BSN minimum requirement

Nurses General Nursing

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It is my firm belief that the minimum requirement for nursing should be a BSN. We want to be accepted as a profession, yet we allow 2 year programs to dominate the field. Now I went to a 2 year program and will be finishing my BSN this semester. My school did a great job preparing me for "tasks" of nursing, but oh, it is so much more than that. Many other countries have moved or are moving towards 4yr degree minimums and the US needs to stay atop in this competative field. The nursing shortage will not always be here and it is to your advantage to get your degree now. The 2 yr programs will make a great footstep in the years to come, but the 4yr degree will become the RNs of the future. As nurses move into the 21st century we need to pull together to demonstrate our power as a profession, the only way to do this is to have strong, educated nurses in not just bedside tasks but critically thinking, politics, research and community health. Think about it, comments welcome.

I think that Brownms 46 hit it right on the head with that quote. Yes, I am an associate degree nurse. I felt very prepared with the education that I recieved. Our program has the best passing rate in the state (as I told) for boards. Which that both AD/BSN degrees still take at the same level. Why did I choose to take an AD over a BSN? The same reason I choose to be a CNA prior to becoming an RN. Which I think should be a bigger issue than making such a fuss of AD/BSN. That could "weed out" your bad nurses before they start, as one poster had mentioned about BSN taking longer so this could happen. Anyone who goes into nursing and thinks that someone else is going to do those basic cares for you patient is delusional. These days you have to count your lucky stars if you feel that the CNA working with you that is able to do vital signs correctly, or answer call lights,or not give you attitude because you asked them to do something that is completely within their job description. There are good CNA's out there don't get me wrong. Anyway, I just had to vent there. But I do still think that it is important to start at the bottom of nursing. Back to the issue of AD/BSN. I like to keep learning all the time. If I had gone ahead and completed my nursing degree at the university, where would I go from there? My MSN? By the time that I am fourty I will be completely at the top of the nursing chain? If I have to be in nursing for the next 40 years, I want to educate myself at my own pace and not because someone tells me I have to. What good is a nurse that doesn't challenge her/himself? This is happening to me now. I am not in school learning something new and I am completely bored with my life at the moment and I don't want to be. So in short, for those supporters of mandatory BSN, no one probably told you how to live your life or manage your career. So please don't tell us how to manage ours.

I think that Brownms 46 hit it right on the head with that quote. Yes, I am an associate degree nurse. I felt very prepared with the education that I recieved. Our program has the best passing rate in the state (as I told) for boards. Which that both AD/BSN degrees still take at the same level. Why did I choose to take an AD over a BSN? The same reason I choose to be a CNA prior to becoming an RN. Which I think should be a bigger issue than making such a fuss of AD/BSN. That could "weed out" your bad nurses before they start, as one poster had mentioned about BSN taking longer so this could happen. Anyone who goes into nursing and thinks that someone else is going to do those basic cares for you patient is delusional. These days you have to count your lucky stars if you feel that the CNA working with you that is able to do vital signs correctly, or answer call lights,or not give you attitude because you asked them to do something that is completely within their job description. There are good CNA's out there don't get me wrong. Anyway, I just had to vent there. But I do still think that it is important to start at the bottom of nursing. Back to the issue of AD/BSN. I like to keep learning all the time. If I had gone ahead and completed my nursing degree at the university, where would I go from there? My MSN? By the time that I am fourty I will be completely at the top of the nursing chain? If I have to be in nursing for the next 40 years, I want to educate myself at my own pace and not because someone tells me I have to. What good is a nurse that doesn't challenge her/himself? This is happening to me now. I am not in school learning something new and I am completely bored with my life at the moment and I don't want to be. So in short, for those supporters of mandatory BSN, no one probably told you how to live your life or manage your career. So please don't tell us how to manage ours.

Hello, just my Two Cents worth here in this thread. I am a BSN prepared nurse, and proud of it, only for the fact that I made it through all 4 yrs.. smile.gif ADN or BSN, Only reason I see BSN as being the preferred entry level into Nursing is for the continuity it would bring to the profession. Until we can ALL obtain the same amount of education for entry into Nursing, we will never be considered an "official profession". ADN nurses are fantastic, and I have worked with some who are the best, and would want them at my side any time. I only graduated in 1996 at 30 no less, so I am a recent nurse. I would like to see nursing considered a true profession, but until we all enter with the same amount of education it won't happen. Sad, because there are so many dynamic ADN nurses out there.

Just a thought.. wink.gif

Hello, just my Two Cents worth here in this thread. I am a BSN prepared nurse, and proud of it, only for the fact that I made it through all 4 yrs.. smile.gif ADN or BSN, Only reason I see BSN as being the preferred entry level into Nursing is for the continuity it would bring to the profession. Until we can ALL obtain the same amount of education for entry into Nursing, we will never be considered an "official profession". ADN nurses are fantastic, and I have worked with some who are the best, and would want them at my side any time. I only graduated in 1996 at 30 no less, so I am a recent nurse. I would like to see nursing considered a true profession, but until we all enter with the same amount of education it won't happen. Sad, because there are so many dynamic ADN nurses out there.

