Is there really a "nursing shortage"

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I was just wondering if all this talk about a nursing shortage is true, because I've also been reading on here how difficult the job market is. Does it depend on the area perhaps? I live in Oklahoma so if anyone from OK would like chime in that would be great. I am interested in all comments and would just like come knowledgable clarity on the issue.

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I heard the shortage is mainly on the west coast. The southern states are really experiencing a shortage. I'm in Texas.

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Arent*

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There seems to more be a shortage of experienced nurses... The problem is that there are so many new grads out there now and you can't staff a whole unit full of new grads. From reading posts on here it seems impossible to find a job on the west coast and on the east coast (around NYC) as well. I think it does depend on the area. I know people who couldn't find a job in large metro areas but had no problem landing a job at more rural hospitals.

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In my area of Baltimore/D.C. I have heard that many places are asking for ADN nurses to go back for their BSN, so I guess there is a shortage of experienced BSN nurses.

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Thanks for your comments, it is understandable that the shortage is for expierenced nurses. Thats sort of discouraging, but i'll get there some day:) Compared to other professions such as teaching or sociology how would you say the outlook is?

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There is a shortage of qualified experienced nurses. There is a glut of new grads. Nursing schools are pumping out new grads faster than experienced nurses are retiring or leaving nursing now. Some areas are worse than others in both aspects. Less populated areas seem to have better luck for new grads. New grads are unemployed for much longer after licensure. It helps to have realistic expectations after graduation and if you can get "your foot in the door" while in nursing school that can be helpful too!

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
I heard the shortage is mainly on the west coast. The southern states are really experiencing a shortage. I'm in Texas.

I would argue that what you are describing is due more to California in the west having mandated nurse to pt ratios, while the Southern states tend to be more old fashioned, no nurse to patient ratios, and lower salaries.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, OB/GYN, Informatics, Simulation.

Because the economy is so bad now most nurses that would retire can't because they need the money. Eventually the tides will turn but I think overall our outlook is much better then other profressions.

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You should goto the government website: BLS.GOV they have a bunch of statistical information that you can narrow down by region / state etc. Just search for what ever profession you are interested in, and the city & state

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...., so I guess there is a shortage of experienced BSN nurses.

I agree!It's tough for new grads to enter the workforce, but there is a real shortage is with experienced nurses!

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There was a supposed nursing shortage quite a few years ago, and states all jacked up their nursing programs at that time to compensate for the supposed shortage. Then the economy tanked. Now there is a glut of new grads on the market, many of whom are having significant difficulty finding a nursing job at all, and even experienced RNs are having a lot of trouble in some places. I think it will be quite a while before there is another true "shortage."

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