second degree (not to list it on my resume)

cindyloowho · Jun 6, 2011

I would leave it on. I have 2 degrees as well, and my first degree is always mentioned to me in the interview conversations as a definate plus. I am a new grad (DEC 10), but have gotten 2 jobs in extremely competitive new grad programs already. I am leaving my first job for a second job that I truly wanted! I'm sorry you're having a hard time finding a job, but keep on trekking and you'll find one. Your biology degree should be a major plus!

ninja2011 · Jun 9, 2011

Seems like you might need help with interviewing. You are able to land some interviews which is great. Try and get some help from friends or even ask the places you interviewed from some criticism why you werent hired. I have a friend who did just that and they liked how motivated she was and they reconsidered interviewing her for another position and guess what??? She got it. Good luck

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 9, 2011

I have four degrees ... they all go on the resume. Granted, the nursing degrees (ASN and BSN) are the only ones that really count when it comes down to a nursing job, but I'm proud of all of them -- the paramedic one is my favorite. :)

Excitedfor2016 · Jun 9, 2011

I think Iam not getting the job because of how I interview, I think also my problem is putting great emphasis on my biology degree. I do not think people appreciate this degree like how I do, I see this degree as providing me with solid science background which will help me in my nursing careerM From now on I plan not to mention anything about my first degree unless asked. Another thing I think I did was ask this stupid question in all of my interviews "" what is your management style"" thinking back it is a really stupid question to ask, I might come off as arrogant, I am not an arrogant person at all. I have been in school so long, have work hard to earn both degree and now I feel like I a$ being punished.

If anyone out there has any advise how I can make these UD like me and see how hard I will be willing to work,let me know

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

I used to hire nurses. I will tell you that if you are applying for a patient care position they do not care about your biology degree. Only nursing related stuff matters. Now if you are applying for a research job then I would have it on there.

cindyloowho · Jun 9, 2011

I used to hire nurses. I will tell you that if you are applying for a patient care position they do not care about your biology degree. Only nursing related stuff matters. Now if you are applying for a research job then I would have it on there.

That's a blanket statement and will not likely apply to every hiring manager. I have specifically been told that my previous BA was considered a plus. But regardless, even if it is not a plus in someone's eyes, it certianly wouldn't be a negative either...so keep it listed!!! To the OP, yes, I wouldn't be asking what their managing style is. That turns the table too much. Highlight your positives, discuss your biology degree and mention how the science knowledge you have gained with it has been an adjunct to your understanding of physiology and pharmacology, but don't spend too much time on it. Yes, they really are mostly concerned with your nursing abilities but education and a breadth of knowledge and life experiences makes for a BETTER nurse! This is why BSNs are preffered over ADNs:). If you want to ask questions in the interview process, keep them simple and brief and limit to them to things that wouldn't really expose major faults within their system. When I interview, I usually ask how long of an orientation I would be given, what is the pay SCALE, and if they would need anymore documentation from me that would be helpful in making their decision. Best of luck!

caliotter3 · Jun 9, 2011

Don't discuss your biology degree during the interview. If they bring it up, draw the answer back to your nursing degree and nursing experience.

Excitedfor2016 · Jun 9, 2011

I want to say thank you to everyone that responded to my post, this is so helpful and I plan to listen to what was stated on the thread hopefully now I can get hired!!!

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jun 9, 2011

Actually Cindywooloo,

It is about making your resume as succinct and direct as possible. This is a very well regarded tool to utilize in order to get your resume to stand out from the pack along with using key words as much as possible. There are really important tips on how to get your resume noticed and nursing is a little different than most other science jobs in how this applies. Especially floor nursing versus many other types.

I am not devaluing the degree at all. Just trying to give tips that might lead to a more effective resume for the type of position she is seeking.

Excitedfor2016 · Jun 9, 2011

ChurchRN,

You are right about presenting a succinct resume, I originally had a horrible resume that was not displaying my talents affectively and as a result I did not get interviews. Once I had my engineer friend who works for a well know company look over my resume, I started a new resume and guess what I started getting interviews. The sad part was during the peak time (Feburary -April) for new grad rn application I was submitting the horrible resume, now I hope I will have more opportunities to submit my new polished resume. I am new to the nurse work world and I am truly a work in progress!!!