Just a thought.. wink.gif

Great ideas everyone! I am a Diploma (Hospital program) RN. I got a great education, and I am a spectacular bedside nurse, if I do say so myself. Higher education is an option that I am interested in, but I don't think that is the answer to joining us all as professionals.

The argument that if we had entry level BSN requirements we could all join as professionals is lame. We would probably all argue about what BSN progam is better! I think it is important that we all join to make nursing better for all nurses. How we are going to do that, I have no idea!

Great ideas everyone! I am a Diploma (Hospital program) RN. I got a great education, and I am a spectacular bedside nurse, if I do say so myself. Higher education is an option that I am interested in, but I don't think that is the answer to joining us all as professionals.

The argument that if we had entry level BSN requirements we could all join as professionals is lame. We would probably all argue about what BSN progam is better! I think it is important that we all join to make nursing better for all nurses. How we are going to do that, I have no idea!

Originally posted by Lburns:

It is my firm belief that the minimum requirement for nursing should be a BSN. We want to be accepted as a profession, yet we allow 2 year programs to dominate the field. Now I went to a 2 year program and will be finishing my BSN this semester. My school did a great job preparing me for "tasks" of nursing, but oh, it is so much more than that. Many other countries have moved or are moving towards 4yr degree minimums and the US needs to stay atop in this competative field. The nursing shortage will not always be here and it is to your advantage to get your degree now. The 2 yr programs will make a great footstep in the years to come, but the 4yr degree will become the RNs of the future. As nurses move into the 21st century we need to pull together to demonstrate our power as a profession, the only way to do this is to have strong, educated nurses in not just bedside tasks but critically thinking, politics, research and community health. Think about it, comments welcome.

In ontario as of 2004 the BsCN will be the minimum requirement for nursing. I graduated from a three year college based nursing program 14 years ago. If I stay at my current place of employment, I will be grandfathered, however If I wish to at some point change fields I will need to return to school. This means attending between 15-19 courses at a cost of approx 500-900$ each I won't be paid at a higher rate nor will my responsibilies change. I'm looking into starting school in the fall, but not looking forward to the time it will take away from my family, or having to beg time off work in an already short staffed micu.

Originally posted by Lburns:

It is my firm belief that the minimum requirement for nursing should be a BSN. We want to be accepted as a profession, yet we allow 2 year programs to dominate the field. Now I went to a 2 year program and will be finishing my BSN this semester. My school did a great job preparing me for "tasks" of nursing, but oh, it is so much more than that. Many other countries have moved or are moving towards 4yr degree minimums and the US needs to stay atop in this competative field. The nursing shortage will not always be here and it is to your advantage to get your degree now. The 2 yr programs will make a great footstep in the years to come, but the 4yr degree will become the RNs of the future. As nurses move into the 21st century we need to pull together to demonstrate our power as a profession, the only way to do this is to have strong, educated nurses in not just bedside tasks but critically thinking, politics, research and community health. Think about it, comments welcome.

In ontario as of 2004 the BsCN will be the minimum requirement for nursing. I graduated from a three year college based nursing program 14 years ago. If I stay at my current place of employment, I will be grandfathered, however If I wish to at some point change fields I will need to return to school. This means attending between 15-19 courses at a cost of approx 500-900$ each I won't be paid at a higher rate nor will my responsibilies change. I'm looking into starting school in the fall, but not looking forward to the time it will take away from my family, or having to beg time off work in an already short staffed micu.

I feel that a BSN should not be the minimum requirement for nursing. I am a ADN and I don't think that the intitials behind a person's signature are as important as giving good nursing care. With the ADN program I feel that I was well prepared to give that quality care without having to have 4 years of very expensive schooling behind me. I took the same board exam as a BSN and I passed it. Why do I need a background in music appreciation to give the patient good care? I also feel that having only an ADN has not hindered my opportunities in the nursing field.

I feel that a BSN should not be the minimum requirement for nursing. I am a ADN and I don't think that the intitials behind a person's signature are as important as giving good nursing care. With the ADN program I feel that I was well prepared to give that quality care without having to have 4 years of very expensive schooling behind me. I took the same board exam as a BSN and I passed it. Why do I need a background in music appreciation to give the patient good care? I also feel that having only an ADN has not hindered my opportunities in the nursing field.

Give me a bucket!!! You supposedly professional people sound like a bunch of children whining about who's education is better than who's, and which nurse is better than the next. While education is very important to ANY "profession", it is not the degree that makes the nurse. I know many ADN and Diploma prepared nurses who can run circles around the BSNs and MSNs, and vice versa. What really matters is the product that we are able to put out.....QUALITY, COMPETENT, and HUMANE ptient care. I have a Master's degree. I do not consider myself any better than an LPN, ADN, or BSN. I got a master's degree because I wanted to specialize. Aside from that, I think it is what we choose to do with our educations that makes or breaks us. This hoorah that i have been reading on this bulletin board today only serves to prove that we will never truly be a profession, no matter what the degree, until we stop bickering and fighting about who is better than whom, and acting like a bunch of badgers out to eat their young. Act like professionals for pete's sake.

