Do I list non-nursing BA and MA on apps?

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Hi all...I've been given conflicting advice on this topic, and I'm about to finish my RN program so I'd like to know a consensus, especially from those who have been involved with hiring...

I have a BA in literature/english and I have an MA in visual communication. Worked 10 years doing design and faculty training at a university. Have always been interested in psych/mental health (master's thesis was on cognition and perception and how that relates to design), started volunteering at a state psych hospital, loved it, and so I left the design/communications/PR world and am finishing nursing school.

My question is: do I list my BA or MA on applications for RN jobs? I intend to apply mostly for psychiatric/mental health nursing jobs, and in some sense I feel like the communications angle of that is useful...but I've been told by some people that it probably would be best to leave them off unless I'm applying for something administrative (I'm definitely not!). Advice??

Thanks a bunch.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

I would list them both. Use reasons listed above in cover letter why you are pursuing psych nursing position --perfect candidate for the role. You might also consider working in rehab hospital as these skills transition well to carying for patients with catastrophic rehab needs, especially tramautic brain injury patients,

Best wishes in this tight job market.

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Absolutely, list them both and the work experience.

You might also want to think about the transferable skills you gained from your earlier degrees and work experience. Those can be highlighted in your cover letter.

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Thank you both very much for your replies! I'm hoping that they will want a cover letter -- sometimes these online applications are just fill-ins of experience, etc. I appreciate your help for sure! :)

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