Should a license to practice as a RN out weigh school accreditation?

[destinysaccountant]

After being a LPN for 5 years, with some med-surg experience. I decided I wanted to work in a hospital again, get some experience and travel from state to state working assisgnments with an agency. Because LPNs were not being hired for acute care anymore, I started a new RN program in my state. Our class was the second class to graduate. I maintained a 3.8 GPA and passed my boards on the first try. I am now unable to get a job in a hospital in my state. I have worked in management in nursing homes but feel that is not fulfilling. I have worked as a hospice nurse, it was very rewarding but again, it was not what I was looking for. I dont understand how accreditation of a school, can outweigh the board of nursing saying that I am competent enough to practice. I am also having a hard time finding a school to obtain a BSN. I started out as a CNA in 1998 and was so excited about moving up the nursing ladder but now, I am considering a new career altogether. Does anyone have any ideas on how a good, reliable, honest and hardworking RN can obtain a position in an acute care setting without an accredited school?

[elkpark]

I dont understand how accreditation of a school, can outweigh the board of nursing saying that I am competent enough to practice.

Well, because licensure is the "bare minimum" requirement for practice, and employers are free to require whatever additional qualifications/standards they wish above and beyond the legal "bare minimum" as long as they're not violating state or Federal employment/equal opportunity law. A growing number of employers do seem to feel, whether it's justified or not, that the accreditation of one's school is an important distinction among nurses.

You say you're having a hard time finding a BSN completion program -- is that also because of the accreditation issue with your previous school, or for some other reason?

I don't have any helpful suggestions, but I do wish you well and hope things will turn around for you soon. This is a difficult enough time to be jobhunting without having any additional obstacles. Best wishes!

[destinysaccountant]

Well, because licensure is the "bare minimum" requirement for practice, and employers are free to require whatever additional qualifications/standards they wish above and beyond the legal "bare minimum" as long as they're not violating state or Federal employment/equal opportunity law. A growing number of employers do seem to feel, whether it's justified or not, that the accreditation of one's school is an important distinction among nurses.

I have tried to avoid thinking of the EEO, not allowing my mind to focus on that aspect but, I know for a fact that at least 5 of the nurses, I went to school with, that had no type of healthcare experience are working in these hospitals that claim to be only looking for accreditated graduates. I agree with the job hunt and this economy. Luckily, I have been able to obtain employment, just not where I really want to be. In my opinino, not every nurse whether from an accredited school or not passes their NCLEX. Just like not every nurse that passes their NCLEX, accredited school or not is a good nurse. Most of the nurses that graduated with me and are in the hospitals, had a relative or friend working there, so I guess its accreditation based on who you know. Hospitals are constantly posting jobs which creates this dire need for RNs, which causes schools to open, people to apply only to not be able to get a any of the posted jobs, seems ironic.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

OK, now I'm confused. Why are you sure that your school's accreditation status is the reason you're not getting hired - despite the fact that your classmates have gotten jobs at the same hospitals? Are you now thinking that you are being discriminated against for another reason? Keep in mind that this is very hard to prove. Legally, you can only claim discrimination on the basis of your membership in protected 'class' or have been subjected to a specific type of discrimination (Types of Discrimination) For instance, if you feel that your background in LTC is being held against you, there is nothing you can do about it.

Sorry you're having such a hard time. Hopefully things will get better soon.