Diploma nurses are worthless?!

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I didn't expect to be insulted and frowned upon during my very FIRST interview, but that is exactly what happened. This was an interview for a new-grad position and one I was well prepared for and more than qualified to take on. But I wasn't prepared for THIS. At first they weren't even expecting me to be there because HR forgot to tell them, that should have been the first warning flag.

Initially I'm being asked all the normal questions and given "what would you do?" scenarios. The woman tells me I did well and answered what they're looking for. Well of course I did! I passed the NCLEX first try and I'm appropriately trained, right? WRONG. When the topic of my education came up and she learned that I was a diploma graduate, the interview took a 360. She informed me that diploma nurses were only "techs" in the nursing world and that I really should just go back to school for my BSN because she will pick the person with the BSN over the diploma nurse only based on that fact. She stated that diploma nurses are trained to take on the basic nursing duties however BSN know how to distinguish good research vs. garbage and apply it to their work environment. Well hey! That may very well be true and that's fine and dandy but we are talking about a new grad entry-level-get-eaten-alive position and it doesn't matter if you have a diploma, ADN, or BSN. ALL are qualified for this entry-level position. You pass the boards, you're capable. I am MORE than happy to go back to school and get my BSN, BUT I need a job first because surprise surprise, college isn't free! Who knew?! I could see getting a reaction like this if I had applied for a nurse manager or nursing supervisor position. But new grad? Infuriating! I gave up my WHOLE life. And I'm not just talking about time for fun and games and relaxation. I'm talking about my family, when the father of my child left me for another woman stating that I was "too dedicated to my education". I'm talking about single parenthood and still managing to finish my last year with an A. I'm talking about lost friendships and time with my daughter that I will NEVER get back. And for what exactly? To be told that my school is worthless? My education is worthless? I'M worthless? Unbelievable! The quality of a diploma education is one of a kind. You do spend time in the classroom but LIVE in the hospital practicing all of the necessary skills and graduate feeling prepared and ready!

Other thoughts?

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It seems like you're reading a little more into this than what was said. The fact is that most hospitals do favor BSN nurses. Appreciate the honest feedback- even if you don't agree with it. She could have not said anything and simply told you someone else had been hired for the job.

Good luck with your next interview. Hopefully it will be a more positive experience for you. :wacky:

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I'm not really sure. The statement that diploma nurses are just techs in an untrue statement. They have the same training and preparation as new graduate ADN/BSN. Hopefully the next interviewer will have more knowledge about what a diploma program really is. I appreciate honesty, but I also appreciate a fair interview and a fair chance at getting a job. :blink:

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Yeah she shouldn't have degraded your education and refer to you as a tech. Hope something better comes along for you.

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Did your school provide you any career counseling before graduation as to what facilities in your area hire graduates from your school? The nurse manager is certainly within her rights to hire the person she feels most qualified for the position. Even if there is no difference in job requirements initially, the manager may have plans to develop the position into something more suited for a BSN graduate and doesn't want the hassle of having to hire and retrain somebody since that can get expensive and time consuming.

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I moved out of state after graduation. You're right, it is in her right to hire whoever she wants. And it's in my rights to have a fair interview. I'm not sure how she would think I would need retraining, I wouldn't. I received all the training I need my program and if she had truly interviewed me instead of dismissing my education, she may have had a pleasant surprise. The job description says nothing about eventually turning into something that will require a higher level of education. It's just a special program designed to help new graduates get to "safe". That is appropriate for any new grad as long as they have passed the NCLEX.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I am so sorry this happened to you. The hiring manager should have been more respectful. If you stayed close to your school you wuld have had a greater success at getting a position. Did your school not tell you about the current trend in nursing? MANY MANY facilities are only hiring BSN grads and leaving the ADN's in the dirt as well.

There has been a call for BSN entry only for many years. The is NO nursing shortage. The preference is going to BSN grads only in many areas of the country. You need to look at an online nursing program.

((HUGS))

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I meant retrain as in having to replace anyone with a lesser degree and train someone else - essentially training 2 people for the job. If you moved away from your school then I wonder if the manager misunderstood that you are a new grad Diploma RN and assumed you were an LPN. I wasn't even aware there were still diploma schools around anymore. She may have assumed you were an LPN, but she should have let you explain instead of assuming.

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"To be told that my school is worthless? My education is worthless? I'M worthless? Unbelievable!"

I would erase the above internal dialogue ASAP..your first interview stunk - Now you'll have a tougher skin for the next one!;) now brush yourself off and get back out there. The right fit will come. Congrats on making it through nursing school and passing NCLEX first try!

Stay positive-

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I meant retrain as in having to replace anyone with a lesser degree and train someone else - essentially training 2 people for the job. If you moved away from your school then I wonder if the manager misunderstood that you are a new grad Diploma RN and assumed you were an LPN. I wasn't even aware there were still diploma schools around anymore. She may have assumed you were an LPN, but she should have let you explain instead of assuming.
They are scattered about The is one that I know is great in Northern Indiana and the grads are well respected but I don't know how it would fair for them if they moved.

There are a couple in in the area I live now. They are far and few between but they remain an entry level program.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I have no words - just can't imagine a hiring manager speaking that way to any applicant. OP dodged a bullet - who would want to work for that "person"????

I know it's really hard when you in the middle of the process, but please try not to take interview comments personally. After all, the interviewer doesn't even know you - so the comments are just opinions based upon superficial impressions, which in this case are erroneous.

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I agree with the others to not take it personally. It sounds like HR screwed up in not telling the manager about the interview or what your qualifications for the job are. She was probably mad at HR about the lack of notice and when she heard "diploma" either assumed you weren't a new grad or were an LPN and didn't qualify for the job, or she really wanted a BSN and HR didn't post the job notice appropriately. Any way you play it, it was a mix up between HR and the manager and not your fault.

If you're in an area that isn't familiar with Diploma RNs then you may want to make sure that the "RN" is emphasized in both your resume and in the interview to avoid future confusion.

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