Oh you're a Nursing student?

[happyinmyheart]

Oh you're a Nursing student? That's wonderful. You'll never have to worry about unemployment or a low salary.

*Sigh*

Sometimes it just isn't worth it to explain that there is no Nursing shortage and salaries tend to not be so great.

Do you just smile and nod? Or do you take the time to explain? :)

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I usually take a brief moment to explain. The way I think of it, the more people I educate, the less I have to hear all about how "easy" it is to get a job in the future.

[nursel56]

I think it's a good idea to explain briefly. There's a pretty good chance they won't believe you anyway. There's a really funny Youtube video about that. We're not supposed to link to outside sites I don't think though lots of people have seen it.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I smile and gently explain..."contrary to popular belief and inaccurate news reports....there is no nursing shortage. Hospitals are crying shortage for poor staffing patterns to increase profits and CEO bonus packages.

While the hourly wage appears to be acceptable it is little to compensate for working 24/7 365 days a year and missing holidays with my family while being everyone's scapegoat, yelled at, called everything under the blue moon... being punched, bit scratched, vomited on, peed on, and cleaning up human excrement that might or might not have been thrown at me....it is a backbreaking, soul sucking, yet rewarding career....any questions?".

Then I sit back and watch the horror move across their face. I smile then say...."so the next time you or a family member is in the hospital Thank your nurse for his/her tireless efforts to protect and care for you"

[SubSippi]

Then, once you're a nurse, you'll hear, "It must be nice to make all that money and only have to go into work three days a week."

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

I just ignore it. People have certain stuff in their brains and they won't change their mind based on what you say. I just smile and go on.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

When ever people hear I'm a nurse they say the exact same thing. I take the time to educate them on the incorrect information about a 'nursing shortage'. I also explain that the hospitals need more nurses on the floors however, due to the powers that be (and the budget constraints placed on hiring managers) they can't hire more nurses, its not that there are no nurses to be had.

I've also had many friends want me to 'talk' their daughter into majoring in nursing in college because 'she'll always have a job' 'there's a shortage and she can write her own ticket when she graduates' and 'they make great money'. I've told them, I'll speak to their daughter but I'll be telling her there is NO shortage, be prepared to be without a job for weeks, months and even possibly a year or longer to land that first job and we don't make 'bank' as most think.

Needless to say, they tell me never mind. :)

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Meh - it's all relative. Compared to people with degrees in Medieval Spanish Literature, Fashion Merchandising or Criminal Justice (contrary to the claims of daytime TV ads) -- we have a much greater likelihood of a decent job and income.

Thank heavens one of my offspring is a software engineer... to support me in my dotage -

[Mrs Future RN]

Meh - it's all relative. Compared to people with degrees in Medieval Spanish Literature, Fashion Merchandising or Criminal Justice (contrary to the claims of daytime TV ads) -- we have a much greater likelihood of a decent job and income.

This!

It also depends on the area. Where I live, new ADN grads can get a job within the first few weeks after passing the NCLEX. My friend's daughter was a job hopper and had 3 nursing jobs within her first year. From what I read on here, it's unthinkable in most places to change postions within your first year. Now, if you don't major in healthcare, computers or pick up an industrial trade, then you better get ready to move.

[happyinmyheart]

So interesting to hear everybody's responses :) If it wasn't for AllNurses, then I'm sure I would also believe in this "nursing shortage". Even the American Nurses Association posts about the "shortage" all the time haha :)

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I believe there are just enough nurses out there making good salaries that give the impresson we are all in high cotton.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Mrs Future RN: I believe ANA promotes the "shortage" so that funding can be made available for nursing schools and scholarships. If and when all the baby boomers retire there will be a shortage. Until the economy changes, we baby boomers want to work. Medicare and it's supplements are twice what I pay for group insurance thru the hospital and my income will be less when I retire. So I stay put.