Advice Needed

[tpell1219]

Hi everyone,

I graduated from TESU in June 2022 with a dual BSBA in Healthcare Management and HR Management. Since then, I’ve been actively searching for a job, but haven’t had much luck securing a position. I’ve had a few interviews and received positive feedback on both my resume and interview skills, but hiring managers often go with candidates who have more experience. In one case, I made it to the third round, only for the funding for the position to be pulled.

Right now, I’m at a crossroads and considering my next steps. I’m debating whether to pursue a Master’s in Healthcare Management or an MBA, or even to return to nursing school for a second-degree BSN, which would cost around $40,000 at TESU. I’ve also contacted the state unemployment office to explore whether they can help me obtain certifications like PMP or Lean Six Sigma. There are several other certifications I’d like to pursue, but finances are tight, especially since my husband has been battling cancer this year. Thankfully, he’s doing well now, and we’re in a good place for me to focus on my career again.

I’ve tried everything to find a job networking on LinkedIn, sending messages, reaching out via email, and tailoring my resume for each role but it’s been tough. I’m feeling pretty defeated and would really appreciate any advice or suggestions on what to do next.

[RJ77]

Hi everyone,

I graduated from TESU in June 2022 with a dual BSBA in Healthcare Management and HR Management. Since then, I’ve been actively searching for a job, but haven’t had much luck securing a position. I’ve had a few interviews and received positive feedback on both my resume and interview skills, but hiring managers often go with candidates who have more experience. In one case, I made it to the third round, only for the funding for the position to be pulled.

Right now, I’m at a crossroads and considering my next steps. I’m debating whether to pursue a Master’s in Healthcare Management or an MBA, or even to return to nursing school for a second-degree BSN, which would cost around $40,000 at TESU. I’ve also contacted the state unemployment office to explore whether they can help me obtain certifications like PMP or Lean Six Sigma. There are several other certifications I’d like to pursue, but finances are tight, especially since my husband has been battling cancer this year. Thankfully, he’s doing well now, and we’re in a good place for me to focus on my career again.

I’ve tried everything to find a job networking on LinkedIn, sending messages, reaching out via email, and tailoring my resume for each role but it’s been tough. I’m feeling pretty defeated and would really appreciate any advice or suggestions on what to do next.

I remember your previous thread, and I'm happy to hear that your husband is doing well now. I believe that most of the advice from the previous thread still holds true, https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...ice--46061 Taking on more debt for a Master’s in Healthcare Management or an MBA probably isn't the best idea. I believe that you had 13 years of medical assistant experience, but it seemed the jobs you were applying for; Epic analyst, healthcare coordinator, healthcare manager, transformation analyst, clinical analyst, etc., were all a bit beyond the scope of a medical assistant. Though I could be wrong about that. I don't think that a graduate degree in that field is really going to have much of an impact without experience in those roles. Have you considered going back to finish your LPN? That could be a lower cost way to get into nursing, and you could then eventually move on to an RN or BSN.

[Jonathan Whatley]

Additionally, remember that a second-degree BSN is only one of several ways to become an RN. You could also enter any diploma, associate's, or first-degree BSN program with stacks of gen-ed and elective transfer credit.

[bjcheung77]

Keep things less complicated, decide on what you like most and would want to go into, be it Business, HR, Management, etc, apply to positions and see if they take you in for a position they're currently offering. If you get a job with tuition assistance, then go for that secondary degree, I would look at a career path first. I think education is secondary and can come to you later, or at a part-time pace... If you really need the Masters and want to take your time, HAU MBA for $3K can be done in a year or so, if you want to get things done faster, review the competency based degree options at the Masters level...

[Stonybeach]

Not only would I go for the accelerated BSN program, but I would also do the online MBA like the one at HAU for $3000. An RN with an MBA leads to upward mobility in a healthcare organization. The MSN or DNP are overrated unless you want an APRN provider pathway. The MBA has much more respect outside of nursing circles. The reason I mention it is because your undergrad coursework looks like you want to get into healthcare management more than healthcare. The $40,000 BSN sounds too pricey, but I guess that is relative. Perhaps look at an ASN RN program at a local community college for 1/4th the price tag. I know that the BSN is a big deal and will be needed eventually but focus on getting an RN. These accelerated entry level 2nd BSN programs are like drinking from a fire hose. Learning the actual RN stuff at a normal rate is challenging enough. Good luck!