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Discussion

When do you think things will turn around for nurses?

Meaning, the economy. I can't believe how few jobs exist for RN's where I live now. Especially new grad RN's. It is so depressing (being a refresher course candidate). I thought nursing was a sure thing as far as jobs go. I hope it was still a smart choice despite this flailing economy! Sometimes I wonder if I should just let my license go inactive!??

Whadya think?

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    NO one knows whats going to happen with the economy or if/when it will get better. People can make predictions, but they dont have a clue. In this economy I have learned that no degree guarantees you a job. In this economy its more networking and who you know that will land you a job. Its tough out there right now for a lot of people in various career fields. If you cant pick up and move to somewhere where you can find a nursing job, then you might have to do something else in the meantime. Or like a lot of people say, you have to work in an undesired area or somewhere where you really dont want to work. Some money is better than no money at all.

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    There are *lots* of threads on this topic.

    Short answer - it will turn around when the economy turns around. When that happens is anyone's guess.

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    Don't let your license go inactive. I was thinking of doing the same thing myself but people really gave me a lot of reasons to keep it active.

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    I don't think there will be a sudden, dramatic turn around. Too many of the changes that caused this bleak job market are going to be long-lasting. But I do think there will be a gradual improvement over the next few years. People are going to be frugal for a long time. At my hospital, this year will be a little better than last year -- but not dramatically so.

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    • Experts

    Every economist whom I've heard or read talking about the economy and jobs has made the point that unemployment is considered a "lagging indicator" -- that is, that unemployment doesn't improve until quite a while after the general economy has improved. The economists I've heard/read have said we should expect unemployment to continue much as it is now for up to a few years after the economy has recovered. Of course, they were speaking generally and I don't now if the expectations for nursing, specifically, would be any different.

    But it's like the weather -- the experts can make some really good predictions, but no one really knows until it happens ... :)

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    I don't think it will ever be the way it was even 5 years ago. I'm glad I'm not a new grad. Best of luck to those of you who are.

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    • Experts

    When I can again work sixteen or more hours a day, seven days a week, and get paid overtime, then I will believe that things have turned around for nurses.

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    In my most senior moments I seem to recall this happens mostly when we have a change in Presidents. People sit back and wait to see what happens. No patients, no jobs. It's happened to me 3 times now.

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    P_RN,

    I have heard that from a lot of experienced nurses that have worked for 20 years plus. Have you ever seen it this bad? I start nursing school next month (ADN program), and everyone is telling me about the job market. I am trying not to let it get to me, because I really want to be a nurse and go into oncology one day.

    Do you suggest getting a job in a hospital while in school?

    Thanks!

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    I FIRMLY believe that it's getting on board at a hospital early...like as a CNA or in some patient care role, that really helps you get the job later on! When your employer can see that you are a good worker, concerned about patients, and can do good work as a CNA that carries over to being a nurse....that shows them you can do the job!

    we have been getting less and less low census...but that's because we keep getting general medical patients. some nurses complain, but I would rather have 6 medical patients and be working than sitting at home, getting paid 2.50 a hour!

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    Thank you for the advice.

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