Should I make a switch??

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I am male in Detroit planning on applying to Nursing school in hopes of getting into the Fall 2011 Semester. My GPA with 2 more classes to go is 3.96. I feel my chances of getting into nursing school are good. However, I am very concerned with the fact that new nursing grads are not getting jobs. It scares me because I can't imagine not having a job coming out of school, especially nursing school. I'm not sure if things will maybe turn around when I get out. None the less, I'm just not sure anymore if I should be going into this. I love nursing! I have over 100 hours of shadowing experience with endoscopies/surgeries, but to be realistic you have to make money in this world to survive. The amount of literature i'm reading day in and day out about new nursing jobs is very scary.

I feel like that I'm right at the point that I still have time to make a change. I guess I am asking if you were in my shoes, what would you do at this point?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Medical Assistant, Peds.

Nursing is a forever profession. There will always be a demand.

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Where are you reading about new nursing grads not getting jobs??

I've heard just the opposite: that there's a worldwide shortage of nurses, and there will be hundreds of thousands of new nursing jobs in the next decade.

I've just been accepted to an accelerated BSN program, and the reason I decided to switch from teaching to nursing was because of the supposed abundance of jobs, better salary, more flexibility, more advancement opportunities, etc.

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Name a profession that isn't feeling the affects of the recession? Every industry has been affected. Also, most things run in cycles. A few years ago those in the internet professions or anything that had to do with computers were in big demand. Now, some of those who were making 6+ digits in the high tech industry are applying to nursing or EMT school. What about those in the banking industry? Real estate professionals? The fishing industry? Nobody is immune to the cycles of the economy. However, we do know the baby boomers (and yes I am one of them) are going to need health care providers in the future. I wouldn't count nursing out as a solid career. But, initially, you may not get your dream job and may not be able to pick and choose where you work.

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Go where your passion is but just make sure ladder to success is laid on right wall.

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Yes there is a shortage of nurses, but at this point in the market.....hospitals want nurses with at least one year experience. I am in Las Vegas and it took me 4 months to find a job, and that was because my friend knew someone in management. In Las Vegas there are about 6 schools that put out new grads twice a year. In this economy we are all fighting to get new grad positions which are limited. A lot of friends had to move out of state to find jobs. This meant uprooting where they had lived, and taking their children out of schools. Not only that people had to start in postiions that they did not like. (Yes we do have to start somewhere, but some places are downright dangerous for new grads that are learning) Also there are people that graduated before me, that are still looking for jobs, and working at their pre nursing jobs. It would be in your best interest to post a discussion to graduates in your area to get a feel for the job outlook. Not saying don't go to school, but maybe have a back up job to pay the bills until you are working as a RN. Good luck!

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Where are you reading about new nursing grads not getting jobs??

I've heard just the opposite: that there's a worldwide shortage of nurses, and there will be hundreds of thousands of new nursing jobs in the next decade.

I've just been accepted to an accelerated BSN program, and the reason I decided to switch from teaching to nursing was because of the supposed abundance of jobs, better salary, more flexibility, more advancement opportunities, etc.

Read in the nursing grad section..you will find a lot of them are w/out jobs..some for months..a few even a year or more.

to the OP:

That being said...every profession has its ups and downs..and with the economy the way it is retired nurses have come back into the work field....who knows what it will be like in 2yrs...everything could change by then..if nursing is your passion go for it!!!

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Name a profession that isn't feeling the affects of the recession? Every industry has been affected. Also, most things run in cycles. A few years ago those in the internet professions or anything that had to do with computers were in big demand. Now, some of those who were making 6+ digits in the high tech industry are applying to nursing or EMT school. What about those in the banking industry? Real estate professionals? The fishing industry? Nobody is immune to the cycles of the economy. However, we do know the baby boomers (and yes I am one of them) are going to need health care providers in the future. I wouldn't count nursing out as a solid career. But, initially, you may not get your dream job and may not be able to pick and choose where you work.

I totally agree!

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Go where your heart is. I am returning to school to get a nursing degree after having taught for over 10 years. My heart was never really in teaching - I always wanted to go into nursing, but went the path that I thought would be better to find a job. I have regretted it many times since. If you are willing to relocate and do well in school - you will find a job!

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to the OP I know exactly how you feel. Currently at my university I am meeting more people who are saying they are not going to go into nursing because of the job situation. But is is good to know the pros and the cons of anything in order to make your decision especially if you are acquiring more debt.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

If I were in your shoes, I would still get that BSN. There is always going to be a need for nurses whether its in your state or in some other state. I am sure other parts of the U.S. are in need of nurses (rural areas, urban areas). Many people have told me that there are no nursing jobs in NJ but I have heard great things about nursing jobs in Pennsylvannia. Anyway, don't quit your dream especially since you are doing so well. All that effort and where you are now must have meaning of some sorts or else God wouldn't have taken you this far.

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