Worried about being unemployed?

Published

Due to the fact that new grads are finding it increasingly hard to find employment, are you kind of nervous about becoming a RN? I have noticed one thing, the schools are still very competitive despite the fact that many new grads are unable to land jobs. Are any of you thinking about pursuing another career or are you like me and going to stick it out and hope for the best? I went to a nursing advising session at my school and i asked the rep about new grads being unable to find jobs and she kind of like brushed it off:confused: I guess she does not want to mess up the universities bottom line. I will be applying this fall so I am halfway there but it is scary wondering if I am going to have a job or not. And it's not just nursing several of my classmates in other majors are almost scared to graduate and face the reality of finding a job. This recession sucks big time:mad:.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, geriatrics.

Yeah, I worry, too. Hate to think I wasted money on something I'm not going to get opportunity for. But I read on these threads that it goes back and forth, so I'm hoping for the best.:rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in being a Credible Source.

I think the reason that there are still so many people fighting to get into RN programs is that either they don't realize just how bad the situation is or that they believe, for some reason, that it will improve by the time they graduate.

They may be in for a rude, rude awakening.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I think the reason that there are still so many people fighting to get into RN programs is that either they don't realize just how bad the situation is or that they believe, for some reason, that it will improve by the time they graduate.

They may be in for a rude, rude awakening.

I talked to students that are in the nursing program at my school and they are oblivious and look at me like I am crazy when I ask them are they afraid of not finding a job when they finish. Most of the ones I talk to still think they will automatically get a job when they are done:confused:.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, our economy is still pretty much in the crapper, so what can anyone really expect?

You also need to consider that not everyone who gets into nursing school will graduate. And there are quite a few people who get the bare minimum passing grade, and I hate to say it, but your GPA does matter to a potential employer. Back in the day it may not have been as big of a deal, but when there is plenty of competition, you need to set yourself up in the best position.

Also, I see my teachers as people who could provide me a reference, I've even had one offer me a job when I graduate, and when students come to class looking like they rolled out of bed, I think that looks bad. Not saying to put on a suit, but at least look like you are taking it seriously.

There are many people switching careers and have NO experience whatsover with patients. It's not going to be easy for me to work while in school (for many different reasons) so I'm volunteering as a Nursing Assistant.

The only thing you can do is do your best in school, try to get some sort of patient care experience whether through work or volunteering, and put yourself out there. Remember that every day is an opportunity to impress a potential employer or impress someone who can refer you to a potential employer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

I recently heard it floated that one possible effect of the passage of the health care reform bill will be to get more people accessing healthcare who were not previously (e.g. folks using the ER for primary care).

Wouldn't this increase the need for healthcare professionals of every variety?

As for the question in the OP, well...I am already unemployed, so I guess it's a case of "I was looking for a job when I didn't get this one".

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion.

People ask me different questions, like "Weren't you afraid to go back to school?", "Isn't there a lot of competition to get into the nursing school at such and such college?", "I've heard that a lot of people don't get into nursing school the first time they apply." This country has seen lousy economies before and there are still people getting jobs in their desired occupation. Let's just take it one step at a time. And no, I am not worried about finding a job. Happy2learn is correct. I took a CNA class at the local hospital and I did my absolute best to show up early for shifts, listen to criticism and correct myself, and be presentable everyday. I knew that our instructors were keeping an eye on us and that it would make a difference in getting hired there. When you are doing your clinicals, you want to come prepared, on time, and looking and acting professional. It will make a difference if you apply to a job at the same facility.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with Happy2Learn. I will graduate in approximately 2 years (starting the nurs courses this fall). 2 years is an eternity in the national economy. Sure, it's getting more difficult for nurses to find jobs, but this isn't just a nursing phenomenon. Nursing in my area hasn't been hit as hard as some other industries. There are still as many, if not more, nursing positions in my area - it's just that some people are waiting to retire or otherwise move on due to the economy.

I work hard to get good grades. In any field where the competition is tight for new grads, grades and recommendations do matter. Sure, the saying that C = degree may be correct. But, employers can be choosy and they are going to choose new nurses with good grades, excellent recommendations, and experience. I am doing my best to place myself in a hireable position. However, I do think that there will be more jobs available when I graduate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No I'm not worried. It might take longer than I would have liked it to happen, but it will happen so I'm not gonna worry myself about it. I had a hard time getting my first job as a paralegal too, during the good ol days. Getting your first job is always tough, the economy makes it a bit tougher but I'm not worried about not being able to find work. It will happen.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In this economy, I don't think there is a degree you can earn that guarantees you a job after graduation. I am currently laid off with a degree in IT and can't find a decent job. Today Yahoo posted 10 degrees that are not worth graduating with today, nursing was not listed. We can only do our best at whatever we strive for and believe that hard work pays off without regrets.:o

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I so agree Sivad, in all the talk about nurses finding it hard to find a job, people forget its not just nurses and if anything, I think nurses and others in the health care field are faring a bit better than others. Still a tough economy for all of us, but the point is its affecting almost anyone so anything you do, if you are a worrier, you are gonna end up worrying so do what you love and let the chips fall where they may. It will work out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a BS degree already, and I work in a non-healthcare field. The company I work for is huge and has been around for almost 80 years. Last summer, they laid people off for the first time in the company's history.

Things are bad all around, but I think nursing (and healthcare in general) is one of the best careers to be in if you think long-term. If you do a search for "US job outlook" you'll find the US government website that provides info about demand for specific careers. Nursing is one that has a much brighter long-term outlook than most others.

Around here, most of the available jobs I see are in nursing and healthcare. I've talked to people who work at hospitals now and they say they are hiring, although not as much as they were two years ago.

Things will pick up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion