Best way to explain why I did AAS instead of bridge to BSN?

Published

Hi,

I have a B.A. in Psychology (with Honors) from 1997, and when I decided to enter nursing a couple of years ago, I researched 2 year programs for AAS, and entered into an accelerated program, b/c I needed to get into the workforce asap (just got divorced, have 3 kids). I had been a stay-at-home mom for about 10 years when I started nursing school, and I tested out of 4 classes, which cut 4 months off of my time.

I was totally unaware of the 1 year bridge programs for people who already had a Bachelor's, until I was well into my AAS program, so I finished the program I was in (I have 3 weeks left). However, now I'm trying to figure out the best way to address this in an interview, as I'm about to graduate and look for a job. I feel like an idiot saying "I was unaware of the 1 year bridge programs", but that's the truth! I have a 3.9 GPA, so it isn't like I'm a complete dummy. If I had it to do over again, of course I'd have bridged to a BSN. I still plan to, eventually, but right now I just need to WORK!

Any input/ideas on how to address this (inevitable) question?

Thanks!

Nothing is wrong with the path you took. ..... In the end, I'm still a RN.

The employers are interested in your RN license, not your education, unless the job description is explicit about requiring a BSN and you are trying to explain why they should hire you without a BSN. As long as you meet the requirement of possessing a clear RN license, you will have nothing to worry about.

+ Join the Discussion