Is nursing still a good career choice?

[manskette]

So, I have been doing some research...apparently, the RN job market isn't what it used to be when I first began considering a career in nursing.

My question is....is it a good idea to go to nursing school at this economic time? I am in no hurry. I am a former teacher and currently a SAHM to two boys, and can enter the workforce now or a little later (we will be strictly budgeted, but we make it fine).

I wanted to become a nurse to get the best of both worlds...a meaningful career with flexible scheduling...and the opportunity to be home with my babies more that I could as a teacher. But, I am getting discouraged reading these boards about the job market. I don't want to put 10,000 dollars into an education (even though I will really enjoy the challenge of school and enjoy the academic stimulation) if I won't be able to find employment afterwards. I live about 50 miles outside of Dallas, so can tap into both urban and rural markets when I graduate. Will I be a less desirable hire if I go to school, but don't find a job immediately? Anyone have any thoughts? Any insight is appreciated!

[FORTHELOVEOF!!!!]

While the market isn't great, I am confident it will get better. Baby boomers starting any time now and for the next 25-30 years will be hitting retirement age (nurses retiring) and hitting the place in life where they need more medical care (more patients). Looking at it like this may be very basic but I still think it holds water.

[SE_BSN_RN, BSN]

I think it is. I am an LPN going for my BSN, and I think BSN is going to be the way to go. There aren't many jobs now, due to the tough economy. The older nurses that want to retire, can't. Once they are able to, then there will be more opportunities.

[HM-8404, BSN, RN]

My advice is don't put too much stock in what the school tells you. Remember they are trying to recruit you to come spend your money at their school. I would bet they are still saying computer programing is a good career choice.

Don't base your career choice on national statistics unless you are willing and able to move to where a shortage exists. I suggest do a quick search of your area. See how many nursing programs there are within 75-100 miles of you, how many grads they produce each year, then look at the hospital job sites to see how many jobs are posted. Having a shortage in California, Florida, or New York does you no good if you live in Texas and cannot move to one of those areas.

Nursing is like math, if you don't use it you lose it. The longer between graduation and employment the less you will retain.

[SE_BSN_RN, BSN]

My advice is don't put too much stock in what the school tells you. Remember they are trying to recruit you to come spend your money at their school. I would bet they are still saying computer programing is a good career choice.

Don't base your career choice on national statistics unless you are willing and able to move to where a shortage exists. I suggest do a quick search of your area. See how many nursing programs there are within 75-100 miles of you, how many grads they produce each year, then look at the hospital job sites to see how many jobs are posted. Having a shortage in California, Florida, or New York does you no good if you live in Texas and cannot move to one of those areas.

Nursing is like math, if you don't use it you lose it. The longer between graduation and employment the less you will retain.

Agreed. Very much so. My school did this to me, telling me I could do clinicals up where I live. Well, I can't, depending on the rotation. But, after living in California, driving 30 minutes for clinicals is no big deal to me.

[SsgKen]

Anyone who believes we can add 30 million patients to the work load without hiring more nurses cannot count. We will be offering health care to everyone who is in this country soon, or its Law with the Affordable Care Act now. Job security or hard work? Hard to say.

[jnetz]

my suggestion.. Go to Williston ND. There are Soooo many nursing jobs put here plus if you have husband or boyfriend the jobs are insanely well paying and booming.. I got here two months ago. I'm making 4 grand every two weeks... I have no expense and I'm out here waiting for nursing school to start.. I might just stay and start a business now and not have to work again in about 5 years.. Either way.. Drop your stuff get a cheap trailer or Rv and be willing to sacrifice but either way you'll get experience and lots of money.. Our stay comfortable where you are and live in poverty for the next couple of years.

[mssjez]

I think that nursing schools are taking advantage of the media's broadcast that there is still a "nursing shortage". I consistently hear on the TV and radio about LPN and RN programs and how great a career it is and how your will be ready to get that job when you graduate. Because the recession is affecting every career and field, the same things happening elsewhere are occurring in the healthcare field as well. Those who would have retired by now are continuing to work because of fearing the economy getting worse and they want to save as much money as possible until they feel it's safe to finally retire. Those who's spouses have lost their jobs may have moved from part-time to full-time to help support their families until the job market gets better. Where I live there are plenty of listings for RN positions at various hospitals, but most want you to have at least a year of hands on experience in an acute clinical setting (and they don't count your school clinicals). I know several hospitals that have a student nurse position which can be applied for after a semester or two of clinical experience. From my group of friends who just graduated nursing school this spring, the only ones who got jobs have been working in hospitals for at least a year, made great impressions during clinicals, and had connections/family in the hospital. I recommend getting a hospital job (even per diem) while you're in school to build up your experience and connection base. Good luck!

[afterseason, ASN, RN]

I may be repeating some things that have already been said, but... You will be able to find a job. Maybe not right off the bat, maybe not in the specific field you were hoping for, and hell, you may even need to relocate. BUT, you will find a job somewhere. As I saw someone else mention, what can be said for nursing can be said for other degrees as well. I know MANY people from high school who went into business and gradutated with MBA degrees who are still working their same minimum wage jobs because they cannot find a job in their area of education. The job market as a whole has been hurting. And while it may be a bit more difficult to find a nursing job right now than it was before, especially as a new grad, we will eventually reach a point where it is once again a career with abundant opportunities.

Just do what you want to do!! GOOD LUCK!

[afterseason, ASN, RN]

Oh, and as someone else mentioned, taking the extra steps while in school to work in positions that offer hands-on experience, networking opportunities, etc, will help ensure that you have a better chance of employment as a new grad.

[WantAccel.BSN, BSN, RN]

There may not be jobs in our area, but there are tons in another area. Students aren't willing to move for a job these days. They want to complain there's no jobs in their state but I assure you, my hospital has 30+ jobs available for nurses. That goes the same for every hospital in NC. There will always be work for Nurses. You just have to go where the work is.

This isn't entirely true. Maybe in the less desirable parts of NC, but in my area only about a 1/3rd of my graduating class have jobs over two months out from graduation.... I feel incredibly lucky to have landed a job.

[dez_455]

im seriously thinking of moving to williston with my husband. do you like it there and are the living/working conditions as bad as what they say? ive been an ER nurse for 5 yrs.