Nursing Future

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I have been contemplating a nursing career for a while now. I finally gathered up enough courage to take the next step. I was shocked to find out the reality of the nursing career field right now.

I guess I was just unaware like most people that jobs are scarce! I thought we were always short on nurses.

But now I realize we're short on experienced nurses and job outlook for new grads are grim...

I don't want to give up yet... should I??

I was just wondering if anyone could give me some advice... I haven't done any of the pre-req classes yet... only the few that'll transfer over from my BA degree... is it a good idea for me to give up and look for something else now, before wasting my time getting the degree and ending up unemployed?

do you think the economy will pick up enough to turn the job situation around in three years or so?

Just seeking some wisdom before making the commitment...

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Well... this ain't no easy answer.

A few thoughts go through my head:

1) You don't even have the pre-reqs done. So we're talkin 3+ years.

2) In 3 years alot happens, including an economic recovery. Hopefully.

3) You have a BA, why the change of direction?

4) Are you fixed in Hawaii? If there is a job in California, would you go there?

5) How bad do you really want to be a nurse? Really? Do you even know what its like?

The answer to the final question will steer the discussion. Perhaps volunteer or follow another nurse around a few shifts. Make sure its your cup of tea.

Or maybe you've already figured this out. Maybe you know, 100%, its what you want to do with your life. No other career seems so rewarding.

In that case, the answer is pretty clear.

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thank you so much for your reply.... here are my thought on your questions..

3) you have a ba, why the change of direction?

i studied to become a buyer and am working as an assistant buyer right now... the working experience has thought me that this is not really what i want to do for the rest of my life... i figured... if i'm gonna change careers i better do it sooner than later before investing more time into one that i don't see myself in for too long.

4) are you fixed in hawaii? if there is a job in california, would you go there?

i would like to stay in hawaii... but i think i'm open to the idea of moving to the mainland for experience. my sister lives in california so that might be an option.

5) how bad do you really want to be a nurse? really? do you even know what its like?

my grandfather passed away two years ago after frequent visits and extended stays at several hospitals. i remember watching all the nurses and thinking how grateful i was to have them there doing the jobs that they do. i always thought it would be great to be a nurse but didn't think i could... i wasn't sure if i would be okay with everything nurses go through... dealing with sickness and death all day and having to clean up after people... now that i'm a bit older and wiser i think i'll be able to handle it.

i just recently had a baby and see this as an investment for the future of my family. and the three days work schedule is just so appealing to me!!! i'll be able to spend more time with my son.

i don't know what's it's like to actually be a nurse... i'm sure it's much harder than it seems... but i am willing to do what it takes to become one and put my all into it... but i dont want to end up at a dead end after all that work...

i am 98% sure this is what i want to do... but that's what i thought about being a buyer... so i guess i'll never know until i try...

is there anything you learned after becoming a nurse that you weren't aware of before? anything that might have changed your mind?

are you working now? how do you like being a nurse?

thank you for your insight!

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If you are just starting with your prereqs, I think things will pick up by the time you are done with school. If that is what you want to do, go ahead and do it. I wasted too much of my time, debating whether I should go to nursing school. They amount of time it took me, I would have been a nurse by now. Good Luck!

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If you are just starting with your prereqs, I think things will pick up by the time you are done with school. If that is what you want to do, go ahead and do it. I wasted too much of my time, debating whether I should go to nursing school. They amount of time it took me, I would have been a nurse by now. Good Luck!

Thank you Blessed2009

I am leaning more towards going for it...

I'm going to the informational session at KCC on the 15th so hopefully that will help me make up my mind for good...

I know once I decide, there will be no going back!

are you a nursing student now? at KCC? how do you like it so far?

Thank you and good luck to you too :)

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I came across this today.

Thought it would bring some hope back. :]

" Nursing: Recession-Proof Major? "

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7294211

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Oh, I gotta head to bed... another long day at work. =)

But... I spoke with my boss. She said it was possible to shadow one nurse for less than 24 hours without filling out all this paperwork and getting Hep B shots. You might have to fill out a HIPPA form or two, but it seems possible with manager approval.

If you know anyone, maybe that's another idea to help you decide. Just watch her for the day... see what nursing is really about; the good, the bad, the exciting, the boring.

If you know no-one, well, you know me. I'd be willing to help. =)

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You are welcome nurse oneday. I am actually in georgia, I saw your thread when I clicked on new posts. I have applied for the Fall program and i am waiting for a response.

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There are absolutely no guaranteed jobs or majors or anything else for that matter; but despite everything else don't you think that it is a good option?? Especially if you are interested in it and you are wanting to go to school. You don't like your current job so that's out, is there anything else you would wanna go to school for? Can you think of anything else that is doing well in the economy? It may seem a little bad right now but with the advances and the needs there is only going to be an increase in nursing needs and when the economy recovers it is going to boom...and hopefully that will be about the time you would finish with school.

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Specializes in OR; Telemetry; PACU.

I agree with the others...by the time you're out of school, the economy will change and the need will be there again (well it is, but more people will start seeking elective surgery for example - right now people are holding off)...and plus you have to think of the aging population. There will be a huge need for nurses in the coming years no doubt! You'll have a job, and if you're willing and able to move away from Hawaii for a couple of years then you can get some good work experience elsewhere and then move back. My dream is to eventually move and work in Hawaii, but I see it's not a good idea now. Patience...concentrate on your studies...and look at ICU as your area of choice after school for example. That will give you great experience and a great knowledge base.

Don't give up on this dream because of what is happening now...in a few years many nurses that have held off retirement will retire, leaving a lot of openings! Be prepared!!!

Also adding that I really agree with the comment that there's no guarantee for a job in ANY field right NOW...but get into school and get that nursing degree. There are more opportunities than you think.

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Thank you everyone!!

it's really reassuring to hear the positive outlook from everyone.

And Thank you Slobgob for such kind offer :) I have few friends that are working as nurses and I asked them to look into letting me shadow them. I'll let you know if none of them can pull through for me. I think I have made up my mind though... I think I'm going to go for it!

I kept thinking that if I don't follow through now, I might regret it forever.

Everyone is right in that a lot can happen in three years... I could possibly be a nurse in three years! or I could still be chained to a desk staring at the computer for 8 hours a day... Everyday I come to work and realize just how much I really dislike my job LOL

I bet none of you guys have days like that! where you're just staring at the clock, wishing the next minute will come by faster... or do you?

like I wrote before, please feel free to let me know if there is anything about being a nurse that you don't love... or anything you wish you knew before going into nursing school :)

Thank you again! your posts are all much much appreciated.

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"if there is anything about being a nurse that you don't love"

lol.

seriously?

Coffee ground emesis, GIB, C-Diff explosions, gangrene, necrotizing facitis, a liter of GoLytely, digital disimpactions, soap suds, milking fecal tubes.

That took 2 seconds. I'm sure I can name plenty more.

Luckily, the things that I love about nursing is quite a bit longer. =)

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