where are the nursing shortages?

Sheri257 · Mar 2, 2005

I still feel that some students burn out because they ahve NEVER gotten a real doseof what it will be like to be a nirse after they graduate.

My school has a student nurse work program, where we work at the hospitals to get more experience. Most students take advantage of the program because we like to get as much experience as possible outside of school.

It may not be a "real dose" but, the extra experience sure helps.

:coollook:

fergus51 · Mar 2, 2005

In our BSN program we were doing the full nurse role by graduation with our preceptor as a resource. Most of my teachers didn't work outside of teaching, but we still knew what it was going to be like when we got out. I sometimes wonder if this is a Canadian thing or something...

SmilingBluEyes · Mar 2, 2005

In our last semester we took 3 patients ourselves also, with only instructors there to help as needed resource people. They did NOTHING for us at that point, but supervise our charting and med administration etc. We started our own IV's. We did all treatments and meds and full cares for these patients. Also, we were "encouraged" to take the most "challenging" patients on med-surg, our grades were reflective of this.

I would say my clinical component of my ADN program was VERY good----- but the majority of my learning definately took place in that first 2 years as a NURSE. I would think ADN and BSN nurses would be fairly even, clinically, after 1 or 2 years, in the hospital/LTC setting.

If "learning the ropes" that first year or two burns one out, then he/she probably won't make it in nursing anyhow. And IF a BSN lacks clinical experiences, ( I don't think they all do), he/she makes up for that pretty quickly as a NURSE in his or her first year.

Putting them (new BSN Grads) into management positions, as I read in another thread, right out of school, to me, is a GRAVE mistake.

dazzle256 · Mar 2, 2005

In our BSN program we were doing the full nurse role by graduation with our preceptor as a resource. Most of my teachers didn't work outside of teaching, but we still knew what it was going to be like when we got out. I sometimes wonder if this is a Canadian thing or something...

We did that also in my ADN program so I don't think its a Canadian thing or a BSN thing. I agree with you it was very helpful.

tiredfeetED · Mar 2, 2005

Here in Central Cali, We are down about 30 RNs, thats about 8-10 in ED plus a Emergency Deparment manager, 4 in ICU, atleast 4 in Tele, a couple in Pediatircs, 4 MS, 4 OB, 2 in radiology. We have a Traveler that is been there a year as Charge at night in the ED! Its actually a great place to work, but pay is only bout 28/hr plus night diff. CA state jobs pay bout 6 dollars more with good bennies and alot easier so we lose alot of locals there. Its funny everyone in my ED has either a southern twang or Canadian eh!

MissPiggy · Mar 2, 2005

For all the nurses out there who are not welcoming new grads, there are more who are more than willing to help you out as you learn the ropes. It's too bad your class is scaring you that much. The longer you wait to "jump in" as you put it, the more difficult it will be. You will be given a chance. Just don't be afraid and go for it! Good luck!

I agree... there are some of us out there who consider it a compliment to be asked to precept a new grad/new employee. The only thing you have to worry about is finding that person, but I guess that can be a pretty difficult thing too... Good luck; the fact that you worry about this is a sign that you are going to do well.

RN34TX · Mar 3, 2005

No it is NOT the fault of the nurses I refer to. There IS no RN position for them (they are LPN's who went on to RN school) so they are forced to stay in their LPN role if they want a job.

Then it's time for them to get out of Minnesota. I lasted a year there and between the lack of opportunities and horrible weather, I packed up and took my skills elsewhere.

The whole time I was there I heard people constantly complaining about the job market, weather, etc. BUT they just won't leave!! They stay forever!!

Why? "Oh I need to be close to my family......I was born here.....my kids in a great school here...."

I'm sorry but I'd need better reasons than that to live somewhere where I was "forced" to work in an LPN position after I worked my tail off to get my RN.

I'm not going to stay somewhere just so I can watch my parents grow old while I severely limit both my income and opportunities.

Maybe MN wouldn't be able to be so cocky if nurses started leaving for better opportunity to be had in other states....but they just won't leave. What is wrong with them?

sleepless in norman · Mar 3, 2005

I'm so glad to see someone else is taking a standagainst unacceptable states to practice in, my experience is in OKLAHOMA and their BON, do not go there, trust me, these people are on a whitch hunt you would not believe, I've seen some good careers end up destroyed with their senseless actions. Good Luck. 's with wolves

kat29 · Mar 4, 2005

Out here in the Heartland there are plenty of jobs if you like to work in the rural (sometimes VERY rural) areas. The pay is never as good as the hospitals but its rewarding work.

desperado8156 · Mar 4, 2005

thanks for the news , can you tell this moving michigander where in florida, and what you have experienced about the areas you know of, the areas you have been in, like living , fun things , housing , and salaries. I cant see that far from here

Florida!!!

Kris

bgh68 · Mar 4, 2005

Cleveland Ohio

western new york

Pamela RN 2005 · Mar 4, 2005

the Columbus and Cincinnati areas of Ohio

I've vouch for this. I'm just in my third year, taking boards in May and I've already been offered a full time position at a local hospital just across the river from Cincinnati, in Northern Kentucky. We need nurses around the Cincinnati area.