So, tonight I was talking about the classes I'll be taking this fall at my local community college (one of which is chemistry which I'm a little nervous about since I've never had a chemistry class before) with my wonderful bachelor's degree holding partner who, in an attempt to ease my anxiety makes the comment "Well, it's just at a community college so the class should be pretty easy." Wrong thing to say honey...
It did however get me to thinking about the general attitudes that people have towards not only community colleges but also to vocational/trade schools. That those of us who go to such institutions are intellectually inadequate and wouldn't be able to handle the academic rigors of a 4 year college or university. This attitude is completely inaccurate, after all if my classes were so EASY then the 4 year colleges and universities in my area wouldn't have an articulation agreement which honors the credits I take at the community college. It is a different atmosphere in a community college of course, but that doesn't mean I don't have to learn the material and learn it well in order to pass.
I remember in high school when I decided to enter the Practical Nursing program at the vocational school how I received criticism, statements such as "Well, you need to go to a 4 year college, anything less is for people who are stupid." and even now when I tell people I'm an LPN and that I've been at a community college taking classes I'm greeted with a concerned expression, a half smile, and a polite nod. A voice bubble might as well pop up above their head saying, "Well, since you're a failure at life and this is all you have, I'll be happy for you." after all since I'm going to a community college it means I can't handle REAL academics.
It may sound as though I'm jealous of those who get to receive a university education and have a bachelor's degree or above and are the same age as myself. And, yes, at times I am jealous because I would have loved to have had the same experience. But that simply just wasn't my path, one day I will "pull my time" in a four year college, my path will take me there, just not yet.
I believe no matter your credentials, whether you're doctorate degree holding FNP or a certificate holding CNA that you should be incredibly proud. Whether you're bachelor's prepared RN or a diploma holding LPN you should be proud. Because all levels of education should be revered and respected and valued. I don't feel ashamed of not already being a Registered Nurse or a college graduate nor do I have any regret at first becoming a CNA and then becoming an LPN because I still am helping people and I am still living my dream and that dream was to be independent. If you're a BSN or an ADN be PROUD of it no matter what your credentials are because you earned them.
College graduates face really discouraging odds. Many are unemployed, many more are employed in something other than their field of study, and many still are up to their eyeballs in debt. My partner for instance has a bachelor's degree yet works in job making a little over minimum wage. That is why I chose the path I did. When I was 17 and I enrolled in the LPN program, I knew due to my personal and financial circumstances that I couldn't afford to go to college just yet, I needed to be self sufficient and going to a trade school and later to a community college would allow me to do that. It wasn't the right choice for everyone but it was for me, and because of that I can pay for my school one semester at a time while minimizing and most semesters avoiding student loans, not to mention a few years head start on 401k versus my peers and that feels really good.
A dear friend of mine always wanted to be a mechanic, her family, peers, etc were not supportive "only stupid people do something like that" so instead she got 2 bachelor's degrees, is jobless, and owes thousands of dollars in student loans. All this because her dream was too "stupid" in the eyes of her parents and everyone else. Side not, I know many mechanics who make more money than I do and they're all pretty happy. I think the attitude that you go to college to "make a better life for yourself" isn't always accurate. We shouldn't be telling our children that they have to go to college in order to be considered intelligent or successful. We should be telling them that in this world success isn't defined by your credentials or where you went to school or how much money you make, it's defined by getting out of life what you make of it and what you want from it. Do what you love people, whether you're a CNA or a Medical Doctor, do what you love and love what you do and be proud but above all else never assume that someone is stupid simply because their education is different from yours.
Whew... feels good to get that out.
Oh and my partner quickly apologized for what he said. Probably had something to do with the fact I spouted off this little speech in the course of sixty seconds after his comment.
I will say it again. Until the nursing profession, or as a whole, decides that we are indeed NOT equal to each other with our diploma nurses, ADN nurses, LPN nurses, and BSN nurses, we are stuck with each other. We have to learn from each other and our individual experiences. We ought to rejoice that we are so diverse. My mother was a diploma nurse and absolutely resented training every degree nurse that came to her floor, who was making more money than her with her 20 years experience-at that point. I am a ADN nurse with a previous BS degree that a nursing adviser at Virginia Commonwealth University said was 3 classes (only) off a BSN. (She told me don't bother getting a BSN unless I was going on to a MSN). I've worked with some great BSN's and some great LPN's. And I've worked with a few I wouldn't let take care of my dog. But we all bring something to the table. But right now, the NCLEX is what makes us the same. The bashing has really got to end. If we want a higher level of education, then let's collectively work for that. If we would all benefit from more clinical experience, then let's work towards that. But until the definition of entry level practice changes, we all are equal on paper.
You are admirable and right. I think that people let their egos and pride in their degrees run away with them. However, less back-biting and competition would benefit nurses. A house divided against itself cannot stand. As you say, LPNs, BSNs, and MSNs must work together and it's in our patients interests to abandon the fracas and get along.
I know. I should not stick up for others. That is the advocate in me. You are right of course. I can't help the attitudes of the masses. Everyone will always think that their program was the best. It is only natural. I give up. Haters feel free to hate. I will not interfere.
LOL very funny. If you'd really paid attention to what I wrote, you'd have understood that I wasn't advocating for one program or the other. I was pointing out inconsistencies and bad attitudes. But of course, I have to be a hater to state the truth.
