Entry Into Practice- A Lack of Willpower

[DanChicagoRN]

We've created many threads before about the challenges of entry into practice, and Nursing's inability to really set a standard for RN's. I'll throw more fuel into the fire with a post.

Every teacher in America, at least in public schools, has to have a bachelor's degree as a requirement for state licensure (Unless I am incorrect- this is based on the US Dept of Labor Occupational Outlook 2009).

For physical therapists, our colleagues in the health care world, in order to be licensed, each has to have a master's degree, and many have doctoral degrees.

These professionals are at the bedside 24/7. Sure there might be a few therapists now working in the "Ivory Tower" but for the most part, they practice "at the bedside" with patients day in and day out, in hospitals, outpatient clinics, community settings, etc.

For social workers a bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement for entry into practice, while many also have master's degrees.

Still today many argue that a BSN is only being sought by individuals due to interest in administration or that once you recieve an MSN or BSN, nurses will no longer be working in bedside roles. If you ask me, that is a bunch of baloney. A more educated workforce will only enhance the contributions nursing makes to healthcare.

ANA, which for some here is a dirty three letter acronym, has advocated for BSN in 10, whereby, nurses, after initial licensure, would be required to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing within 10 years. 10 years is a long time and very attainable.

I simply argue, in a more complex healthcare system, with increasing patient acuity nurses out to be educated at a higher level.

The only barrier to resolving the debate in entry into practice is our own lack of willpower to do so. As always, as nurses we are fragmented, and fighting amoung our own house. Let's make the leap and unite on entry into practice.

[Farmer Jane]

Um, okay. Let's talk about how to do that. Let's talk about instituting affordable, accessible BSN programs. It's very easy to say what should be done, but the reality is we currently don't have the means to do it. Where would rural areas find nurses if there were no ADN programs? How would the current BSN programs meet the demand?

Another point is that in order to require BSN you have to have evidence that BSN is needed. Until BSN programs become more rigorous than ADN programs there is no ground to stand upon. ADN and BSN programs teach the same nursing content. Prove to the American public why the BSN is needed, and how we will educate enough BSN nurses, and the problem is solved.