ADN plus a previous 4 year degree

[MN2LA]

Is there any advantage having a previous 4 year degree when it comes to job searching as a new grad? My 4 year is Retail, merchandising and management with a concentration of interior decorating and minors in art and business. I am graduating with an associates this coming May. Is there anyone out there that felt having a 4 year degree in something else had an advantage over people with just an associates when applying for jobs? I'd love to hear your opinions!

[Guest343211]

Today, a number of places want the four-year degree to be a BSN, regardless of whatever else you have your degree in. You should be able to get through a BSN or bridge to MSN program pretty easily--if your gpa is good enough.

Really, it depends on the institution. Most people are finding they have to do the BSN regardless; but it should take them less time, depending.

And then some people can just sell whatever degree they have, and they can get the particular job. It really all depends. You also have to look at what the trends are in your area.

[lnsjes]

I have also heard that holding such a job as a CNA will ultimately be the contributing factor as to finding work as an ADN. I have a Bachelors in Healthcare Management so I do believe that will help me out in the future with my ADN, but as of right now my degree is worthless so I'm beyond ready to get my RN license. I plan on volunteering at places or calling to shadow people as well, if I can't find a CNA position right away. Good luck!

[RNperdiem, RN]

About half of the nursing students in my community college ADN program had college degrees in other fields. We just lacked skills that lead to employment. I don't think the BA degree helped except to cover some of the program prerequisites. Degrees are not as rare as they once were, so they count for less in the employment game.

[Guest343211]

Degrees are not as rare as they once were, so they count for less in the employment game.

True but the BSN has become this HUGE issue in nursing. Right, wrong, whatever, it is what it is. I just spoke with an ADN the other day that has previously earned a BA in another field from a very prestigious university. The total from all her loans is killing her. She cannot find a hospital job. These interactions are not rare anymore.

[Racer15, BSN, RN]

Not really. I have a BSA plus my ADN, the previous four year degree didn't help at all in my job searches.

[Music in My Heart]

I had hoped to hold off for a few years... I was hoping to get some experience before going back to school.

I currently work for a hospital in the twin cities (MN) but they want me to be enrolled in a BSN to be considered... but (I) don't want to attend school right away. I want to start a family and start paying off my tuition debts.

While I understand your hopes and wants, that may not be your best choice at present.

If your present employer will hire you as a nurse (or at least consider you) if you're enrolled in a BSN program, I think you'd be foolish not to take that route. I'm sure you see how hard it is to find new-grad jobs... and many places have the same policy as your employer, even for experienced nurses.

My own path to a decent nursing job required a great many sacrifices and compromises and I didn't get 'what I want' for about 3 years.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

BS in biology + ADN got me into Duke. Many of the teaching hospitals value education. Of any kind. A classmate of mine went straight from ADN to MSN @ Duke b/c she had previous BS and MPA. AND she got a job @ UNC-Chapel Hill for the same reason I got in to Duke. It is an advantage to have higher education of any kind, but obviously a BSN is desired. There are plenty of hospitals that will not look at a resume unless it has the BSN on it, but do a little digging

[blondesareeasy]

NOT true that it "means nothing." I'd rather have a well-rounded individual with some real-life experience than a plain old new grad nurse.

[echocat, ASN, RN]

BSN + experience is what hiring managers/HR people/computer programs search for.

I have been beyond qualified for many jobs I applied for but I lacked those three pesky letters after my name. Well, I'm getting them now, and then some more.

I have been a nurse for 10 years with an ADN and even though I have been downsized I have always managed to land on my feet. As my goal is as a Geriatric NP I am pursuing education as much as possible.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

I should add that I have known a number of RNs with ADNs and other bachelors degree who went to CRNA school without gettting a BSN. I personaly know people who have gone to CRNA school with ADN plus degrees in chemistry, dairy science, forestry, music, biology and morturary science. A bachelors degree is absolutly required for CRNA, however usally only the big universties whose CRNA programs are based in schools of nursing require a BSN.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Some of my better students had previous degrees/work experience in marketing, management, and biology. They were the only ones who could do the arithmetic needed to calculate medications and IVs.

While interior design may not seem applicable, someone like that might have great skill in creative looking-outside-the-box to help solve care situations. Transferrable skills is where it's at. If that's you, mention that. You will want a manager who gets it.

[knitnurse72]

I just graduated with my associate's and have a prior BA in music therapy. I have already accepted a job in long term care and start Monday and while I think my previous degree helped me a bit in landing a job, I think they were more impressed that I had supervisory experience from a previous job, as I will be in charge 3 shifts a week (yikes!). Definitely highlight on your résumé the skills you developed while using your other degree.