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!
It's a long story as to why I moved. But when I became a single mom during my nursing education, I lost a whole support system. Most of my family lives in FL and were willing to take me and my daughter in while I got on my feet. No one was quite expecting that it would be this challenging, but they are still here and willing to help and that has been a blessing.
I never said that diploma RNs are "lesser" nurse, it's a lesser degree. As in a lesser degree than a BSN. The are both equal as an RN as per scope of practice.
There was a time where the majority of nurses came from diploma programs and were perfectly fit for the job, never required to advance their education. .
Things have changed in nursing and health care at the speed of light in the last few decades, and focusing on what used to be is not going to help any of us face the future.
The woman who interviewed you was rude, and I am glad you found a safe place to vent. I strongly recommend that you NOT take your frustation out during the next interview...it will only be shooting yourself in the foot. Also, Miami is a rough and tough BIG city, and the civility you are used to may not be as abundent as you are used to.
You have also gotten some great advice on "tweaking" your resume to highlight the "RN" and your clinical experience.....
Your youth and energy is a big plus.....just remember to keep your cool, be bright and positive, and keep looking. The upside of Miami is that there are TONS of places to work.
As a Diploma RN with 40 years of experience, I would put the hands-on experience gained within my nursing education beside that of any BSN program. Your interview experience was an insult to the nursing profession as a whole! The last time I checked, Diploma grads, ASN grads and BSN grads all must pass boards and their license reflects the status of Registered Nurse. License does not state Registered Nurse BSN HURRAH! or Registered Nurse Diploma UGH!
I remember when diploma grads were popular; most diploma programs that I was familiar with were hospital based. Those nurses came out ready to work, and needed very little orientation. Their skills were exceptional. The nurses I work with today that are original BSN grads have few skills and require lengthy orientations. Some have never even started an IV on a real human. Some of the BSNs I work with never even had to take chemistry, of all things. The push for the "professional nurse" was in vogue way back when I was in school in the 80's. Yes, things change, but not necessarily for the better. I personally would rather have a nurse with nursing skills, than one who knew British literature, or could write a speech. The hospital based diploma grads performed real nursing skills every single day in the hospital.
I remember when diploma grads were popular; most diploma programs that I was familiar with were hospital based. Those nurses came out ready to work, and needed very little orientation. Their skills were exceptional. The nurses I work with today that are original BSN grads have few skills and require lengthy orientations. Some have never even started an IV on a real human. Some of the BSNs I work with never even had to take chemistry, of all things. The push for the "professional nurse" was in vogue way back when I was in school in the 80's. Yes, things change, but not necessarily for the better. I personally would rather have a nurse with nursing skills, than one who knew British literature, or could write a speech. The hospital based diploma grads performed real nursing skills every single day in the hospital.
I think you nailed it on the head when you said that "Yes, things change, but not necessarily for the better" Like I said before, it seems that everyone has jumped on this "degree collecting" band wagon but don't really look into who is getting the benefits from it. You go back to school like the hospital and its admin. push you to do, add an extra $30,000 to your debt (that went in the banks pocket) and then the hospital gives you maybe a 30 cent raise if youre lucky. Some hospitals are on a wage freeze and you don't get jack for enhancing your knowledge, except for a pile of student loans. Do they really appreciate your continuing education? Or is there an ulterior motive behind this?
Keep looking. I see quite a few travel job ads for FL hospitals so they must need nurses (though I have not taken note of the actual cities the needs are in.) You will eventually run into a manager that remembers and values the diploma prepared nurse.
This might sound stupid, but are there any hospitals nearby in FL that have diploma training programs?
I know it wouldn't be the hospital you went to school in, but one would assume that a hospital that still trains diploma nurses would be more receptive to hiring a nurse who graduated from a similar program.
Competition is getting tighter. Employers are more likely to hire graduates with a bachelor's degree. This would ensure them of the quality. What I don't like is, how the interviewer treated you. It sounded unprofessional. Well, I guess we all have to go through these. Just stand up and fight. Don't give up. Good luck.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
When I initially graduated, my fellow classmates were getting hired for many "acute" care positions. ER, ICU, NICU. Is was common to see only diploma educated nurses working in these places fresh out of school. But since moving and having this "bad luck", I've somewhat convinced myself that that is not going to happen and I should thank my lucky stars if I get anything. Not what I was first expecting.
I think it is becasue you moved away from your school and it's reputation and you are in a state that has an abundance of nurses....((HUGS))
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
This might sound stupid, but are there any hospitals nearby in FL that have diploma training programs?
I know it wouldn't be the hospital you went to school in, but one would assume that a hospital that still trains diploma nurses would be more receptive to hiring a nurse who graduated from a similar program.
stephdRN
66 Posts
It's a long story as to why I moved. But when I became a single mom during my nursing education, I lost a whole support system. Most of my family lives in FL and were willing to take me and my daughter in while I got on my feet. No one was quite expecting that it would be this challenging, but they are still here and willing to help and that has been a blessing.