For those a BSN or MSN acquired online, did you face discrimination when job hunting

nurse15dc · Dec 25, 2010

Discrimination is being used way lightly in this thread. It reminds me of the threads where grads with low GPAs felt "discriminated" against because employers wanted a higher GPA and where new grads felt "discriminated" against because everyone wants experience now.
In the hiring process, the employer wants to get the best candidate for them based on their criteria. Selection is not the same as illegal discrimination. If some employers don't value an online degree as much as a brick and mortar degree, that's something to consider when choosing a school, especially in a tight economy where employers have a sea of applicants to select from.

Right. It's not "admitting hiring discrimination" if a hiring manager values a University degree over an online degree!

The OP asked the question in hopes of getting honest responses. I can honestly say that many nurses I know still look at online degrees as lesser and easier than a degree obtained at a brick and mortar University or College- (not community college but colleges that offer 4 yr BSN and ADN programs.)

Erikadawn RN · Dec 25, 2010

Doesn't Penn State have a online RN to BSN? Just because it's online does not make it easier. Actually you do more work, papers, power points, group discussions. Drexel University offers online nursing programs, and they are one the most prestigious schools in Philly.

MassED, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2010

how would they know if it was online or traditional? You only tell them your degree and the institution... can't see how it's relevant. If it's accredited, that's the only thing that matters.

MassED, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2010

I agree that the very best school that will take you that you can manage to attend is always the best bet. It is very tempting to look for "easy" or "quick" ways to do things, but depending on your circumstances you would be surprised at what you can do when you try. As they told me at Penn State- "Nothing worth having is ever easy". So much depends on individual circumstances and access to schools. In my area there are numerous schools, in fact we are saturated with schools, so choosing was not very easy. Some people are not so lucky, though the value of a degree is much less in an area such as mine where colleges are everywhere. I think an online degree would not be very meaningful here, but I suppose it depends on the major and how many people with that degree are in the employment pool.

I suppose if you went through an online program - mine had clinical time requirement also - then you would understand it is inline with the in class program - it largely depends on how you learn and if you can interact with instructors and classmates in a blackboard type format. Some can, some can't. I felt that my online program, students were were held to a higher standard. It can be difficult to convey ideas at times, so you have to make a much more concerted effort than you would in traditional class. Online education requires a great deal of focus and determination. You don't have another classmate right there next to you to clarify questions. I felt it was the best educational format I have ever experienced. It also eliminates those people that derail your education and interject needless opinions or diversions. Those that shoot down quality, accredited online education are shooting down technological advances as well.

MassED, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2010

Right. It's not "admitting hiring discrimination" if a hiring manager values a University degree over an online degree!
The OP asked the question in hopes of getting honest responses. I can honestly say that many nurses I know still look at online degrees as lesser and easier than a degree obtained at a brick and mortar University or College- (not community college but colleges that offer 4 yr BSN and ADN programs.)

because they don't know any better. Ignorance is bliss.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2010

how would they know if it was online or traditional? You only tell them your degree and the institution... can't see how it's relevant. If it's accredited, that's the only thing that matters.

If your degree is from a place like Kaplan or University of Phoenix you don't have to tell anyone it's an online degree.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2010

If you got your BSN or MSN from a school that's mostly known for online teaching, like Western Governor's University for example, did the fact that your school was online come up or looked at in a negative light?
Any other input? Anybody here in a position to hire people, what do you think about online BSN or MSN degrees?

Online MSN-didn't have any troubles finding my new position where "MSN required" was advertised in the job description.

Guest717236 · Dec 25, 2010

I agree that if you must get the degree online got to a school that also has a brick and mortar school. I do believe there is discrimination against people with online nursing degrees. IMO The shake and bake online nursing programs don't compare to going to classes at a University or good College. I always look at the school when hiring.

This is an issue for retaining experienced nurses in nursing. With the demand

of rotating shifts, family considerations, overtime, and overtime due to being

retained for the next shift due to sick calls, how does one attend

brick and mortar classes?

The accredited online programs offer a wonderful vehicle for a nurse

to advance her education while meeting her professional and personal

demands....the technology has enabled many nurses to attain

their education goals.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2010

This is an issue for retaining experienced nurses in nursing. With the demand
of rotating shifts, family considerations, overtime, and overtime due to being
retained for the next shift due to sick calls, how does one attend
brick and mortar classes?
The accredited online programs offer a wonderful vehicle for a nurse
to advance her education while meeting her professional and personal
demands....the technology has enabled many nurses to attain
their education goals.

Exactly, I work full time, have a family, the list goes on.

Online graduate coursework was the only way to achieve my MSN.

dishes, BSN, RN · Dec 26, 2010

If your degree is from a place like Kaplan or University of Phoenix you don't have to tell anyone it's an online degree.

Both Kaplan and Phoenix University have had multiple class action lawsuits filed against and this should raise red flags for employers as well as potential students.

red2003xlt, LPN · Dec 26, 2010

Depends on the school; in the IT world I've seen job advertisements tell UOP graduate they need not apply.

IMO; It important to differentiate between a pure online university vs. a brick-and-mortar university's online school.

Good luck whatever method you choose.

indigonurse · Dec 26, 2010

Quite truthfully I am more impressed with nurses who have degrees from well known Universities that they actually attended. I would imagine that if all things given are equal and someone has a degree from attending Harvard vs. the University of Phoenix I would be willing to bet that Harvard would look more impressive. Then there are those who don't know one University from another. In my personal experience I hired an applicant with an MSN from the University of Phoenix, I was like wow an MSN she must know her stuff. Gave her a week to figure out how to do an MDS and write a care plan on one patient. Guess what, she couldn't do it. Then the MDS's got way behind. Guess what a young new grad LVN asked if she could help out and I'll be darned if this person didn't fill out the most accurate MDS I had ever seen along with the most individualized care plan addressing all of the residents problems. Go figure. Personally I am a hybrid degree nurse. My first degree from a well known brick and mortar. Another from online. I feel I learned more theory from online, and more clinical from the brick and mortar. I just loved my online wound care CEU course that I just completed.