BSN Specialty

[Super Nurse JoshuA]

I am currently pursuing my RN-BSN. When I started college my university itself was transforming from a two year to a four year school. At the time it only had an ADN program. It now has a RN-BSN, and a traditional BSN program. Looking at the degree plans comparing the Traditional BSN program plan and the ADN program plan, it seems like my classes like NURSING TECHOLOGY 4 was actually split into classes like "Critical Care Nursing" Mental Health Nursing" and "Pediatric Nursing" for example. I noticed they also have an actual pathophysiology class, health assessment class, and community health as being the only thing different for the nursing core between the programs. It seems like I'm taking a lot more classes for my RN-BSN because they don't award me all my hours for my AND from the nursing classes (even at the same college)!

I got to thinking what would be cool for RN-BSN programs, maybe as though overall for the profession, but actually having BSN programs more towards your interest. Not specialized like on the level of a MSN program but maybe learning new techniques RN's are allowed to do with extra training like PICC line placement, more classes on advance health assessment, and classes related to your specialty for a deeper understand/refresher. They could also offer BSN's with more of a focus on management for the ones looking to pursue that route. What do y'all think?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Some BSN curricula are geared toward a specific focus/philosophy such as nursing management or community health. However all entry-level nursing programs must meet all of the didactic requirements and clinical hours required by accrediting agencies and the state board of nursing in which the school is located. In that limited time, it is challenging to cover enough to produce a competent generalist entry-level RN, let alone get in more specialized knowledge. Many programs (diploma, ADN and BSN) allow some limited flexibility in student choice of extra experiences, special projects and preceptorships, but "the plate is full" so to speak just in meeting the general requirements.

Good luck with your studies.