be given an offer due to the reason of lacking experience, does that mean I will not be working as a nurse for the rest of my life? Then why don't they just start to close all those nursing schools, since new grads won't be able to get a job.

[sachi2]

I agree. New grads are having the hardest time finding jobs in nyc. Some hospitals are hiring but they are looking for "experienced" nurses! It may also help if you get a referal from someone who works at that hospital otherwise expect to be searching for a while (months). Good luck!

hi u from trinidad?

[I_See_You_RN]

Shortage in NY? i would say no. There are some underserved communities who have a shortage but no money to actually hire new nurses (experienced or not) so therefore the term "shortage" still has no correlation with "job availability". But don't let that discourage you,..stay motivated and confident, take that refresher course, and you'll be ready when a job does open up.