Frustrated in BSN program - Page 3

I think all ADN programs require anatomy and physiology I and II, but I don't know of any (although I'm sure they exist) that require pathophysiology.

My BSN program required pathophysiology but I don't know if I'd even consider that "loads."

Either way, it doesn't really matter in this case because the bottom line seems to be that she wants to work in a hospital and by her own testimony can't even get an interview. Maybe it isn't the pathophysiology they think the BSN brings, but it doesn't change the simple fact that more and more hospitals want it.

I checked just to be sure and my local CC doesn't require it. In fact, many students take the ADN route here after they fail patho at the university for the very reason that they don't have to take it. After doing a simple search here on allnurses.com I came across this thread where people are saying that even pharmacology isn't part of their ADN program. That's even more shocking.

http://allnurses.com/general-nursing...gy-757247.html

All ADN programs require pathophys, although they don't separate it into a separate class since it's been integrated into Nursing courses since at least 1975.

To use the University of Washington example again (top ranked Nursing program in the US), they don't require a separate pathophysiology class either. So that means ASN programs are in the same league as the top ranked BSN program in the country, that's a pretty good league to be in.

That would seem to imply a significant difference, as opposed to "semantics" in which the only difference is the word used.. I was talking with another Nurse the other night who had an ASN and wanted an MSN at some point and figured she needed a BSN first. She was looking at an MSN program (which was not designed as an ADN to MSN program) which required a BSN, although they would accept a 4 page essay in lieu of a BSN. This was one of the top ranked Nursing programs in the nation which considered the difference between an ASN and a BSN to be essentially a 4 page homework assignment, not exactly a significant difference.

From the University of Washington website:
If you are admitted to the MN program, additional requirements you MUST meet before starting the program are:

• successful completion of one of the following:
  
  • a baccalaureate nursing degree from an accredited university
  • an associate degree or diploma from an accredited RN program, and a baccalaureate degree in a non-nursing field

The fact that you must have a baccalaureate degree in another field is a tiny little detail you didn't mention.

"Clinical applications of anatomy and physiology" sure, it's not called "pathophysiology," but there is a significant period of time dedicated to what's basically the same thing.

Again, any degree is PRACTICALLY (in every sense of the word) useless if you can't get a job. If you can't get the job you want (like...oh...a job in the hospital) then it's just a step above.

Like I said to begin with....if the OP is happy in her current job then she should quit the program. However, if she wants to work elsewhere then she's going to run into the same problem that sent her back to school to begin with.

I should've known here on allnurses.com that pointing out what should be a simple, harmless comment like, "pathophysiology should be useful to a hospital nurse" would open up a door.

This was one of the top ranked Nursing programs in the nation which considered the difference between an ASN and a BSN to be essentially a 4 page homework assignment, not exactly a significant difference.

Are you under the impression that there are RNs who don't have pathophysiology included in their curriculum?

I don't like semantics games. Plus, it's misleading to all the people who read this site looking for advice. Anyone reading that post would assume that what you were saying is that a person with an associate's degree in nursing could write an essay and apply to the MSN program. Sure, they can....IF they already have a bachelor's in another field...which is an important point to mention.

I think there IS a significant difference in someone who already has a bachelor's degree AND is an RN applying to a MSN program vs. someone who has an associate's degree period applying to a MSN program.

The real difference is a boat load of college credits in addition to that "4 page homework assignment."

So, did you ever tell the OP if you think they should quit the program or keep going?

Where do you come up with this?

I'm under the impression that diet and nutrition is "included in the curriculum" for any type of nurse and even nursing assistants. That doesn't mean that they couldn't learn something by taking a course devoted to nutrition.

An ASN consists of about 45 credits of pre-reqs and 2 years of Nursing program. A BSN consists of 45 credits of pre-reqs, 2 years of Nursing program, and about 45 credits of electives. For me, those 45 credits of electives (the only substantial difference between an ASN and BSN) consisted mainly of geography, PE (sailing, running) and classical lit. I really don't think that "boatload" of extra college credits which mainly involved reading Homer and sailing made any measurable difference in my Nursing skills. If UW saw any significant difference in my Nursing education and that of a ADN then they'd probably want to see those requirements fulfilled, but as it turns out, they don't.