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[zenurse]

I just finished my first year of nursing school, and after our finals on Monday we all went to a local restaurant for a little fundraiser. I was talking to my professors, and they asked what I would be doing this summer...I told them I wasn't sure yet, because I was not offered a nurse externship from our local hospital. I told them that I had applied to several other hospitals (all of which are 30-40 miles away...the nearest to us other than our local) but that I hadn't heard from any of them yet. They seemed shocked, because I am a 4.0 student, do well in clinicals, have great recommendations, etc.

My advisor then suggested that I not tell prospective employers that I have a masters degree (in English). She thinks that this may be scaring away potential employers. Another professor agreed with her, saying, "Yes, they are probably intimidated." I should say, I live in a town that is not very urban/cosmopolitan/progressive. I am currently attending an ADN program at a community college. I have lived in large cities, and my masters degree is from an ivy league school. I've always assumed that my previous degree has given me a good foundation in communication skills, and it has certainly helped me to cope with the rigors of studying and time management that nursing school requires.

I really don't think that I should hide my education...on the other hand, if it is getting in the way of opportunities, should I consider leaving it off my resume? My gut is saying that an employer who would consider this NOT to be an asset is an employer I wouldn't want to work for...

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Any opinions, advice?

[tk3100]

I cannot imagine why they see it this way. Excellent communication skills are a must.

[Halinja, BSN, RN]

What an strange outlook! I say, tell them. You want to hit all the things that make you a great employee, and being able to write well, and communicate well would HAVE to be up there in desirable skills.

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

Based upon your description of where you live - yes it sounds quite possible. Isn't this a common human reaction when feeling inferior, to shy away and just not deal with the other person? If they read your resume and think "she's not one of us," then your resume or application goes in the trash.

[zenurse]

Thanks for the replies, and not just because I feel vindicated.

The whole experience of interviewing for the nurse extern position seemed to go so well--and then many of the positions ended up going to people who know someone at the hospital, or who already work there. I certainly understand wanting to support current employees, but why the big dance of saying that the criteria is GPA and recommendations? I guess I'm just starting to really worry about finding a job once I graduate. I think there is no nursing shortage here...

[vashtee, RN]

I doubt this has anything to do with feelings of inferiority. My husband frequently would pass over hiring people (in a chemistry lab) with advanced degrees because of higher salary expectations.

If your instructors are suggesting you omit this info, I would try it.

[labcat01, BSN, RN]

I have a Master's and I usually downplay that fact because of your same concerns. However, my nursing professors used to tell me that I should be proud of my education and that it would help me out because jobs like those are competitive.

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

jkal,

I was reading your original post to mean that you live in a really unsophisticated area that is probably rural? In that kind of environment, I can see some hesitating to associate with an ivy-leaguer with a master's degree.

[love_being_an_aide]

I don't advise hiding your education. After all, you worked hard for that degree. I ran into the same issue when I applied for a job as an aide. I have a BA in English, and for this reason the NM was considering not hiring me. I justified myself though, and said I enjoyed my education, and I have always loved English, but I have also liked the medical field, and feel this would be a great place to start. Point out to employers the benefits of your degree: excellent writing skills excellent communication skills. Just my two

[JaneyW]

Don't hide it. Hospitals do a background check and it will come up. In this day and age with computers, it is never a good idea to hide anything or lie when applying for a job--they will find out and it will only look worse. My 2 cents.

[zenurse]

Yes, I'd call this area rural suburban--former farming/industrial area now attempting to adjust...I've been here three years, and I didn't grow up here, so I don't know a lot of people. I really would feel dishonest hiding my education. And I don't make a big deal out of it--I mention communication/writing/teaching skills as being one of my strong points. I thought that coming to nursing with some expereince in the work force and a strong academic background would either be give me a bit of an edge, or at least not hurt my chances.

[vashtee, RN]

Meh, all I can say is that some people may consider you overqualified for the pay they are offering.