What's the deal? Looking for others opinions

Published

Hi All:

I am looking to apply to the nursing program for next fall, but I have some concerns. I have been getting conflicting views from several people.

First, many people will tell me that there is nothing to worry about that there are plenty of nursing jobs out there. Others will tell me that in this market (NJ) it is very difficult for new grads to find a job. Then I will read that many places won't hire you without experience or certifications.

My questions are: How do you get experience if nobody will hire you? How can you get additional certifications? Is the job market really that bad? How can they say that there is such a demand for nurses and at the same time not be jobs for nurses to fill?

Thank you in advance for your comments. I am at a turning point in my life. I am middle aged and looking to make a career change to take care of my family. At the end of the 3 yrs if I can't do that than it wouldn't be worth it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, you have to compete with everybody else when the time comes. If you can rely on your previous career as a backup, then it might be worth it. There is no sure thing. If your current career is very stable, perhaps you should not engage in this venture with a family to support. Only you can decide how much risk you are ready to take.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with you that it's a tough call right now. The economy...well, you know. I'm 43 and just completing my first semester of nursing school. For me this has been a logical progression of my life experiences and is the career that puts my skills and talents to maximum use.

I guess I would ask about what you would choose to do if NOT nursing. Is your 2nd choice a sure thing in today's economy? In many cases, I think the answer to that would be no. Even in bad economic times people still need healthcare. The "graying of America" means there will be an increase in the number of folks who are the largest consumers of healthcare. There is also projected to be a shortage of primary care providers and nurses are the logical choice to pick up the slack.

Having said that, it's tough to think about going into debt and dedicating loads of time to something that feels iffy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks folks for your thoughts. Yeah, I guess the older one gets the more nervous one gets when facing risk. In this economy not much is certain. Having a family to care for, an elderly mother and an aging (not so well) mother inlaw I have to do something.

Like you mammac5, nursing just seems like a natural progression for me. Not to mention, many family members and friends (all nurses) tell me that I would make an excellent nurse. Its the time and money commitment to face an uncertain future.

I am really not that concerned about competing with other new grads. My concern is more the lack of jobs for new grads in my area. According to some of my sources it isn't even a matter of competing for limited positions with other new grads, but rather most places don't even consider new grads.

Thanks again folks! : )

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

i am not from ny or nj. however, from reading the posts on this board it looks like the job market for new nurses in that area is bad!!! try doing a search and read threads for yourself. maybe you will find posts that have better news then the ones i read. gl!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, M/S, Ortho, Float..

10 years ago, I graduated in the middle of a massive restructuring. Nobody wanted to hire new grads and even the old nurses where having trouble. I found a part-time job and within a year. the pendulum started to swing the other way. I have been full-time ever since.

Right now, money is scarce. In a couple of years, they will "re-discover" that more nurses means better outcomes, therefore more money, and so they will hire again. Healthcare is not an option. They can play with the system as much as they want, but in the end, the patients will always be there.

Their are a lot of nurses who will be ready to retire in the next 3 years. In my hospital alone, we are looking at almost 50% of nurses retiring in the next 5 years. We will need new grads. Lots of new grads.

It is a risk to quit what you are doing to do something that currently is in a slump, but if you look at the longterm needs, it does look much better.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

No matter what the economy I wouldn't quit my regular job to attend school but if you do both there isn't a loss even if it takes a while to get a nursing job after you graduate. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion