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!
Sorry to hear you had such a rough first interview. YES ADNs and BSNs take the SAME NCLEX. Diploma/Associate's Degree RNs undergo an intense, rigorous "meat and potatoes" type of preparation for the nursing world. We DO need to understand why we do what we do (not simply obey) and that is why we are most assuredly NOT simply "techs". I will tell you what my first semester nursing instructor told us as we were beginning our journey--- 'I reccommend that you continue on with your educations after completing this program. I have a Master's Degree and the ADN was the most difficult part of my education.'
It's disheartening, I know. I mean I KNOW because I am in the same boat as you are, working in a LTC when every one of my nursing clinicals was in an acute care setting,
But think of this as the worst is behind you, your degree and accomplishment IS meaningful, and now it's time to continue on with that BSN if only because that's the direction things are going now.
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))
I'm a BSN graduate... it took me 8 months to find a job even WITH a BSN.
I'm a BSN graduate... it took me 8 months to find a job even WITH a BSN.
That's what I've heard also. For a new graduate it doesnt matter what kind of degree you have, its going to be real tough getting a job. No one wants us newbies! They all want you to get experience before you can get experience.
sorry its like this now days. I know lots of places like to "brag" that they have bsn/msn prepared nurses in order to make the public think they are getting " the best care evarrrrr" note sarcasm. Doesnt matter if an ADN with 15 years experience will possibly run the pants off a BSN who is 22 years old . Thank Hcahps for that.
Don't forget you practically have to have a 4 years degree to work at McDonalds now
That's what I've heard also. For a new graduate it doesnt matter what kind of degree you have, its going to be real tough getting a job. No one wants us newbies! They all want you to get experience before you can get experience.
That's not true where I am. If I didnt know better, I'd swear they purposely hire less experience and much younger , so they can save money.
I wish that the programs were more like diploma programs in preparing students to take on a patient load without all the orientation that goes on now. It seems like there isn't a good mix between theory and clinical practice. I graduated from an ADN program and while I am not the best, the BSN students seem more "newbie" than I do. However, I also know how hard it is to get a job as a new grad with any degree. Many of my classmates are experiencing this.
It may have been easier getting a job if you had stayed where the diploma program was. Since these are now rare and apparently not available in Florida you will have to fight the stereotype and emphasize on your resume and in an interview the extensive clinical hours you've had, any specific internships such as ICU, ortho, etc. Just do your best to sell yourself and if you are willing to get a BSN let them know that is your ultimate plan once you have a job with money and tuition benefits.
It is a matter of supply and demand and since there is now an oversupply of new grads many places can afford to be choosy and demand a BSN or hire under the condition of getting a BSN by a certain deadline. Magnet status is also propelling this change to prefer BSN. You will simply have to advocate for yourself and hopefully you will find a manager willing to take a chance on you and give you a job. Be persistent, confident, emphasize the extra clinical education you got with a diploma program and don't give up!
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?
I think you're slightly confused about one issue: It's not about whether an individual is qualified for a given position... it's about who they consider to be the *most* qualified.
The error of the hiring manager isn't that she doesn't consider diploma nurses as sufficiently qualified, it's that she didn't *specify* that in the job posting and to the HR person doing the candidate screening.
Recognize that the drive among some hospitals to hire only baccalaureate nurses applies even to experienced nurses.
My facility will not hire diploma/adn nurses even if they have years of specialized experience and certifications. Even worse, we've had some travelers that we simply love -- who are sharp, hardworking, and well-integrated into the department -- and even they are not eligible for hire *unless* there are no suitable bacc/post-bacc candidates (which there always are...)
The reality is that you're experiencing the consequences of a huge oversupply of nurses, especially new grads. There are simply far too many people out there competing for too few jobs.
It may have been easier getting a job if you had stayed where the diploma program was.!
Another challenge in all of FLorida, but ESPECIALLY in Miami, is that employers not only want to pay LPN wages to BSN grads, but many positions practically require fluency in Spanish. I passed over many case management and clinical education positions due to my lack of Spanish skills....
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
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.
So, nurses who graduated from diploma/ASN programs are poor quality nurses? (You said as much in the bolded text.)
Nola009
940 Posts
Sorry to hear you had such a rough first interview. YES ADNs and BSNs take the SAME NCLEX. Diploma/Associate's Degree RNs undergo an intense, rigorous "meat and potatoes" type of preparation for the nursing world. We DO need to understand why we do what we do (not simply obey) and that is why we are most assuredly NOT simply "techs". I will tell you what my first semester nursing instructor told us as we were beginning our journey--- 'I reccommend that you continue on with your educations after completing this program. I have a Master's Degree and the ADN was the most difficult part of my education.'
It's disheartening, I know. I mean I KNOW because I am in the same boat as you are, working in a LTC when every one of my nursing clinicals was in an acute care setting,
But think of this as the worst is behind you, your degree and accomplishment IS meaningful, and now it's time to continue on with that BSN if only because that's the direction things are going now.
Chin up and I wish you good luck!