Difference in dregrees and licensures

Q. · Mar 12, 2002

I definitely agree that that is one of nursing's shortcomings. Big time.

Hell, we can't even discuss topics without someone getting offended and going off on a tangent; how would we expect to unite in one loud, cohesive, strong voice? In fact one poster even commented that there are "too many RNs here" and that we are "overwhelming, as usual."

And with that, we expect to accomplish something in the profession?? I don't think so.

lever5 · Mar 12, 2002

Our voice for all of us. No special interest. I think we discuss topics just fine. All options and sides are not considered without dissagreement. Good things come from the wonderful diversity of the people who participate in this forum. Al the different levels of education are summed up with "floor nurse" ( one who works with patients),and "management", (one who manages budgets and floor nurses). If all those nurses who work with patients used the same voice, wow!

Mito · Mar 12, 2002

Most of the nurses I have met are more concerned about completing the tasks of nursing and with the outcomes of their patients than they are with professional advocacy. Advocacy can be a diffucult and time consuming challenge for nurses who are over worked and stressed out.

The problem, as I see it, is that advocacy does not have immediated benefits it has to be implemented as a program with a corresponding change in attitude to support it. If nurses advocate to much for their profession they can be seen as "trouble makers or worse putting themselves before their patients.

It makes sense that a having a enriching and professional work enviroment for nurses will have a postive affect on patient outcomes. However devoting time to such abstract pursuits when budgets are shrinking can be a real challenge.

Mito

All41 · Mar 12, 2002

One voice, how beautiful that would be! Until we quit cannabilizing I am afraid it will just be a dream. "While climbing the ladder of success, reach back and help the one behind you" For those of us who would love to see this happen, we must continue to speak out and do so regardless of being misunderstood. It starts with the individual person.

dstout-rn · Mar 12, 2002

My reason for asking is an MD is a MD is a MD, but a nurse could be an LPN or RN and have various levels of education, just confusing to everyone.

lever5 · Mar 12, 2002

We all know that the real education is recieved through practice. Most LPN's that I have worked with get the same education that I did in this respect. The RN, BSN give me a greater knowledge base which I do not often get to use due to the restraints of nursing practice. I do not get to do more or make more decisions with the BSN. I just understand why I am doing what I am doing. Regardless of education, a nurse is a nurse is a nurse. We are one, we are strong. If this is what we tell ourselves, this is what we will be.

Q. · Mar 12, 2002

Originally posted by lever5
We all know that the real education is recieved through practice.

I have to disagree. I feel real education is received through a combination of experience AND formal education. You cannot substitute one for the other.

GreytNurse · Mar 12, 2002

SuzyK.......it 'seems' that you disagree with just about everything.

I noted that you seem to enjoy repeating things others say just to make yourself seem more.......intelligent??????

You are eager to acuse others of having an attitude, but fail to notice the one you carry.

ps. I'm flattered that you find the need to repeat some of my comments, but do try to think of your own...........k????????

live4today, RN · Mar 12, 2002

Originally posted by dstout-rn
I am just throwing this out there since there has been so many discussions on here about unions, respect for other nurses and confusion with pt families and doctors. Do you think that one of the reasons nurses have such a difficult time banding together with one voice, is that there are so many voices? RN, LPN, diploma, associate and BSN as entry levels into the field? I'am not suggesting one is better or lesser than the other just what you guys think?

In answer to your question: "Do you think that one of the reasons nurses have such a difficult time banding together with one voice, is that there are so many voices?"

This might "bite" a bit, but... :eek: IMHO, I think the reason nurses have a difficult time banding together with one voice is because the majority of nurses are "female"! Sorry, that's my humble opinion, so before the bricks are thrown my way, please be kind and wrap them in cotton first so the blows won't hurt as much! :chuckle

Having worked in various job that were non nursing, whenever working with predominantly females, b----ing, back stabbing, jealousy, cat-fighting, and a need to dominate is ever so prevalent as well.

