So I have a question.

roser13, ASN, RN · May 3, 2010

No, in most US markets, there is a glut of prepared nurses, rather than a shortage. Unfortunately, the national media has not yet caught onto this fact and continues to promote the notion that there is a nursing shortage.

However, as in everything, this too shall pass. Nurses will likely become "in demand" in time.

cb_rn · May 4, 2010

However, as in everything, this too shall pass. Nurses will likely become "in demand" in time.

Hopefully before the affected nurses forget thier clinical skills! Its a little more complicated than riding a bike. This job market has stink lines coming off it.

aniqueone1 · May 4, 2010

So then there really isn't a shortage? Is it worth it to go to school for the next 2 plus years only to find out that there isnt a shortage and i cant get a job?

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · May 4, 2010

It's worth it to go to school and hope for the best if nursing is what you really want to do. It's likely that eventually you will probably land a job, but it's not a sure thing like it was a few years ago. There are no more hiring bonuses (hardly) and hospitals are not as inclined to hire new grads right now, although there are still new grads being hired.

If nursing is not what you really want to do and you're just considering it because of the easy job market, I'd consider pursuing something else.

brownbook · May 4, 2010

The whole economy stinks so no one knows what the job market will be, plus my crystal ball is broken! I am 58, I hear rumors that there are many nurses my age and older who will be retireing soon? I can't think of any degree you can get today that guarantees a job? Nursing is a good field, it can't be outsourced, the pay is good, you can work almost any hours you want, work around family and children. But I can't guarantee you will get a nursing job in a few years!

aniqueone1 · May 4, 2010

I want to be a nurse because i love to help people and i want to make a difference. But i dont want to be stuck as a secretary somewhere because there aren't any positions available. Sigh. I dont mind traveling which is where i heard can come in handy by leasing yourself to different hospitals. Just so many different places make nursing look like the dream career i just don't want to have the wool pulled over my eyes and it be too late.

JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN · May 4, 2010

I want to be a nurse because i love to help people and i want to make a difference. But i dont want to be stuck as a secretary somewhere because there aren't any positions available. Sigh. I dont mind traveling which is where i heard can come in handy by leasing yourself to different hospitals. Just so many different places make nursing look like the dream career i just don't want to have the wool pulled over my eyes and it be too late.

I don't think that will be the case. It might not be as easy to land the job you want as it has been in the past, but I can't believe you wouldn't EVER be able to find a job in nursing, especially if you're willing to relocate. I don't think it will ever be the case that there will be a standstill in nurse hiring. It's just tough out there right now, but you shouldn't let that discourage you.

aniqueone1 · May 4, 2010

Thanks so much yall. You have really cleared some things up for me and given me encouragement. I'm pretty good with guts nasty things and smells. My weakness is needles I just flinch every time i see one. How do you get over that or what helps?

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 4, 2010

from: 2008 national sample survey of registered nurses: 5.3% growth to 3 million rn's

nearly 45 percent of rns were 50 years of age or older in 2008, a dramatic increase from 33 percent in 2000 and 25 percent in 1980.
an estimated 444,668 rns, or 14.5 percent of the rn population, received their first u.s. license from 2004 through 2008

3 million rn's --- 45% are over age 50 = almost half workforce retiring over next 15 years; 900,000+ within next 10 years.

at current graduation rate. we would just about keep up replenishing current supply numbers. issue is current crunch with people holding onto jobs due to economy, spouses having lost jobs and past year hiring freeze especially cutting costs for new grad hiring as supply glut seasoned rn's available.

hospital inpatient stay rates have dropped across the board as more can be done on outpatient basis and in non-hospital based surgery centers....so less hospital positions for new grads to start. predict we will see nursing internships in outpatient setting to give new grads more support in non-traditional settings and in high accuity inpatient units. most of the belt tightening should be over by mid 2011...

please just hang in there new grads, we need you! your welcome to my spot in 10 years.

wooh, BSN, RN · May 4, 2010

It's not a shortage of nurses, it's a shortage of nurses willing to work with the crappy conditions we're in. Right now, our spouses have lost their jobs, and our savings have tanked, so people that wouldn't otherwise be working (at least in nursing) are working and filling the openings. Once the economy turns around, we'll be able to pickier about where we work, or even if we work. Nurses can stay home with their kids, retire, not deal with the crap that is nursing.

Lizzy88 · May 4, 2010

i agree with nrskarenrn. a lot of nurses in the field right now will be retiring either when the economy picks up or when they reach their retiring age, also the baby boomers of the 60's will retire with them so a lot of influx of patients for the hospitals and hopefully a lot of jobs for nurses.