[CRNP and CNS]

Dear jjjoy,
When I received my ADN in 1979 the specter of the '85 proposal loomed over every non BSN student. There was not a lecture in which it was not mentioned, remember? Yes, I immediately enrolled in a BSN program, ( I am sure you recall there were very few RN-to-BSN programs at that time.) I was enrolled in a generic BSN program that thankfully gave me credit for my non-nursing courses, but regarded my ADN courses as "technical nursing" courses and I subsequently took ALL nursing courses required for the BSN students. ( I assume this is the "fast track" you alluded to ). No mommy and daddy did not pick up the tab, and tuition reimbursement was unheard of. I worked 11-7 every day, except on the weekends when I worked 3-11, and 11-7 Saturday and Sunday. And yes, I was expected to be on time for my 8AM Monday lectures.
I did not return for my Masters in School Nursing until 1992. I returned in 1996 for my MSN, and 2002 for my post Master's ( was this must be "the move to advanced practice as soon as possible" you stated ). Maybe my career path would have been more alacritous if I did not have cancer three times. I must admit there were times I only worked two jobs because of the physical implications.
I have been in nursing for 30 years. Drop me a line after you have had cancer a few times, continued to work, and have 30 years experience under your belt.

[Miss Mab]

Wow---I think maybe some wires got crossed in here.

My impression was a poster asking someone w/an extensive educational background just what his/her take was on nursing academia and its attendant issues today. Don't know how that degenerated into name calling and such. What a shame...

Without further enraging anyone but just a completely separate inquiry, I do wonder if some of the animosity we see in the 'community' against the newer accelerated and direct entry options is coming from, while not jealousy exactly, perhaps a resentment that these options weren't always available to another generation of nurses? Sort of on par with the whole anger at new grads in specialties for not having to 'pay their dues' first?

Probably a whole different thread but the door opened by the above poster's, I think, basic misunderstanding of the inquiry into his/her career path.

CRNP, do you think, given your extensive prior science background, that you might have gravitated towards these newer type of programs had they been more widely available?

[jjjoy]

Thank you for sharing your story, and kudos to you for all of your accomplishments, both personal and professional... really!!! I apologize if I came across negatively. I DO think your accomplishments are amazing and admirable... the bowing smilies were not meant to be sarcastic.

Originally Posted by CRNP and CNS

Dear jjjoy,
No mommy and daddy did not pick up the tab...

I, nor anyone else, mentioned anything about who was paying for what, implying that you must've had it easy, etc.

I nor anyone else was complaining that it shouldn't take so long to get through school (unless some posts have been editted since posted). Again, I apologize if my comments came across as insulting, thus provoking those jabs.

I am totally impressed at your educational accomplishments and was simply curious what your perspective was on nursing education in light of your PhD in the biological sciences and how it was that you decided to pursue each of those different specialties as they aren't a usual combination!

In regard to what Miss Mab noted, the question of how much education and experience is required to become a nurse at the basic level or in advanced practice can be a hot button issue - sparking defensiveness and criticism from both sides.