Is it wise to start BSN degree in 2011? Will there be jobs in Canada?

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I keep hearing how there is a nursing shortage and how Canada needs more nurses - but is it really that there is a lack of jobs that won't be filled because of the recession?

Maybe I am hopelessly optimistic, but I would hope that the economy would have improved by the time I graduate in 2014...?

What do you think - should I even worry about this or just go ahead and apply and worry about a job later?

Any current RNs finding it a difficult job market?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

If you are truly interested in nursing then the short answer is yes, apply. You can never go wrong getting an education.

I graduate next year (in AB) and I'm not worried in the least about finding a job.

Will I land my dream job right away...no. In reality I'll probably start out as casual or temp part time somewhere then build from there.

Best of luck!

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Specializes in ER, L&D, RR, Rural nursing.

I echo what petethecanuck has said. I graduated in the 90's when there were no jobs(just layoffs and bumping), I took what job I could and was realistic about it. Be ready to have a plan B and take a job that gets your foot in the door.Try to get an undergrad position where ever they are offered.

Honestly this past year has not been as bad as it was (in my recollection) back then.

Good Luck

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Yup, it basically comes down to don't expect to have a job before you graduate. Don't expect to work on your "dream" unit the minute you graduate.

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If you are truly interested in nursing then the short answer is yes, apply. You can never go wrong getting an education.

I graduate next year (in AB) and I'm not worried in the least about finding a job.

Will I land my dream job right away...no. In reality I'll probably start out as casual or temp part time somewhere then build from there.

Best of luck!

I agree whole heartedly.

If you're in it for any other reason it's definitely a waste of time because no one knows how long this "recession" will last and what are the true/real implications will be. As I've said before in a different thread, there are many careers out there that are naturally competitive but you don't hear those people back out because there's no jobs lined up for them when they graduate, why would nursing be any different?

I'm tired of hearing prospective nursing students (potential nurses) using the "shortage" excuse alongside with "recession" excuse as if both issues have any significant causation relationship with each other. There's a lack of understanding that just because there's a shortage of nurses that it automatically means that hospitals are obligated to hire nurses. Hospitals KNOW that there is a shortage of nurses, but because the recession exists they have a tight budget to abide by. The reality is new grads are expensive because:

1) The new grads get paid training.

2) The seasoned nurse/trainer get paid for training the new grad. Extra responsibility.

I'm sure there's other many reasons beyond those I've mentioned but I think that's the main explanation. In truth, nursing school only teaches you half to less than half of the skills you will learn in the work setting. You will need training and support once you get out in the real world.

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Thanks for the advice everyone! I am still mulling over my options, but I think that there is a place for my skills somewhere in the nursing world.

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