b1tch-m0b asked: what do you mean that the job market is dire for new nursing grads?

Well, it really depends on your area, but the ‘shortage’ is long gone. The supply of nurses is far greater than the actual demand. Employers are looking for experience so they often overlook new grads. Once retired nurses are having to return to work for an extra needed income, thus taking valuable job opportunities. But who can blame them with this economy?

There are people 2-3 years graduated with their RN and still unemployed. It’s just the reality of the profession these days. I’ve had people tell me to relocate (I’m in California where new grad RN positions are slim to none) to another state, gain some experience, and then come back. And this isn’t out of the ordinary. People are actually doing this.

Simply put, the days of being offered positions while still in school are long gone, but do not fret! These things happen in cycles. We go from shortages to a surplus of nurses from time to time. A shortage is expected soon due to the aging baby boomers.

I advise anybody thinking about majoring in nursing to do their research. If you still decide to pursue it, do all you can to get ahead WHILE in school.