BSN does NOT open the door for better opportunies

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 22, 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.

Your location of residence is your predominant career-limiter, not the BSN degree. Country living is idyllic and amazing, but has its downsides. This is one of them...

I live in a large metro area that is filled with major insurance companies. Most of these insurance companies have been hiring RNs like mad to fill work-from-home positions of various types. If I lived on a farm far away from a city center, it would be unreasonable to complain about the lack of opportunities afforded by the BSN degree.

Mavrick, BSN, RN · Dec 22, 2015

I received my BSN 1 year ago, I have applied for several positions that require a BSN, mostly work from home jobs, and I am not qualified for any of them....supposedly! I've been a nurse for 8 years and honestly, I feel getting my BSN was a complete was of time. It has not opened the door for one single opportunity what so ever!!!
Needless to say, I am completely frustrated with this whole job/degree thing.

What made you think a BSN would open the door to better opportunities?

OH, all those reports of HOSPITALS wanting Magnet status or the IOM recommendation for more BSN prepared nursed in HOSPITALS. Have you been applying to work at a HOSPITAL?

Your BSN did enable you to apply for BSN-only positions, thus opening the door. Your lack of qualifications made you unable to walk through.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Dec 22, 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

The schedule is awesome, I would agree, but it depends on where in the country you are located. Some towns and cities very much undervalue the role the role of a school nurse and accordingly pay them crapola. Not everywhere, but read some of the school nursing threads in here.

But summers off should not be the only reason you look to school nursing. It is is highly complex role with many medically fragile kids. You live in 2 worlds, the education and the medical world. It can be a challenge to balance them.

Best of luck to you! FWIT I think I any level of education is important and you will be better for it.

FurBabyMom, MSN, RN · Dec 23, 2015

Disclaimer - I was a BSN nurse as a new grad. I took that route for selfish reasons (stay on my parents insurance pre-Obamacare).

I feel like having a BSN has been helpful to me. I don't have that "condition" or carrot/stick issue already having it. My employer just mandated that in the next "X" number of years all nurses will have a BSN (unless you were hired in your current job before a specific date and do not desire to change departments). Looking at grad school, having a bachelor's degree simplifies things. I don't have to do a bridge program and THEN start on grad school.

I don't know - I have no suggestions except to review/refine your resume/cover letter and pick quality references. You have to make your resume work for you, and make it make you look awesome!

ClaraRedheart, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2015

I don't know... I wouldn't have my job (Med-Surg RN in hospital that's trying to go magnet) If I did not have my BSN. We let a lot of really GREAT techs go when they became nurses because they were RN's. I was kind of upset over that one. A different hospital got to keep them. Our loss

happy_life · Dec 23, 2015

Sorry you haven't had any luck. I know how frustrating it can feel. Just keep trying!

I just wanted to add that I am extremely proud of my BSN. Like you, I've been a nurse for 8 years and just spent the last 3 completing my bachelor of science in nursing. Like you, I did it to improve my career opportunities. However, if I set all career aspects of the degree aside, I do take pride in being the only person in my family with a bachelor degree and can appreciate it for what it is. I was so proud to see the letters BSN after my name. Try to keep that in mind and be proud of your accomplishment!

Dont give up and I wish you the best of luck in finding the right career opportunity for you!

RNTadaaaa · Dec 23, 2015

Very supportive comment happy life! We need more of that.

Ladybug993 · Dec 23, 2015

The schedule is awesome, I would agree, but it depends on where in the country you are located. Some towns and cities very much undervalue the role the role of a school nurse and accordingly pay them crapola. Not everywhere, but read some of the school nursing threads in here.
But summers off should not be the only reason you look to school nursing. It is is highly complex role with many medically fragile kids. You live in 2 worlds, the education and the medical world. It can be a challenge to balance them.
Best of luck to you! FWIT I think I any level of education is important and you will be better for it.

I already work as a school nurse itinerary staff... As a LVN.. I totally love it... My district is title one so to give back is unbelievable a blessing... So summer off is huge but is not the only reason I work for this district ..

happy_life · Dec 24, 2015

Very supportive comment happy life! We need more of that.

Thanks! Gotta stay positive

kittypants247 · Dec 26, 2015

I think what nurses really need to do is have a specialty. I got my BSN a year ago then went and got certified in wound care with the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Society. Unfortunately, I still don't have a job for only a BSN with wound certification.... However, I haven't applied for much I have been picky and I have been avoiding the reality that I will probably have to drive to or live in the city to get the job I really want. I think having a speciality that a nurse can certify in really ups the chances of getting a better job. I have also decided to continue on with school and get my family nurse practitioner. That may also be an option for you.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 26, 2015

I think what nurses really need to do is have a specialty. I got my BSN a year ago then went and got certified in wound care with the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Society. Unfortunately, I still don't have a job for only a BSN with wound certification.... However, I haven't applied for much I have been picky and I have been avoiding the reality that I will probably have to drive to or live in the city to get the job I really want. I think having a speciality that a nurse can certify in really ups the chances of getting a better job. I have also decided to continue on with school and get my family nurse practitioner. That may also be an option for you.

Are you talking about in school? That would defeat one of the reasons many are drawn to nursing- flexibility. If someone goes to school to be a pediatric nurse, then that nurse could only work in pediatrics. What happens when people choose that line of nursing only to find it's not a fit for them? They'd have to go back to school for a whole new specialty. Specialization should happen after nursing school, when working. The reason you don't have the job you want is because you've been picky. Right now, it's an employer's market where there are many applying for one position and they can be picky. Nursing is now in the same boat as many other professionals.

kittypants247 · Dec 26, 2015

I see what your saying but nurses can also change specialities... When I took my wound care certification I met a nurse that was ceritifed as a med/surg nurse but she was there getting another certification in wound care. I think that's what is good about nursing also that there is flexibility and if a nurse wants to make a change there are other areas we can choose to work in. Point is it may take a awhile to find the right job after getting a BSN but some employers won't even consider someone who doesn't have a BSN. For example; you cannot even be ceritifed as a CWCN with the Wound, Ostomy and Contience Society until you have obtained a BSN.