question about nursing degrees

U.S.A. Kentucky

Published

ok so I know that by 2015 that all NP's are suppose to have there doctorates instead of master's degrees right? well I was wondering if RN's with associates degrees are soon going to be required to have their bachelors degree instead? I have noticed that on the job postings at jewish hospital, for example, that alot of the RN positions that are open require a BSN. At least the ones that I am interested in (psych, geri-psych, etc...) I plan on going to for my BSN thru a bridge program at IWU or someplace anyway, but will this be a requirement in the years to come? if anyone knows, I would really appreciate their response. thanks!:specs:

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The DNP-minimum-for-advanced-practice idea is a proposal by some of the academic nursing organizations, nothing more at this point. It is not official or mandatory.

As for your other question, people in nursing have been talking about making the BSN the minimum entry into nursing practice for over 30 years, and it's no closer to happening now than it was 30 years ago. The only state that ever passed legislation mandating this, North Dakota, went back later and rescinded the change because it proved to be unworkable.

It is true that there are some individual hospitals that prefer or require BSNs for new hires, and some areas of the country that are very "pro-BSN," but it's also true that the majority of RNs in the US are educated at the ADN level and never complete any further formal education -- and they're working! That's not likely to change any time soon, if it ever does. I'm not expressing a preference or opinion on this issue, just stating the facts.

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oh ok thank you for clearing that up. yeah I was looking on the Jewish hospital website and was interested when I saw a job opening for the brain injury unit at our lady of peace. sounds like something I may be interested in when I get my rn. when I clicked on it though it said that a bsn was preferred. I guess that doesnt necessarily mean that I wouldnt be eligible for the position when I have my rn, but of course a bsn is better.

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oh ok thank you for clearing that up. yeah I was looking on the Jewish hospital website and was interested when I saw a job opening for the brain injury unit at our lady of peace. sounds like something I may be interested in when I get my rn. when I clicked on it though it said that a bsn was preferred. I guess that doesnt necessarily mean that I wouldnt be eligible for the position when I have my rn, but of course a bsn is better.

Can't hurt to apply ... :)

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