Want a job? Try health care

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/18/jobs.health.care/?iref=mpstoryview

By Elizabeth Landau
CNN

(CNN) -- Nursing school seemed like a good idea to Tracy Kidd, but not just because she was interested in medicine.


Tracy Kidd, 37, just started nursing school. Nurses are high in demand, despite the souring economy.


Kidd, 37, and her husband recently took a massive pay cut -- the painting business they own in Mesa, Arizona, once brought in about $70,000 a month. Now they're lucky to get $800 a month. They have moved in with Tracy's father because their house was foreclosed on.

See how health job openings compare with other industries »: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/18/jobs.health.care/?iref=mpstoryview#cnnSTCOther1

"I knew that nurses are always needed, and I didn't want what just happened to us to ever happen again," said Kidd, who started a licensed practical nurse (LPN) program two weeks ago that will allow her to work while finishing her registered nurse (RN) degree.

Kidd's logic squares with the numbers: While industries such as manufacturing have had decreasing job openings, there continues to be a deep need for health care positions such as nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists and primary-care physicians.

With the unemployment rate at 8.1 percent and thousands of Americans getting laid off every day, the employment landscape looks bleak. But some experts say there are many job opportunities in the health care sector.

Nursing

The number of nurses usually goes up when the economy goes down, said Beverly Malone, CEO of the National League for Nursing. Irrespective of this recession, the number of nurses has been growing anyway because of high demand.

Nearly 182,000 new students in 2006-2007 entered prelicensure RN programs, which prepare students to sit for the RN licensing exam, according to the National League for Nursing. This represents a 9 percent increase over the previous year.

FULL story at link.

[Warpy]

1. Backbreaking work and all the shit you can eat

but I never found anything else as challenging and rewarding.

If you've got the brains and guts, go for it. Just realize it's not for everyone.

[MrSlayer]

2. A good friend's wife just graduated.

She's 40. And they are paying big signing bonuses at hospitals here in Philly just to get nurses to join them. It is a great opportunity right now if you have the right temperament for it. I certainly do not.

[cabluedem]

3. How well will health jobs pay when no has work one can afford healthcare plans anymore? nt

[Sinistrous]

4. Health care workers have to be the prime target for unionization.

The crap these people take is unspeakable.