can I get some advice?

1krazykitty

I know I've been MIA, but I have been lurking! Just not feeling at that well for the last few months. Anyway, I have been on a few waitlists for some nursing programs, I'd start in one year. But I'm hearing new grads aren't being hired due to budget cuts in California, a min of 6 months experience is require. I cannot move. I could go through with the program and hope it changes, or consider new options. Any ideas? I like medical related stuff, but I'd prefer to not rack up student loans,..

Celyn

They're quite short on midwives, as far as I know, if you're interested in going as far as a master's degree.

Rock-n-Voll

I'm not sure how you pursue an advanced degree without taking on some loans, unless you've saved up for it.  I'm no expert on grad school though.

Could you find a nurse to talk to for advice?  A lot could change by the time you graduate so I wouldn't worry too much about the job market today, but someone with experience might be able to give you better guidance, especially as relates to other options that might appeal to you.

 

hannikan

Rock-n-Voll:

I'm not sure how you pursue an advanced degree without taking on some loans, unless you've saved up for it.  I'm no expert on grad school though.

Could you find a nurse to talk to for advice?  A lot could change by the time you graduate so I wouldn't worry too much about the job market today, but someone with experience might be able to give you better guidance, especially as relates to other options that might appeal to you. 

I think you're saying you don't want to rack up student loans if there won't be a pay off in the end/you'll have the ability to pay them off. Am I right? I agree that talking to someone in the field of nursing (who has been around long enough to have been through economic ups and downs) would be the best way to know if this is a problem that will last or just temporary. GL!

Passanie

How long is the program? Sooner or later this freaking economy will rebound. And there's always going to be a need for nurses. Does the program you're considering have a career center? Or perhaps a city college program could give you that kind of advice? Or some of those workplace agencies that help the unemployed?

Mrs.BoomBoom

IMO nursing is too hard to go to school for if you don't REALLY want to nurse...and there are so many other health careers that aren't as demanding if you just want to be in the field.  Also, it's always a hard career to get started in.  Even in the 'good times' hospitals want you to have experience before they hire.  There are new grad programs though...sort of like internships...where the hospital will hire you and train you for a while.  Also, working (even volunteering) as an aide can really give you a leg up.  The problem is that nursing school has become so theory based (as nurses are taking more responsibility) that a lot of the direct patient care is being lost and it makes you less marketable.

sm23

Passanie:

Does the program you're considering have a career center? Or perhaps a city college program could give you that kind of advice? Or some of those workplace agencies that help the unemployed?

This is what I was thinking too.

leolyns

One of my closest friends said it took her about 9 months to find a full time LVN job; she landed one at Travis AFB as a government contractor. She had no experience other than her clinicals through school and started working part-time as a CNA until she got a full time job. She was also frustrated with the 6-month minimum requirement needed since she was new to nursing how could she have had 6 months experience if she never worked as one before?

pkw

Celyn:

They're quite short on midwives, as far as I know, if you're interested in going as far as a master's degree.

It is projected to be a couple years before nursing will rebound in this area. Unless you get in to a hospital or clinic now as another position with the promise of hire when you complete you will have a hard time for about 5-8 years to come because nurses are flooding the market.  If you are willing to leave the state (which I see you are not) you would be hired fast, if you are willing to step just outside the bay area you have a better chance of getitng a job.  Also, consider looking at government jobs, like at jails/prisons.  

I dunno if you have a BA/BS at all already but if you do UCSF/SFSU have a joint masters program that is a 2-3 year (depending upon what your BA/BS was in)  and will work out to around $50-70k (fully depends on wher eyou are in your education) and you get a masters in a specific specialty, midwife being one of them.  Other areas to look at are oncology, geriatric, etc.  getting specialized degree is going to be key in getting a job in the bay area.