BSN is a joke

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Oct 20, 2017

I also think BSN is next to useless, unless you are going to take a desk job. But I had to go through the whole dang program before I felt I had the right to say it. It's nice to know that I could do research if I wanted to, or do a literature search, but I never have.

subee, MSN, CRNA · Oct 21, 2017

I also think BSN is next to useless, unless you are going to take a desk job. But I had to go through the whole dang program before I felt I had the right to say it. It's nice to know that I could do research if I wanted to, or do a literature search, but I never have.

You don't have to DO the research in an undergrad program, but you should be able to evaluate the quality of the research you are reading. If you can't do that, maybe you should ask for your money back. Nothing like letting it all hang out that you just don't CARE.

MECO28, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2017

My BSN program was not especially useful either. The community college I received my ADN from was way better than the highly-ranked, competitive university I earned my BSN from. Seriously, we spent our first day constructing towers using spaghetti noodles, marshmallows and string as part of a "team-building exercise".

It put the "BS" in BSN, all right.

However, my job paid for it and now I have those all-important letters behind my name so I guess it was worth it.

Sometimes you gotta jump through the hoops. (Even when they're stupid.)

MECO28, BSN, RN · Oct 21, 2017

I'm not saying higher education is useless, by the way. It's just that some programs really have very little to do with the reality of the job they're supposedly preparing us for.

PS: APA can be useful....more useful than role-playing how to tell your coworker they smell offensive which was another thing we did. God, I hated that communication class!

js621d · Oct 21, 2017

It's very sad to hear people say a BSN is useless - you are missing the point of the higher education. While it may not actually do anything towards your day to day work it will help you to think more broadly about various issues. The BSN will train to do research and to draw conclusions; to make improvements in patient care (I focus only one one example). If you are completely satisfied with your limited nursing education, then do nothing. So many other disciplines are advancing their education why not nursing?

Susie2310 · Oct 21, 2017

It's very sad to hear people say a BSN is useless - you are missing the point of the higher education. While it may not actually do anything towards your day to day work it will help you to think more broadly about various issues. The BSN will train to do research and to draw conclusions; to make improvements in patient care (I focus only one one example). If you are completely satisfied with your limited nursing education, then do nothing. So many other disciplines are advancing their education why not nursing?

Do you realize how patronizing your post is? Just because you and others found the BSN valuable (for you), it doesn't mean that it is inherently valuable for everyone. Please would you and others stop telling adult nurses what is best for them. We are not children on this forum; we are adults with complex lives and responsibilities outside of nursing. It is tremendously arrogant to make assumptions about the backgrounds and intelligence of nurses who do not have a BSN or who are not in favor of a BSN.

nfahren05 · Oct 21, 2017

I wouldn't say that the BSN is useless, because it does add some depth beyond the ASN, but given the choice between a BSN and an RN with a specialty certification, I'd take the certified nurse in a heartbeat. The BSN really doesn't do much in the way of research (I had significantly more actual hands-on research experience while earning my BA than my BSN) although it does allow for some basic familiarity with statistics and critically evaluating research done by others. The BSN also focuses on some topics (e.g. community health nursing and leadership) that ASN and diploma programs don't cover well, but if those aren't your cup of tea, then pursuing the BSN is probably not worth the added expense in terms of time and money, and I certainly can't advocate for it for nurses who already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

bikegirl · Oct 21, 2017

How can I join your Society? PLEASE!!!!!! ;-))

Susie2310 · Oct 21, 2017

A large variety of views have been shared. The last time I looked this thread had close to 36,000 views. The OP has 24 likes. I would like to ask why we are repetitively told by primarily a few advanced practice nurses on this forum (I am thinking of Bostonfnp) that the studies (which are not without flaws, and which are qualitative studies as distinct from other types of studies), unequivocally show that nurses with a BSN provide nursing care that yields superior patient outcomes versus nurses with an ADN. We are strongly encouraged to accept this as a fact, and encouraged to pursue a BSN.

I, for one, resent being virtually instructed on a regular basis (this type of discussion has taken place on numerous occasions) to accept the above. This feels like indoctrination. This is a discussion board. I don't come here to be indoctrinated. My participation in this forum does not mean that I must subscribe to any viewpoints except for my own. It is almost as though to voice opposition when the words: "The studies show that BSN prepared nurses provide care that shows superior patient outcomes versus care provide by ADN prepared nurses" are spoken, is considered akin to shouting blasphemous words in public.

allnurses Guide · Oct 21, 2017

I would like to ask why we are repetitively told by primarily a few advanced practice nurses on this forum that the studies, which are not without flaws, and which are qualitative studies as distinct from other types of studies, unequivocally show that nurses with a BSN provide nursing care that yields superior patient outcomes versus nurses with an ADN.

First off, the only one that is "telling" things to people is you. The studies have been mentioned because they are the extant data we have on the topic. No study is without flaws. There are many different types of study designs that are valid, and they are all paramount to anecdotes. The only way we have in research to determine if data is "unequivocal" is statistical significance; this is basic basic basic research method.

I, for one, resent being virtually instructed on a regular basis (this type of discussion has taken place on numerous occasions) to accept the above.

Instructed? You have asked me, by name several times, to explain to you very basic research principles. It seems you invite instruction.

This is a discussion board. I don't come here to be indoctrinated.

It is a discussion board, which is why many posters here have continued to have a "discussion" with you when you have provided zero evidence to support widely off-base statements.

My participation in this forum does not mean that I must subscribe to any viewpoints except for my own. It is almost as though to voice opposition when the words: "The studies show that BSN prepared nurses provide care that shows superior patient outcomes to care provide by ADN prepared nurses" are spoken, is considered akin to shouting blasphemous words in public.

Scientists (and I consider nurses science-based) consider the scientific method profoundly important. When you rant on and on without ever citing any data, scientists do (I guess) consider that blasphemous as it goes against their core ideals.

So I will ask you again, please cite some of your sources so we can continue a constructive discussion.

Susie2310 · Oct 21, 2017

First off, the only one that is "telling" things to people is you. The studies have been mentioned because they are the extant data we have on the topic. No study is without flaws. There are many different types of study designs that are valid, and they are all paramount to anecdotes. The only way we have in research to determine if data is "unequivocal" is statistical significance; this is basic basic basic research method.
Instructed? You have asked me, by name several times, to explain to you very basic research principles. It seems you invite instruction.
It is a discussion board, which is why many posters here have continued to have a "discussion" with you when you have provided zero evidence to support widely off-base statements.
Scientists (and I consider nurses science-based) consider the scientific method profoundly important. When you rant on and on without ever citing any data, scientists do (I guess) consider that blasphemous as it goes against their core ideals.
So I will ask you again, please cite some of your sources so we can continue a constructive discussion.

I find this comment extraordinary. You are a guide on this site. You are defending the studies, not me. I am not required to post any study or sources. Who are you?

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 21, 2017

I find this comment extraordinary. You are a guide on this site. You are defending the studies, not me. I am not required to post any study or sources. Who are you?

If you'd like to present an opposing view to the research being discussed, please have sources available to support your view. That is what leads to constructive debate, not simply dismissing research that others have provided links to.

My participation in this forum does not mean that I must subscribe to any viewpoints except for my own.

Your participation is also 100% voluntary. No one is going to force you to subscribe to their viewpoints. However, they also are voluntarily participating and trying to explore your viewpoint. You are the one shutting down that exploration by not providing sources.