What to tell interviewer?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hi everyone! I am a new grad RN. I worked at a hospital as CNA for 4 years but didnt get to advance with company because I obtained ADN and they are starting to look more at BSN degrees. So I applied to other facilities and started working part time nights at a subacute rehab. Recently I got a call back from the hospital I used to work at asking if i was still looking for a position and have I enrolled in any BSN courses. I told her I was interested but I have a part time job elsewhere but was looking to work two jobs. I also said that I am looking into programs online to obtain my BSN. Just wanted to know what I should do for the interview this week?? Im not enrolled in courses yet because of money situation honestly but once I work and make money I have no problem starting classes. I really would love to work two jobs but just frustrated because I dont know how it would work out since my subacute job is a very inconsistent part time schedule so id need to work the two out. Any words of advice? What should I tell the nurse manager when I meet with her? How much is too much to tell when it comes to having another job? Also i may not even get it since im not enrolled but it cant hurt to interview and see where it goes i guess. Thanks!

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"I am in the process of enrolling". Since virtually all programs have some kind of initial application/enrollment fee, you can do the online application (if there is one) and pay the enrollment fee (if less than $100), just before you go to the interview. Worry about the rest of the tuition when you get the means to pay.

Alternative: You note that BSN program requires you to take US History I. You register for this course at local community college with intent to transfer course back to BSN school. Significant less "cost" and, if like my relative's school, you can delay paying the required fees right up until the last minute. Once the interview is over, you make necessary adjustment to your plans.

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That is true Im just nervous because I am looking into online programs. Also struggling with the schedules of the two jobs if it were to work out is what i dont know what i would say to the NM or do I leave one facility for another?

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I wouldn't leave one facility for another. In today's job market that could be a very bad move. Either they will work with your schedule or not. At that time you will see what options are available.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
That is true Im just nervous because I am looking into online programs. Also struggling with the schedules of the two jobs if it were to work out is what i dont know what i would say to the NM or do I leave one facility for another?

Do NOT tell the NM about the other job; you focus should be interviewing well and figuring out whether the unit will be a good fit for you; if it is asked about the BSN programs, you can state you are looking into whatever programs you are looking into and leave it at that; play up your strengths at your current job and what you can bring to the table from that experience. IF you get the job, THEN look at your schedule, or become PRN or leave the subacute job altogether when you get the position.

Best wishes.

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Thank you so much!

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So I shouldnt bring up my schedule at the subacute? Because HR already knows about the other job

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Also ask the nurse manager if there are programs like tuition reimbursement or discounts to help employees obtain their BSN. Ask if other workers have found programs that worked well for them. It shows you are serious about taking the best path towards your BSN.

Good luck

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The truth. Better to not get the job then fire you because you have trouble meeting your obligations to the new place.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
So I shouldnt bring up my schedule at the subacute? Because HR already knows about the other job

Right now, you don't have the job; you are going on an interview; and most places are hoping to be concerned with having the candidate work for THEM, not about the other job in terms of your schedule. Besides, most people have other jobs when going in interviews; that's the nature of having a work history.

You are trying to look forward, I understand, however, take this by a step by step process; then make a decision if you get an offer-menacing, if you what to work in the hospital, you need to either work PRN or resign from the subacute position, until then, focus on the interview only and stop overthinking the speculative for now.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

Usually at a facility they make you sign an agreement saying that you'll get your BSN in x amount of years. For me, it is 5 years, and the company offers generous tuition assistance. I wouldn't worry the schooling as much - I think it is just a technicality When I was interviewing I had already enrolled at SPC for my BSN but I didn't have to provide ANY documentation of that, nor did anyone follow-up on anything.

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