This is certainly turning into an interesting thread.
Let's all try and get along even if we do not see eye to eye (actually looks like you all do agree).
Obviously, the more education one has attained the better off he/she will be. The one thing that must be considered is that not everyone can be in position to obtain that education. Many people who attend nursing school do so while working, and raising families.
I'm attending LPN school right now, and am almost finished. Yes, I have a family and am working, but my situation is quite different, as I have 5 years of college and am not in a tough situation financially. The majority of my classmates, however, are women working as CNA's and raising families. I would wager that none of my classmates are in a position financially to attend a four year college and that this is their only option.
Some of them will go on to get their RN or BSN, but for now, this is the only step that they are able to take, and I applaud them for making it.
When I am finished getting my LPN, which is very very soon, I will then continue to further my education. I have not yet decided whether I will be getting an associates degree or a bachelors degree.
What I'm trying to say is that although it would be ideal for every nurse to have a bachelors degree, not everyone can dedicate that much time to it. It seems to me that the current system we have in place, while far from perfect, allows many options for those interested, to get into the nursing field at some level, and gives them the opportunity to advance their education if they so choose at some point in the future.
Given the current nursing shortage, I don't see a better way.
If time and money is at a premium, I'd go for the ADN initially. If career options in management/administration later are going to be an issue, I'd go for the BSN.
Most places I've worked at pay the same to a new grad from either an ADN or BSN program.
Andrew Lopez, RN (ADN)
http://www.nursinga2z.com
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