NY State may require nurses to obtain 4-year degrees

cenote · May 12, 2004

I am finishing my degree through the University of Victoria in British Colombia, Canada. I have some American classmates. The courses are ALL NURSING related. I am in Ontario----long way away from BC----but it is a great way to finish the BSN- in my opinion.

Thank you for the information. I will investigate this now! Is this school accredited in the US?

mattsmom81 · May 12, 2004

At 300 dollars a credit hour how many can afford to go this route?? (online courses are expensive) If its worth it to some of ya'll, go there by all means. HUGE $$$ grab IMO. Jumping through hoops....DEFINITELY!!!

When those of you pursuing the BSN from a diploma or AD get there, instead of acting superior because you have a piece of paper 'saying' you are, hope you respectful of nurses in general.... others who cannot or choose not to take the time and $$ to do the same, but are still the good nurses you worked with for years, out there doing the job instead of seeking 'higher education'. For me it simply is not worth it to pursue the BSN. Personal decision. I'M OK with that.

There's something to this idea of oppressed people desperately seeking validation. Kind of pitiful IMO. I feel OK just the way I am. Not saying education isn't important, but there are lots of different ways of educating...the university isn't the be-all end-all. Some here haven't heard of CEU's or certification either I guess, which are both viable forms of 'education' to those who are not on a 'BSN is the only way' soapbox.

To some BSN proponents, (and I've heard them talking for 30 yrs now) the people don't really matter. The mandating of the BSN and forcing nurses to comply...well, the end justifies the means for them.

JMP · May 12, 2004

Thank you for the information. I will investigate this now! Is this school accredited in the US?

I don't know, certainly it is a well respected University. As is UBC (University of British Colombia) both have great nursing programs. I looked at every program in Canada and chose U of Victoria for its program, cost and nursing content. It is certainly accredited in Canada and I have classmates from different US states. Good luck.

fergus51 · May 13, 2004

I don't know, certainly it is a well respected University. As is UBC (University of British Colombia) both have great nursing programs. I looked at every program in Canada and chose U of Victoria for its program, cost and nursing content. It is certainly accredited in Canada and I have classmates from different US states. Good luck.

My nursing degree was through the same program and it was good enough for me to work in the US.

LadyT618, MSN, APRN, NP · May 13, 2004

EXTRA!! EXTRA!! Read all about it!! The wheels are turning now......(ain't I a stinker!) :)

http://www.nysna.org/departments/communications/publications/report/2004/may/initiative.htm

JMP · May 13, 2004

EXTRA!! EXTRA!! Read all about it!! The wheels are turning now......(ain't I a stinker!) :)
http://www.nysna.org/departments/communications/publications/report/2004/may/initiative.htm

Reading this I can see why nurses would be upset and resent it. It talks about mandating that all RN's obtain their degree within ten years.....they are not doing that here..........BSN only applies to new grads as of 2005. Everyone else is grandfathered in.

Erin RN · May 13, 2004

So basically there would still be ADNs/ Diplomas and BSNs.. the entry to begin practice would remain the same as it is now only those that graduate after the initiative passed would have to go on and get their BSN within the 10 year time frame? I guess now I am really confused..apparently ADNs and Diploma RNs will be considered RNs for 10 years and then if they have not completed the BSN they are "inactive" as RNs and can work as LPNs. The different degrees will still be existence, I don't see how this is going to lend us a more professional image. It will also keep the ADN / Diploma vs BSN division going. Even though I still do not agree with it, if they are going to implement it for professional reasons seems like they should make BSN the entry level standard otherwise I don't see much benefit to the profession ..of course there is the monetary benefit to the universities, I suppose.

SmilingBluEyes · May 13, 2004

See????? already so little real thought going into it.....

this is bound to cause some outrage among the ranks........relegate RN's w/o BSN within 10 years to LPN status................niiiiice.

And now you see why I am so concerned, I hope. They will make it happen, but will NOT make it happen in a way that is smart.

ANY NYNSA MEMBERS HERE???? weigh in please?????? If this bothers you, you better get really vocal about it or the powers that be are sealing your fates as diploma/AD graduates.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · May 13, 2004

........What may be needed to spur on the ADN to get their BSN, is a universal curriculum that makes sense. This would go a long way in encouraging further education. Simply stop the fleecing of the ADNs and set some needed standards.
Too easy to implement. Makes too much sense. Will probably never happen.

Exactly! I've looked into getting my BSN at a local university. They require five semesters of "U.S. Govenment."

The minimum I'd need to take is 62 credit hours. Add that to the 127 I already have as an ADN. Rediculous.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · May 13, 2004

you have lost your mind

I think it is a good idea and about time. It should have no impact on the shortage and in fact may help releive the shortage in the long run.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · May 13, 2004

Instead of trying to decide if all RN's should have BSN's , they better consider the shortage and develop more Diploma and ADN programs to cover this lack of nurses and worry about that other junk later.

But some worry that an already severe shortage will become worse.
New York is mulling over a requirement that would force all RNs to earn a bachelor's degree in order to keep their RN certification-a step that critics worry could serve as a body blow to a profession already facing a severe shortage.
Under the state Board of Nursing proposal, RNs with associate's degrees would have to earn bachelor's degrees within 10 years, or their RN certifications would be downgraded to that of licensed practical nurse. That would make nursing somewhat like teaching in New York state; certified K-12 teachers need master's degrees or must obtain one within three years of starting a job. It would also add years and thousands of dollars to the difficulty of becoming an RN...
Full Article: http://www.rochesterdandc.com/news/0413BA3TIOG_news.shtml

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 13, 2004

Can I just say something here that I've observed......Canada got their s*** together; maybe the US should take some pointers.

Then why are they all coming down here to work?