Is there really a nursing shortage and how long will the shortage last?

it's not really a shortage of nurses that's the problem, it's a surplus of people getting sick. if people would take better care of themselves everything would be fine.

Nursing shortage predictions are based on long term predictions. Almost all authorities predict a nursing shortage well into the future. In Canada both the unions and the governments have been working on strategies to address the needs of the Canadian public so that there will be enough nurses when they are needed. However, with a problem of supply and demand there have never been enough nurses for the system. Long term nursing shortages however, do not mean that nursing jobs are readily available everywhere, all the time. Regional differences do occur - I expect this is the same in the US. While there may be many jobs available on the health care job sites of the various health authorities in Canada many of those jobs are not entry level positions. This makes it more difficult for new graduates to get a job and may prompt new grads to say there is no current nursing shortage. However, once the vacant jobs are filled by nurses already in the system then there will be more entry level jobs for new grads. I have been a nurse for more than 35 years and there has always been a shortage of nurses. Every ten years or so there is a reduction in the number of entry level nursing jobs available but this is always temporary and still all authorities are predicting a nursing shortage into the future.

Shortages come and go. Plus it depends on where you live. If you live in a major area with trauma centers and multiple hospitals and clinics you shouldn't have a problem. If you live in a small town with one hospital and the primary industry there was a factory and it closed, that's a problem. Be flexible and be willing to move. Consider a travel agency. They find you a 6 , 13 or 26 week job in a town that you chose. The hospital pays for an apt. for you and your salary. It's a good way to see a city you always wanted to see and find out if you like it. At the end of the contract you can go back home and do another city, extend your contract where you are or walk away. Explore all options.