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Minnesota Nursing: Do we
have a Recession-Proof Career?
April 2009
We have heard the career of nursing called many
things in our day but giving nursing a title like
"Recession-Proof Career"? That is a new one. Studies
have shown as more of the employed move to the
unemployed ranks, health care and nursing becomes a
choice as a
possible career. With the fear of
double-digit unemployment taking place in many
states, many are wondering what occupation is safe.
To many, nursing is proving to be that career.
For nurses in Minnesota who work in the
demanding field of nursing employment appears
somewhat stable. Changes have come to nursing
positions in management and education as hospitals
tighten their belt to handle a changing economy. Some of those nurses
effected by this change have been
able to return to direct care or floor nursing. So the title, Recession-Proof Career
doesn't mean the occupation is not without change.
Looking at regional and local hospitals it was easy
to see big changes in the number of available
nursing positions. Some HR departments noted some
positions had been placed a hold or available for
internal applicants only. Other factors have
contributed to these decreases as well. Older
nurses, who once planned for retirement, are hanging
on continuing to supporting their families. Other
employees took on increased hours due to a lost
spouse's income. Hospitals too have made changes in
the number of available positions, holding off on
hiring for certain care centers or changing plans to
expand in those areas.
Nursing could be the Recession-Proof Career. Jobs
and nursing positions have seen change,
but those employed seem to less likely to carry the threat of
being unemployed. Plus
a nursing career allows nurses pick up and carry
their experience
with them to any city, state or country. This is an
important fact to families needing to relocate to
meet the needs of a economy changing day by day.
Nursing is continuing to support many families
through this economy toughest times.
The statewide interest in nursing is nothing new.
Minnesota has seen waiting list for colleges for
many years. But now, strong interest in nursing
nationwide has many Universities and nursing schools
scrambling to keep up. With many facing a shortage
of qualified nursing instructors these schools say
they must now work on both sides keeping instructors
interested in the lower pay scale of teaching jobs
and keeping students moving from waiting list into
their nursing programs.
So, can Minnesota nurses feel lucky about their
Recession-Proof career? Sure the work is hard, can be
a 24/7 in certain areas, and has no guaranteed
holiday known to man. But lucky, seems like a small
reward for all the hard work nurses handle today.
The nurses we talked to, generally speaking, do feel
lucky to be employed and working in a rewarding,
intense nursing career. Maybe the title of story
should be, Nursing, America's Recession-Proof
Career, supporting growing families through tough
economic times.
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