Mail Order credential

I have one question: Does any one worry about nursing becoming a mail order credential?

I am concerned by the trend. And before ALOT of people get angry and hurt, let me tell you where I am coming from. I am less concerned about the RN to BSN "distance studying". I think if we are going to really want a great number of nurses to be BSN's we will have to open creative venues to make that a reality. That said, I would not trade the university based experiences I had in my BSN completion program for anything, but I realize that it is not available or workable to all. So I think that this is acceptable and not the main gist of my concern.

My concern is the distance learning programs that allow LPN's, EMICT's and other vocations to become RN's. Again, folks, I am not here to defame you all personally. My beef is with the NLN that acredited these programs. I think LPN to RN progression is a pathway that includes skill acquisition, knowledge acquisition and role enculturation that is best accomplished in a school of nursing setting, be it an ADN or BSN or diploma setting. I think allowing EMICT's (bless their intelligent and able hearts) to become Registered Nurses without attending a school of nursing is little more than selling a credential and I am scandalized that the NLN sanctions it. The two paramedics I know who did this no more think like a nurse than my cat does. They think like paramedics and use paramedic constructs (and my cat can't do that).

I remain concerned that the NLN allowed our professional boundaries to be breached so easily, without a whimper. And I do understand that it's a done deal. I believe our boundaries are permanently breached; we have sold an essential part of our profession.

Any thoughts?