Why do articles say nurses are high in demand but in reality it's not?

all4ofus, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2011

it's hard. just search this website using the words "lvn," "jobs," and "california," and there are tons of threads on this very subject already. here are a few links to get you started. i am not trying to be mean or discouraging, but i think as new nurses, the schools all try to take our money without being truthful about the job situation. if you decide to do it anyway, at least you will be going in with eyes wide open. if i had known up front how hard it would be as an rn, i would have made different choices through school.

http://allnurses.com/california-nurses/jobs-lvns-california-587697.html

https://allnurses.com/lpn-lvn-corner/lvn-jobs-salaries-523157.html

https://allnurses.com/lpn-lvn-corner/how-hard-get-529678.html

https://allnurses.com/california-nurses/unemployed-frustrated-new-529335.html

commonsense · Nov 9, 2011

I aways see articles on yahoo about jobs that are always high in demand, and nursing is always on that list. If that's true, why is it that so many people are having troubling landing a job? I'm from California and from what I've been reading from this forum, it's seems like it's almost impossible to find a job here. I'm in such a dilemma and stressing on whether or not I should still go for nursing or not. Nursing has always been a dream job of mine, ever since freshman year of high school, but now I'm just not sure. Is it any easier for LVN's?

If nursing is your dream job then go for it, don't let what other people say hold you back from pursuing your dreams. As far as why you always see articles on nursing being high in demand I could go on for a while on different aspects of the situation, but it all boils down to the one thing, money.

Cindyrella · Nov 9, 2011

I'm a new graduate and I see these articles too! Its so misleading The truth is hospitals are mostly always short staffed and need nurses, but they don't have the money to hire new nurses. I always hear people talk about how it costs 20,000 dollars to train a new nurse and that's why they prefer a experienced nurse. I am still looking for a job since graduating in August and the job search is brutal. ugh sometimes I feel I'll never get a chance to get experience. :/ Those articles should really tell the public that all those "in demand nursing jobs" do not apply to new graduates

JemJ · Nov 9, 2011

Just a thought, but I think it also depends on WHERE you are . . . the major cities with major medical centers don't seem to need nurses so badly - but out in podunk, USA? That may not be the case . . . it may come down to whether or not you want to/can move. Just a possibility

FutureOBNurse2118 · Nov 9, 2011

I think that there really are TONS of nursing jobs to be had, I just think more and more facilities are not hiring nurses when they should be. I've heard so many nurses talk about how short they are of nurses on various floors but they're just not hiring anybody for whatever reason. I guess, time, resources, money... who knows.

tishluvnc · Nov 9, 2011

Its funny, I'm looking to further my education also, I'm a cna who wonders should i continue with nursing or go into denistry or get a MSW in social work. Well they say there will be a large growth in social work, but that has a lot to do with burnout and people not trying to go into social work. I also have a love for human biology. I have thought about HiT, Medical coding, RDH, X-ray tech, or PTA. Seems like in every health care job they say is boomin, but then new grads say they can't find a job.

So what do you do? I'm in the same position, I have a BA in sociology with a minor in substance abuse and don't know where to take it. Nursing or Social work are the only two that makes sense.I have read also that students who work as a cna over thier nursing education time have a little better time finding a job. Hey everone is having a hard time. I often hear nuses say if they knew what they know now they would have made different choices in school about their career. I often wnder what other career what they have chosen. The way I look at it all careers are involved with some crap, the only thing is nursing is time consuming and physical.

HThornie · Nov 9, 2011

There is not much demand for LVNs or LPNs because they have to be supervised by an RN, so it makes more sense to just hire an RN. Also, in home care for example, but depending on the setting, the reimbursement from insurance esp Medicare is not as much for LPNs, PTAs or COTAs as it is for RNs, PTs, and OTs.

So from a business standpoint it may be cost effective to only hire RNs and not LVNs/LPNs.

leenak · Nov 9, 2011

The economy sucks all around and many industries are laying off or not hiring. You do see even new RNs get hired BUT schools, especially in California are pumping out nurses faster than they can be hired. California is also very cheap for schooling and you see a lot of people, who are out of work, going back to school.

And also supply being high, areas with an oversupply of RNs may decide to hire an RN vs LPN/LVN.

allnurses Guide · Nov 9, 2011

All I can say is listen to the people actually in the field, NOT the media hype.

Nursing used to be in high demand. It isn't anymore and won't be for years to come, possibly never again.

Why do they print these stories? Because they believe the hype they themselves have created without bothering to research if it is accurate.

Bob_N_VA · Nov 9, 2011

All the long term statistics say that nurses will be needed, especially as boomers retire and age, but hospitals and health care agencies are holding back on hiring just as other businesses are till they see improvement in the economy. My wife works at a home health care agency and they are WAY LOW on home health care nurses right now and they are either not getting the right applicants or are not agressively trying to hire replacements. Granted, home health is not the place for new grad nurses since you have to function autonomously which takes some practical experience, but that doesnt answer why they cant find people with even a few years under their belts to come work for them. I think the answer is that like other businesses, it keeps their costs down and profits up. Patient care, oh, that isn't a priority. :rolleyes:

leenak · Nov 9, 2011

I think there are two facets to the push towards certain careers. One is that for profit schools are making a lot of money and will pay for advertisement of articles pushing students toward them. A lot of new schools opened up in the last 5 years or expanded their programs. I expect once the economy stabilizes, these programs will shut down. They are trying to get all the money they can while they can though.

Another reason is the economy truly has been devastated. Telling people there are jobs when there are few helps stave off the hopelessness. Obviously they will find out later and may even have to deal with debt as well as a lack of jobs but it does provide some hope to people.

I'm a career changer and the current economy has nothing to do with my career change. In fact, going into nursing is risky for me as I have a stable job. I do hope the economy improves for all our sakes.