Will I Stand Out?

You mean standout in an interview, or standout in practice. perhaps in an interview, yes, but in practice, the degree and the CNA thing, really no applicable until you prove yourself bedside.

I am not saying this is you at all, but in the ICu where I used to work a new grad came in with all her fancy degrees and book smarts. Well, bedside care wise...ouch! She put betadine on a pt's lips. Yup, she sure did. Long story.

Best way to "stand out" is to think outside the box, present your self as confident, but not cocky and eager and willing the learn new things even though you have an advanced degree and CNA experience. A know it all attitude will get you no where.

Good luck!

I understand what you are saying. I was just asking in terms of GETTING AN INTERVIEW. I can promise you that I will not put betadine on a pt's lips. :)

I will be a new grad in a few months and wonder if I will have an edge over most just coming out of nursing school. I have the following:

1. BSN and MA in Psych

2. 3 years experience in hospital setting (Psych.)

3. 3 years experience as CNA in hospital setting (Cardiac ICU)

Does the grad degree and hospital experience to include the CICU really help me stand out or does it not matter because it was not as an RN?

Thanks for feedback.

I think it you will help you stand out. You already have lots of experience at the bedside, so you won't be in shock, and you also have some pretty impressive education under your belt.

I have an ADN but a bachelor's in another field. My hospital prefers BSNs, but my director told me that my other degree should help with critical thinking, so in my case, yes, the unrelated degree did help.

Best way to "stand out" is to think outside the box, present your self as confident, but not cocky and eager and willing the learn new things even though you have an advanced degree and CNA experience. A know it all attitude will get you no where.

Good luck!

I completely agree with you here, but I also think that if she is smart in how she uses her previous experience and education, she certainly will stand out. Using her previous "life" in a smart way might really help her think outside the box.

You are correct that being eager to learn and willing to listen to others with more experience in the new area is needed.

Thanks for all your feedback. I certainly am eager and willing to listen to others and learn as much as possible.

IMHO, mostly depends on what job you're applying for.

u should get a job over many newbie nurses, i'd hire you over most newbies (they usually have the minimum education and little to no health care experience).

Your situation may be similar to that faced by the children of celebrities. The flashy name (or in your case, the extra education and experience) might get you through the door (get you the interview), but you still have to deliver the goods. And it sounds like you're ready to do that.

Best wishes.

Agree with above. It will make you stand out above your classmates that don't have the added psych education or aide experience.

Hi Marhelper,

We have very similar backgrounds: BS in Health Education, BSN, MA, hospital experience and pysch experience. I hoped that my application, resume, references and work experience would stand out compared to my classmates. I was completely wrong. Their phones are ringing, my phone is not; I have received so many "thanks for applying but you are not a selected candidate" emails. I hope something will happen soon....

Best of luck to you!

You most likely will be hired first over someone with less educational background. Where it will really pay off is down the line, once you get some real experience in nursing. You are in a better position for advanced positions beyond bedside care.