should an ADN new grad bother applying to new grad program if it says BSN preferred?

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Specializes in med/surg tele, postpartum, mother baby.

Hello all, I have been aggressively searching and applying for nursing positions since I graduated in June 2010 (not so new anymore). I am so tired of all the work that goes into each position I apply for, and I am looking at a new grad position that says BSN preferred right now. I applied last time they had a new grad program and never got any sort of response, not even a courtesy rejection email. I know there are so many people in the same boat with me trying to find work, what are peoples thoughts on whether it is worth the effort to apply for a position when it says BSN preferred? I am working on getting into a BSN program, but its going to be a couple of years before I get done. I kinda just want to give up :crying2:

Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

it depends... i applied for "preferred" positions even when i did not have a bsn. however, if you know that the preferred really = required, then do not bother. for instance, there were bsn preferred positions offered to two new grads in an icu a month before i graduated with my adn. i inquired using my inside contacts. i found out that the positions were actually not bsn-preferred but bsn-required. so, as an adn new graduate i did not bother. two months later, my inside connections informed me that the two new grads that were hired had bsns. all of the adn prepared applicants were rejected to include a former tech and nurse extern for the same icu.

I would apply. All they can say is no, and you never know they might see something on your app or resume that they like, Never give up!

Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

It could be their loss, as there is absolutely no guarantee that a BSN will make the better employee or nurse. But to answer your question, if they say preferred, I'd take a shot at it. If they say required, don't waste your time.

Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.

I know this might sound bad but I think you shouldn't waste your time. Even BSN new grads are having a hard time landing that first job right now so you know they will be applying as well and they clearly will have the upperhand. I'm in the same boat. The application process is so exhausting when you've done it atleast 40 times and its even more annoying when you really feel your chances of getting your application looked at or your resume' reviewed, LET ALONE an actual interview slim to none.

IMO BSN preferred = ADNs don't bother applying. Why else would that even be put into a job posting if thats not what they meant? Obviously if it really meant they were open to both degree holders they would just state RN needed etc.....

Basically we all need to get our BSN's. The probelm is I feel like I'd like to get some experience and possible finanical assistance in order to make it happen.

Don't take SweetheartRNs advice :no:! Every hospital system near me has job postings that say "BSN preferred," but they do still consider and hire ADN nurses. Some may have to hire a certain ratio of BSN nurses for Magnet status, but they definately also hire ADNs! I was hired a few months ago and I have an ADN. Apply for anything and everything! Good luck!

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I would apply as long as long as you meet or exceed all the other job requirements. As missladyRN said, the worst that can happen is that they say No.

I was hired for a job that was "BSN strongly preferred" and I have an ADN. To be honest, everyone says that in the adds, but they hire the best candidate, not the degree. The only one who ever asked about it was HR, the nurse manager I interviewed with was also an ADN.

Specializes in 6 yrs high-risk OB.

I would say YES. It says Preferred, not required. The worst they can do is not call you for an interview.

Remember. If you don't ask/try, the answer is always no.

Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.
I was hired for a job that was "BSN strongly preferred" and I have an ADN. To be honest, everyone says that in the adds, but they hire the best candidate, not the degree. The only one who ever asked about it was HR, the nurse manager I interviewed with was also an ADN.

I thought a nurse manager had to atleast have her BSN?

Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.
I thought a nurse manager had to atleast have her BSN?

Only if it is the hospital policy. The first 3 nurse managers I worked for were ADN's, one of those was exceptional. The two who were BSN's were terrible managers. More of the alphabet behind your name proves nothing except you finished the course work.

Specializes in (future hope) Genetic Nursing.
Hello all, I have been aggressively searching and applying for nursing positions since I graduated in June 2010 (not so new anymore). I am so tired of all the work that goes into each position I apply for, and I am looking at a new grad position that says BSN preferred right now. I applied last time they had a new grad program and never got any sort of response, not even a courtesy rejection email. I know there are so many people in the same boat with me trying to find work, what are peoples thoughts on whether it is worth the effort to apply for a position when it says BSN preferred? I am working on getting into a BSN program, but its going to be a couple of years before I get done. I kinda just want to give up :crying2:

Trust me I know you pain. I've been looking for a job for almost a year now (graduated in Jan 2010 from a Diploma program) and I got no prospects for work anytime soon. After looking at your profile I see your from CA. and from what I got from reading the tread on allnurses.com and other boards it really tough there. I can tell you from the east coast (NJ) it no picnic either.

But with that said I think you should still try apply to new grad programs and perhaps even some other Nursing Jobs that my not seem to be open to new grads. Let me just say though I would not get crazy about applying...what i mean is take your time and don't rush to finish a application so quickly...basically take a deep breath and just slowly keep plugging away.

On a side note. The U.S. GDP report is going to be out at 8:30am today and it look like a lot of folk are predicting a 3.5 growth rate. Thats pretty good if it happens. So I see signs that things are getting better out there. And as things get better, I think the jobs for nursing will slowly come back. And most of us that are looking for work will find it eventually.

I wish you good luck. And I'm hoping for you.

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