BSN does NOT open the door for better opportunies

ED Nurse, RN · Dec 21, 2015

I don't think having a college degree, especially a BSN, are a waste of time. Unfortunately it you cannot obtain employment you may want to look closer at your resume, experience, and references.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 21, 2015

Having a degree of any kind is never a "guarantee" of a specific job -- and if you thought it was, you weren't being very realistic. A person still has to have the kind of experience and personality that the employer is looking for. Having the "right" formal education only makes you eligible: it doesn't guarantee you the position. Without the degree, you wouldn't be eligible to be even be considered. With the degree, you will at least be considered ... but you still have to earn the job by beating out the competition. What do they have that you don't have? Find out.

Now that you have the right academic degree for some positions that you are attracted to ... dig deeper and find out what type of past experience the employers are looking for. Also find out what they are looking for in terms of scheduling flexibility, personality, etc. Make sure that your resume shows that you have those things. (If you don't have them, get them before you apply again.) And then make sure that your application materials and you, personally, look attractive to the employer.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2015

I am sorry you feel this way.

Fortunately, my experience has been more positive. I earned my BSN degree earlier this year and was recently hired into a flexible work-from-home job at a large insurance company.

Ladybug993 · Dec 21, 2015

I am torn between going back to work for a insurance company or school nursing once I obtain my BSN.,, I enjoy the summers off

2bTraumaRN2008 · Dec 21, 2015

Good for you The Commuter. I have applied to some insurance companies and have never heard back from any of them. I live way out in the country, closest hospitals are 1 hour plus away. Yes, I am working at one of them now, but I ultimately want to work from home to save time, gas, wear and tear on the vehicles, etc....

And for me to get experience in "other" areas of nursing would require me to travel to those hospitals 5 days a week...NO GO...that's 500 miles plus a week traveling...That's not going to work out at all.

ED Nurse, RN · Dec 21, 2015

Unfortunately you have to do things you don't what to do to get where you wish- maybe rent an apartment in town to get the experience you need. Like pp said, with just a degree and not the necessary experience, companies more than likely won't hire you.

caliotter3 · Dec 21, 2015

Instead of the BSN not providing you with opportunity to advance OP, I believe your career problem is your place of residence. You will always be held back as long as you choose to live there.

Ladybug993 · Dec 21, 2015

Just keep applying.. Another door will open

2bTraumaRN2008 · Dec 21, 2015

Thanks Ladybug, I will.

2bTraumaRN2008 · Dec 21, 2015

Well, I live on a farm on 15 acres, so I can't just pick up and go, nor can I leave for days. We have many animals to be tended too, horses included.

RegularNurse · Dec 22, 2015

Work from home jobs are very desirable in a field that overwhelmingly consists of working mothers. I agree with the above posters, re-evaluate your experience etc.; perhaps get specialty certified.