All of a sudden an ASN is no good anymore

[pattyslattery]

I worked my behind off for this ASN. I'd been in college for years until then with the usual useless liberal arts degree because "if I did what I loved I'd never work a day in my life" and was completely useless when it came to getting a job. So when I started as a nurse I was beside myself with joy to have, finally, a real job.

Now fifteen years later, it appears the entire state is pushing for all nurses to have a Bachelor's- hospitals don't even interview without one.

I have experience. And no offense to those of you with advanced degrees, but you couldn't hold my penlight. I've been at countless BSN's side when they have to assist an MD and they fall apart- they can't understand a sterile field, they wonder whether they're actually supposed to hold open a wound, they don't know how to wrap a bandage. A wound vac is from a foreign planet to them.

And those Master's trained RNs, geez. I can see that in your graduate studies you never learned how to start an IV, nor an NGT, and you certainly don't know how to irrigate a foley. That last one becomes comical until that MSN is found trying to irrigate the bubble.

Forgive me for my insolence, oh advanced degrees. I have experience. If I were ill, I would want an experienced nurse, not a college kid who read books about nursing until he got all the answers right on the test. But as has always, always been the case in this country, experience means nothing. Only that little piece of paper. And I'm too darn old to go back to school. Say what you want, but there is a place where you want to enjoy life, and reading textbooks is not a part of that.

I just wonder whose pockets are being filled by making those degrees the law of the land.

[decembergrad2011, BSN, RN]

Thanks for categorizing an entire group of people in a way that you wish to not be categorized yourself.

I'm starting to get really annoyed with all of this ADN vs. BSN crap.

And I don't know what planet you are from where experience doesn't mean anything. Check out all of the threads from new grads, those with and without a BSN, who can't get an interview due to their lack of experience.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

To be fair, I'm sure those BSNs will be just as good at those skills as you after 15 years.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

And no offense to those of you with advanced degrees, but you couldn't hold my penlight.

It actually seems like you DO mean to offend.....

Sorry you're so angry about life right now.

[fakebee]

I'm pretty sure most of those nurses got an advanced degree so they don't have to hold anyone's penlight, and possibly some body parts. I have to agree that the constant bashing of BSN prepared nurses is becoming irritating- they can't all be clueless can they- that's statistically impossible. Oops I forgot you didn't take statistics...and yes that is a very bad attempt at a joke. Hope life gets better.

[Caffeine_IV]

I have an ASN so I understand the frustration but I don't share your sentiment.

There are crappy and superb nurses at every education level. I won't downplay someone elses degree because I'm bitter or upset.

[metricalpound]

I live in a state where it's hard to find work even with a BSN - NY. I also live in a city that is one of the most competitive markets in the US for nursing - NYC. Yet, here I am, with an Associates and about to start to work as a psych. nurse in a major hospital in Brooklyn.

Yes, I'm also working on a Bachelors. But maybe the issue with you is not that you only have an ASN, but that you have horrible communication skills. Why would you come on a nursing board and flame a category of nurses just because they have their Bachelors? No one here, from what I read, believes that education is greater than experience.

[sapphire18]

I have to agree that the constant bashing of BSN prepared nurses is becoming irritating- they can't all be clueless can they- that's statistically impossible. Oops I forgot you didn't take statistics...

Brilliant.

Learning technical skills such as dropping NGTs, inserting IVs, irrigating foleys, is very simple as these are TASKS. Masters-prepared nurses don't do the majority of these bedside tasks- they work in a provider role. Also, having a BSN or ADN has no bearing on how well one is able to perform these tasks. Sorry for your bad luck with the job search, maybe you should have stayed at your last position? It is well known that many places are now requiring BSNs to apply. I wish you luck in your search.

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

Wow, I'd hate to be around when you INTEND to offend......

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

The bottom line in all of this ADN vs. BSN harping is this: If your educational level is sufficient to get you the position you want in your area, no worries. However, if you live in a market where your education is not competitive, you have few choices. Either move, or get the education you need. Complaining about how bloody unfair it seems is just infantile. It is what it is. Adapt or accept the consequences- gracefully.

[Cold Stethoscope]

And I'm too darn old to go back to school.

I don't understand that statement. Are you too old for your continuing education classes?

And yet, many ADN RNs have jobs, and many will in the future, especially those with experience. You may run into discrimination based on your age, which is common in many professions; I hope you'll not tell a hiring manager that you're too old to go back to school, and that you're in that place where you want to enjoy life.

There's no doubt that you have plenty of experience, but don't you have to regularly learn new things, such as the effects and side effects of new drugs, etc.? If you haven't taken a nutrition class, it's something I'd highly recommend, even if you're pretty old.

[metal_m0nk, BSN, RN]

I'm pretty sure most of those nurses got an advanced degree so they don't have to hold anyone's penlight, and possibly some body parts. I have to agree that the constant bashing of BSN prepared nurses is becoming irritating- they can't all be clueless can they- that's statistically impossible. Oops I forgot you didn't take statistics...and yes that is a very bad attempt at a joke. Hope life gets better.

Depends on why they're clueless (if they are). If it's because of the way they were educated, then there may be some weight behind that common conception. If they are clueless despite their education, then the point is moot. In either case, I guess that stats course didn't really mean a whole lot.