Originally posted by sheripa:

Thankyou, no one could say it better than what you have said. I graduated 8/99 from a HOSPITAL, YES A HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING. I always have to tell a BSN nurse what she has to do or help her to understand what is going on. I can't believe that you people have the nerve to sit and say that you are better than someone else because you have a BSN, MSN, PHD, or degree in IDIOT HEAD. This is why everyone wonders why nursing is in the up heavel it is in now. Because we as nurses want to be more than what we are. Glorified butt wipers. Yesss. That is all you are. Do you think that because you have more education in THIS particular field you are better than someone else. You are soo wrong. You need to be happy that the Heavenly Father blessed you enough to allow you to make it that far and even farther if HE chooses to allow you to. Just remember this, it's not where you started at but where you end up. Obviously, you all forgot where you came from.. Besides most of you wont step foot into a nursing home because this is beneath you also, so tell me, who is going to take care of them. Get over it. All you are doing is making a living. If you all want to see improvement in the profession that we are in than first you need to look at your self and know that you can't control nothing but you mouth and your actions. All of the different types of nursing are here to stay. At least for as long as you or I live, believe that. Also, no matter what you or anyone else says, I am a PROFESSIONAL. So quit, I can't believe that you a person who had to go on to get your BSN would say something like that. What you should be saying is "I wish I would have went straight for MY BSN instead of getting my ADN/Diploma", whatever it was that you got first. I can't beleive that we are in the same profession of caring for others because obviously you all are thinking of apperances only and what comes behind your name. Remember you never know everything that's why you had to go back to school. If I offended anyone, SO WHAT!!!!!!!! Because this is only for those who feel as though ADN, Diploma,and LPN's are beneath them. The Heavenly Father only knows what you think of CNA's. And for your information. I am currently obtaining my BSN just because I want to not to attempt at putting others down. Bye for now.

[This message has been edited by sheripa (edited March 05, 2001).]

Give me a bucket!!! You supposedly professional people sound like a bunch of children whining about who's education is better than who's, and which nurse is better than the next. While education is very important to ANY "profession", it is not the degree that makes the nurse. I know many ADN and Diploma prepared nurses who can run circles around the BSNs and MSNs, and vice versa. What really matters is the product that we are able to put out.....QUALITY, COMPETENT, and HUMANE ptient care. I have a Master's degree. I do not consider myself any better than an LPN, ADN, or BSN. I got a master's degree because I wanted to specialize. Aside from that, I think it is what we choose to do with our educations that makes or breaks us. This hoorah that i have been reading on this bulletin board today only serves to prove that we will never truly be a profession, no matter what the degree, until we stop bickering and fighting about who is better than whom, and acting like a bunch of badgers out to eat their young. Act like professionals for pete's sake.

Originally posted by sheripa:

Thankyou, no one could say it better than what you have said. I graduated 8/99 from a HOSPITAL, YES A HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING. I always have to tell a BSN nurse what she has to do or help her to understand what is going on. I can't believe that you people have the nerve to sit and say that you are better than someone else because you have a BSN, MSN, PHD, or degree in IDIOT HEAD. This is why everyone wonders why nursing is in the up heavel it is in now. Because we as nurses want to be more than what we are. Glorified butt wipers. Yesss. That is all you are. Do you think that because you have more education in THIS particular field you are better than someone else. You are soo wrong. You need to be happy that the Heavenly Father blessed you enough to allow you to make it that far and even farther if HE chooses to allow you to. Just remember this, it's not where you started at but where you end up. Obviously, you all forgot where you came from.. Besides most of you wont step foot into a nursing home because this is beneath you also, so tell me, who is going to take care of them. Get over it. All you are doing is making a living. If you all want to see improvement in the profession that we are in than first you need to look at your self and know that you can't control nothing but you mouth and your actions. All of the different types of nursing are here to stay. At least for as long as you or I live, believe that. Also, no matter what you or anyone else says, I am a PROFESSIONAL. So quit, I can't believe that you a person who had to go on to get your BSN would say something like that. What you should be saying is "I wish I would have went straight for MY BSN instead of getting my ADN/Diploma", whatever it was that you got first. I can't beleive that we are in the same profession of caring for others because obviously you all are thinking of apperances only and what comes behind your name. Remember you never know everything that's why you had to go back to school. If I offended anyone, SO WHAT!!!!!!!! Because this is only for those who feel as though ADN, Diploma,and LPN's are beneath them. The Heavenly Father only knows what you think of CNA's. And for your information. I am currently obtaining my BSN just because I want to not to attempt at putting others down. Bye for now.

[This message has been edited by sheripa (edited March 05, 2001).]

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