I haven't been able to post much recently, but lurk when I have the chance.
Today, I scheduled a lot of my school-required medical tests and appointments and was excited to start the day because, as unpleasant as the dentist and getting shots are, it's one step closer to school.
I'm sitting in the car after my second Hep B vaccine crying. Not because it hurt (it did, a little!) but because of the nurse I had.
After years of prereqs, applying to schools, visits, decisions, soul-searching and number crunching, I'm about to begin apply for hefty private loans- as a second degree student I don't qualify for a lot of federal aid- and borrow a huge chunk of money to realize my dream and start my program this summer.
When I handed the nurse who administered the shot my school form to sign, she said, "Uh-oh. I hope you get a job when you graduate." I smiled and said, "Me too." She continued on and on about how there's a shortage, but no one's hiring to fill the shortage and when they do hire they want someone with experience- but not too much. She said something along the lines of "They won't take grads right out of school. They want people with a year or two of experience under their belt. And then, you won't be making much money."
She mentioned she'd been out of nursing for 11 years (I didn't ask, but I assume raising a family) and that the Urgent Care center where I went was the only place that would hire, despite her extensive experience in hospitals/the ER. She's now making just $25 v. $35, etc., etc., etc.
I chose nursing because I want to help people and make enough money to pay off my loans and live. I'm not going into it hoping and believing I can lease a Mercedes when I get my first job.
I hope what I was dealing with was someone who is bitter about her own situation, but she also may have given me a healthy (but kind of rude) dose of how it really is out there in the job market now.
But, her comments suddenly made me question every single decision I've made in the past year. I know that no one can predict the future, but I'm suddenly extremely anxious about financing five zeros worth of school.
I'm sure there are tons of posts on this topic, so I'm sorry if this is a repeat. I'll go through them when I'm less emotional, but any words of wisdom, courage or advice?
And to answer your question about my name, yes it is from 'W&G'- when Jack decided surfing wasn't his life's passion & went on to be a nursing student- and graduated in under a season as top of his class! I thought about Anastasia too, but it just doesn't have that nursing theme.
Lol, ya.. I saw that episode. W&G has always been one of my '90's TV favs. I still watch the re-runs at times. Jack and Karen are my favs too! I like them better than Will & Grace.
I've been avoiding this thread for quite some time, but decided to take a look to find out what's it all about.
OP, I'm a career changer myself, who is in the first semester of an ABSN program. You have gotten a real picture of the dismal situation of nursing, but it's not like this in certain parts of the country. The "nursing shortage" was something we discussed in my class and my professors had advised that there are parts of the country that are in need of nurses, so prepare to move. I'm single with no children, so I'm ready to apply out of my state.
You have also received some great encouragements to continue pursing nursing and I definitely think you should. As you had stated in another post, every career is finding difficulty in the job hunt, nursing is no different. You will find those who are having it harder to get a job be the most vocal in discouraging prospective nursing students. They figure one less person to compete with in the job market...
Absolutely, if you only listen to her. She is trying to tell you the truth about what she has
experienced in the current economy. No one can predict the future and things are in dynamic change.
This would be true for most career choices you might select today that would also cost the same or
more money. You need to go with your :redbeathe and use good judgement about what is best for you.
I'm the type of person who weighs all the options, many times, and has pro/con lists taped to the wall. This is probably the biggest change I've ever made in my life- moving far away from family & friends and starting something completely new and I can't believe I let someone I'll never see again get to me in that way.
Excellent insight! You will make a wonderful nurse!
Saying that a nurse would be discouraging nursing students from going into nursing so that she'd have less competition is beyond ridiculous. A student asked about a shortage of jobs or whether new grads are being hired. New grads are not competitors. Saying that there are jobs elsewhere should give you pause. Where? It's not an option for many to just move away from home and family. I'd want to know where those jobs are. It's unlikely that they are looking for new grads. You can get a nursing job in the middle east, but do you want it?
Who is "they" that she is talking about is not hiring? someone she was trying to get a job with? With her attitude, I can see why she wouldnt' get a job. It really depends on where you live and when you are graduating. From here on out, I think the job market is going to get better. Things are starting to look more positive. Shame on her- I hate it when people do that! I know its hard to ignore her comments, but try! You have no idea where she is coming from; she sounds pretty bitter to me. Where I live, new grads have a job before they even leave their programs...so, don't fret! I am in your situation, too! This is my second career choice, and I am going to have to get some loans, as well!
This nurse's attitude toward the job & profession may be to blame for her lack of getting anywhere.
Who knows how many job interviews she's blown with that attitude.
To stand there and tell you how awful it is, how much she makes & etc.
It is painfully obvious that she lacks not only a good attitude but any professionalism.
Do not listen to her for a minute, there are jobs available. Those with a positive attitude and a professional approach will get job offers way before this grumpy lady will.
vegas2009
408 Posts
Lol, ya.. I saw that episode. W&G has always been one of my '90's TV favs. I still watch the re-runs at times. Jack and Karen are my favs too! I like them better than Will & Grace.