Future of Nursing

debbyed · Oct 24, 2001

Well said Rosy :)

betts · Oct 24, 2001

I'm a RN/DON with ASN from a 3 year program which required most of the required studies for the BSN. After experiencing Corporate Manuvering too cut cost and increase $, I've decided to go with the Bachelors of Arts in Healthcare Administration which the University I plan to attend says I only need 30 or less hours and if I CLEP(life-time experience), it would be much less.

My point is, I've been in nursing 24+ years, only have my ASN and have found that it's not what degree you have but applying what you've learned. When taking the NCLEX, it doesn't matter what degree you have , only that you have the knowledge. Diploma,ADN,ASN,BSN,MSN,etc...it doesn't matter. What matters is UNITY!!!

1st. Forget about what degree the other has, if they are liscensed.

2nd. Promote Unity at the work-place.

3rd. Get more involved through nursing sites, publications, doctors, get their backing. They wouldn't be here w/o us.

4th. Alumnus, Speak Up! Contact the nursing director, get input.

5th. Write or call your elected officals; all have email addresses.

6th. We all need to organize then implement.

We are all professionals and deserve no-less. Believe it or not, it's already started with the shortages to our benefit if we UNITE!

pkmom · Oct 24, 2001

I haven't figured out how to quote yet so here's my memory's best: "Fact: Requiring a minimum of BSN will increase the nursing shortage."

I considered nursing a few years ago but I thought the training would be too long. I didn't realize it was only two or four years. It wasn't until my OB nurse told me that I could be a RN in two years that I decided to do it. So here I am with a one year old trying to get my ADN. I will finally start the actual nurse training after taking prerequisites for 4 semesters. I wouldn't have changed my major to nursing if it was required that I get a BSN right away. I will get it eventually, I hope, just because I want it.:)

MayeRN · Oct 27, 2001

I did a 3 year diploma program (in Canada) through a teaching hospital. The amount of practical training was and is what sets the RN andBN programs apart. I worked with some BN students who were covering in their last year what I learnt in my first. They were scared.

Nobody can replace the practical side of nursing. Here in Ontario, they are changing to BN requirement for students. I worry that the program won't be so good. Anybody can learn what is in a book, can they do it at the bedside? Being a degree nurse does not make you a better nurse. I feel that in order to progress in our profession, we must have a degree (SORRY).

However, the BN programs will not gain more respect for the profession. We will continue to be respected, not for our education, but for the quality of care we give our patients.

Now I am going to run away also!!!

RachetRN · Oct 27, 2001

Great debate!!

I think Rosy said it best, but many others made excellent points. I would like to add my two cents...

Get organized (the non-4-letter word 'Union' comes to mind) and support $$/join a strong lobby group. We as nurses address the power of advocacy for our patients on a daily basis -- why do we forget we need advocate's too?!?

The thing that keeps us blue collar and not white is we DO NOT have a four year degree @ the entry level. I think the choice allows for more nurses (and we need to increase our volume) and differing levels of ability -- as Martha would say 'that's a good thing'

The thing to draw even more nurses into the field would be better pay, better hours, and better bene's...so ask who controls the purse strings? Then lobby/pressure that group.