[cougarnurse]

Thanks, Mag! Much appreciated. And yes, the clinical time for ADN's IS often much better.

[pipingmad]

Originally Posted by syudent1010@aol.com

...I love the education I have got in the BSN program but I don't feel that there was more clinical time in my BSN then was in my ADN program,...

One nurse practitioner explained it to me like this...

Depending on what the employer is looking for at that time in a new graduate, one may be initially better than the other. If they want someone that can jump right in instantly with little preceptoring, she'd choose an ADN. If they were looking at long term goals and more time for preceptoring, they'd look at a BSN.

I think what people in this discussion keep bringing up are experienced nurses. With time, either an ADN or BSN would be a great nurse unless that person's personality gets in the way.

The other thing I've seen mentioned and have thought about myself is what would happen to ADN programs if a mandatory entry BSN law is passed. Sure, some programs would close. Others might be able to become affiliated with university or private college programs, or maybe even online programs (for the research and managerial type courses) and then be able to continue their efforts.

As it was explained to me in school, it really is about bettering the "profession" of nursing. It's a topic that will probably be fought over for decades to come.

[kathyb]

Here in Ontario, to practice nsg. you must be a Bsn. grad. This changed in 2004, and nurses who prev. graduated were grandfathered in. I can't really say if this has exacerbated the nsg. shortage, but I'm sure it didn't help. Any of the community colleges that previously offered the RN program simply aligned themselves with a university that offers the degree program. My hospital is going to be a pilot project- one of 5 in Ontario to offer the BsN on site from one of the universities. I have applied, but there are only 9 spots. So we shall see...

[MRS. ERNURSE]

I doubt it will happen. They would be cutting their noses off to spite thier face...and then who would be there to help them recover in OR or ER???

Sorry, but we are too short staffed to take you, take a number...dah.

[Seriesse_DL]

My two cents worth....I think it is absolutely crazy. I am in Virginia, and there is certainly a "push" toward BSN degrees (or higher) here. I currently drive 1 hr 20 mins to work and I recently was looking at a closer hospital for a job. Most of their job descriptions state "BSN required". I'm wondering how their staffing is?? No one is going to tell me that I'm a less qualified nurse because I have only an Associate degree. I've been doing this for almost 15 yrs and working in the medical profession since I was 18. The day that I can't find a job because I don't have the "required" BSN, sadly, will probably be the day I leave the profession.

[MagRedC5]

Originally Posted by Seriesse_DL

My two cents worth....I think it is absolutely crazy. I am in Virginia, and there is certainly a "push" toward BSN degrees (or higher) here. I currently drive 1 hr 20 mins to work and I recently was looking at a closer hospital for a job. Most of their job descriptions state "BSN required". I'm wondering how their staffing is?? No one is going to tell me that I'm a less qualified nurse because I have only an Associate degree. I've been doing this for almost 15 yrs and working in the medical profession since I was 18. The day that I can't find a job because I don't have the "required" BSN, sadly, will probably be the day I leave the profession.

IMHO, it is great that an RN has the potential to reach the educational level of PhD. However, to make it mandatory for BSN in order to practice nursing is very unreasonable. Like it has already been mentioned, there is only NCLEX!

BTW, Seriesse WELCOME!

[MagRedC5]

Originally Posted by pipingmad

One nurse practitioner explained it to me like this...

Depending on what the employer is looking for at that time in a new graduate, one may be initially better than the other. If they want someone that can jump right in instantly with little preceptoring, she'd choose an ADN. If they were looking at long term goals and more time for preceptoring, they'd look at a BSN.

I think what people in this discussion keep bringing up are experienced nurses. With time, either an ADN or BSN would be a great nurse unless that person's personality gets in the way.

The other thing I've seen mentioned and have thought about myself is what would happen to ADN programs if a mandatory entry BSN law is passed. Sure, some programs would close. Others might be able to become affiliated with university or private college programs, or maybe even online programs (for the research and managerial type courses) and then be able to continue their efforts.

As it was explained to me in school, it really is about bettering the "profession" of nursing. It's a topic that will probably be fought over for decades to come.

You mentioned that ADN programs would close. However, what about the ADN nurses? BTW, my argument is not solely regards to the 'experienced' ADN. I'd venture to say a new ADN & new BSN nurse fresh out of school will have equal skills in the clinical setting. To imply the nursing field would be better off without ADN educated nurses is crazy.

[justatraveler]

Originally Posted by MagRedC5

You mentioned that ADN programs would close. However, what about the ADN nurses? BTW, my argument is not solely regards to the 'experienced' ADN. I'd venture to say a new ADN & new BSN nurse fresh out of school will have equal skills in the clinical setting. To imply the nursing field would be better off without ADN educated nurses is crazy.

Maybe we could go BACKWARDS and have LPN's in charge of a ward. In a hospital. They were when I went to LPN school in '79. Or better yet why have a test. Nurses weren't tested in FN's time.

How can nursing ever hope to become respected and move forward with so many entries into practice? Please don't compare us to any other profession. We are unique and special. All of us.

BTW there are still a few diploma schools and IMHO they produced the best nurses bar none. Plenty of OJT..

ADN nurses with a certain amount of time "served" would be grandfathered. Not a new concept.

[OldSquidNewNurse]

Originally Posted by justatraveler

How can nursing ever hope to become respected and move forward with so many entries into practice? Please don't compare us to any other profession. We are unique and special. All of us.

You become respected by doing a good job. Nurses with advanced degrees do research to futher the profession.

[cougarnurse]

One thing that NO-ONE has even considered.....who is going to teach the BSN classes? One needs a Doctorate, pretty much. Only problem is that the going pay rate for teaching is not even CLOSE to what one can make on the floor or as an NP, etc.

Oh, I know that there are incentives out there, but.....

Takers, anybody?

'Cat'