Page 1 of 2
Why the nursing shortage spells opportunity for job seekers
The nursing shortage is expected to continue for the next decade or so
CALGARY, AB/ Troy Media/ - Three decades ago, organizations like the American Canadian Nurses Associations began raising awareness about North America’s looming nurse shortage. In 1980, 25.1 per cent of nurses were under age 30. By 2000, the number had plunged to 9.1 per cent.
It’s not just the nurse population that’s aging in North America. In 2011, five million Canadians were 65 or older. By 2036, that number will double to 10.4 million seniors. One in four Canadians will be 65 or older by 2051. An aging population means a bigger healthcare burden and a continuing demand for more nurses.
For people entering the job market or making a career transition, nursing offers an attractive option. It takes as little as two years to become a registered nurse in the U.S., meaning that the career doesn’t require a four-year degree and doesn’t generate as much student loan debt. In all Canadian provinces except Quebec, nursing does require a bachelor’s degree, but after graduation wages are good. According to Canadian Business, entry-level registered nurses can expect to make around $60,000 per year, or around $30 per hour. In the U.S., median pay is $65,470 per year, and job growth is 19 per cent faster than average.
Choosing a nursing program
The best nursing school for any student depends largely on academic preparation. For some students, a school that gives college credit for work experience can make up for some academic shortfalls, but it’s also important to make sure that less rigorous entry requirements don’t coincide with a less intensive education. A school’s reputation for turning out quality nursing candidates goes a long way toward helping graduates find their first jobs.
Some nursing graduates report that it’s tough to find work after graduation because so many open positions require job experience. To overcome this obstacle, candidates should look for schools that have the highest graduate job placement rates. In addition, they should look for schools with faculty who are willing tap their networks to help students find jobs after graduation. They should also seek out schools that are known for their challenging and thorough clinical experiences. Good clinical placements can lead naturally to job opportunities within the same facility. Also, a good recommendation from a respected doctor, based on a strong performance in clinicals, can pave the way to external positions.
Although the current nursing shortage may correct itself in the coming decade, many regions, especially in rural areas, continue to have an insufficient supply of nurses. Over time, new nursing graduates who are willing to relocate or to take short-term travel nursing contracts in underserved areas will have a better shot at finding jobs.
Career evolution
Working with patients one-on-one can prove both rewarding and incredibly exhausting. Nurses who stay in the clinical setting long-term can sometimes burn out and leave the profession. Fortunately, nurses who enter the job force today have many options for evolving their skill sets. The demand for nurses goes beyond the bedside and continues up the career ladder.
For example, despite the demand for nurses in the workforce, many colleges have to limit the number of applicants that they accept because they don’t have enough nursing faculty. According to a recent survey from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, two-thirds of nursing schools report that faculty shortages contribute to their decision to turn away qualified students. The shortage creates significant obstacles for nursing schools, but it provides a great opportunity for today’s nursing school graduates. A nursing school graduate could enter the workforce as an RN, complete a bachelor’s and an advanced degree, and find teaching opportunities at local colleges and universities.
Nurses with advanced degrees can move from the bedside into supervisory roles within their departments. They can also transition into hospital administration or become care coordinators for elderly patients. The advent of big data has created new career paths, such as becoming a nurse statistician. With so many possibilities for expanding and growing within the field, there’s no need for nurses to give up the profession when they feel burned out on direct patient care.
Conclusion
Thanks to demographic projections and an insufficient number of nurse educators, the nursing shortage is expected to continue over the next decade or so. People looking for a rewarding career that pays well and has many growth opportunities should consider becoming nurses.
Credit line must be used: © 2015 Distributed by Troy Media
To contact the author, search our SourceBook
To download a HI-RES image, search our ImageBank
Terms and Conditions of use Get HelpFAQ
Subscribe to receive daily updates of all of our new Editorial content