Nursing shortage

BrandonLPN, LPN · May 8, 2015

I wonder which state has the biggest shortage. Any ideas?

Rural areas are usually a good bet.

Elliot.Kane · May 8, 2015

When we say shortage so often, it creates the illusion that there are not enough nurses. What I propose we say instead is that there is a need for nurses; there will always be a need for nurses. When we say shortage, it makes it seem as though this is a wide-spread problem that has no solution except to pump people through the pipeline, and that, because of this shortage, they will be able to find a job immediately. What's more, is that many new nurses believe that they will have their selection of specialties.

There are a few things to keep in mind: there may be a specific need for nurses in identifiable areas, be they geographic, experiential, management level, or specialty. For example, there may be a shortage of nurses experienced in critical care in a portion of a particular state, but that does not translate into every person that applies to those positions being hired. Also, a hospital may have a need for more nurses, and they may even state this or create job openings just to see what kind of talent they attract, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they are able to afford the extra payroll or budgetary demand, nor does it create a time constraint on their end--they are able to move forward if they chose to do so at all at their leisure.

I think there are a few things that you can do to set yourself up for success against this idea of a shortage. The most important thing to me is willingness. Willingness! Willingness to get off your ass during clinical, separate yourself from your peers (your safety net, as they are) and seek out every opportunity you can. Oh, your patient is going to CT, go with them. Your patient is going to surgery? Ask to observe. Another patient on your unit needs an IV, a Foley, a pain assessment, a 12-lead, volunteer to do it! Attach yourself to someone who's documentation is known to be superior and learn their methods...pick their brain. Chances are the ones that are really good at their jobs are also really interested in sharing their expertise and teaching. Be willing to network with your instructors too, both clinical and lecture instructors. These people have connections that extend far beyond the school you're attending. You can't expect someone that barely knows you to give you more than a generic recommendation letter, if anything at all. Develop a willingness to move and become independent. There are economic booms in parts of the States that have created a need for nurses. Seek out these opportunities, look for them. If they aren't in the most geographically interesting places, research the place. I know for me, just looking into the area has the ability to change my mind and get me excited about moving and experiencing a different flavor of the US. If moving isn't an option due to family or what have you, broaden your search to other areas of nursing, which has been said enough on here. Set yourself above your peers by being memorable and coming with a willingness to learn. Learn names! Greet everyone by their name once you learn it. People love to hear their names! Supervisors, peers, and patients love it! There is always an initial awkwardness when you start interacting with patients, but try to get past that quickly. Nurses can teach you the tasks, the drugs, the procedures, the documentation. They can't necessarily impart how to interact with others professionally, how to talk to patients assertively or authoritatively. This is a skill that you must develop on your own, and demonstrating it early on will set you apart. This point is important too when you are giving report or when you are talking to a physician. Know what you are going to say, reheorifice it if you need to, but be comfortable and confident and you will help develop the reception of the same respect you are giving by not wasting others' time. Remember that you are part of a team. A fellow nurse's patient needs to be turned, be the first to help out. You walk by a door that is closed? Knock and see if the nurse inside could you a hand or some linens or another pack of sterile gauze. When you identify yourself as lazy early on, not only will people be unlikely to refer you, they will be less willing to help you when you're the one needing help. Just because you don't need help today, doesn't mean you won't tomorrow. Force yourself to be pleasant and helpful all of the time, it'll go a long way for you.

Maybe there is no nursing shortage...if anything it's easier to identify a nursing glut in most places, but if you have a passion for nursing chances are your willingness will carry you over whatever hurdles you face, most often idealistic thinking.

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · May 8, 2015

Rural areas are usually a good bet.

And so are areas where hospitals decided that hiring BSN's only was a great idea. My hospital is having problems filling positions.

oldsockventriloquist · May 8, 2015

And so are areas where hospitals decided that hiring BSN's only was a great idea. My hospital is having problems filling positions.

As opposed to hiring ASN's?

txstudent6, BSN, RN · May 8, 2015

I live in Houston, tx and I wouldn't say there's a shortage but yes there's a HUGE need and will always be a need because people are always getting sick. If you go to any Texas Mexical Center hospital, you will find atleast 6 pages of job opening as nurses. We have a lot of hospitals here & biggest med center so it makes sense to need a lot of nurses. There's some places out in the suburbs that will offer sign on bonuses too. I think location plays a big role

oldsockventriloquist · May 9, 2015

I live in Houston, tx and I wouldn't say there's a shortage but yes there's a HUGE need and will always be a need because people are always getting sick. If you go to any Texas Mexical Center hospital, you will find atleast 6 pages of job opening as nurses. We have a lot of hospitals here & biggest med center so it makes sense to need a lot of nurses. There's some places out in the suburbs that will offer sign on bonuses too. I think location plays a big role

Now, in those 6+ pages, are they mostly wanting experienced nurses? What about in the ads you'll see from rural hospitals?

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 9, 2015

Now, in those 6+ pages, are they mostly wanting experienced nurses? What about in the ads you'll see from rural hospitals?

Where I live in TX they are hiring anyone, experienced or new grad. I don't think it's the same up in Houston.

ETA: I looked on Memorial Herman's page, yes they have a LOT of openings. But for EXPERIENCED nurses. So for all the new grads who are moving to Houston & can't get a job, that's why.

Qteapi · May 9, 2015

Come to Florida. I work for the largest hospital system in Central Florida. Yes, I was a new grad when I got my job not too long ago... but there is plenty to pick from whatever your level of expertise is.

Might have to just take you up on this.....hehehehe.....yes there is a nursing shortage....there is a shortage of nurses with experience! I get so tired of seeing nursing jobs in my area say....Not for New Grads! So I cast my net wider and may have to move.

MatrixRn · May 9, 2015

Might have to just take you up on this.....hehehehe.....yes there is a nursing shortage....there is a shortage of nurses with experience! I get so tired of seeing nursing jobs in my area say....Not for New Grads! So I cast my net wider and may have to move.

And when they say experience they want the right kind of experience. If someone has not been in a certain area of nursing for a long while they will probably not be hired either.

Dranger · May 9, 2015

My hospital has tons of positions open if you have 1-2 years experience. No want wants new grads.

Hell I don't want new grads working with me either, we are already light on experience in the ICU.

OCNRN63, RN · May 10, 2015

Right now, where I live, hospitals are hiring lots of nurses.
It seems hiring goes in phases. First there won't be jobs anywhere, and then there are jobs everywhere. I've seen it happen for a long time.

Things may be far different on Saturn than they are on Earth. I don't think you can compare the two.

oldsockventriloquist · May 10, 2015

If you apply to a job in a different state, do people find that employers will generally subsidize their moving expenses?