Anyone have trouble finding a job after Excelsior

[Amber07]

I just passed the NCLEX last week and started applying for jobs. I had my first interview today and have two more scheduled for tomorrow and Monday. However, the lady was not at all nice or encouraging and I think once she found out I graduated from Excelsior she no longer seemed interested.

Here's my story for background. I actually was grandfathered into Excelsior's program as an EMT-B and CNA way back before they changed the requirements. I took my time and tinkered away at general requirements until about a year and a half ago when I really pushed myself and got through all the NC and CPNE last December. This is my dream and the only way I could achieve it. Being the sole insurance carrier for my family I had to remain working full time through school. I am so glad this oppurtunity was availabe. However the only clinical experience I have is working as a CNA a few years back before having to change jobs for insurance reasons.

While going through Excelsior I called all the local hospitals to see if they would work with me on clinicals and not one of them would. So I was unable to find a way to get clinical experience which is now a problem.

The interviewer today expressed concerns that I didn't have clinical experience but at the end of the conversation told me that I have such a positive attitude that I will end up being successful. However, she also answered a phone call from her manager during the interview and spent 5-10 minutes talking with her. Can you say ackward?? The interview tomorrow is the position and hospital that I really want to work up but am now feeling discouraged.

Has anyone experienced this sort of prejudice or have any advice? I have worked my tail feathers off to get my RN license.

[Melinurse]

i'd point out that with ec you must be creative , independent , and resourceful. tell them you are a fast learner and are willing to prove it. i work at a test site and still had to plead my case to a certain extent.( we had a new manager who did not know me or my job preformance ) but with that i got a "taste" of how we are discriminated based on where we went to school instead of job performance. try to re-word your explaination to show your best assests, your self-motivation ( that comes from how ec students have to study ), your creativity ( from having no "real" teachers standing in front of you,gotta find answers to questions somewhere), your independence ( who helped you think up all the resources you had to find to complete ec?). you made it through the cpne and nclex and that is totally awesome. this is just your next challenge. you'll make it through this one too.:anpom:

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Amber, you've achieved something difficult and worthwhile.

As Lunah suggested, try the ED.

And I don;t know where you are, but I'm in a rural area and people who graduate from distance learning programs are very respected, because it takes a level of self-discipline and dedication that most people simply don't have.

Congratulations.

[toicole]

I live in VA and spoke with Human Resources in a hospital about hiring an EC graduate and she said they have a lot of EC graduates working there and have no problem hiring them. So I would not let this discourage you, continue to go on interviews m/b get some Med Surg under your belt, just for Nursing experience. You have done a great accomplishment don't let close minded people rain on your parade. You will find what you are looking for.

[exnavygirl-RN]

The interviewer was rude and ignorant. That is not the place for you!! There are places hurting for nurses and probably won't even ask you where you graduated. All that should matter is that you have RN behind your name!!! You worked your butt off to get it and there is a wonderful job waiting for you!

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

i don't understand why employers cannot see the bigger picture here with ec graduates. not only are they motivated and dedicated but they usually have the excellent clinical skills to push them above and beyond...

[exnavygirl-RN]

Maybe if they took the time to do a little research they would find that EC has one of the highest NCLEX pass rates.

[ID-SRNA]

Just a personal observation, it seems that EC grads are more common in certain areas of the country than others. For instance, when I finished EC I moved into the ED where there were several EC grads and the nurse manager had no hesitation in hiring me. Later, I moved back to the southeast US and found myself in a unique situation. Many there had never heard of EC and didnt really know how to respond when I tried to explain what it meant to accomplish the program and that it wasnt some "mail order outfit". Ultimately, the fact that I had previous nursing experience weighed heavier than my clinical education and I got a job in a very high acuity ICU. The moral of the story is those bumps that you might experience trying to get your foot in the door won't follow you long term. Once you develop a work history and prove yourself a competent RN then any hesitation they might have regarding this unique program will be quickly erased. Good luck. You will find a job that is a perfect fit.

[Melinurse]

Intresting observation and great advise!

[Amber07]

Thanks for all your tips and advice. It really is nice to be able to hear from other people in the same type of situation. The second interview I had on Thursday was much better. I actually interviewed with three people and they were familiar with Excelsior. They also seemed to understand how much dedication and determination it takes to get through the program. So we will see how it goes. I have a third interview today at another hospital. Hopefully I'll get an offer soon. I figure worst case scenario I can possibly start at a LTC facility since I have more background in that area as a CNA and then try a hospital down the line.

[NC Girl BSN]

Thanks for all your tips and advice. It really is nice to be able to hear from other people in the same type of situation. The second interview I had on Thursday was much better. I actually interviewed with three people and they were familiar with Excelsior. They also seemed to understand how much dedication and determination it takes to get through the program. So we will see how it goes. I have a third interview today at another hospital. Hopefully I'll get an offer soon. I figure worst case scenario I can possibly start at a LTC facility since I have more background in that area as a CNA and then try a hospital down the line.

Thats great Amber! I hope you get a hospital job that you can enjoy. Now once you get through the door you show them what your made of because you have already proven that to Excelsior. Please post again when you get the job and give us all the details. And let us know if you encounter difficult nurses that want to give you a hard time and we will tell you how to handle them. Go Get em Girl!!!!!:heartbeat

[BetterMeRN]

I've already encountered a few nurses who think an EC degree is an easy way out of going to a "real" school. I'm sure if they could have worked full-time and have time with their families they'd be singing a different tune.

Personally I can't wait to finish and get my EC degree, I know I'm going to be proud of myself. I can't wait to prove some of these "real" school goers wrong.

Don't worry, you'll get work, more and more people are going to start recognizing EC for the "real" school IT IS.

[Amber07]

Well third interview was ok although the nurse manager didn't really ask me more then two questions so I don't think she was really interested. However, she wasn't rude and gave me her business card to call with any additional questions and then showed me around the unit. Which is what happened with the second interview although the three ladies I interviewed with for that position asked me several questions and we talked a bit more.

However, now on top of having trouble with people accepting Excelsior I have a new problem. The HR department from the second interview called asking for a clinical instructor reference. I tried to explain Excelsior to her but she told me that they have to have one. I don't know who I could use. It has been quite a while since I worked in the medical field as a CNA or anything else since insurance needs took me elsewhere. Any suggestions?

I don't get it. I am officially a registered nurse and have proven myself to be motivated, dependent, sufficient, and goal-oriented. I wanted to be a nurse and found a way to meet that goal. I am willing to learn and spend more time and effort into obtaining clinical skills but nobody seems willing to give me a chance.