What can I do with my BSN if I'm not an RN?

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I'm a new nursing graduate and did not pass my boards (I just found out today). I am interested in finding out what other jobs I can get with my bachelor's degree if I decide to not take the boards again.

At this time I am pretty sure that I do not want to take the boards again due to various things that have happened... it has really been a challenge trying to finish school, taking the Hesi, and taking the boards, and I am really fed up right now.

Any advice or insight would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Miranda

I think if i were you i would try to test again, i don't know what has changed in your life, but if you don't get licensure, it will be like 4 years down the drain. Don't make any rash decisions. BUT if you truly are just not up to gaining licensure, i would say you probably need to go back and finish a BS (preferrably a MS) in teaching, public health, or administration (you are probably really close to the BS in terms of credits, and just need a few classes.) i just don't think there are any jobs for a non-licensed BSN other than just office jobs that anyone bachelors degree would get you. Again really think about studying and taking the NCLEX, you would have so many more opportunities if you did.

Specializes in Pediatrics.

I'm so sorry to hear that you didn't pass. I did not pass on the first try- devastating (to say the least). It sounds like nursing school was a long haul for you. But whatever happened, you made it through, and have a BSN to prove it.

Give it some time before you write off nursing altogether. After all, you have to wait to take the exam again, don't you? As far as fidng another job, I'm not sure what's out there for you. You do have a college degree, so I suppose there are plenty of non-medical jobs out there that just require a Bachelors degree. As far as a medical position, you will probably not get the pay you deserve, if you settled for a clerical/medical office type position.

Sorry to hear that you did not pass NCLEX first time around, but don't give up just yet...nursing can be very rewarding (and we do need more nurses in the field). Take some time to recoupe from those "various things that have happened", invest in a good NCLEX review course, and go for it. As mentioned earlier, if you decide not to retake the test, I'm sure that you will be able to get a non-medical job that requires a college degree (you might even be able to find this type of work in a hospital or medical environment). Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Certainly you're disappointed, but don't make any rash decisions. Many nurses have failed NCLEX and gone on to be fantastic practitioners. Give yourself time to decompress and reflect. We're all here for you!

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