no job, going back for bsn, or is it a waste of money?

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Specializes in corrections.

i graduated with a diploma and so far no luck finding a job, not even one interview (i live in nj) so i started the process of going back to school for bsn but is it even worth it? looks like the rn-bsn have as much trouble finding a job as adn nurses, maybe i should just find another career of choice and leave nursing all together. I cannot relocate, I applied to hospitals and nursing homes, nothing. I dont want to waste more money only to discover im in the same situation with my bsn-unemployed and depressed- two years from now.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

from what you write (and what i have read in similar posts) the job market for nursing in nj and ny are impacted by too many new grads. if you want to be a nurse, you will do what you have to do to remain in nursing. thus, no one can answer your question regarding leaving nursing for something else. i wanted to work in the ed and was unable to do so locally. so after six months of trying to transfer and working ft in medical surgical nursing on various floors (i float) i found a job in a different town where i must commute. however, if i had not found that job i would have moved. that is how badly i want a career in emergency nursing. btw, i have a family.

as for a degree ... if you choose to go for your bsn you might want to try a traditional program. in other words, transfer into a traditional bsn program as a junior. the reason i say this is because i am currently in a rn-bsn program and a lot of my work is focused on the fact that i am currently working as a registered nurse. i cannot imagine getting through my course work not working as a rn. whereas the traditional program has non-rns and their instructors do not expect them to have the same skill set or knowledge as the students in my courses. in fact, my university separates us as much as possible to be fair to the traditional students. the traditional students who end up in my classes usually complain that they are not able to meet the exepctations because much of our work depends us being able to apply and discuss theory while we work in our various clinical settings. the amount of time the traditional students get on the floors to do our assignments and meet their clinical expectations is not enough, according to my counselor.

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Specializes in Med-Tele, Internal Med PCU.

I agree with much of what MBARN says, but the clinical experience can also be a potential job opportunity. I know managers would come up to us and say "Don't forget us when you graduate." Cookie Monster can reply, "I've got my RN already, do you have anything now?"

Adding to more education certainly can't hurt. This allows you to spend some time enhancing your qualifications until the job market opens up a bit.

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Cookie Monster,

Going back for your BSN may be a good idea. The economy may have picked up by the time you graduate. As for job options, maybe you could try non-clinical positions or areas where you may not have envisioned yourself working until the hospitals and nursing homes in your areas have openings. Have you looked into insurance companies, clinics, doctors' offices, or corrections? Any nursing experience can be helpful. Good luck.

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furthering your education is never a waste of money

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I'm starting my BSN & just got the ASN in May- and passed nclex a few weeks ago- am not currently working as a nurse- just going right back to school.

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Specializes in Family / Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

It's never a waste to go back to school infact I think that if you go back to school because you can't a nursing job you are better off geting a job in the future compared to someone who didn't further their education and doesn't have an experience. I completed the asn in december 2008 passed the boards in feburary and started the bsn program in summer and would finish in fall 2010. I can't find a job either and I also live in NJ.

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When asked what you did while you were not employed as a nurse, you can answer that you improved your education. That is what all the how to get a job books say. I would do this because of the networking opportunities. Concentrate on looking for and listening for opportunities while you are at clinical sites. You will have a better chance than the person who never sets foot in that particular facility. Good luck.

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Specializes in ICU, APHERESIS, IV THERAPY, ONCOLOGY, BC.
i graduated with a diploma and so far no luck finding a job, not even one interview (i live in nj) so i started the process of going back to school for bsn but is it even worth it? looks like the rn-bsn have as much trouble finding a job as adn nurses, maybe i should just find another career of choice and leave nursing all together. I cannot relocate, I applied to hospitals and nursing homes, nothing. I dont want to waste more money only to discover im in the same situation with my bsn-unemployed and depressed- two years from now.

I am sure there are jobs available. Try resourcing the numerous nursing journals and apply continuously for jobs!!. You will get a reply and perhaps a job. In the meantime, I would continue with the BSN - there are still hospitals who assist with nursing educational programs and as a personal career move, it is worth it.

Right now, your the immediate circumstances are tough. If you find your present surroundings depressing, perhaps it is time for a change of scenery.If you receive a job offer, be prepared mentally to move as a positive challenge, perhaps as a commmute initially. . Change of environments in nursing are stimulating. You can meet new people, learn and enrich your background. This is a healthy challenge and can provide excellent growth and development opportunities from personal, professional and mental aspects along with a boost to self esteem and self confidence. Good luck - you willl be fine

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