Job outlook?

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Hello:)

I am an Air Force wife with a BBA in Marketing, but have always wanted to go back to school to become a nurse. We move to smaller cities with very few Marketing opportunities (sales opportunities but not Marketing) whereas nurses are needed everywhere.

I am afraid to make the switch and then realize the job outlook for nurses is just as bad....

1. Is it diffucult to get a nursing job in this economy?

2. I have run unto a lot of business employers who actively avoid hiring military wives (because of the frequent moves)...is the nursing field friendlier to military spouses? Would they avoid hiring someone who moves every 3 years?

3. What is the quickest route to achieve a BSN? I was planning on getting my ADN when we move next and then take online course to get the BSN (since we will be moving).

3. Any suggestions to getting my foot in the door?

Thank you!

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Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

Why not get your BSN and join the AirForce? You'll have officer status and a secure job! I've heard RNs in the service are in demand. In the real world, "meh!" And besides that you'll get some experience under your belt. Most new nurses these days are not hired because they lack work experience, otherwise very hirable. You can always try for a job in the civilian world later following the work you do in the service: there may be more demand at that time!

Several schools offer accelerated programs for BSN or MSN. Do some online research: You're sure to find one that fits!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I was a military wife/RN awhile ago. Nowadays with the economy tanked:

1. I would pursue a BSN (you can do an accelerated BSN in a shorter period of times since you already have a bachelors degree).

2. Determine (best guess really) how long you will be at your present location.

3. Get pre-reqs out of the way first. Decide which school you can attend with the least amt of waiting time. For me, this meant private colleges because my husband's career field moved us often, usually every 2-3 years.

4. I would NOT join the military - sorry but we did the joint spouse thingie and the needs of the government ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS come first. You will be separated again and again and again. Your children will always come second. (Sorry if I'm a bit vocal on this but I've been there, done that).

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Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.
4. i would not join the military - sorry but we did the joint spouse thingie and the needs of the government always always always come first. you will be separated again and again and again. your children will always come second. (sorry if i'm a bit vocal on this but i've been there, done that).

sorry, discount my advice and take this one instead. that absolutely makes no sense that they would treat families that way. shame on them!!

i think the route i would have taken to become a nurse, had i known the economy would tank is to become a surgical tech, get your rn and then logically become an or nurse. or nurses are in demand as are emergency and icu nurses. which also are specialties in their own right.

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If BSN is your goal I would take an accelerated BSN course if you have a bachelors already. They usually last a year or year and a half. With pre-reqs for ADN it will probably take longer to get the ADN. As far as new grad hiring, the job market is not so great. Some new nurses don't have a job even after looking a year. I think you will eventually find a job though and it does depend on where you are in the country so I'd just say do your research.

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

I don't think the job market is bad. I have been a nurse for 2 years and I currently have 3 prn jobs right now and they have all offered me full-time positions. I think it just depends where you are in the country and what you specialize in. It maybe hard to find a hospital that is willing to train you if there is a potential you will have a short stay (less than 2 years). I also had a BS and went to get my ADN and now I have 1 more class this fall to complete my BSN. I say go for it if it is always something that you have wanted.. Good luck!

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I don't think there'll ever be more nurses than there is demand...

good nurses are always needed... if you're serious about becoming a nurse, I say go for it and good luck!

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I can tell you that the market in SW MS and SE LA is hard for nurses right now. It has been for the last two years. Generally speaking, many of the few places that do hire recent graduates are snake pits. They are places you probably don't want to work. They are places where you could easily be caused to lose your license if you aren't very careful.

I have never discouraged anyone from continuing their education. I will say this: Do NOT take on debt in order to go back to school for a nursing career.

There are so many negative aspects of nursing right now. Browse the threads here and you will see so many real life horror stories about unsafe working conditions, wretched administration/management practices, little time for best practice implementation, and disregard for patient safety and care. There are some satisfying aspects of nursing that you come across now and again.

"It ain't all it's cracked up to be." So just be aware of the situation before you embark on the education.

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