[DDRN4me]

ok, have to chime in... was an LPN for 18 years...and a da$% good one... went for my ADN because I was doing the same work but being denied opportunity... and was an ADN till 3 days ago

I did find, however, that the added classes to get my bsn DID give me more theory and knowledge; and helped me better understand the journals I was reading, and DID help me think more critically. I do not think it improved my clinical skills; those i developed by experience. Many many years of hands on care... and i do not think that can be taught in a classroom!!

I work with several RNs and one LPN now... and the LPN is one of the ones that I trust the most.... because she has YEARS of clincal experience. I look at the way a person works and thinks ; not their degree.

[time4meRN]

Originally Posted by DDRN4me

ok, have to chime in... was an LPN for 18 years...and a da$% good one... went for my ADN because I was doing the same work but being denied opportunity... and was an ADN till 3 days ago

I did find, however, that the added classes to get my bsn DID give me more theory and knowledge; and helped me better understand the journals I was reading, and DID help me think more critically. I do not think it improved my clinical skills; those i developed by experience. Many many years of hands on care... and i do not think that can be taught in a classroom!!

I work with several RNs and one LPN now... and the LPN is one of the ones that I trust the most.... because she has YEARS of clincal experience. I look at the way a person works and thinks ; not their degree.

Well said, I agree. Although I learned many of my skills for management through hard work, willingness to learn nursing confrences, cirtifications etc. It seemed to work well because I was able to advance to places my BSN co-workers didn't. Classes for my bsn were interesting but not much use in general. The cost/value ratio was mis matched. By-the-way, I love your picture on your post site. It is sooooo cute. It sounds like your doing well. Best luck in the future.

[RNsRWe]

Originally Posted by Tweety

Agree. Sometimes new grads have such fresh and up to date knowledge, I pick their brains a lot. So many things have changed since I graduated.

I wish I worked with you! There's an experienced nurse I work with from time to time who makes me nuts by saying how such-and-such was done wrong, or this-and-that was charted right when I know it to be the opposite BECAUSE I'm only out of school a year. Specifically on legal issues, the newest information was given to us as we were leaving, so I'd trust that over her info (which is 12 years old and she doesn't believe in continuing education, so I know she's not kept up on it).

/rant

[RNsRWe]

Originally Posted by Tweety

.....heard a nurse that float to our unit say "Anyone can put potassium in an IV, but it takes a BSN to know why".

LOL...I guess I'm a special case, since either that WAS taught in my ADN program, or I'm a psychic learner!

[time4meRN]

Originally Posted by RNsRWe

I wish I worked with you! There's an experienced nurse I work with from time to time who makes me nuts by saying how such-and-such was done wrong, or this-and-that was charted right when I know it to be the opposite BECAUSE I'm only out of school a year. Specifically on legal issues, the newest information was given to us as we were leaving, so I'd trust that over her info (which is 12 years old and she doesn't believe in continuing education, so I know she's not kept up on it).

/rant

That's true. I've been a nurse for a long long time. I learn so much from new grads. Plus , I feel if I'm open to hearing new things, asking questions of new grads that they will feel more free about asking questions of more experienced nurses.(even those that "eat their young". I do hope since you are a fairly new nurse that many of us "older nurses" keep up on our education too,we also have alot of experience so tap in on it.

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by RNsRWe

LOL...I guess I'm a special case, since either that WAS taught in my ADN program, or I'm a psychic learner!

[santhony44]

Originally Posted by RNsRWe

I wish I worked with you! There's an experienced nurse I work with from time to time who makes me nuts by saying how such-and-such was done wrong, or this-and-that was charted right when I know it to be the opposite BECAUSE I'm only out of school a year. Specifically on legal issues, the newest information was given to us as we were leaving, so I'd trust that over her info (which is 12 years old and she doesn't believe in continuing education, so I know she's not kept up on it).

/rant

I read something once I think is very true: Some people have twenty years' experience. Others have one years' experience, twenty times! I think your co-worker fits into that category.

Experience is great! But things do change, and we do need to at least attempt to keep up.

Someone mentioned BSN grads not being able to start IV's, or some such. I was an LPN and then ADN. I never once started an IV or did any venipuncture in school. Maybe it was the time- back in the early to mid 1980's. At that time, most hospitals in my area had IV teams, so floor nurses didn't commonly do those, and the phelbotomists did most blood draws. Eventually I learned those OJT.

Knowing skills is good but there is no way everyone can learn everything in school!

[RNsRWe]

Originally Posted by time4meRN

That's true. I've been a nurse for a long long time. I learn so much from new grads. Plus , I feel if I'm open to hearing new things, asking questions of new grads that they will feel more free about asking questions of more experienced nurses.(even those that "eat their young". I do hope since you are a fairly new nurse that many of us "older nurses" keep up on our education too,we also have alot of experience so tap in on it.

Oh, I never go a day without tapping into that knowledge which experience has brought (wrought?). Goes without saying, or it should, as it's usually the more experienced teaching those of us with less. But in this one example, imagine the frustration of the newbie who IS frequently relying on those with more experience and yet finds that they often don't know when reciprocation is good for them

I have no experience to offer them (longtime nurses) but I sure do know the latest techniques or legal bits to be aware of because I'm new. Shame there aren't more like you, who know that having become a nurse XX years ago doesn't equal keeping themselves current. You have to go out of your way for that

[RNsRWe]

Originally Posted by santhony44

Someone mentioned BSN grads not being able to start IV's, or some such. I was an LPN and then ADN. I never once started an IV or did any venipuncture in school. Maybe it was the time- back in the early to mid 1980's. At that time, most hospitals in my area had IV teams, so floor nurses didn't commonly do those, and the phelbotomists did most blood draws. Eventually I learned those OJT.

Knowing skills is good but there is no way everyone can learn everything in school!

I didn't comment on that original quote, but yes, I too graduated from an excellent ADN program that did NOT include IV starts as part of its curriculum. Why? Wasn't time! Instructors knew that we'd all learn it OTJ at every facility that employed us, so hardly an issue. And I am pleased to say I'm quite competent at it now, when not a single minute was spent on it in school (graduated 5/06)!

[I_am_Julia]

Education is NEVER overrated.