The high demand for qualified nurses means there will always be jobs in the profession for graduates. Michele Geston, a director of nursing education, told Tampa Bay Online that her college has seen a 10% to 15% increase in enrolments since the economic downturn took hold last year. "There is always going to be a job in nursing," she said. "And you can further it in so many settings." Becky Sroda, the college's associate dean of allied health, agreed. She said there are more jobs in the sector right now than graduates to fill them, so people qualifying with a nursing degree will always be able to find work. However, some states place limits on the number of students who can enroll on nursing courses, so those interested in a pursuing a nursing career need to maintain their GPA during school and pass an entry exam. Nursing graduate Katherine Garcia said the best part of the "great education" she received was the knowledge she could make the world a better place. "I love helping people and the hands-on training makes a difference," she said. In 2006, the Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked registered nursing as the largest single occupation in the health care sector, with 2.5 million posts.  |