New US Legislation Impact on Nursing Students...

[Ravenx2012]

I will be entering Nursing School in March. I have a background in the sciences, primarily Hazardous materials and chemistry, however I was laid off several months ago and have opted for a career change.

Since making this decision a lot of changes have occurred or are under way to develop.

1) Obama has signed in legislation preventing forced overtime for nurses. Will this increase the job force? Will it increase the openings for nurses graduating in the next couple years? Will this cause an increase of hospitals to use more LPNs CNAs and less RNs? Will this lower over all starting salaries for these positions?

2) Socialized medicine.... Same questions as above ...

[VICEDRN, BSN, RN]

1. I have no idea.

2. Socialized medicine, by the strictest definition, would mean the state both operates the hospitals and employs the people who produce the product (the care the patient receives). An example is the VA system or the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The present plan does not call for socialized healthcare but rather single payer or universal coverage system. I digress a bit and apologize for doing so but its my pet peeve to hear this plan called socialized medicine.

In terms of the answer to your question: I don't know if it will change the workforce or not. I do know that my primary concern right now is seeing everyone get the care that they need. I am hoping that this is the developing nurse in me that is telling me that this is what matters most right now. Its the overriding desire I have to see everyone have care without laying in a bed worrying about their bill.

I an underneath, it all, a giant softie (so go easy on me, please!) It breaks my heart to see folks worrying about that stuff!

I hope that what it does mean is that nurses will be more unified and have the opportunity to advocate for nursing as a whole and that we will see our professional workforce increase its profile and its independence.

In short, I am hoping that its good kharma for everyone!

[foralltherightreason]

I too, would like to know how this will affect the nursing demand and pay. I am a new user who has been reading for awhile. I am a realtor who made the decision to go back to school after our commissions went down by half (husband also a realtor, but considering career change as well). Since going back to school, our commissions have gone down even more. In our market area, property values have gone down due to the high amount of foreclosures. Nobody wants to sell and nobody wants to buy, because they are scared of what will happen if they lose their job. We've sold 4 houses since October of last year.

I always wanted to be a nurse, but took 15 years off from school to stay home with 4 kids, and work in real estate. Now, I'm scared I'll finish nursing school and be right back where I started, unable to find work as a nurse with good pay. I'm going for my Associate's instead of BSN to get done quicker, but if this passes or we go to nationalized healthcare, will it affect nursing? I just want to know the sacrifices our whole family is making will be worth it in the end.