Job market prefers BSN , turns away ADN

OK, it's clear I hit a nerve and trust me this was not my intention and it was my hope this would open up a constructive argument, not an opportunity to make further assumptions about my own capabilities and experience. My writing style is direct and to the point and I will admit I am not as sensitive as others on the issue.

Perhaps it would be better if we directed this energy to the issue of the OP and ask why it is that the job market and education lobby is favoring BSN (and MSN) trained entry level candidates over the ADN programs. The writing is on the wall, folks, that these programs are on the verge of being phased out and the only question is when. I agree it might take some time.

But isn't it a positive thing that our profession is going to evolve to a higher standard? Why is there resistance? And while I appreciate that "your particular ADN" program might have been an amazing experience, wouldn't you welcome an opportunity to learn more and at a higher level? [Also, as others have pointed out in this thread, it is a fallacy to assume that all ADN's have more clinical time and practical experience - most states have a regulated amount of required clinical time before they allow a student to sit for the NCLEX and furthermore I know of many BSN and MSN-entry programs which go above and beyond the requisite clinical experience, particularly in specialty fields].

I for one will continue to support the decisions of hospitals in my area to stop hiring ADN's altogether. We need to move on as a learned profession.

I am not offended by the reactions to my post, but rather hope people can use their time drafting replies to address the topic at hand rather that speculate on my own training and background.

Chicago878, you are not the first person to broach the topic of why a BSN is becoming preferred by many employers (did you read the entire thread?) and why it is important for nursing as a profession. You were, however, the first to call most ADN nurses an embarrassment to the profession. If you don't want people to speculate about your capabilities and experiences, then you need to return the same civility.

Stop backpedaling- your original post did nothing to further a respectful or meaningful discussion on the topic.

Oh, I am definitely not backpedaling.

Let me clarify, I said I know many highly capable ADN's (who have taken it upon themselves to learn on the job and go above and beyond) and I also know many ADN's who would serve the profession well by retiring. We ALL have. And stop being so defensive and emotional - it is not helping your argument.

And if making judgement calls about what kind of person I am or nurse I am going to be is helping you get through your day, than by all means dish it out. I was only suggesting it might be better for this energy to be directed at the original discussion which I did read. I feel that few have addressed the CORE of why BSN/MSN candidates are preferred in the market or why the ANA is lobbying for the BSN to become the minimum degree for entry into the profession. You might disagree this is happening, but why might the marketplace be responding?

I would hazard a guess that people know BSN and MSN qualified RNs that should retire as well.

If I base your nursing skills on what I'm reading I would guess that as a nurse, you would be self righteous, overly impressed with yourself, a poor team member and a leader that leads by dissent. I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and think you're really overzealous and trying to prove the worth of your education but honestly if your school is promoting this attitude, its doing you a great disservice.

Defensive and emotional is to be expected when you say qualified, competent nurses are not fit to do their jobs. Apparently graduate level nursing courses teach neither diplomacy or respect for others.

I don't disagree that the profession is moving toward a BSN entry. That's why I am entering nursing with a BSN from a 2nd degree program instead of going to my local community college for a fraction of the cost (fyi, this community college program has been an NLN-recognized Center of Excellence since 2004, and was one of the first three schools to receive that designation).

I disagree with your claim that nearly all ADN nurses (for every 1 good ADN there are 10 bad ones, according to you) are an embarrassment to the profession. I disagree with your insistence that all you're really trying to do here is constructively take the conversation to a deeper level. I disagree with your apparent belief that because this is the internet, you are not responsible for your words while we are responsible for our reaction to your words.

I'm not being defensive. I'm calling you out on your incredibly insulting and trollish post.

Closing for a time-out.