Honors question, hiring managers please read

[rachelshusband]

I am contemplating a decision upon being invited to my school's BSN honors program. I already have a part time job, family and of course 2 years of school left. So it would seem the last thing I need is more work to do. So my question is, directed to hiring managers/recruiters, if me and other candidates are even (and we would appear to be with GN status) does my candidacy stand out more having graduated with honors?

Thanks in advance for your time in answering this question.

[Jolie, BSN]

does my candidacy stand out more having graduated with honors?

Thanks in advance for your time in answering this question.

Not if adding more to you plate negatively impacts your academic performance or prevents you from being able to hold a part-time health-care related job while in school or participating in an externship program. As a hiring manager, these factors are more important to me than a university honors program. Those are nice to achieve, but very time and energy consuming, and not the only way to distinguish one-self.

In all honesty, if 2 candidates were so close, I'd probably interview them both and choose the one who presents him/herself better in person.

Good luck to you.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I don't believe that a "with honors" diploma would give you much of an edge. I'm not even sure that most managers even look closely at the school graduated from, let alone any honors received.

All managers have seen too many very bright nurses whose intelligence does not transfer well to the working environment, i.e., all book smarts and no common sense. I agree with the above poster who said that an interview would definitely be the deciding factor in any type of competetive situation.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I'd have to agree. Just bring along your transcripts. I wouldn't parade them around, but just have them with you. I have been asked for them several times. HR gets up and makes a copy.

[noregrets]

As a hiring manager I would look at it but it would not be a deciding factor. I look at where the clinicals were done and what kind of 'life experience' the candidate has. I.e. I love to hire bartenders, customer service people, waiters. They have down their organizational skills and people skills.

[TDCHIM]

Does your honors program give you the chance to do any additional meaningful projects/research work/internships/etc. that might earn you an extra look from potential employers? That's basically why I'm participating in my school's program (note: I'm in health information management, not nursing, so the cases have some difference between them). I get the chance to do a three-semester thesis research project that will give me hands-on experience doing the type of work I want to do. That in turn will give me something meaningful I can shop to employers on my resume. If that isn't the case for you, I'm not sure adding the extra work and pressure of an honors program would pay appropriate employment opportunity dividends for you in the future.

Best wishes to you, whatever you decide!

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I was in the honors program at my school, and I don't think it made a lick of difference when my manager hired me. She looked at my previous job (graphic artist for Kodak), asked me if I could multi-task without going nuts, and called my references. She said she thought that I would do well because I loved to learn and I was excited about the job. It seems that all of my work in the honors program was just static. I am not even sure she looked at it.

If accepting the honors program means that you will have additional work that would take your focus away from your studies, then leave it. However, if the work would be minimal, it may be a good idea to accept it, only for your personal fulfillment.