Is there really a shortage of jobs for new grads??

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Hi all. As I mentioned in my first post I am a Fall 2014 nursing hopeful. However, I just came across an article (http://money.cnn.com/2013/01/14/news/economy/nursing-jobs-new-grads/index.html) that infers that new nursing graduates are having a hard time finding a job.

I know the article is old, but I think very relevant. After reading this article, I did a search for nursing shortage jobs and found a lot of articles saying about 43% of new grads haven't found a job within 18 months of graduating nursing school. Is this true? Is this expected to continue? Of course, if I were to get accepted in Fall 2014 I wouldn't be done for 2 years but is nursing a secure career at this point? I just don't want to spend money or go into debt and not be able to find a job (much like with the degree I have now)...

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Use the search feature here in the upper right hand corner.....yes....it's true. Many have flocked to nursing just like you and yes there is a surplus of new grads. It is a good job....if you really want to be a nurse...for you will face many adversities getting to the end of school and then finding a job. Nursing is NOT for the faint of heart and if your "heart" isn't in it....it can be a difficult job

All the best

No nursing shortage....

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Depends on the area, I believe my area does in fact have a nursing shortage.

But I've read a lot of topics on here about this and people will go on about how there is no nursing shortage and how hard it is to find a job, but in the same sentence say they refuse to work in LTCs or nursing homes.

So it makes me wonder if there is no nursing shortage, or if there's just no shortage of hospital based nurses. I guess I'll find out!

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Specializes in Hospice.

I will work pretty much anywhere at first, but eventually I want to do trauma...... fingers crossed. Still a ways off yet. (17 months).

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I have to agree with what others have said, I work in a LTC/SNF facility and I'll be honest, I took my first job just because it was a job. I thought I would get my 6 months to a year experience and move on to med surg which I loved in nursing school. I got my first job (in a skilled facility) within a month of passing my NCLEX. I did leave that job after 6 months (it was a bad facility) but I didn't apply to hospitals I found an awesome small LTC/SNF facility I'm at now and I love it! I think if you know where to look and are willing to take any job most of the time you can find a job. I have read a lot about some states (like California) that just don't seem to have jobs period. But I don't live there so I don't know. When I didn't have a job finding a job was my job. I spent hours a day looking at any website I could find (google nursing jobs in your state you'll find a lot of smaller companies). I also worked a flu clinic at first just to get experience of some kind... Craigslist is another place to look, that's where I found my current job. Smaller newspapers. Do Internet searches for assisted living and nursing homes in your state. A lot of smaller ones don't broadly advertise, so when you graduate call them or send them all your resume. You'll be surprised how many facilities there are you didn't even know about when you do a search! Sorry for the long post but I've been surprised talking to friends who didn't think of the things I did. I hope it helps.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, LTC, Psych, Addictions..

In most areas of the country it is difficult for new grads to get a job....and it often takes many months.

Most job ads are for RNs with (specific) experience. Employers don't want to train new grads any more. I have applied and interviewed for a pt LTC opening and was told that over 50 people had applied within just 3 days.....for one job!

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