RANT: Fed up with nursing!

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Disclaimer, I'm going to go on a rant today, feel free to disagree but this is just how I feel!

I'm a new-grad LVN and I'm seriously thinking about changing my major to something non-nursing related in the healthcare field.

I LOVED nursing school. I graduated top of my class and I learned so much in my 14 month program. I'm IV certified and passed the boards on the first try, too. But honestly, the only reason I did the LVN program was to have an advantage for getting into a BSN program (in California? Pfft, fat chance).

I've been working on my pre-requisites for the bridge program since January and it just hit me the other day...

Do I really want to do this?

I enjoy working with people and I have a passion for helping people as well as health sciences. But it ****** me off and is so discouraging when I actually stop to THINK about the future of nursing in California. (General nurses, I mean. I know that NPs and anesthesia and all that probably have a better outlook). I know it's wrong to just go into a field just for job security, but in this economy that's exactly what I, as well as many others, feel like we have to do!

ANY article you read will tell you nursing is so freaking in demand nationwide. But I read some statistics last night about how there are thousands of nurses in various states, MORE than there are job openings per year, especially here in California. Since I don't plan on leaving the state ever, (all my family is here and I

I just feel like the whole nursing shortage claim is such a farce. At my university (National) there are roughly 630 current nursing/pre-nursing students! (According to NU commons on Facebook). Isn't that ***** ridiculous??? How many nursing programs are there in California, people?! Just do the math! How can there ever be enough jobs here for the amount of graduates being pumped out each year?

Maybe if we move out to a remote city somewhere... My aunt moved to Alaska and she makes a lot of money.

Alternatively, I have another aunt who works as a nurse here and makes 80K+ yearly, she only had her ADN but is now working on BSN. Her hospital pushed her to get a higher degree (they're not paying for it though), so now she's in a full time program and has to work full time also! She said that one you drop down to part time (regardless of how amazing you are or how long you've worked there) it's extremely hard to get back up to full time. Isn't that lovely?

The age of hospitals paying for students to get a nursing degree is GONE. Jobs lined up for nurses before graduation is GONE. Interest in hiring new-grads is GONE. What are we left with? Nurses on the path to becoming a dime a dozen, and continually being overworked and under-appreciated.

If I see one more article listing associate degree RN as being the quick-fix to a hot new career... :no:

I think I'm ready to get off this bandwagon.

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There is no nursing shortage (as you've quickly discovered), and a brief browsing of the Bureau of Labor's site would confirm that. Schools exist largely for profit and have no interest in telling you the truth about the nursing field. Hospitals have the pick of the litter--they are unlikely to pay to train a new grad when they have dozens of skilled, experienced nurses looking for work. And because they have their pick, they can easily suggest (cough coerce cough) nurses into going back to school for their BSN/MSN/what have you or risk finding themselves unemployed. It's unfortunate, but it's the way it is.

I'm only sorry that you didn't see the numerous threads regarding this topic on AN before you got into your nursing program. I mean that sincerely. AN and its members have deterred numerous recession-proofers from falling facefirst into nursing and all the debt, joblessness and difficulty that goes with it in this age. It truly isn't a profession for the faint of heart, nor those looking to simply secure a job or earn respect.

Best of luck in whatever you decide to do next.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

"ANY article you read will tell you nursing is so freaking in demand nationwide. But I read some statistics last night about how there arethousands of nurses in various states, MORE than there are job openings per year, especially here in California".... what is "any" article? What does "freaking" mean? you read some "statistics last night" and now that is what you are going with? Who are you upset with? from what I read you are upset with "any articles"..am I correct? As far as nursing shortage..you need to define what you mean. To say "there is a nursing shortage" and apply that to every single hospital in the country makes no sense and is not what statistics are based on. If North Dakota is short nurses that is a part of the overall statistics. You have to take it upon yourself to figure out what your options are. If you want to quit that is cool and that is your business. All I can say is if you believe "some statistics" you may want to actually research your area. If you are only willing to work on one unit in one specific hospital then yes..there may not be a "nursing shortage" there. I do wish you best of luck.

