Some thoughts come to mind every time I hear this debate on ADN/BSN.
Enhancement of Nursing Profession argument- You hear this one a lot. We are already the most trusted profession in the US. What are we shooting for? Prestige? Recognition from other medical professions? Are we doing this for us, or for them?
Professionalization- This argument is often made by educators-in 4 year universities. Certainly they have a vested interest in having BSN mandatory entry, as do such groups as the AAN, AACN, and the NLN.
Political Reality- No offense, but many politicians look at nurse leaders who call for this as 20 cards short of a full deck.
Let's see, there is a projected shortage of nurses and you want us to close ADN programs which allow many students to advance who might not otherwise have been able to attend 4 year universities. You also want us to "hurt" our local community colleges, which in many cases provide opportunities for disadvantaged people to make something of themselves.
On top of all this, the 4 year university system is so limited by the faculty shortage which is also expected to worsen.
Hmmm, wonder why there is not much political support for this???
Who cares?- Hospital CEO's could care less what degree an RN has, unless they are promoting into management, especially senior management. But there, the MBA is stronger than an MSN.
Most nurses I've ever worked with could care less, although I have sensed a bit of resentment, or bitterness, on the part of some senior clinical nurses.
Obviously, our nursing "leadership" cares, they've been trying to do this for 40 years.
I think the public just wants competent nurses.
Thing's I've never heard in 30+years of doing this-
Get me a nurse educator stat!
Oh, this task is too complex, better get the BSN nurse in here.
I'm sorry mister CEO, I'll have to resign my position as CNO if you ask me to short staff the floors. I want safe ratios at all times, and the bedside nurses are the best ones to decide what safe means.
This is a tough spot for us here on the floor, I wonder what the ANA would say?
OUR state nursing association really works!
Oh, there are so many.......