2nd degree BSN..some exp..more$?

[LadyQT]

I have a Bachelor's of Science in Healthcare Administration (HCAD), and will be receiving my BSN in May. While I was going to school for Healthcare Administration I worked as a PCT in the PICU at a different hospital for almost 2 years. I graduated in April last year and moved to complete my BSN. After moving I am not able to work during nursing school but have the previous experience.

I accepted an offer in a PICU new grad internship and was told the starting pay for new grads, I did not dispute the salary then. Now I am putting into consideration my previous experience along with my previous degree. By the way, I have no experience in Healthcare Administration, after graduation in April I started an acclereated BSN program in July.

My question is if it would be appropriate to negotiatie a salary even though I have already accepted the position and also does my previous degree in HCAD or previous work experience as a PCT in the PICU have any impact on the decision. How would I go about bringing it up now? :confused:Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated! I have not recieved my offer letter as yet, but was told by the hiring recruiter that I should get it this week.

[elkpark]

I don't really see how you could. Since you've already accepted (verbally) the internship program at the salary they offered you, you are not in much of a position to go back and say you've thought it over and you'd like more money. Worst-case-scenario, if you say you're decided you're not satisfied with the salary after all, they could just withdraw the job offer and you'd be back to job-hunting.

Also, I understand it's always very frustrating for people with other degrees or former careers to hear, but, in nursing, a new grad is (pretty much) a new grad. Your healthcare adminstration degree might give you an edge at some point in the future if you're pursuing a management position, but it has nothing to do with how you will function at the bedside as a newly-minted RN. Ditto for PCT or CNA experience, since the RN role is entirely different.

[LadyQT]

I was wondering if there was any hope. But I guess I will have to wait until I get some experience before I can start move up the clinical ladder. Thank you for your response.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Also, I understand it's always very frustrating for people with other degrees or former careers to hear, but, in nursing, a new grad is (pretty much) a new grad. Your healthcare adminstration degree might give you an edge at some point in the future if you're pursuing a management position, but it has nothing to do with how you will function at the bedside as a newly-minted RN. Ditto for PCT or CNA experience, since the RN role is entirely different.

I agree with this.

A new grad RN going into a new grad RN bedside position is just that - previous experiences as a CNA/PCA or in administration really does not "count" that much. It may give a better shot at getting that first job over someone that has no healthcare experience whatsoever. But you have to prove yourself from then on. Now later on, after you are "seasoned", it will probably aid in advancement.

PS. I have dealt with many second-coursers ( I was one). Some are awesome and some are not worth it as nurses. Same as new grads that are first-coursers. However people that have developed good work habits overall, are usually more successful.