I don't get it

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  • by ixchel
    Specializes in critical care.

So, anytime I've ever read here about people getting "snippy" about "status", it's been over the BSNs thinking they're better than the ADNs, or the BSNs and ADNs being bothered when someone goes for their MSN. Today I got to overhear one that actually got under my skin.

I've been accepted into the local BSN program and begin in the fall. Where I live, there are three programs--one BSN, at the local university, and an ADN and an LPN, at the community college. The LPN is admittedly more competitive to get into. If you complete it, you are usually a shoe-in for the ADN. The BSN is a little less competitive, but only a little. I have a 3.85, had a 93 on the A2, and I got in, whereas a classmate had an A2 in the 80's, same GPA and did not get in. I'm guessing I barely made it.

So anyway, I'm in a CNA class because I'm broke and need to start working while I'm still in school. This guy in the class was talking to this lady and they were basically saying how anyone who would waste their time going in the BSN program is an idiot, and it's so much easier to get into that pretty much anyone could just walk in. I wanted to say to the guy, "Oh, yeah, buddy? We'll see how you feel about that when our resumes are sitting in the same pile." But, alas, part of our grade in this CNA class is based on us being on our best behavior. So, I kept it to myself.

What's the deal, though? We're in this together, right? I don't think my degree is better than someone else's degree. I think my degree is better for what I intend to do with it (go on to masters) but if I had no intentions of stepping foot in a graduate school, I would likely have applied to the ADN program instead. But why should that matter? We all work together. We all have the same goals. We should all be nice and supportive of each other. Right?

I ended up not saying one damn thing to the guy. But seriously.....I wanted to. Today was only our second day, so if he keeps it up, I might say something. Nothing rude (at least, I hope it wouldn't come out as rude) but informative nonetheless. Just because my path isn't his preferred path doesn't mean my path is any lesser or bad. grrrrrr

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN

1 Article; 20,908 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Consider the source. this argument is as old as the profession. Every Time I think the dead horse can't be beat anymore someone grabs the whip and takes one more lash. Until nursing has one entry level for education this argument will go on. I will say that if you are young, the move is closer for requiring new grads to have the BSN. The job market is tight and competitive. There are new grad BSN that have been looking for work for over a year in some parts of the country.

In a hundred years is this guys opinion going to make a difference in your life? No? then just ignore his ignorance.

Congratualtions on getting in!!!!!! Good luck in school!!:hug:

Specializes in ICU.

I wouldn't stress over it too much. Do the best you can in your path - and don't let others bring you down.

I am in an ADN program right now and I am aware that I will need more schooling (I am enrolled for an RN-to-BSN program next fall.) I am not sure what it's like in your area, but many hospitals around me require a bachelors now. So, it is quite possible that this man will have to go onto more schooling anyway. I don't regret my decision to start off with the ADN program. I chose it for a number of reasons that were right for me.

You seem to be the mature person in the situation by not openly criticizing those around you who have chosen a different path. Remain confident in your decision and stay positive!

ixchel

4,547 Posts

Specializes in critical care.

Thank you-- you both are definitely right. It's just hard to hear a perfect stranger say your chosen path makes you an idiot. :\

sharpeimom

2,452 Posts

Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

the guy who said that probably has different future plans than you do or he might have been trying to bolster his own sagging ego by

knocking yours down a few pegs. nasty but all too frequent sometimes.

my mom used to tell me not to let whichever kid was bothering me in junior high school, not to gain the upper edge. she'd say not to let

her rent free space inside my head. in other words, mentally tell that person to go to xxxx inside your head! it's very liberating! outwardly, stay polite but don't let the jerks get to you. it isn't worth it -- ever.

just remember how much farther you will go with your m.s.n. than he will as whatever he ends up as (and no, i'm not putting down

those with other education levels.)

RLtinker, LPN

282 Posts

The truth is nursing is going to be a second career for me, so I picked going for ASN so I could get done sooner. But I will be going for my BSN and then MSN eventually. Having just an ASN limits a nurses hire prospects since some hospitals will only hire BSNs, never mind the hospitals that are going for magnet status.

veggie530

249 Posts

Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.

