What is the state of nursing jobs in 2012? This is the question on many people’s minds. Traditionally, nursing was a great field for men and women with compassionate hearts and the desire to make a difference in people’s lives. There were always many openings for nursing jobs,which meant good job security.

However, the recession has brought many retired nurses out of hibernation and delayed the retirement of others. In the meantime, nursing jobs were being heavily promoted on college campuses and classes were growing dramatically. Now we see that many grads are having trouble getting jobs; and yet, all the while, there are shortages predicted for the near future.

1.       As the economy improves, analysts predict that more nurses will retire. The median age of a Registered Nurse will be 44.5 in 2012 and more than 50 percent of the workforce is nearing retirement age. This means that many more nursing jobs will soon open up.

2.       Supply and demand will create more nursing jobs as the baby boomers age and require advanced medical care.

3.       More and more nursing jobs are projected to spring up to deal with our country’s need for better preventative care related to treatable conditions.  

-          Outpatient facilities

-          Nursing homes

-          Home healthcare opportunities

-          Traveling nurses

Eventually, higher paying hospital nursing jobs will open up and by that time, grads will have the 2-4 years of experience to secure a position with good pay and benefits.