Excited Fresno City College nursing students marched across the stage to earn their Associate Degree Friday, but for many this is just the beginning of their higher education.
FCC Nursing Graduate, John Moran said, "I have three classes to finish at Fresno State in January then go get my masters."
Fresno State Nursing Department Chair Doctor Mike Russler says current trends show many nursing graduates are continuing their education in order to compete for fewer jobs in the medical field. "There was some research that showed the higher the education level of the RN the lower the morbidity ... less death in the hospital."
Russler says graduates can still find good job opportunities, but because of the economy they are facing stiffer competition with more experienced nurses. "Nurses that would have retired are not and nurses that may have been part time are full time ... will be retiring."
In order to compete graduates are getting more creative, by looking for jobs in areas they might not have considered before and working to get real world experience while they're in school.
FCC Nursing Graduate, Kirsten O'Bar said, "I currently work at St. Agnes ... hoping something is available."
Dr. Cynthia Azari says many FCC graduates go on to get a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She offers this advice for those entering a competitive work force. "Focus on your strengths. If there are 200 people looking for a job that means you have to apply for 201."
