Turned down for job b/c no BSN?

AJJKRN · Mar 3, 2015

I wish I could advise that they were probably taken by an internal applicant but it sounds like you have the solid sought after experience, not to mention a certification in your specialty. If you could, I would just get the BSN and then this wouldn't be a question for you to have to factor into anymore when on job hunts. Other than getting mine for my own personal goal, I got it for job security. Let's just hope degree inflation and the job market itself doesn't get so out of control that a masters is expected for the bedside. I mean no disrespect in anyway but please don't sell yourself short by describing yourself as "only an ADN". I hope you get hired soon in a fabulous NICU with an entity that has a decent tuition assistance program.

anewsns · Mar 3, 2015

I always wonder if it's appropriate to call and ask why you didn't get an interview / job If the answer isn't obvious.. I've never tried this though. I figure with a bunch of applicants it may annoy HR/ managers

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 3, 2015

Has anyone ever felt like they were turned down for a job just because you don't have a BSN?? (Only a ADN) I have applied multiple times for NICU positions. I have 4 years NICU (level 3) experience and my RNC-NIC. I also have a Bachelors in dietetics. I really wish they could tell you why you are not picked to even interview for a job!! Because if it had to do with other applicants having more experience, I'd totally understand that. At least I'd know if it was something I could work on :-(
Thanks,
Sick of Nightshift

Honestly, if they wanted to inform every person that applied that they will not receive an interview, they could probably hire 2 people just to make phone calls like that full-time. It's just doesn't make sense to contact everyone who applies, especially when there are hundreds of people applying to one position at times.

You can always call, but you may not even get an answer.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 3, 2015

Has anyone ever felt like they were turned down for a job just because you don't have a BSN?? (Only a ADN) I have applied multiple times for NICU positions. I have 4 years NICU (level 3) experience and my RNC-NIC. I also have a Bachelors in dietetics. I really wish they could tell you why you are not picked to even interview for a job!! Because if it had to do with other applicants having more experience, I'd totally understand that. At least I'd know if it was something I could work on :-(
Thanks,
Sick of Nightshift

It's possible your application never made it past the HR bots/gatekeepers because "do you have a BSN?" was checked no. I would recommend hand delivering your resume to NICU nurse managers.

emilyNICURn · Mar 4, 2015

Thanks for the comments!

I do plan on getting my BSN (I start a RN-BSN program this May). I just hate that it seems as though a general BSN is valued more than actual experience in the specialty. I think I have been putting off my BSN because it will officially make my B.S. worthless/useless.

I think there is a VERY good chance that my application just got filtered out before a person actually saw it because of the BSN box not checked (even though the company claims to hire ADNs too). I have no idea how to get the contact information for the Nurse Manager, it is not anywhere that I can find.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Mar 4, 2015

I always wonder if it's appropriate to call and ask why you didn't get an interview / job If the answer isn't obvious.. I've never tried this though. I figure with a bunch of applicants it may annoy HR/ managers

No, it isn't appropriate to ask, although you may get away with asking for interview feedback afterwards.

Asking "why I wasn't interviewed, " is like asking "whyWON'T you go out with me?"

The truth is, they don't have the time, or obligation, to engage in conversations with every disappointed candidate.