It’s no secret that the current economy has affected the job market–even nursing. Historically nursing has seen shortages wax and wane over the years. After years of begging for applicants, nurse leaders in acute care settings have minimal openings for new nursing graduates. Hospital job growth slid nationwide in the first quarter of 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Hospitals created less than 6,200 jobs in the first quarter of 2009, compared with 32,500 jobs in 2008, says BLS.
The shrinkage of job opportunities is multi-factorial. The American Association of Colleges of Nurses reports retired nurses were forced back into the labor pool due to the poor economy, and nurses slated to retire this year, seeing their retirement funds dissolve, continue to work. Many part-time nurses became full time nurses because their spouses lost their jobs, leaving them the sole support for their family. Researchers also found that 50,000 nurses from non-hospital settings shifted to hospital settings to improve their financial situation and have a schedule that allows them to hold two jobs.
The news sounds devastating especially for those just entering the job market. Many new grads never dreamed they would be faced with unemployment three or four years ago when they entered into school. Nursing has been one of the most demanding markets in the country for years; a safe career choice. Is this no longer true?
New grads take heart. I encourage you to be patient and flexibile. New grads need to be willing to think outside the box and explore different options. Although hospital nursing may be on the decline, community-based nursing is expected to grow. Healthcare reform is expected to bring a growth in outpatient surgical centers, IV infusion therapy services and home heath agencies. Exploring national service is worth consideration, offering humanitarian and clinical experiences. The American Red Cross, global nonprofits, the military, the U.S. Public Health Service, schools and public health departments are viable options.
If you are a new grad with your heart set on hospital service, don’t give up. Keep looking. It may require spending time to research, submit multiple applications and possibly relocate to another area of the country. Many nurse executives in hospitals throughout the country recognize our current economy as a “blip,” a temporary set-back. They remain focused on the long-term nursing pipeline as well as their short term staffing needs. There are a number of hospitals in the country that are finding new and innovative ways to bring in new graduates. Many of the innovative programs include 6-12 month paid nurse residency programs, where new nurses can gain specialty nursing experience. The programs allow nurses to obtain necessary specialized skills that will prepare them to apply for jobs that might open up in the future.
With employers having the “pick of the crop.” advanced degrees have more weight and influence in the profession than ever before. The timing couldn’t be better for new grads to consider continuing their education if they can afford it. The recession is expected to ease in the next few years. When the economy improves, the demand for nurses will explode. Having an advanced degree will provide a nurse with a huge advantage at that time. Clinical nurse specialists, nurse mid-wives, nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists are expected to be in great demand.
Competition is fierce. So in the meantime, new grads need to develop their job seeking skills, join professional organizations, provide an impressive resume and polish one’s appearance and professionalism. A good impression goes along way in today’s job market.
Stay positive and enthusiastic. Your fellow nurses need you! I for one hope to retire in the next ten years, and I will need someone to fill my “ugly nurses” shoes! Take heart new grads. Your road to the future may have taken a few unexpected turns. But the wind is at your back and the horizon is visible.