My parents practically insisted that I attend a 4-year university right out of high school. In addition, I had to move away, so that I could "grow up." While I appreciate some of the things I learned from living in a dorm, and then moving on to an apartment of my own, at this point I would have a greater appreciation for less student loans. I look back now and realize how much money I could have saved by staying at home and attending CC for a year or two, and then transferring to the university I am at now (which by the way is taking me a total of 5 and a half years! )
We can always look back and think about how we should have or could have done things differently. But, had I not taken this path, I probably wouldn't have met my fiance :heartbeat...I guess things work out for a reason
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
LOL very funny. If you'd really paid attention to what I wrote, you'd have understood that I wasn't advocating for one program or the other. I was pointing out inconsistencies and bad attitudes. But of course, I have to be a hater to state the truth.
Sorry if I seemed to "bash" you, that wasn't my intention, nor purpose. Your post, however seem inconsistant with your claim here, that's all. If you didn't mean to advocate for one program over the other it didn't show that in your post to me at least. Maybe it was your wording/ phrasing it "hit a nerve" on some of us, as some of our posts probably did with you and other BSN nurses. Like I said earlier, no one likes to feel that they or their education is/ was inadequate, BSN or A.D.N.
But it like a poster inferred we all need to come toghether! We need to realize that there obviously isn't a significant enough difference between the BSN and A.D.N trained for them to require a different NCLEX so, as far as staff nursing and being RNs in general, we are the same in a lot more ways than we are not.
LOL very funny. If you'd really paid attention to what I wrote, you'd have understood that I wasn't advocating for one program or the other. I was pointing out inconsistencies and bad attitudes. But of course, I have to be a hater to state the truth.
Oh I did not say YOU were a hater GM2RN. Did I imply that somehow? I meant that there are some haters who I cannot help and I was giving up trying. If they want to draw their swords so be it. If you wish to join the fray- join away! Feel free!
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
Wow, I got off topic. We had a good, civil, and calm discussion/ debate about nursing education. Anyways I am not sure how the whole BSN thing got generated, but we were talking about the benefits of community college and how you can receive a quality education in both trade/ vocational schools, Junior/ Community College, and universitys and other 4-year institutions. None should be looked down upon really, they all have the potential to make us all better, more knowledgeable, more informed people. For that we should be grateful, bc many from disadvantaged households and coutries never get the chance to get even a basic or primary education. Community college gives the poor kid, who wasn't able to either afford or get into a university, he chance to better himself and find a job and get into a university latr if he wishes. CCs give a mental disabled person they gift of "higher" education as well, bc they can't go in live in a dorm and care for themselves or can't handle being around large groups of people. They give a single mom or a struggling couple a pathway to a better future for their respective families. CCs give the underdogs or anybody that's willing to come and do their part a chance at an education so that they can better themselves. CC aren't all about prestige, highest GPAs, Best sport teams/ programs, awarding the most difficult degree, and partying (not that al University necessarily are either). CC are what their title implies a place of higher learning for all or any people in a community. People who have never attended a CC may never understand why we appreciate them so much or say they are just as good as anyother education. CCs save, transform, and recreate lives, just as much as a university. Same applys to Vocational, technical, and Trade school. I just have personal exerience with CCs. University offer many benefits as well, but that's for another post.
I agree! I was in an advanced two year only program at a community college and lemme tell ya - that was the hardest 2 yrs in my life! And guess what, i was able to pass the same NCLEX that EVERY OTHER nurse has to pass regarless of their degree! BUT I was able to learne everything that a BSN nurse learns but in two years! I think it's sad that they are judging a nurse by what degree type they have. I have actually been denied a couple jobs just because I only have an ASN degree! I think it's rediculous!!
I agree! I was in an advanced two year only program at a community college and lemme tell ya - that was the hardest 2 yrs in my life! And guess what, i was able to pass the same NCLEX that EVERY OTHER nurse has to pass regarless of their degree! BUT I was able to learne everything that a BSN nurse learns but in two years! I think it's sad that they are judging a nurse by what degree type they have. I have actually been denied a couple jobs just because I only have an ASN degree! I think it's rediculous!!
For some reason, I expected you to say "I agree! If it isn't Mr. ED, there just is not talking to the horse, of course."
I was like "How'd they make a whole paragraph outta that?"
Sorry if I seemed to "bash" you, that wasn't my intention, nor purpose. Your post, however seem inconsistant with your claim here, that's all. If you didn't mean to advocate for one program over the other it didn't show that in your post to me at least. Maybe it was your wording/ phrasing it "hit a nerve" on some of us, as some of our posts probably did with you and other BSN nurses. Like I said earlier, no one likes to feel that they or their education is/ was inadequate, BSN or A.D.N.
But it like a poster inferred we all need to come toghether! We need to realize that there obviously isn't a significant enough difference between the BSN and A.D.N trained for them to require a different NCLEX so, as far as staff nursing and being RNs in general, we are the same in a lot more ways than we are not.
I've responded to a few of yours, so I'm not sure which one you mean.
Wrong thing to say honey... 
)
KatePasa
128 Posts
You are admirable and right. I think that people let their egos and pride in their degrees run away with them. However, less back-biting and competition would benefit nurses. A house divided against itself cannot stand. As you say, LPNs, BSNs, and MSNs must work together and it's in our patients interests to abandon the fracas and get along.