What are Different careers/specialties in Nursing?

[dudetheman]

I graduated with a bachelors degree in Biology. I got a job with this company through networking with friends/family and I do not see myself doing this for a career since I've always wanted to be in healthcare. I applied and was accepted to a Nursing program which will take me about 2.5 years to complete. I was ineligible for the accelerated program since I did not have all the pre-reqs. I've been applying for hospital jobs as an aide or secretary in different nursing units but haven't had any luck. Also I have seen that many RN jobs require at least 1-2 years of RN experience...which as a future grad I won't have. I am worried if i go into this field, I won't find work, as with my biology degree, it feels like I'm taking a risk since I'll be adding more debt to what I already have. Our Dean even told us their really is no real nursing shortage, since hospitals are cutting back and RN's aren't retiring due to the recession. My question is are job prospects getting better for new grad RN's since the recession hit in 2008? will it be better in 2014, when the new healthcare bill takes into effect. I did apply to Physician Assistant programs but I have only received rejections. I feel the job prospects in PA are better/ more secure field since their aren't many PA's in the workforce, but I would be happy working as an NP since they seem to have a bit more autonomy. Any of your personal experiences feel free to share. Thanks for any advice/info.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Congrats to your Dean for providing accurate information.... the "nursing shortage" is indeed over for now. I know that there are some folks who say that it will ease up due a lot of factors in the next few years, but those predictions are not taking everything into account. Hospitals (largest employer of nurses) are struggling to survive in the face of drastically declining reimbursement which will only get worse as the new 'reforms' take effect. In order to survive, they will have to continue to figure out ways to decrease labor budgets - and this will undoubtedly involve: replacing RNs with less expensive staff whenever possible; requiring nurses to take care of even more patients, etc. So - no, I don't believe any of those optimistic predictions. The only way to an NP is through the RN door... you have to have clinical experience to be eligible for admission.

Have you considered other types of health care careers? If you already have a BS, I would advise you to look into the therapies (physical, occupational, speech, etc) or laboratory science. They pay well, and don't have the salary compression that characterizes nursing.