[jkal]

Yes, I'd call this area rural suburban--former farming/industrial area now attempting to adjust...I've been here three years, and I didn't grow up here, so I don't know a lot of people. I really would feel dishonest hiding my education. And I don't make a big deal out of it--I mention communication/writing/teaching skills as being one of my strong points. I thought that coming to nursing with some expereince in the work force and a strong academic background would either be give me a bit of an edge, or at least not hurt my chances.

[vashtee]

Meh, all I can say is that some people may consider you overqualified for the pay they are offering.

[Reno1978]

Could it be a timing issue? When did you start applying? Recently a student myself, I applied for my nursing externship MONTHS in advance and the positions seemed to be more "first come, first served" and positioned filled up fast.

[birdgardner]

I don't know why there would be an issue over paying an RN with an English Masters more than any other new RN.

That said, I have learned to downplay my degree, university and scientific/nerdy interests over the years. In some settings they have seemed to set me apart in a way I didn't want, even from people I liked and admired.

[aloevera]

Yes, I have to agree with the posts advising to omit the Masters Degree Only because of where you live...I, too started nursing in a small, rural area and know exactly the people that you are encountering...its could be the high salary that they think you would expect, or it could be they are intimidated by your education....
either way, I would take the instructors suggestion.....

[jkal]

Timing probably wasn't an issue--I was among the first to get my application in--this interview was back in February for a position that starts in June.
As far as being overqualified, well, I'm a nursing student applying for a nursing student extern position. The pay is a set rate.
I guess I'm still somehwat disappointed, and I'm trying to understand if there is any validity to the advice offered by my professor. I think I'll go with the "downplay my degree" tactic.
It's just hard to feel like an outsider and to feel like who you know is more important than what you know/may be able to accomplish!

[seabiscuitRN]

I got a BA in English from a private college and then went through an ADN program. Some nurses with less formal education than I have seem bothered in one way or another but I guess if other people want to be intimitated and/or feel insecure, that's up to them. I wouldn't hide t because if somebody won't hire you as you are, do you really want to work for them?
And besides, I'm proud to say that I write awesome nurse's notes and have the communication skills to mellow even the crankiest docs.

[all_dressed_in_white]

hey all,
interesting thread. hmm.. I have to agree with the the logic of your professors, but still, I wouldnt hide it. Like so many people have said, the truth comes out, and you really dont want to be worried about having a secret identity while u'r first out in the workforce. Who needs that extra stress? You will get work, and your degree will help- ur just lucky enough to be a minority. try to think of yourself as special, and remember what an asset you will be once you are employed and the rejection might not hurt so much. Ive had problems like this for years now, for various reasons. Ive learnt a lot about myself, and about other people through the positions they have put me in and the lables i've been stuck with. And now, with the only way to become a registered nurse in Australia being through university, I am dealing with it again everyday because my education apparently doesnt suffice and therefore I'll always be hopeless! There is no convincing some people!!! Most people want to stick with what is familier to them, and no one likes feeling that their job is threatened, or that they arn't good enough in comparison. People are insecure and defensive. We all are. But some poeple do try and succeed brilliantly at being better than that- and they are the poeple we dont let go of. Annnnyway, im rambling, soory.
My advice to you.. listen to the cliches! Stay true to yourself- you need to be able to be yourself and still feel appreciated at work. Be as honest as you can and what you can offer will come shining through. If they doubt you, prove yourself to them. Be creative in applying for work- harrass all the local hospitals until they dream about you! make yourself known and wait. in the meantime, if you can afford it (and you are blessed if you can) find some related volunteer work in the field. U'll get to start networking, get more hands on experience and then ur resume will reinforce that you are actually a caring people person and not just some heartless academic.
omg. Sorry about the rant. guess it is still a soft spot for me too.
take care.

[Spidey's mom]

Ok - as a rural resident I am a bit perturbed by the characterization of rural folk. Almost all farmers and loggers here locally have at least Bachelor's Degrees and more. My good friend has a Master's. My background is Social Work and I did the ADN route for my RN and I'm going on to get my BSN right now. The teachers in our local schools have at least Bachelor's. Many of the nurses have their BSN. The docs have their degrees. The pharmacist, the dietician, the CEO, the DON . . .all are educated people.

There are 600 people in my little town - about 3000 in the entire valley. I don't think anyone looks down on education, even those who just graduated from high school and went straight to work. In fact we have a very large education foundation.

I'd say just be honest - don't brag but tell the truth. Give people some credit.

And good luck with your job search and school!

steph (city girl/country girl)

p.s. we are starving for nurses - you'd get a job in a New York minute.

[porcelina]

My sister had a similar problem. She had a bachelors degree in education and couldn't find a job in teaching. She applied for a state job as a secretary and was told she was overqualified.