Where are nurses needed

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So I thought nurses were needed and I would have no problem finding a job then I decided to do a little research and I ran into this website and everyone seems so bummed out that they can't find a job. Now I'm worried. :( I'm finishing my CNA program. I'll start Nursing program in the fall and get my ADN in 2 years. I live in Denver, CO. I would be MORE than willing to relocate to get a job. So my question where are nurses needed? What cities specifically? How do you know? I've been trying to find this on my own and i can't :(. How much are they paid? What's the cost of living? Thank you. I know I may be a little early to start worrying but I really want to be a nurse and it would suck if I can't get a job.

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Get a job where you live now as a CNA and work when ever you can during school. If you can, work as a CNA on a floor where you want to work as an RN. get to know the manager and hopefully they will hire you when you are done with school.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I'm glad you found us - AN is a wonderful resource.

There are just too many unknowns to even try to guess about the job market in 2 years! No one can predict the impact of all the changes that are coming with health care reform. Based on info I have received from people in the know whom I respect -- we have a rough 4 years ahead of us in the healthcare industry.

Hospitals will be at the center of a whirlwind of change and a lot of folks are projecting that survival may be difficult for up to 40% of existing facilities. I certainly hope the 'doom and gloom' folks aren't right, but I know that organizations will have to spend megabucks to meet all the mandated requirements so they are going to continue to be VERY consertive with all 'controllable' expenses - like their labor budgets. This does not translate into a very bright future in the near term.

So - go ahead with your educational plans but for heaven's sake don't rack up a bunch of student loans. And, be ready with a Plan B if you can't get a job right away after graduation. AORN had a great slogan a few years ago... "We can't control the winds of change, but we can adjust our sails".

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Specializes in Surgical.

If you're willing to move then thats great!

Rural areas need nurses... though you may need experience first.

New Mexico is a good place to look. They pay isn't top of the line - but if gaining experience is your first goal then you will probably be able to find a place!

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There are always places hiring, just not always the place many want to live! I live along the WV/OH border and there are jobs here. The pay is acceptable for the area and cost of living but for many the number sounds low. We don't have fancy new grad programs either, usually somewhere around the 6 week mark is all you get for orientation. But I've never heard of a hiring freeze on any of the local hospitals like I've read about on AN.

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