did i just ruin my career at 21

VentcSN · Jul 19, 2010

I graduated last december 2009. In May, I landed a full time position on a med-surgical floor. I was of couse happy and my family proud. I was finally making a regular income.
Midway through orientation, I got a full scholarship offer from a university. However, they want me to study full time in order to retain it.
I realized I could not work and study full time at the same time. My director said I couldnt work part time because Im only a new graduate. Consequently, I resigned. It was the hardest decision, since my preceptors were awesome and the hospital environment was good.
Now, Im just gonna go to school. I cant help but wonder what future employers would think of my resume. Will I still be considered a new graduate in 2012 (year i get the bsn) if i dont work in the next 2 years? I should have just gone straight to the bsn years ago...I feel like I keep making the wrong decisions and starting to despise myself....

Are you kidding me? Heck no you didn't ruin your career!!...Its actually a great decision you did that...You resigned, not terminated...and for an excellent reason.. Get your BSN!!, sooner or later ADN position are getting phased out and BSN will be the norm for nurses..Full scholarship is awesome for a university. You need to have as much certifications and education in nursing to make yourself more marketable in the healthcare industry. Trust me, you will not regret it....

CNL2B · Jul 19, 2010

Honey. Your post makes me so sad! Stop beating yourself up over this.

You are 21 YEARS OLD -- is that right? You are just a baby. You are finishing your BSN now, which is plenty early in your career for a lot of ADN nurses. You're already licensed, which is a big leg up on a lot of people your age -- many university BSN grads (1st degree) don't finish at the age you will finish at (assumably 23).

If you wanted, you could find yourself a PT job somewhere else while you are going through school. That facility might not take you PT, but somewhere else might, or there are other places you can work besides a hospital.

If you don't work, I think yes, you'll have the same disadvantages in hiring as other new grads, but you'll have a BSN, and your entire life ahead of you. That's not a bad thing. You need to consider as well that when your BSN is done, the market could be completely different and you might have your pick of jobs. Who knows? Could be worse, could be better, but there is no reason to worry to death over it.

I get the whole kicking yourself because you didn't just try to get into a 4-year BSN program right away, but I think for you at your age, it's a little bump in the road. A tiny, weeny, little one. Give yourself a break.

LuvCinci · Jul 19, 2010

Don't second guess yourself! I have realized that whatever situation I am in, I have the ability to be happy. It's not always easy, and sometime hard to see, but you will find happiness in what you have chosen to do, as long as you don't dwell on the past. A full scholarship is awesome, and I have been hearing that going for a BSN is starting to become necessary for many new jobs out there in certain settings. You will be fine :)

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

Let me get this straight..you received a full scholarship for a BSN degree & you're only 21...psh:uhoh3:. You did the absolute right thing. Do not doubt yourself or this decision for a minute. You will never regret free education!

May your future continue to be so bright!

hottchaca · Jul 19, 2010

congrats on going back to school. right decisions. the right job will always be there when u get done with your BSN. Which univ offered u the full scholarship? I think that is a great gift you got. I myself want to go back for my BSN and looking at schools where i can get scholarship..

caliotter3 · Jul 19, 2010

Better to have resigned in good standing to get a BSN, than to have been fired before your orientation period ended. Stop beating yourself up for making career decisions that are necessary based on your circumstances. None of us have it perfect all the way around. And congrats on getting into a BSN program. In the end, it will pay off.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

OP, OP, OP, OP!!!!

Stop it right now! (because I said so!!!).

Be happy. You just got a big gift! A lot of money that you might not get offered again ever! Take it and use it well!

Career2_BSN, BSN · Jul 19, 2010

Speaking as a former Staffing person (although, not in medical), I can tell you this is an excellent career move and any future employer will agree.

Your new resume (in a couple of years) will show ADN grad date Dec 09, short work experience, BSN grad date. They'll be able to see right away that you quit work to go back to school ----- MANY people do this and it's always a respectable reason to quit work. More people wish they had done the same thing.

Congrats on the full scholarship!!

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

it may seem like u made a bad decision now, but just imagine if u had continued working full time, some x years down the road and they say OH, um you guys need to have a BSN by this date,,, and u feel like crap because u gave up a FULL RIDE!..

but wait you didnt. :)... you did the right thing. I dont think anyone will count it against you (employer wise) & the great thing about being a nurse is you can work anywhere! maybe you can find some where to work PT while you finish up your BSN too ? :)

good luck and cheer up. :up:

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

I'd say you made a sound career decision. You would forever regret it if you passed up an opportunity to get your BSN for free. I think future employers will see it this way as well, particularly if you have a solid cover letter briefly explaining your decision. Congrats on the scholarship!

mamamerlee, LPN · Jul 19, 2010

SCHOOL IS THE RIGHT DECISION. SCHOOL IS THE RIGHT DECISION.

Need anyone say more?

Best wishes - - you've got a scholarship - lucky you!!!