[Suesquatch]

Well, if you're sitting here on a computer linked to the internet you do have a choice. You might make a different choice than I because of different priorities and circumstances, but it is still a choice.

I plan to continue on through the MSN level, partly for advancement opportunities, but largely because I really like learning. I can't say that a lot of nursing school stuff is particularly interesting to me - I detest classes in the nursing process and effective communication yada yada yada - but without them I can't become an NP. And at 53 I know I can't work the floor forever and paperwork has never been my long suit. I know how valuable a good MDS coordinator is but you'd have to shoot me before I could do it. Therein lies the the pithy wisdom of the popular song, "Different strokes for different folks. And so on and so on and dooby dooby do."

Oh, and when I am finally an RN I am not going to make a point of differentiating myself from the LPN unless specifically asked. "I'm a nurse" works very well for me, and will work through NP as well.

A lot of the disrespect of the profession and one another I see comes more from within than from anyone I've met outside of health care. I tell people I'm a nurse and they are really amazingly impressed. LTC, hospice, med/surg - "nurse" is a magic word to the lay person. They never ask me to defend how much of a nurse I am. Only among other nurses.

[KnoxWarEagle]

I am a BSN that has to laugh whenever this comes up. We are nurses...period! I have practiced in three states. I have worked with LPN's that could run circles around me and I have worked with FNP's that actually learned alittle from me. It all depends on the program. In my area I would precept a CC RN program than the local BSN program. It also depends on what you put into your education. The eagerness to learn and take criticism. I got a BSN because I have a previous BS in Biology and got into the program. Do what you can do. A BS will help you only if you want management, get a Masters or jump into Pharmaceutical Sales. I have yet to get a pay increase just because I have a BSN.
Do what you can do and leave the bickering up to Congress.

[Marie_LPN]

We are nurses...period!

Works for me.

[NurseMMM]

Originally Posted by ELKMNin06

I love when people generalize and say things like "ADNs do better on NCLEX" or they "have more bedside experience". <------This is not true in my area!

Not true, maybe in some cases but you can't make that gerneralzation unless you have national statistics.

I must have hit a nerve or something? So how many hours have you practiced in your BSN program this year taking care of a patient? As opposed to an ADN program that focuses on clinical care? I don't need statistics, it is a well known fact. ADN's are trained clinically, where BSN's are trained mainly for management. You do not get the same training. ADNs come out of school knowing how to insert an IV for example. I do not know of any BSNs that do. And I have done both programs. Have you? ADN then BSN. I received much more clinical practice while in my ADN program, then in my BSN program. And personally felt that the ADN program assisted me and my fellow classmates in patient care. I had no difficulty in transitioning to become a RN in the field. As opposed to while in the BSN program, I felt that more clinical training would have helped my classmates prepare for what they would encounter once they hit the unit and there fears over taking the NCLEX. Most of the ADN to BSN program RNs felt the very same way. Most didn't need additional clinical training. All we needed was the paper that stated we had management skills required for managerial and supervisory positions. Look up your own statistics. I lived mine. That was enough for me. It is my opinion that while coming out of any nursing program, the real learning begins once you are clinically challenged everyday. Most of us start at the bottom of the ladder. Some reach financial plataou. While others are able to advance only due to a degree without clinical expertise. I know plenty of great managers that where given the opportunity for advancement with their ADN's. I also know alot of great managers that were given the opportunity for advanced placement due their degree only. But what surprised me is that there was many a time they lacked understanding of what was clinically required for their subordinates to "get thru the day." You have to live it to truly understand it. I suppose you will find out oneday. Good luck.

[gauge14iv]

it now qualifies for hospice

[Tweety]

Originally Posted by NurseMMM

I must have hit a nerve or something? So how many hours have you practiced in your BSN program this year taking care of a patient? As opposed to an ADN program that focuses on clinical care? I don't need statistics, it is a well known fact. ADN's are trained clinically, where BSN's are trained mainly for management. You do not get the same training.

No nerve was hit. Your "facts" are not true here. Both the ADN programs and the BSN programs here have equal number of clinical hours. BSNs learn bed baths, dressings and starting IVs the same as ADNs. As they both take NCLEX RN, both are equally qualified for the bedside. BSN nurses fresh from graduation are in no way shape or form ready for a management position, but are ready for bedside nursing. They take only one course in leadership/management their last semester along with their 140 hours of preceptorship with a nurse on the floor 1:1, no management clinicals.

I pretty much disagree with your entire post, but I shortened it in the quote for brevity. No nerve was hit, but be careful that you generalize your experience everywhere, becuase they are not well known facts. Thanks.

Now if you're talking RNs who go back for the BSN, then that's an entirely different experience.

[P_RN]

Has anyone noticed this is in the PRE-NURSING forum?

Dearly beloved we are gathered here to not mourn the untimely death of this thread, cause that TIME passed about 200 posts ago. Or is that friends,Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears (keyboards in the 21st century) we need to bury this Caesar NOT TO BEAT IT TO DEATH.

[np_wannabe]

Originally Posted by Suesquatch

A lot of the disrespect of the profession and one another I see comes more from within than from anyone I've met outside of health care. I tell people I'm a nurse and they are really amazingly impressed. LTC, hospice, med/surg - "nurse" is a magic word to the lay person. They never ask me to defend how much of a nurse I am. Only among other nurses.

Dr Phil calls this "leveling." He says that people like to boost their own ego by doing one of two things:

1. Elevate themselves to be, in their eyes, equal to others OR
2. Bring others around them down


****** (edited out name of other poster) clearly has no idea what she's talking about. BSNs don't learn how to insert an IV... That cracks me up...

[NRSKarenRN]

Each program has strength and weakness...people choose either based on what appeals best to their personal goals in life and can $$ manage. We welcome all here in the Pre-nursing forum.

Mod Team hears: "my degree is better than your degree"

This song should be sung to the tune of "My dog's better than your dog......my dog's better than yours.....my dog's better 'cause he eats Kennel Ration......my dog's better than yours"......

Bidding song adieu.

[Gromit]

geez I haven't heard THAT one in YEARS!!

Of course, MY dog ATE the kennel-ration dog