Jobs scarce for nurses

[GLB_68]

As an unemployed new grad RN I was wondering why you hear so much about the "nurse shortage". Then I came across this article. Turns out there is an over supply of new grads nurses. Even experienced nurses around Virgina are having trouble finding jobs. See Washington Post and Baltimore Journal articles:

Demand for Nurses Lessens During Economic Downturn - washingtonpost.com

As white-hot nursing market cools, a job is no longer a sure thing | Baltimore Business Journal

[usalsfyre]

I can't help but think some jobs for new RNs would open up if all states would implement safe nurse/pt ratios. But I don't think that will ever happen as hospital corporations are too powerful.

My gut feeling is rather than increasing staff, beds would be shut down and they would continue with the current staffing level and focus on discharging patients more quickly. Current hospital profit margins are running on average around 5% according to a report I saw the other day, which leaves very little wiggle room for hiring new staff.