Elitism in nursing

[yakimandu]

Nurses are pretty elitist. I don't even know why this website is here because whenever I see someone asking for advice or help, out comes the elitism.

Instead of helping people you just want people to know that they can't get in. I guess that's a survival mechanism to keep competition out. And they wonder why there is a nursing shortage. (go ahead, deny it exists as usual)

"nursing benefits suck" - not true, because many places offer pensions. count yourselves lucky. VERY lucky.

"the education is too hard" really? it takes an associates degree to become an RN. that's about the same level as a truck driver or a mechanic. on top of that, you get paid like you have a master's degree.

Yes, I think nurses deserve to be elitist and command respect on some level. But this website is nothing but a straw man.

[Farawyn]

Yakimandu, did you not get into nursing school?

Why so mad, bro?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

"the education is too hard" really? it takes an associates degree to become an RN. that's about the same level as a truck driver or a mechanic. on top of that, you get paid like you have a master's degree.

Welcome to Allnurses.com! Since you are a pre-nursing student, this thread has been moved to our Pre-Nursing student forum for the most appropriate response.

Not one single truck driving company in existence requires their drivers to possess associate degrees, and most mechanics do not have associate degrees either.

If you're dissing the educational attainment of nearly half of all RNs in the US, why exactly do you want to be a nurse? Why not become a physician, pharmacist or physical therapist? After all, none of these healthcare professionals have the 'lowly' associate degrees that are on the presupposed level of mechanics and truckers. In fact, they're all educated at the professional doctorate level. You have other options.

Instead of complaining about a perceived problem, why not be a part of the solution? Good luck with your educational endeavors, wherever they may lead you. :)

[Shawn91111]

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

You confuse "elitism" with people pushing the original posters of threads to think critically. Some will give hints. Others not so.

[MedChica]

Four things:

- There's a shortage of "experienced nurses".

- New nurses aren't competition...for any but each other.

- Many facilities don't offer benefits.

- Never heard of anyone talking about how hard the education is.

[BD-RN, BSN, RN]

Actually, the associates degree in nursing is slowly being phased out. Not that our experienced ASN aren't incredibly valuable. Their knowledge base from years of experience is irreplaceable. But the minimum BSN is becoming the norm for entry level RNs, especially in academic medical centers. To say the education is not difficult and rigorous is completely false. Even in the associate program, A&P, chemistry, & Microbiology are all required. Nursing is competitive, and to simple pass is not enough.

Secondly, what pension plans? I know of only ONE hospital system that still offers a pension, and it is actually paid into at 9% by current employees. Pensions, and even 401K contributions are becoming a thing of the past.

I highly suggest researching the nursing profession in a little more depth before publicly bashing those who could be your colleagues one day.

[Farawyn]

Little Black X of Doom.

[mrsjonesRN]

Aren't you being "elitist" by equating nursing education to that of a truck driver??

[heron, ASN, RN]

Guys - OP has sea gulled.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Actually, the associates degree in nursing is slowly being phased out. Not that our experienced ASN aren't incredibly valuable. Their knowledge base from years of experience is irreplaceable. But the minimum BSN is becoming the norm for entry level RNs, especially in academic medical centers. To say the education is not difficult and rigorous is completely false. Even in the associate program, A&P, chemistry, & Microbiology are all required. Nursing is competitive, and to simple pass is not enough.

Secondly, what pension plans? I know of only ONE hospital system that still offers a pension, and it is actually paid into at 9% by current employees. Pensions, and even 401K contributions are becoming a thing of the past.

I highly suggest researching the nursing profession in a little more depth before publicly bashing those who could be your colleagues one day.

I second THIS.

As someone who has just joined, and even stated in another post "just getting into the foray of nursing", research more in depth the state of healthcare for the last 20 years (even further), and the economic state of our country...THEN if you want to join this profession, work in it, AND change it for the better, by ALL means, join others and connect with others on this site that post regularly, (even myself) on how to move the profession forward.

[mrsjonesRN]

Oh darn.