When do you think things will turn around for nurses?

Meaning, the economy. I can't believe how few jobs exist for RN's where I live now. Especially new grad RN's. It is so depressing (being a refresher course candidate). I thought nursing was a sure thing as far as jobs go. I hope it was still a smart choice despite this flailing economy! Sometimes I wonder if I should just let my license go inactive!??

Whadya think?
NO one knows whats going to happen with the economy or if/when it will get better. People can make predictions, but they dont have a clue. In this economy I have learned that no degree guarantees you a job. In this economy its more networking and who you know that will land you a job. Its tough out there right now for a lot of people in various career fields. If you cant pick up and move to somewhere where you can find a nursing job, then you might have to do something else in the meantime. Or like a lot of people say, you have to work in an undesired area or somewhere where you really dont want to work. Some money is better than no money at all.

There are *lots* of threads on this topic.Short answer - it will turn around when the economy turns around. When that happens is anyone's guess.

Don't let your license go inactive. I was thinking of doing the same thing myself but people really gave me a lot of reasons to keep it active.

I don't think there will be a sudden, dramatic turn around. Too many of the changes that caused this bleak job market are going to be long-lasting. But I do think there will be a gradual improvement over the next few years. People are going to be frugal for a long time. At my hospital, this year will be a little better than last year -- but not dramatically so.

Every economist whom I've heard or read talking about the economy and jobs has made the point that unemployment is considered a "lagging indicator" -- that is, that unemployment doesn't improve until quite a while after the general economy has improved. The economists I've heard/read have said we should expect unemployment to continue much as it is now for up to a few years after the economy has recovered. Of course, they were speaking generally and I don't now if the expectations for nursing, specifically, would be any different.But it's like the weather -- the experts can make some really good predictions, but no one really knows until it happens ...

I don't think it will ever be the way it was even 5 years ago. I'm glad I'm not a new grad. Best of luck to those of you who are.

When I can again work sixteen or more hours a day, seven days a week, and get paid overtime, then I will believe that things have turned around for nurses.

In my most senior moments I seem to recall this happens mostly when we have a change in Presidents. People sit back and wait to see what happens. No patients, no jobs. It's happened to me 3 times now.

P_RN,I have heard that from a lot of experienced nurses that have worked for 20 years plus. Have you ever seen it this bad? I start nursing school next month (ADN program), and everyone is telling me about the job market. I am trying not to let it get to me, because I really want to be a nurse and go into oncology one day. Do you suggest getting a job in a hospital while in school? Thanks!

I FIRMLY believe that it's getting on board at a hospital early...like as a CNA or in some patient care role, that really helps you get the job later on! When your employer can see that you are a good worker, concerned about patients, and can do good work as a CNA that carries over to being a nurse....that shows them you can do the job! we have been getting less and less low census...but that's because we keep getting general medical patients. some nurses complain, but I would rather have 6 medical patients and be working than sitting at home, getting paid 2.50 a hour!

Thank you for the advice.