BSN Law

elkpark · Jun 25, 2010

Who do you mean by "them"? There have been individuals and groups in nursing pushing this idea for over 30 years, and they're no closer to making it happen now than they were 30 years ago. The only state that has ever made the BSN a requirement for licensure, North Dakota, rescinded the rule several years later after it proved unworkable. I understand that New York is currently talking about a proposed requirement that new RNs have 10 years to complete a BSN after they initally get licensed, but that has not become official yet.

I've never heard any mention of requiring more education for LPNs.

At this point, whether or not to get a BSN is a personal choice.

UVA Grad Nursing · Jun 25, 2010

There are several states that are currently considering "RN in Ten" legislation. This would require diploma or Associate Degree RNs to obtain their BSN degree within ten years of obtaining their RN license. This BSN degree requirement would be tied to the RN-license renewal process.

I am not aware of any legislation that would affect LPN/LVN degree standards.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jun 25, 2010

Moved to the LPN/LVN corner

Fiona59 · Jun 26, 2010

Canada did this. It's not proven a popular idea with working nurses.

RNs are educated to the BScN entry point There isn't a two year RN course in the country. Pre-existing diploma RNs are "grandfathered" and encouraged to get their degree but it's not mandatory.

LPNs are facing two years at the college diploma level.

What we are seeing up here is very little difference between the diploma trained RNs and the LPNs. Well apart from wages. The BScNs enter the workforce needing a lot of one on one to get their skills up to speed and most experience shock that the world doesn't revolve around their degree.