Why is my job search a failure?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Overlooked,

ADN degree holders can face challenges in the job market, especially in areas where BSNs have become the norm for entry-level nursing positions. Depending on where you live, the job market is competitive.

Even so, many institutions will be willing to work with you if they are interested in you, provided that you agree to earn your Bachelor's degree within a specified period.

However, your resume is landing you interviews, so at least for those employers, it's not your lack of a BSN degree or the fact that you graduated from a non-accredited college- it's your interviewing skills. Your interview is your opportunity to seal the deal and stand out from other candidates.

Read "What Am I Doing Wrong in Interviews?"  for helpful insights and tips.

Try contacting the recruiter, HR, or hiring nurse manager and ask for feedback on interviews where you failed to get the job. They may not be able to help you, but it will be beneficial if they do, and you have nothing to lose.

Here are some additional tips for getting feedback after a job interview:

• Be polite and respectful when asking for feedback
• Be specific about what you would like feedback on
• Be open to hearing both positive and negative feedback
• Thank the person for their time and feedback

There are many articles here on site on interviewing, such as what questions to ask, how to answer behavioral questions, what not to say, etc. There's also my book,

"How to Land Your First Nursing Job...and Your Next!" was written to help candidates understand what hiring nurse managers look for in a new hire- from an insider nurse manager's point of view. The nurse manager must see you as a good fit and a safe practitioner. You can do this if you have the tools.

Experience Matters It's unclear how much experience you have, but if it's not recent, consider taking an RN refresher course. 

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

[mdsRN2005, ASN, BSN, RN]

I fully disagree with the previous comment about ADNs being limited in a job search.  I understand this is regional, but a RN license is the same regardless of degree.  In my area, a BSN is only required for management positions.  Many facilities actually somewhat prefer ADN grads for entry level clinical roles, since they tend to get more clinical hours.  
 

I'd venture a guess that your issue may be more related to experience than degree.  Have you worked as a nurse since 1993?  If not, that would certainly give a reason for recruiters to be leery.  I do agree with the previous poster that in this case a RN refresher course could be wise.  Have you considered non-hospital jobs?  Acute care positions like those are more likely to require recent experience.  Outpatient facilities *may* be more willing to overlook it. 
 

Good luck and keep us posted! 

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

You graduated from an unaccredited program in 1993 (30 years ago). You didn't mention if you've been utilizing your ADN degree since then. If you haven't then there's your answer. At a minimum, you'll need to take a refresher course.