Accelerated BSN - Will it help you get a job?

[jam752]

Hey Guys -

I'm currently 25 years old and graduated from Penn State in 2007 with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Business. I'm currently planning to apply to a 2nd degree accelerated BSN program. For people who either know about their hospital's hiring policy, or have had experience with getting hired with a second degree BSN:

Are you more likely to get hired because you have two degrees?

It would seem obvious that if I was applying to some sort of psych hospital I would have an advantage, but I was just wondering if anyone's had experience with this.

Thanks so much for any help!

[Freedom42]

I was hired for ER with only nine months' experience. My boss specifically pointed to my past career accomplishments and academic background, neither of which involved health care. She said that based on my old resume and my current attitude, she was confident that I'd be a good hire. I really appreciate her.

[darkangel83]

I graduated almost a year ago from an accelerated program and my previous degree is healthcare related.

The comments I have heard through interviews and from fellow graduates is employers often like the life experience that comes with hiring an accelerated program graduate. They have found that because we have already worked in a professional capacity we are GENERALLY more confident in what we know/don't know and have more experience communicating on a professional level. HOWEVER, there are always exceptions :)

I wouldn't trade the decisions I have made for anything. The accelerated program is a hard road, but you sure find out what you are made of :)

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Hey Guys -

I'm currently 25 years old and graduated from Penn State in 2007 with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Business. I'm currently planning to apply to a 2nd degree accelerated BSN program. For people who either know about their hospital's hiring policy, or have had experience with getting hired with a second degree BSN:

Are you more likely to get hired because you have two degrees?

It would seem obvious that if I was applying to some sort of psych hospital I would have an advantage, but I was just wondering if anyone's had experience with this.

Thanks so much for any help!

Some hospitals in my area look kindly upon graduates from my accelerated program. The school has a reputation for putting out new graduates in general as well. I think this is more about school reputation than having 2 degrees tho.

[Chanegan]

for those of you who succesfully transitioned career paths, do you have any tips on how to turn your old degree into an asset when applying for jobs?

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I have two degrees. No one has ever cared that I know of. The main thing they want..EXPERIENCE. Once you have a few years under your belt (and you performed well) you are gold.

Get the BSN and get a nursing job..then just work and get experience. I never even mention my first bachelors. BSN is what they care about then my 10 years experience. Also any certifications etc.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

We recently interviewed a nurse for a position that requires a lot of diligence and attention to detail. She has a previous Bachelors in a subject that would lead me to believe that she is a) super-smart, because I took one class in this subject and felt like a moron; and b) very very detail-oriented, because you have to be for that major. And she was selected for the job, partly based on my recommendation. So you just never know what in your past will help you in your future. :)