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Obviously you are reading the wrong statistics or the data collect is inaccurate. There is a nursing shortage. Its evident in places they are paying outrageous sums just to staff an ED. Example: my friend's best friend made $3600 in three days after being paid $100/hr to work in the ED of a small town next to a booming area of employment.

The shortage is so bad in Canada they are closing hospitals in Saskatchewan because there is no nursing staff. Another friend was turned away because their OB unit had no nursing staff. She was referred to another hospital that told her to call if she was in labor so that they could see "if" they could take her.

This shortage varies by state. The shortage is not helped by the fact hospitals are moving towards more BSN nurses, requiring more nursing experience, and requiring educators to have all masters and preferred doctorates.

I think you need to move out of Cali. You make enough money to fly and seen them more than once a year. The current state of nursing is not reflected just by the needs of California.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

When were the statistics you're talking about posted? There hasn't been a nursing shortage in CA since at least 2008 when the economy tanked, and CA has one of the worst markets in the US. Last I heard we have a 47% unemployment rate for nurses (not sure if that's only RNs, but I know the market isn't good for LVNs, either).

Did you go to LVN school based on hearing about a nursing shortage?

Have you considered moving to a rural part of CA? The outlook for LVNs and ADNs is better, and the markets aren't nearly as saturated as the major metropolitan areas.

I haven't seen a LVN-BSN program in a long time, but you can, at this point, bridge LVN-ADN then ADN-BSN or even MSN. Don't lose hope, but learn how to market yourself and cast a wide net.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

California has a new grad nurse unemployment rate of ~40%. I wouldn't call that a nursing shortage but a nursing surplus. In Canada, nurses are not in short supply, jobs that are being fulfilled are in short supply hence why all nurses were removed from the Canadian Federal Skilled Workers shortage list.

There is more of a shortage of nursing positions and experienced skilled specialty nurses. My sister has several years of specialty experience and an advanced degree and appropriate clinical board certifications; she is routinely contacted with generous offers including relocation bonuses from head hunters around the country. She is happy with her current employment and doesn't want to move her family,

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Obviously you are reading the wrong statistics or the data collect is inaccurate. There is a nursing shortage. Its evident in places they are paying outrageous sums just to staff an ED. Example: my friend's best friend made $3600 in three days after being paid $100/hr to work in the ED of a small town next to a booming area of employment.

The shortage is so bad in Canada they are closing hospitals in Saskatchewan because there is no nursing staff. Another friend was turned away because their OB unit had no nursing staff. She was referred to another hospital that told her to call if she was in labor so that they could see "if" they could take her.

This shortage varies by state. The shortage is not helped by the fact hospitals are moving towards more BSN nurses, requiring more nursing experience, and requiring educators to have all masters and preferred doctorates.

I think you need to move out of Cali. You make enough money to fly and seen them more than once a year. The current state of nursing is not reflected just by the needs of California.

I am sorry William....there is no nursing shortage.

Canada has removed nursing off their critical need list.

I am not sure where your friend worked for $100.00 an hour for I work in a high market of pay for experienced nurses and I have seen $100.00 only with OT at the bedside and I am an ED nurse with 35 years experience.

The "nursing shortage" was based on inflated numbers anticipating the passage of a national staffing law. It was also based on a good economy and the retirement of nurses in masses. The economy tanked. Nurses lost their 401K retirements and can't retire. Nurses returned to the field because their husbands lost their jobs. Those laid off flocked to the nursing profession fuled by the unemployment bureau paying for "re-training"/education to get people off UE. Hospitals were closing and consolidating services in a knee jerk reaction to cut and reduced reimbursement therefore decreasing beds and the amount of nurses needed to care for the patients.

I am so sorry you have heard all the nursing shortage garbage that is out there.....go to the upper right hand on the page and type no nursing shortage you will have a plethora of information. Go to the career section of the forum and click on first year finding a job. In many areas it is an average of 18 months to find any employment.

Many new grad orientation programs/residencies are requiring BSN only.....Nurses Schools, Salaries, and Job Data is a website that will show you the surplus of nurses in many areas.

