[aloevera]

oh, forgive me, I hadn't read everything...You haven't applied as yet...
well, what are you waiting for ??? Put you app in with honest answers and see what happens, don't waste time pondering over what may happen....

[GoldenFire5]

Originally Posted by jkal

I've been here three years, and I didn't grow up here, so I don't know a lot of people.

This could be the real issue here, especially in a small town. I've been a nurse for about a year, and even in my big town, I'm finding that when there is competition for a job, it's still a matter of who you know that counts... just like it is in any industry. The person who got the externship may have known someone in the department or already worked at the hospital.

I just recently got a new job myself because a friend recommended me. The hiring manager opened a per diem position for me and it appeared on the website. When all my paperwork and references checked out, the job was closed. There were probably dozens and dozens of people who applied online for my job.... they never really had a chance.

It may not be fair, but it's the way the world works a lot of the time.

[jkal]

Thanks for all of the advice; I really appreciate hearing everyone's take on the situation.

[seabiscuitRN]

I know that some rural hospitals rarely hire new grads, wheras larger facilites often have special programs and/or resources for more extensive orientation.

I also know that some people who graduated with "C" averages were more competent as new grads than some who graduated with "A" averages.

When I first started working as an RN, I was told that I was intended to be a mentor for some of the experienced nurses. My employer was impressed by the things I'd gained from my BA in English lit and my previous (varied) job and life experiences.
Obviously, those experienced cardiac nurses were invaluable mentors to me, with background as an LPN in psych. It's just so important to keep in mind that we're all gaining things from each other regardless of GPA or educational background. It becomes a problem when such things let us think that someone is somehow better or worse than we are. I wish I could say that I don't think about the way other people react to my previous degree, but I do. All I can say is that, when you're working, none of it matters. That pathophys exam I aced two years ago couldn't help me manage a patient whose ER nurse had programmed his heparin drip for 200cc an hour instead of 20, any more than being aware of the Ides of March is going to help me talk down an actively suicidal patient. What matters is how you put it all together into the nurse that you are now.

[pagandeva2000]

Strange suggestions, for sure. But, I would ask them to elaborate a bit more on what they mean, and then come out and ask them if they think this would be a hinderance on your search for a job. Personally, I think it is silly. As a nurse intern, it is known that you are transitioning from one position to another and you would not be there long, anyhow. Once you obtain your license, you disappear, unless they decide to hire you. And, I would rather have a nurse that communicates well than an idiot.

[TakeTwoAspirin]

I don't live in a rural area, in fact I live in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Unfortunately, I had a similar problem. Couldn't even get a return phone call, let alone an interview. It got so bad for me that I eventually hired a resume consultant and they actually advised me to "tone down" my education because employers might question my motives in applying for a position for which I was (apparently) overqualified. I took some of my educational background off my resume, and the interviews followed.

Personally I don't think anyone should pretend to be any less than they are, but I can only relay to you what my experience was. I sometimes wonder whether it was the changes I made, or simply that my luck changed. Who knows?

[jkal]

So--here's an update:
I interviewed for a Nursing Assistant position at another hospital, and left my educational background on my resume, because I really feel it is a part of my qualifications. I was interviewed by two women, one from human resources, and one who was the nurse learning specialist for the hospital. The first thing the HR woman said was "Wow--I've never met someone with such an excellent education" and I was thinking uh oh... So I just chuckled, said "I hope that's a good thing..." then went on to say something like "well, it's an entirely different field, but I do think it has helped me to know what to expect in terms of the rigors of nursing school..." That was all that we said, and the interview moved on from there. They were really most interested in trying to get a feel for how I solved problems, and how I communicated in difficult/sensitive situations...the interview felt good, and I was offered the job four days later!
I've also since found out that the place where I didn't get hired (even though I was told I was an excellent candidate) actually filled all of its positions with folks who already worked for the hospital, or who had a relative who worked there.
I'm just glad that the hospital that hired me is willing to give me an opportunity! I'm so excited to start!
Again, thanks to everyone for the advice and opinions.