Got my MSN but Can't Get a Job

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

Becoming frustrated as I have been a nurse for 20 years with both inpatient and ambulatory experience that ranges from front-line nursing to coordination/management/administrative roles.

I recently finished my Masters in Nursing Administration/Leadership and cannot find a job. I have applied for countless positions, one of which actually required an MSN. The feedback I keep getting is that these organizations do not want to pay to employ masters level nurses which explains the lack of opportunities so far.

I would never regret the decision to further my education, however, somewhat surprised by this experience. I wonder if I am being too impatient. I almost want to remove that MSN from my CV. and take an Admin/Leadership role with my BSN... Advice??

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Dear Frustrated,

Congrats on achieving your MSN!

Often landing a role in leadership is more than a function of an advanced degree.

It can be a function of who you know, and networking. They also look at progressive leadership roles/responsibilities, and relevant experience, which you seem to have.

It takes longer to find leadership roles than to find clinical bedside roles. Don't expect a leadership role immediately just because you earned your MSN. I precepted a nurse in her graduate program who believed she would land a job easily as soon as she graduated with her MSN, but it doesn't work that way. Be patient.

Are you currently working? Being unemployed is a weak spot to be in when you're looking for a job. You may want to take a clinical role and work your way up in the organization to buy you time.

You believe that your MSN is what's holding you back- is there anything else on your resume that could be problematic? Gaps in your employment history, short tenure?

Are you not getting interviews? The culprit could be your resume.

Are you getting interviews but no offers? The problem could be your interviewing skills.

If you interview and do not get the job, contact the hiring manager and ask for feedback on your interview to help you in the future. Not everyone will be willing, but some will, and there is no downside it asking.

Don't give up on your goal, and good luck!

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[KellieMSNRN]

Hello Nurse Beth,

Thank you for your feedback. I just wanted to share that after many months, I was offered and accepted a job that actually required my degree. Part of my frustration was there just are not many opportunities for MSN prepared nurses (in my area). Like many others, as a BSN, I was serving in a role that on paper, would have been more appropriate for an individual holding the MSN. My resume was not the issue nor was my experience and as one facility HR representative shared, "Your resume is impressive however, is being picked up and put immediately to the side because of those letters behind your name. They will not pay an MSN Nurse when a BSN nurse will do". With that being said, most of the jobs that I was applying for did not require a Masters and many listed that the selected individual would need to obtain their MSN within 5 years. I did apply and interview for 2 positions that actually required a Masters.

I was an active candidate for months, for both then received emails that both of those positions were pulled due to changes in Administration and realignment. All of this was very discouraging however, I continued to search and apply and remain patient and it finally did pay off.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth,

Thank you for your feedback. I just wanted to share that after many months, I was offered and accepted a job that actually required my degree. Part of my frustration was there just are not many opportunities for MSN prepared nurses (in my area). Like many others, as a BSN, I was serving in a role that on paper, would have been more appropriate for an individual holding the MSN. My resume was not the issue nor was my experience and as one facility HR representative shared, "Your resume is impressive however, is being picked up and put immediately to the side because of those letters behind your name. They will not pay an MSN Nurse when a BSN nurse will do". With that being said, most of the jobs that I was applying for did not require a Masters and many listed that the selected individual would need to obtain their MSN within 5 years. I did apply and interview for 2 positions that actually required a Masters.

I was an active candidate for months, for both then received emails that both of those positions were pulled due to changes in Administration and realignment. All of this was very discouraging however, I continued to search and apply and remain patient and it finally did pay off.

Congrats! Your persistence paid off. You are right, there are fewer opportunities for advanced practice nurses and many hedge by saying "MSN preferred" Hope you love your job.