Nursing Recession-proof?

oramar · Dec 16, 2008

In the last week a program ran on a local station saying that very thing. I just shook my head.

OC_An Khe · Dec 16, 2008

Nursing is not recession proof, however the profession as a whole is probably less senitive to a recession then other professions or trades are. As for those trying to get into nursing for economic reasons well they usually don't last long particularly when they realize the amount of work required to obtain the RN and the actual conditions many of us work under.

RN1982 · Dec 16, 2008

Nope, its not recession proof. One of the major health system is not hiring at the moment, not hiring staff including nurses.

casi, ASN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

Quite a few local hospitals around here are on hiring freezes. A couple others are cutting theirs nursing staffs hours. One hospital acctually laid off nursing staff.

As a nursing student, I'm terrified!

OC85 · Dec 16, 2008

I don't think its recession-proof in the absolute sense, just moreso that many other industries. For example, I've been working as a hairstylist for a number of years. I'm very good at what I do, and I still plan to continue doing it at least one day per week [there are certain clients of mine that I just can't bring myself to walk away from], but as part of a non-essential service industry [and in my case, a luxury service, at that], I'm definitely feeling the economic slowdown. Nursing is obviously still affected, as healthcare is still a business [sad though that is], but at the same time, its not something that you can really just do without, unlike getting your hair done. So yes, I think nurses feel the economic crunch, but not to the same extent as many other industries.

I do agree with you, however, that the inflow of people who enter nursing purely for the money/economic stability is distressing, if understandable.

BTW, I dont consider myself one of those people, as I made the descision and started my pre-reqs back when business was still good [which was half the reason I was even able to afford to go back to school in the first place].

oncnursemsn · Dec 16, 2008

I agree with the previous posters- some of our students are taking up to a year to find a nursing position- argh! Nurses are staying in the workforce and not retiring due to the crummy economy, part time nurses are working more hours (I know I am) and hospitals are cutting back/freezing positions. We in Boston are experiencing significant staffing pattern changes- ie more patients and fewer nurses. All businesses are experiencing a "hiccup" and hopefully with the new administration it won't be more then that. We'll see after Jan 20, and I don't envy president elect.

queenjean · Dec 16, 2008

Nursing is more recession proof than the vast majority of professions.

I don't care if people enter it for the money. Rarely is that entirely someone's motive. None of us (I assume) do this for free; to a certain degree we're all in it for the money. I think that if you can make if through nursing school, pass the NCLEX, and maintain a job, chances are good that, whatever your motivations for entering the profession, you've developed into a decent nurse. Fine by me.

lpnflorida · Dec 16, 2008

Agree, not recession proof. Makes a good case for not job hopping and getting up on the senority list.

courthousenette · Dec 16, 2008

I just want to say that I've been job hunting for about 5 weeks and still have not received any offers for employment. I must say that alot of hospitals are on a hiring freeze!!

-RN, BSN

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

I had a job interview today for a part time pool job---Mgr said she had 7 others to interview for this 1 job.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Dec 16, 2008

Where are from racing-mom 4? The reason why I ask is if you go over to the international forum here on allnurses, you will see that international nurses believe there are unlimited jobs in the USA. I live in the Boston area and things are tough. I know new grads are having a difficult time finding a position.