The REAL questions for us to ponder should be? (1) WHY do we, as women, have this need to behave this way? (2) How can we tone down our need to be this way so we can finally begin to "hear" what each other is saying? (3) Is it really all about the level of education, or is it about us just being women with the need to "have a voice and make our own mark in society's uppercrust of things?

Let's face it, ladies! It's not been all that long since the female revolution when we started trying to find our place in the world outside of our husband's shadow. Although we have certainly progressed over the last fifty years, we are still "babies" in the making when it comes to knowing how to work together side by side in harmony in our respective career fields without the need to "wear our educational crown" around our necks for all the world to see". :confused: I'm not saying we shouldn't be proud of our accomplishments because we most certainly should be. I am saying that sometimes we -- more often than not -- batter each other to the ground instead of lifting one another up while trying to gain "female recognition" in a predominantly "male world" like men have had the privilege of doing since the beginning of time. We're not there yet, but we can move along a lot faster if we would just stop, think, and listen to each other's suggestions, taking into account feelings spoken - and unspoken, not knowing where or what "stage of life" each person is gathering their perspective from [ie. "generation baby boomers, generation X, and generation Y....]

Many more things besides one's educational degree play a major role in the outcome of how our careers come into play. Still pondering over this myself, so I hope you all will consider doing the same.

___________________________________________

"Don't miss out on a blessing because it isn't packaged the way that you expect." -- UNKNOWN

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"Be aware that a halo has to fall only a few inches to be a noose around thy neck." -- Dan Mckinnon

Q. · Mar 12, 2002

Originally posted by GreytNurse
SuzyK.......it 'seems' that you disagree with just about everything.

I noted that you seem to enjoy repeating things others say just to make yourself seem more.......intelligent??????
You are eager to acuse others of having an attitude, but fail to notice the one you carry.

ps. I'm flattered that you find the need to repeat some of my comments, but do try to think of your own...........k????????

Gretynurse-

Ummm I hate to be the one to inform you but "quotes" are a feature of the BB that allow you to quote others statements so that when a comment is made about it, it will be taken in context. Sorry, I can't take credit for creating this, that would be Brian's gold star, or at least the BB software.

If you will notice, when someone is quoted, due credit is given to the author - so what is your problem?

And yes, I reserve the right to disagree with as little or as much as I want. If everyone agreed on everything life would be very boring and new ideas would never be born.

So back off.

JMP · Mar 12, 2002

Wow...... I don't know where to begin. I have some perspective on this....really I do. As a Canadian RN who lives in Ontario, we are in the process of phasing out diploma RN's ( like your ADN I suppose) and starting this fall, all RN's upon graduation will have a degree- BScN.

I think it will help, since it is a bit of a mish-mosh right now. As far as RPN's are concerned, and I have a strong attitude on this, their program has gone now to two years. And I feel it is waste of time.....as I duck under my chair for cover. Why? Well, unless they change things there are NO JOBS for RPN's in Ontario.....UNLESS you want to work in a nursing home or visiting nursing. If YOU WANT TO WORK IN A HOSPTIAL, at least around my neck of the woods, you are OUT OF LUCK. That is the reality.

Susy K.......... I AGREE with your posts. Experience means so much. Most programs are BASIC entry knowledge level. You have basic knowledge and now you need experience and further education in your chosen field. Again, I am speaking from my own experience.

I am close to finishing a critical care diploma program that is one year in length and I learn something new ALL THE TIME. I now work in ICU and sometimes it scares me when I think back to when I started last June- HOW MUCH I THOUGHT I KNEW...... really it is mind blowing. Susy K....... keep strong, I have often read your posts and agreed with your messages. You often have advocated for further education and experience and I for one, agree with you.

About the female thing......well, I totally disagree with the idea we need to TONE IT DOWN. We, as females, have been taught to "be nice". Sometimes we HAVE to disagree, work thru issues and see what is on the side. Sometimes it hurts. SOmetimes it is hard for others to hear. But so be it. Females are just starting to get their own voices heard. It takes time. SPEAK OUT. BE STRONG.