My state Massachusetts

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]Barnstable Town[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$75,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]2,580[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+36%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Boston[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$93,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]48,240[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+35%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Brockton[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$79,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]2,320[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+36%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Framingham[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$76,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]2,990[/TD]

[TD=align: right]-7%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Haverhill[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$67,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]1,580[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+3%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Lawrence[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$79,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]1,920[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+76%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Leominster[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$79,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]1,300[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+47%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Lowell[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$71,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]2,360[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+2%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]New Bedford[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$73,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]1,560[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+31%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Peabody[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$68,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]2,320[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+19%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Springfield[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$71,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]6,610[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+10%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Taunton[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$78,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]760[/TD]

[TD=align: right]-4%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Worcester[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$83,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]7,510[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+49%[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

All those pluses indicate a surplus. There are isolated pockets of needs like Fargo North Dakota where there is an oil boom....but these pockets are far and few between.

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD]Bismarck[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$54,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]2,130[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+77%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Fargo[/TD]

[TD=align: right]$64,000[/TD]

[TD=align: right]1,130[/TD]

[TD=align: right]-52%[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD]Grand Forks[/TD]

[TD=align: right][/TD]

[TD=align: right]930[/TD]

[TD=align: right]+8%[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

Many facilities are limiting new grad hires and have hiring freezes. They quote to the staff Obama care and the nursing shortage for purposely short staffing to save money. As you can see your salary as nurse will be MUCH lower than you believe. You will have to work much harder and have much less control over your environment than you do now.

The days of being able to move about and getting job easily are non existent right now unless you have experience in a critical care area like the ED or ICU's. Those better opportunities you speak of I am sure you are looking at advance nurse practitioner programs or CRNA. These will require bedside experience that is not long term care with CRNA the most stringent for intensive care experience....which hires very few new grads these days for this very reason....many want to get hired and trained and leave for the "big paying jobs".

In recent years....there has been a proliferation of nursing programs....they are cranking out hundreds of new grads every 6 months making a saturated and competitive market.

If you mean undeserved urban areas those jobs have few/no openings as well....probably even less due to money constraints and hiring freezes. Many of the facilities in these areas are your Trauma and academic centers and are highly sought after by nurses for they are the Level one Trauma centers and offer amazing experience.

Long term care is an option but the pay is historically poor and the work unbelievably difficult with nurses responsible for 30 plus patients.

We all love being nurses...don't get us wrong....but the reality of the present economy cannot be denied. AN was represented in an article for CNN....For nursing jobs, new grads need not apply......https://allnurses.com/general-nursing...es-808314.html

Consider your choices wisely.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

OP - you nailed it. Everything you said is true. Only become a nurse if it is something you have a passion for because the over saturation of the market has made it no better than any other career choice.

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Thanks for taking the time to reply, everyone. This is one of the websites that shows data (not sure if it was the exact one I found last night, but many sources are saying the same thing). http://www.economicmodeling.com/2010/06/11/comparing-the-output-of-nurses-with-estimated-demand/

I'm pretty set on changing my major to laboratory science. I've recently discovered this major and it's definitely tough work (pre-reqs include chemistry, physics, and specialized biology courses) but the sciences are what I'm truly passionate about. After some soul-searching I just think that I'd be much happier helping patients indirectly and not having the emotional/physical stresses of a nursing job. I did waste some time I suppose, but I still don't regret becoming an LVN. I just turned 21 last week and at least I have proved that I can accomplish what I put my mind to.

And for the record, yes, I read many AN posts warning about the trouble with nursing... just was too stubborn to take it to heart. With so many conflicting opinions its hard to know who to trust as well! I was self determined enough and encouraged all the way by nurse family members saying yes, definitely go for nursing...

At the end of the day, if you feel that you are passionate about nursing specifically (not just "helping people" in general), go for it! You'll have to do a lot of self-networking and probably relocating out of a big city to get a decent job then eventually work your way up/get further education for the job you really want. To some people this is nothing - they are so passionate about it they will do whatever it takes. That's probably the way everyone should feel about their profession.. Best of luck to everyone as well.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I think you made a really good decision. You can always keep your LPN and do part-time stuff.

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Thanks :) I hope so...

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I LOVE a good RANT!

Thanks for letting us share your passion shellebelle212. I hope more prospective nurses find us here on AN so that they will have access to accurate information prior to making their decision.

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