To each his own, to be honest.

You were right to not say anything -- he's entitled to his opinion. Where I'm at, it's so easy to transition to a BSN after getting your RN that I do feel it's too expensive to pay for a BSN for the entire nursing education and almost pointless. But if I had the disposable income, I might view it differently. That being said, I wouldn't call anyone an "idiot" over it, because if they can afford it then all the power to them.

ixchel

4,547 Posts

Specializes in critical care.

I think here it ends up being six one way half a dozen the other. The only difference is the time. The ADN by itself will be cheaper probably by a good $10k-$15k. But if you decide to go ADN-BSN, you would end up paying more and spending probably another year longer than just going BSN because the university requires the gen eds, and then a year of nursing classes. It's absurd, to tell the truth. If you never want more than ADN, then it makes sense to go that route, but if you want BSN in face to face classes, you just have to do it from the starting line.

mindlor

1,341 Posts

So, anytime I've ever read here about people getting "snippy" about "status", it's been over the BSNs thinking they're better than the ADNs, or the BSNs and ADNs being bothered when someone goes for their MSN. Today I got to overhear one that actually got under my skin.

I've been accepted into the local BSN program and begin in the fall. Where I live, there are three programs--one BSN, at the local university, and an ADN and an LPN, at the community college. The LPN is admittedly more competitive to get into. If you complete it, you are usually a shoe-in for the ADN. The BSN is a little less competitive, but only a little. I have a 3.85, had a 93 on the A2, and I got in, whereas a classmate had an A2 in the 80's, same GPA and did not get in. I'm guessing I barely made it.

So anyway, I'm in a CNA class because I'm broke and need to start working while I'm still in school. This guy in the class was talking to this lady and they were basically saying how anyone who would waste their time going in the BSN program is an idiot, and it's so much easier to get into that pretty much anyone could just walk in. I wanted to say to the guy, "Oh, yeah, buddy? We'll see how you feel about that when our resumes are sitting in the same pile." But, alas, part of our grade in this CNA class is based on us being on our best behavior. So, I kept it to myself.

What's the deal, though? We're in this together, right? I don't think my degree is better than someone else's degree. I think my degree is better for what I intend to do with it (go on to masters) but if I had no intentions of stepping foot in a graduate school, I would likely have applied to the ADN program instead. But why should that matter? We all work together. We all have the same goals. We should all be nice and supportive of each other. Right?

I ended up not saying one damn thing to the guy. But seriously.....I wanted to. Today was only our second day, so if he keeps it up, I might say something. Nothing rude (at least, I hope it wouldn't come out as rude) but informative nonetheless. Just because my path isn't his preferred path doesn't mean my path is any lesser or bad. grrrrrr

First of all congrats on getting into the BSN program :) Well Done!!!

In my vey limited experience to survive on the floor one must do a lot of smiling and waving....know what I mean? Dont let people goad you to anger.....

This guy is more than likely just jealous....

Just do your thing and dont let anything stand in your way.

I wish you the very best!!

Horseshoe, BSN, RN

5,879 Posts

In my case, it didn't make sense to do the ADN. With my previous bachelor's degree, it worked out to about the same amount of time to do either degree. I got credit for all my pre-reqs from degree 1, so it ended up being only about 1 semester more to get the BSN. Made me smart to do it that way, not at all "an idiot." ;)

Boxer Mama

293 Posts

I would not let him bother you. I am still working towards my classes to apply to an ADN program, knowing full well that I will immediately have to get into an RN-BSN program after that. I really wish that I had the ability to go into a BSN program from the start. Congrats on making it into the program and good luck!

bbgirlmil

15 Posts

Specializes in Geriatrics.

My instructor told me once in LPN school that "nurses love to eat their young". So far (2 years now) I have found this to be true, sad, but true. One nurse always wants to be better than the other.

To me it doesn't make a difference. Good for you for going for your goals! Proud of you!

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