I graduated in the early 90s. It was not more difficult as it was super different. In nursing school, I could not take care of patient's with HIV/AIDS because "universal precautions" did not exist and they had no idea how the disease was transmitted. We had to handwrite our notes (no lap tops) and no power points. There wasn't the internet, so we had to go to the library to research anything. On the other hand, patients were not AS sick as they are today. Patients today have many comorbities making them super complex. "Back then" Evidence based practice was not a thing or an expectation of the nurse. It was expeted that I work as a "student nurse" on my off days to gain experience. Upon graduation, I had a job. However, it took 6 months to get NCLEX results and the exam was only offered twice a year. While awaiting the results I worked as an "pending RN" under supervision. Upon notification of my RN results (that came by snail mail), I got a raise and was released off orientation. While this was not 30 years ago, it was a good system that worked. Today, the profession appears to be all over the place, especially with the ADN vs BSN.