Even with Nursing Shortage, New Grads Should be Job Search Savvy

You may recall that one of the big “pre-swine flu” news stories (remember those days of recent past?) was about the nursing shortage in the U.S.  What many of the media outlets covering this story failed to clarify is that the nursing shortage is technically more of an impending one, with over one million nurses needed by 2010.  This is the year when the number of aging baby boomers requiring skilled nursing care is expected to peak.  There are of course other elderly patients and patients across all demographics that will also require more nursing care as chronic illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and cancer gain prevalence.

The fact remains that it will be much easier for new nursing school graduates to take their pick of dream jobs in a few years.  This is perfect for those starting nursing school now.  But what about all the new grads out there who were told about a nursing job market with infinite possibilities by graduation day? Relax, all you newly licensed nurses.  There are many reasons to be optimistic along with smart job search strategies that you can employ to get employed now.

Reasons to be Optimistic:

Recession-Proof Career: Even during an actual recession, those with the letters “RN” after their name should not be nearly as fearful as job seekers in other industries.  There will never be a time in the world when a career in nursing is phased out.  Never.  But, just like anything else that is affected by fluctuations in the economy, there will be ups and downs.  We’re in a “down” cycle right now, but even that doesn’t mean rampant unemployment of nurses.  Not even close.

Think Nationally: While you’re at it think globally.  No matter how many great hospitals and clinical settings that exist in your locale, there are hundreds of thousands of facilities just like them across the country.  Yes, relocation is not anyone’s favorite word, especially if you have a spouse and a family.  I’m just saying to keep your mind open to the possibility of more opportunities, higher pay and better perks if you look outside of your geographic comfort zone.

Revolving Door: The recent phenomenon of once retired nurses returning to the workforce for purely economic reasons can easily be seen as a revolving door. Once the economy settles down again, many of them will return to single income household life again and their jobs will become available.

In the meantime, my advice is to hold onto the idea of your dream career, whether it’s in the ER, Obstetrics, ICU or other specialty area. You may have to accept whatever you are offered as your first nursing job.  In some cases, depending on where you live you may have to work your way into a nursing position by getting your foot in the door as a CNA or LVN.  This is not a bad thing and there are many unemployed Americans who would switch places with you in a heartbeat.

In the meantime, make yourself the most valuable job candidate possibly by taking continuing education and specialty courses in your chosen area.  Above all, stay optimistic.  Nursing is one of the best possible careers to enter right now.

Whether you believe me or not – you have made a great decision.