Just how bleak is it?

[physjenk]

Hi There,

I'm in the Bay Area (currently work in EMS in Santa Clara County) and should be done with nursing school in three years at the latest. I was about to enter one of the local CC programs (not saying which one), but think that I may hold out and apply to the state schools for spring 2009 (I want my BSN, as I plan to get my masters at some point...even if I AM on the old side).

Anyway, I am discovering all of these threads about how bad the Bay Area job market is. I'm a 4.0 student and a quick learner, so I don't think that I would have a problem landing a job if there were jobs for new grads, but several threads seem to be saying that those don't exist.

I'm wondering if those of you who have been around the nursing world for a while have any wisdom to offer. Do these things go in cycles? If so, how often do you see overabundance switch to shortage and back again? Would I be fooling myself to think that I wont have problems landing a job in three years (I'm not interested in moving away from the Bay Area)?

Sages, I am in need of your wisdom...

[Testa Rosa, RN]

Bump

...want to see replies to the OP ?ion.

[suzanne4, RN]

Santa Clara has not been a problem getting a job there. Closer to the city has been an issue because of the number of nursing schools that are out there as well as the fact that the higher salaries are paid in the region so that also attracts others to the area as well.

Work experience in the area as a tech or something similar while in school will increase your chances, it makes it easier if the nursing dept is already familiar with you.

The Bay Area only has new grad programs several times per year, if you have a couple of years of experience, then hiring is year round.

Kaiser has been hiring in the past for their Santa Clara facility, as well as other facilities in the South Bay. And that facility has an excellent reputation.

[physjenk]

I appreciate the information. Thanks for the reply!