BSN nurses

RN2007 · Jun 4, 2003

Pama and Twarlik, Thanks so much for your very interesting info!!

I am pretty sure that after I get my ADN and start working as a RN, that I will get into an online program to complete the BSN. Like I said before, if there were schools closer to me that I could get the BSN now, I would go into that program instead of the ADN, just to get it over with, because I am approaching 40 and already have a non-nursing Bachelor Degree, and it would not take me much longer to get this than it would for the ADN. Also, since the controversy between the 2 degrees will probbably only increase in the future for whatever reason, I most likely will feel the need to go back to get the BSN to make sure I will stay qualified for a large number of positions. However, I am confident that I will get a really good education with the ADN program because I have heard a lot of good things about the school and their nursing graduates.

twarlik · Jun 4, 2003

Originally posted by RN2007
Pama and Twarlik, Thanks so much for your very interesting info!!

You're welcome!

Just curious...where in Florida are you? What program are you going to enter? I'm in Tallahassee and will be starting at FSU in August.

Todd

RN2007 · Jun 4, 2003

I am in Safety Harbor, FL and will probabbly start the ADN program at St Pete College - it is a Community College around 05 but am working on the 2 prerequisites I need starting in Aug 03 - the A&P courses. Although SPC has many college sites closer to me, their actual nursing program is taught out of the Education Bldg that is in Pinellas Park, FL which is around 45 minute drive from where I live and the nursing instructor told me their program will not have openings until 05'. I look forward to it. I am going to learn some medical terminology on my own in the meantime and learn how to do some of the nursing math - it couldn't hurt - right?

twarlik · Jun 4, 2003

Originally posted by RN2007
I am in Safety Harbor, FL and will probabbly start the ADN program at St Pete College - it is a Community College around 05 but am working on the 2 prerequisites I need starting in Aug 03 - the A&P courses. Although SPC has many college sites closer to me, their actual nursing program is taught out of the Education Bldg that is in Pinellas Park, FL which is around 45 minute drive from where I live and the nursing instructor told me their program will not have openings until 05'. I look forward to it. I am going to learn some medical terminology on my own in the meantime and learn how to do some of the nursing math - it couldn't hurt - right?

I'm actually hoping to move to the Tampa/St. Pete area after I graduate. Tampa General has a tuition payment program that I'm hoping to participate in.

Re: drug math: Probably a good idea to start working on that. I don't know what it's like elsewhere, but at FSU they're just expecting us to learn it ourselves. They're giving us a test the first week of class and we have to pass with a 100%. You get three tries to pass.

Good luck with everything!

Todd

RN2007 · Jun 4, 2003

Twarlik, Well my goodness, they expect you take score 100%?? I mean, if you miss a few things, why would it cause you to fail or not pass? Are they just having you do that to get you used to taking the NCLEX? Is it even possible to make higher than 100? Anyway, good luck on your test and thanks for the info. :cool:

Ortho_RN · Jun 4, 2003

We have to take a math test every semester and have to make a 100% on every one with one retake..

pama · Jun 6, 2003

Until May 2003 only one state, North Dakota, required the BSN as enry into practice. The ND legislature repealed this requirement in May.

The ND Nurses Association web site states:

2003 ND LEGISLATURE CHANGES EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

The 2003 ND Legislature approved changes in the state's nursing education requirements, making them similar to requirements found in other states. ND had been the only state requiring a baccalaureate degree for registered nurses since 1987. In 2001 the ND Board of Nursing eliminated this educational requirement for out-of-state nurses and created a two-tired licensure system that mandated CE for RNs without baccalaureate degrees. Legislators supporting changing the requirements noted that in 1987 North Dakota was a leader in setting new nursing education standards but in 16 years no other states had chosen to follow.

With the nursing shortage crisis I hope individuals will begin to value ALL levels of nursing education. ADN, Diploma and BSN's are all professional nurses and all do a great job!

Sarah, RNBScN · Jun 6, 2003

In Canada, by 2005 a BScN. will be a minimum requirement for nursing. They are phasing out the diploma nursing program. I don't know about the RPN program.

Education in anything is NEVER a waste. Nurture your BRAIN.

All the best in whatever you decide.

BMS4 · Jun 6, 2003

I just wanted to add something. :) I do think that RN's need BSN's, however, I really appreciate the fact that I can work as a RN while working on my BSN. I feel like it makes me appreciate my degree that much more. :)

peaceful2100, BSN, RN · Jun 7, 2003

Originally posted by pama
Also, the ADN does better on the NCLEX-RN than the BSN graduate. Hospitals prefer the ADN directly out of school because of the skill level..

Wow!!! That may have read better if you said that SOME ADN's does better on the NCLEX-RN than some BSN graduates. Also Most hospitals I know do not prefer the ADN or BSN out of school. At least the hospitals I know of around here.

One school in my state is a BSN school and last year the class had 100% pass rate on the NCLEX. I know of a few other BSN programs in the country like that. I also know of some ADN programs that have 100% pass rate. I know of some ADN programs where scores are not so hot. Just like I know some BSN programs where scores are not so hot.

Also where I'm going to work I am not getting any higher pay just because I have my BSN. I think that is crazy but I am not complaining yet.

pama · Jun 8, 2003

Peaceful2100, Perhap I should have said "National statistics from the NCLEX-RN for the past fifteen plus years for first time candidates has demonstrated the ADN graduate scored better on the exam than the BSN graduate". I did not make the stats up, nor did I mean to ruffle feathers.

As I said in a previous post, it is time we all start working together. Once the RN is behind the name, we are all professional nurses, regardless of the degree or diploma.

Hopefully you will not complain that you are not being paid more. Afterall you will be doing the same jobs, have the same license, and will be on the same professional level as the ADN and diploma nurse. All beginning Registered Nurses should be paid the same.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2003

pama

I wanted to reply to that post, but knew it was for you to do so. Thanks. I agree with your post 100%.