entry level education for nurses

[jnoonan]

Most professions have an entry level of a bachelors degree of higher. The profession of nurses is confusing to the public, as a nurse can be someone with 10 months of education, or someone with a phD.

It is also confusing for nurses, in some facilities, LPN's are allowed to preform duties that they cannot in other facilities.

What should the entry level for the practice of nursing be in your opinion?

[jnoonan]

Originally posted by jnoonan

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Do a search on this topic here. It's been discussed ad nauseum.

This isn't a new concept- it's been in the ANA's Social Policy Statement since the 50's.

[live4today, RN]

Originally posted by jnoonan

Most professions have an entry level of a bachelors degree of higher. The profession of nurses is confusing to the public, as a nurse can be someone with 10 months of education, or someone with a phD. It is also confusing for nurses, in some facilities.................What should the entry level for the practice of nursing be in your opinion?

The "confusion" you speak of was never an issue until women started trying to outdo each other in the world of nursing with titles of distinction.

May I remind you that Diploma Nurses ruled for a long time, and the public was NOT the least bit confused about who they were when they took care of them. To them, those ladies in white uniforms and nursing caps were angels of mercy...Nurses they loved to see at their bedside when sick and or wounded.

Then, along came those money-hungry mongrels we refer to as strictly business people who had a money-making idea and decided to turn nursing into an educational battle between the sexes. Thus, the drama began between who would outrank who educationally in the "profession of nursing". Thus bringing us to the present day with the associate, bachelor, master, and doctorate level programs all screeming "better than thou" at each other..........thus....the public confusion you speak of.

Let's not forget that BSNs are brainwashed while in school to believe THEY are the cream of the crop over associate and diploma grads. Has something to do with that "critical thinking" crap. Well, honey, if you don't know how to think critically before you get in college, God help you. You will fall everytime.

Funny how I raised three intelligent daughters who are now raising my 12 intelligent grandchildren, without a college course in "critical thinking skills". Lo and behold! You mean I had lived half of my life by then, and didn't know how to think "critically". How the heck did that happen! :chuckle

[ADNRN]

I say MSN. Why not? Everyone going to nursing school should already have a BS or BA, and nursing school should award the degree of Masters of Applied Science in Nursing.

[suzy253, RN]

Here we go again!!!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Yep.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I wish to welcome You to the boards, jnoonan.

I will not answer this or participate further. All you need to is look at another VERY lively and active thread entitled:

BSNs delivery safer care than ADN's, or something like that.

there are probably in excess of 100 threads addressing this hot potato already.

I wish you well and again WELCOME TO THE BOARDS...your "search feature" is YOUR FRIEND, remember.

All my best to you and your good intentions are noted.

[huganurse524]

This poor horse has been beaten to death so many times it is ridiculous. Here it is once and for all. Before there was an exclusive title to someone's "educational status" (i.e. LPN/LVN, RN with AD, BA, masters and on and on and on) there was one name that we were know as that was "NURSE". No extra initials were needed. Because whether you are a diploma nurse or if you have your masters you are still a "NURSE". We are here to care, to heal and to comfort. Most of us became nurses because our lives crossed with a nurse that inspired us to help others. And honestly, I am sorry if that if the only reason someone gets into the nursing profession is to make tons of money and to have exclusive credentials on their resume. Because let's not forget the money is not enough for all the things we are asked to do.

Besides there is such a shortage for people like us why try and one up each other we are all qualified to care and help heal our patients. Remember the first thing every nurse is taught is the Fundamental of Nursing which is the foundation that all nurses must have to continue to educate themselves and provide the best care possible. Well that is all I just had to let my frustrations out. Thank you for listening and I do not mean to offend anyone. God Bless

[fergus51]

Renee, with all due respect, I was never brainwashed into thinking I was the cream of the crop. My BSN education was with Diploma students.

It has been my experience that one-upmanship in nursing has little to do with educational credentials. I mean, who hasn't heard an experienced nurse say to a new nurse "Well, when I was in nursing school......". Then they proceed to explain how much better their program was (and it doesn't seem to matter if that program was hospital based, Diploma, ADN or BSN). I remember being really worried as a new nurse, until my aunt who graduated in the 60s told me that even back then nurses were talking about the poor quality of new graduates:chuckle Some things will never change:)

[NsgTiger]

"Let's not forget that BSNs are brainwashed while in school to believe THEY are the cream of the crop over associate and diploma grads. Has something to do with that "critical thinking" crap."

Enough already.....we all know this topic has been argued to death, don't use this as an opportunity to insult others, give up the bitterness please!

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I say make it a Masters degree....

And when the last nurse that actually takes care of patients leaves the Building, could they please shut off the lights?