Magnet, polarization, ageism, classism

Nurses General Nursing

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The more I think about being an out of work RN because I lack experience and graduated from an Associate/Diploma school makes me wonder about the whole magnet status idea. After doing much reading, I have come to the conclusion that Magnet status is nothing more than ageism and classism. The average age of RN's that graduate from Associate programs is 31.9 and from Bachelor programs 26.2 (2004). I did not look up any information for the classism issue but I would have to think 4 year colleges generally cost more than community colleges, and most that chose to go to community colleges do so because of affordability. Maybe I am jumping to conclusions here, but you can't tell me one education is better than the other considering the base of both educations is science. The rest of that fluffy stuff you learn in the baccalaureate program are what us old people learn through life experience.

Sincerely,

38 y.o. Unemployed Annoyed Associate Diploma Degree Spanish Speaking Nurse with three kids.

What I really wanted to say was, I am suprised there have not been any lawsuits filed against Hospitals, and while they are actively avoiding hiring ADN's why don't they ask all of their nurses that were hired as ADN's and current ADN's to resign. Maybe they would easily lose about 75% of their registered nurse staff.

Specializes in FNP.

Well, I disagree with just about every point you are trying to make. I'm closer to 50 than 40, and masters prepared, working on a doctorate. Obviously I do think there is a difference in educational levels, etc. It has never been my experience that younger nurses are preferred to older, quite the opposite in fact.

I would think speaking Spanish would be a big point in your favor, however. I have seen many, many ads looking for Spanish speaking nurses. Perhaps you will need to move to an area actively seeking bilingual staff. In any event, good luck in your job search.

Specializes in Medical Surgical Orthopedic.

I think it's "educationism". If an employer can hire a BSN for the same amount as an ADN, it makes sense that they'd do so. I'm have an ADN, myself....but let's not minimize the education of our BSN "cousins".:twocents:

I don't think you understand, the tide has turned; at least in NJ. You cannot even get an interview without a BSN.

There is a difference in education levels; because of the amount of time spent in clinical by ADN and Diploma nurses the more likely they are to hit the ground running!

Older nurses would be preferred if there were just as many of them getting BSN's as there are younger ones.

Specializes in FNP.

I guess I just don't understand the basis of your complaint. Presented with the choice, most places will hire the better educated individual. Does this come as a surprise to you? It isn't discrimination, it is common sense. Yes, I get that a lot of talented people might not have the degree being sought, but it isn't as though you didn't know that going in. Finish your BSN and the point is moot.

A BSN is only worth it if you can honestly say that you have learned something that you hadn't previously known, and would not be able to just pick up some reading material and learn the same in a few hours of down time eg a CEU. Nursing is my second career, and I have to say, I hesitate on "you know whating away" any more money on nursing edu because of this. I am not a "lemming". A friend of mine from my first college stint (same degree, same intelligence level) got her ADN a few years before me. She was pressured to do her BSN all paid by her facility. She unhappily complied. I totally believe that if you have another BA, the ADN-BSN is just a waste of everybody's time and money. Another stunner, we both agree that nursing edu could be raised to such a high level. Our BAs did not involve human life, and they were more difficult and more in depth. Overall a more professional atmosphere. Why the heck is this? If there was substance, I think nursing higher edu might be something of value.

Does your figure on average age for nurses getting BSN degrees include the accelerated BSN programs? I did an accelerated BSN for those with at least a bachelors and we had a huge age range from probably 25 to 60. I was 30 at the time I started. We had a good number of students over 40. So I was curious as to if your statistic included these programs. As for the hospitals choosing to hire those with a BSN over an ADN, that is their right and not illegal. There has been talk for years and years to move in that way and we are starting to see it now. Its not only nursing keep in mind--Physical Therapists are now being pushed (maybe even required) to get a masters, and Pharmacists have upped their programs from a masters to a pharmD (Doctorate). Social work has basically made it to where you need a masters for like 98% of jobs, making the BSW almost useless. So really nursing is not the only profession pushing for more and more education. Heck here I am seeing people posting asking about if NPs are moving to a masters--supposedly in 2015. Our society values education. That is just the way it is. As far as being Spanish/English bilingual--heck here where I live they are always looking for that!! I lost an opportunity as a case manager as they wanted someone bilingual. We have a good sized spanish speaking population in upstate NY so you would likey find work here.

Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

I took the direct entry route into nursing and got my Masters (I already had a Bachelors degree in another field). I've had my license for 9 months and just now got a job offer. Even though the majority of hospitals in my area are on the magnet journey, the fact of the matter is that my state produces more ADNs, than BSNs, and even less MSNs. However, the hospitals here want experience more than they want a particular type of degree. The market for new grads everywhere is tough. The bottom line here is a larger supply than a demand right now and hospitals can be choosy with who they want to hire. Trust me, its not necessarily your degree that is the problem. The economy sucks, and hospitals took a hit, this making it to get hired as a new grad these days.

Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

There is a difference in education levels; because of the amount of time spent in clinical by ADN and Diploma nurses the more likely they are to hit the ground running!

and I respectfully disagree with this statement. The clinical hours I was required is no less than what is required of ADN and BSN students.

I know its stressful trying to find a job, but pointing the finger at BSNs and whomever else is not going to get you anywhere.

Specializes in FNP.

I think when we are through venting, we are each best served by assessing what it is our individual areas potential employers are looking for and going out and getting it. If one prefers not to do so, then one must consider moving to a location where the skills, experience, education one has are indeed adequate for that specific job market. Otherwise, deliver pizza, it isn't all that different fro nursing, except you'll get better tips delivering pizza. ;)

I don't think you understand, the tide has turned; at least in NJ. You cannot even get an interview without a BSN.

There is a difference in education levels; because of the amount of time spent in clinical by ADN and Diploma nurses the more likely they are to hit the ground running!

Older nurses would be preferred if there were just as many of them getting BSN's as there are younger ones.

If you do a search you will see many people going through the same thing when in comes to places preferring Bsns.

Btw, my local Bsn program has MORE clinical time than the Adn I am in.

I know you are venting, but insulting your Bsn prepared colleagues isn't going to help.

Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

The arguments of the MSN nurse sound better than that of the Diploma nurse..coincidence?

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