When did it start getting so difficult to get into Nursing School?

[Cathylady]

Does anyone know exactly when it started getting so difficult and so darn competitive to get into nursing school? I remember back in 1976 when I was teaching high school biology that I considered going to back to a community college for a RN degree and the high school guidance counselor where I was teaching told me not even to try that I'd never get in. Me, with a BS degree at the time was told to forget it!

So..who knows when it all started.....the competition for the RN program?

[jlcole45]

As long as I've been nursing it's been hard to get in and stay in nursing school.

And rightly so. I can remember having to take a psychological entrance exam

for my nursing school.

BTW I don't think nursing has a higher level of "unemployed" workers then any other profession right now. And in fact it's probably lower then some - look a sales or other business jobs right now. If you want to work and are willing to be flexible (shift work or even move to another area) then you can find work as a nurse.

We as nurses have been spoiled -- because in the past as long as you had a valid license and a pulse you could walk in and get a job. Now employers can be more selective and hire the right person for the right job, rather then just hiring a warm body.

[audball9]

i applied four times..and finally got in via lottery. and now, around 1000 applicants and only 40 get in each semester. its crazy. im so super thankful i got in when i did.