It seems that any help from alumni would help offset the rush of nurses we will have entering the profession as well as additional instructors will help the schools enroll more nursing students. However, with the economy the way it is, I'm just not sure that we need to be enrolling as many nursing students as we can. I have read and heard from so many new nursing grads that they are not able to find a job. I myself have 5 years experience in Oncology nursing and have been looking for a permanent job since December 2008 (have been working as a travel Oncology nurse for 2+ years). I have been flown across the country for interviews and have heard very positive feedback during my interviews, such as what great experience I have etc. Unfortunately, the positions are put on hold, given to a less experienced staff RN, or the position is closed due to the job being added to other nurses already on staff, or you just don't hear back. Most all of the positions as a floor staff nurse, that I have seen, are asking for at least 1 year experience. Many hospitals are not hiring new grads due to the cost of training and the lack of preceptors.

Once the economy is better, I'm sure the nursing shortage will become evident once again. But without knowing when the economy is going to get better, how do we keep students enrolling in nursing schools? I have already heard new grads that were not able to find jobs, tell people not to become a nurse because there are no jobs out there.

I didn't realize how bad it was until I began searching for a job and I am an experienced nurse with outpatient and inpatient experience, I also have my BSN and Public Health certificate, and chemotherpy certified. I have also been willing to relocate and many new grads don't have the ability to just pick up and go where they are hiring new grads.

I know we hear that the economy is getting better, but it changes from week to week. Unemployment has still not dropped and so many people have lost retirement money in their 401ks that I think nurses are staying on the job longer so they can rebuild their retirement funds. I know nurses who have lost 40K+ and that means they will have to work an additional 5+ years. I don't think there is anyway to know how the current economy is going to effect the nursing shortage.

I think we will just have to wait and see. I also think the focus on these new grads needs to be on helping them find where the jobs are and having alumni that are currently working in hospitals try and keep their new grad programs alive and hiring. When I graduated in 2004, the hospitals were offering huge sign-on bonuses, training, and preferred shifts for all new grads. Those seem to be long gone and new grads are having trouble finding jobs so they are telling other potential nursing students not to enter into nursing school programs. Seems like a catch 22 if I ever saw one.

If I were to do it again I would not. Nurses make good money, but the stress overall is outrages today. Imagine how a new grad feels? They cannot survive without some great mentoring

I also think 8 hour shifts are better. 12hour shifts canvreally do you in. I have worked both 8 & 12 he shifts. 8 he shifts are better on the body and mind.

I think the transition to a new nursing position is difficult even if you are an experienced nurse. Looking at positions that have an orientation process with preceptor/mentorship is a valuable tool. I think the information regarding the alumni assisting with helping new grads transition is a value asset. It would be wise for nursing schools to have several of their alumni from different specialities come and share the information prior to their graduation. The rural hospital's are always in need of nurses, new grads do not like to come to the rural setting due tot he fact that it is a slower pace but it may be the right avenue for them to get there feet wet and learn in a slower environment.
I also agree with previous post that 8 hour shifts are better to help train nurses than 12 hours. This way there is a more consistent time frame and less stress with getting assignments completed in a timely fashion.
Pam Slagle RN, BSN, CNOR/CRNFA

I feel that the alumini program would be a great help to these students. Nursing school is so different now. Students are flooded with information from all sources and they often feel overwhelmed.I have the privilege of working with nursing students on a daily basis as a Nursing lab Assistant and I know first hand what they are going through.

Thanks to everyone who read my post and shared your thoughts and ideas as I move forward with this new program to connect alumni and student nurses at my alma mater.

Pam S. offered the suggestion that we invite alumni from different specialties to share information with students prior to their graduation. What a terrific idea! I’ll be sure to share this at our next alumni meeting.

And ccahill noted that students are inundated with information and often feel overwhelmed.

Psherena reminded us of the difficulty new graduates have had in finding jobs, however I remain hopeful that the economy is recovering and our 2010 graduates will be welcomed into the workforce.

Thanks for the great feedback and direction. I’ll let you know how the program progresses.

I am a Chinse nurse.In our hospital we have two kind of shifts.One is 9 shift,the otrher is 17 shift.