New Grad RN to pursue BSN...how do I indicate on resume?

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Hey all! I'm a new grad RN from an associate's program. I've started my job search but I'm in need of some resume advice- I'm currently taking pre-req course work at a community college towards my BSN. I've applied to a fairly prestigious and nationally recognized university's RN to BSN program and feel confident that I will be accepted, however I won't find out for sure for a few more months. How do I convey on my resume that I'm working towards, and fully intend to earn my BSN without actually being enrolled in the degree program yet? I don't want to be misleading by listing the university on my resume, but I think it's also important that a potential employer know that I have the drive to obtain the degree, especially since the trend in my area is moving toward magnet status.

Thanks so much for your input!

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You don't (there's no apppropriate way to list things that you may do in the future on a resume', however sincere and serious you may be about doing them), but you can be sure to mention it in your cover letter and in interviews.

Once you're actually in a degree program, you can list that in the "education" section of the resume' (but be sure to indicate clearly that you are a candidate for the degree, and you don't actually have it yet).

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Thanks for your feedback. Since I am enrolled in prerequisite courses now, so do you think it would be appropriate to list the community college again under education (since that's where my classes are) and list something like "prerequisite coursework" instead of the degree?

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Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.

I think the best way to try and convey this is what you said. List the community college again and put something like bachelor of science in nursing prereq coursework until you are actually enrolled in a program.

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I wouldn't even bother listing anything for prerequisites -- once you're officially enrolled in the nursing program, you can indicate that you are a BSN candidate at such-and-such school (if you really feel strongly about doing that). If it were me, I'd just stick to mentioning it in the cover letter and verbally in interviews.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I disagree with my friend, elkpark, on this one. I would list my current enrollment for the pre-req courses.. (List the school and make a statement that you are currently taking prerquisite courses for future entry into a BSN program. Then write another statement that you have made application to XYZ program and are awaiting their reply.)

At my hospital, ADN applicants are required to graduate with a BSN within 3 years of hire. Showing that you are already "on the road" to this goal and have taken concrete steps in that direction may get you an interview that you might not otherwise get. The fact that you have already taken concrete steps towards your BSN puts you ahead of those who say that they will do so in the future -- put who might have no intention of taking real action.

Good luck!

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Thank you both for your advice. I think I will keep my prereq coursework on there simply because most of the hospitals in my are working towards magnet status & I want to show that I've taken steps on my own for a degree that I really do want. Maybe I'll make a second version without the prereq's for any hospitals I apply to that aren't working for magnet status and just mention it in the cover letter.

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Got the acceptance letter yesterday! Woo hoo!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Got the acceptance letter yesterday! Woo hoo!

Congrats!!!!! Now put that university on that résumé and the start date!!! Good Luck!!!

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Yay! Congratulations! :) I am interested to know about this and is currently in the same situation too. Please clarify when you said that you got the acceptance letter? Are you talking about the RN-BSN acceptance letter or an acceptance letter to an interview? :-/ Lastly, do you mind putting on here how exactly you worded this in your cover letter? TIA! i really appreciate it.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Unless you are actually accepted and enrolled in a BSN program you can't put it on your resume. However, as others have stated if you are enrolled in a BSN program and have an anticipated completion date that is fine.

Something like

Ohio University

Bachelors of Science in Nursing

Currently Enrolled, Anticipated completion May 2014

Would be fine.

Just say you are currently enrolled in a BSN completion program and anticipate completion in x month of x year in a cover letter. Not really much to say there.

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