[SarahBSNstudent]

I would like some opinions from those who have gone through these different programs. I'm writing a paper on whether any of these programs should be eliminated, and which ones provide the best experience. My opinion is that it seems that the shorter programs provide more 'hands-on' experience, which I feel is more critical than most of the **** I am learning now. Please send your input to my email address that is posted. I would greatly appreciate it.
And this is simply a survey. I'm not asking anyone to do my research for me. I'd just like to get some experienced-based opinions that I can add for support of my own arguments.

Thanks a bunch!

[Vsummer1]

I think each has its own merits. It depends on what the individual goals of the student are and their particular needs. Not to mention location. If you want to be a bedside nurse, RN -- than an ADN program would suffice. But if you want to advance in your career, then the BSN would be the way to go.

I am in an ADN program because of where I am now located. I don't have the choices that a younger student might have in relocating for school, so I am kind of stuck with what is offered in my area. After I graduate, I may sell and move but without that RN I just wouldn't want to. So, for me at this stage of life, in my location, the ADN program is it.

I think diploma programs are harder to find in the US, but in Canada they are still common (correct me if I am wrong...).

Good luck on your report...

[Alley Cat]

Good question! In our area, there are no longer any diploma programs, and I don't know about diploma programs in other states; locally, I still feel the ADN programs prepare more students better for bedside nursing. However, the BSN programs are improving. I originally came from a diploma program and finished my BSN shortly after graduating because I knew if I ever married and had children, I probably wouldn't find time to go back. Now that I do have kids (counting my husband of 11 years , I find that I was right. Did my degree help me in my career? Probably not; what helped me the most was experience and developing maturity. I am glad I have it, however; that way, if I do decide to go back for another degree or am told that I need it for my current position, I'm all set.
What is unfortunate nowadays is that in order to be seen as a "Profession", people think that means a degree. Personally, I think it's more than that. (Not everyone agrees, of course.) It's conduct, knowing how to communicate effectively, knowing one's limitations, and most importantly, THINKING BEFORE YOU SPEAK OR ACT, no matter what program a person graduates from. Good luck with your paper and in your career!

[NurseDianne]

Since I've been an LPN for years, and am currently attending RN school......I honestly think that the LPN program offered me more "hands on" experience. I can remember feeling so po'd that as an LPN I was the one to train new RN's and orient them at work. I do understand that the "management" area's need to be covered, I just think more handson should be dealt w/ in the RN/BSN programs.

[SKM-NURSIEPOOH]

I believe that the teaching styles of the old diploma programs are the best...IMO. The amounts of time spent in the classes & on the clinical floors were amazing. Hospitals used to staff their floors with student diploma nurses all the time as many had to stay on the premises because they lived in dormitories. This was years ago & a life time away...but I get the sense that diploma nurses really were better prepared for doing nursing duties. Their focus was more on patient care/healing than management/theory.

Funny I should feel this way because I choose to go through the LPN program first & am currently attending a BSN program now...still feel like I'm missing out on something...you know - Moe

[SKM-NURSIEPOOH]

Wish you a lot of luck with your research/paper, school, & your future nursing position!!!

Luv- Moe

[flaerman]

I attended a diploma program in Phila, was doing real clinical on real pt's 6 weeks into school and continued for the next 3 years.
That was 20 yrs ago I went to school, since then I have been in BSN Mentoring program in 600 bed level I trauma center where Iwas the only non-BSN and 4-5 yrs of I doing that I know that I helped to create 4-5 nurses who sent me thank you after they got into practice thanking me for my help. I have also worked circles around several BSN RN's over the years. Diploma nursing programs definitely need to stay around. Tahnks--Paul