BSN required by hospital system, chance of this being waived?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 4, 2014

Whether the requirement is waived is due to the hospital's discretion. It's very possible that if he is an exceptional candidate, they may be willing to overlook the lack of a BSN. Or they may not. He just has to wait and see.

And while technically a JD is a higher level of education than a BSN, it is NOT the same as having a BSN :) Keep in mind that it's not so much having a higher degree as it is having a degree in a specific field of study, i.e., nursing. IMO, the fact that he's in a MSN program will do a lot more for his chances than the fact that he has a law degree.

Vervain7 · Apr 4, 2014

I should clarify that his JD is highly desirable and rare combination for this particular type of work... HR was heavily impressed with him and offered to fly us both out for an interview. The issue is more that if hospitals simply do not budge from BSn required I would not want to waste anyone's time. I just really want to know if it is even possible/ we are not familiar with how strict hospital system guidelines are

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Apr 5, 2014

Well it sounds like they are seriously interested if they are still willing to fly him out for the interview! If he is interested he should take a chance and meet with them! What does he got to lose? He can always pursue MSN online or at a school in the area, assuming you guys want to relocate there in the first place!

He is the one who has to convince them in the interview that he has rare and desirable combination of talents for this job!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 5, 2014

I should clarify that his JD is highly desirable and rare combination for this particular type of work... HR was heavily impressed with him and offered to fly us both out for an interview. The issue is more that if hospitals simply do not budge from BSn required I would not want to waste anyone's time. I just really want to know if it is even possible/ we are not familiar with how strict hospital system guidelines are

Though no matter how you slice it, JD is not BSN.

As of today, there is no national/state mandate that requires hospitals to only hire nurses with BSNs. Hospitals can set whatever requirements they want for hiring providing it doesn't run afoul of anti-discrimination laws. So if a hospital decides that they only want to hire BSNs, that is 100% the hospital's decision. And if they want to bend that rule for an exceptional candidate and hire one without a BSN, that is also their decision as well.

If HR is already aware that he doesn't have a BSN, and is STILL flying both of you out on their dime for an interview, it appears they may be willing to budge from their "BSN required" requirement for him. I can't definitely say that HR is going to do it, but it looks pretty good.

Of course, he could always make a quick call/e-mail to HR and outright ask them, and then he'd know for sure.

Best of luck to him.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 7, 2014

If a job listing 'requires' a specific qualification, and the qualification is waived, the hiring organization becomes vulnerable to claims of discrimination from any other person who was not hired due to lack of that same qualification. This is a very serious issue for US companies. Chances are, in order to be considered, he would have to have a formal agreement stating that he will obtain the BSN within a specific time frame, so don't be surprised if that occurs.

Vervain7 · Apr 9, 2014

He is in an MSN program currently if that makes any difference.