Grandfathering Nurses Question

fergus51 · Sep 15, 2003

It just means that if you graduated before the BSN became the minimum, you can still work as a nurse and will not be forced to get your BSN. With the shortage, I really don't think diploma nurses will be at a disadvantage for any bedside care positions. They will for public health and management, but that's already the case. I think making one route to nursing the standard can only be a good thing.

ajaxgirl · Sep 15, 2003

Thank you for explaining. I hear the term frequently but have never really know what it meant. I pretty much think your right. I am a diploma grad but am most of the way through getting my BScN? I really dont want a management position though-oh well I guess it keeps me competitive job wise. Also, I have learned that things change. When I graduated in 1996 they were laying off and it was very tough to get a job-things change.

moia · Feb 23, 2004

Grandfathering actually means that diploma nurses are on equal footing with Bscn grads. It is an assurance that the employer can't decide that they prefer Bachelor prepared nurses over diploma and then deciding to replace them. There was a fear that the employer would jump at the chance at making bachelor a necessity and phasing out expensive experienced diplomas. It really would have been a move for the cheap because having a degree means very little in wages, full time/part time and benefits. The employer would essentially dump all the nurses who had maxed out and hired all the level one nurses.

Making the language clear stopped the employer from trying to take advantage.

MEL101 · Feb 23, 2004

I have yet to decide what BSN's have over Diploma nurses (2 & 3 yr grads)...

the "Grandfather" situation has been discussed and acted upon for over 30 years now...I hope as long as there are Diploma grads being taught to be "professionals" that the system does not throw us away...just because one has a degree on paper doesn't mean they provide better care....It was ridiculous back then, as it is today to assume a degree makes you a better nurse....why can't a nurse be a nurse w/o all the hype over a college degree??? :angryfire :angryfire And who cares about "one standard"? As long as there are "Diploma" nurses being cranked out for employment I hope the "BSN" craze gets dragged out for another 30+ years....No disrespect meant for any particular school of thought...A nurse is a nurse , especially if he/she passed state boards!!

fergus51 · Feb 23, 2004

Mel, the system here is different. The BSN as entry to practice won't be bandied about anymore, it's the reality. It isn't about one type of nurse being better than another.

MEL101 · Feb 25, 2004

Mel, the system here is different. The BSN as entry to practice won't be bandied about anymore, it's the reality. It isn't about one type of nurse being better than another.

"Better" is not the best choice of words to use. One is not better than the other, how about "appropriate" instead of "better"....And yes I realize that BSN is here to stay and its becoming the norm....foolish in my book. I know I'm predjudiced in feeling that 3 yr grads came away with a whole lot more clinical experience than others....Not to put anyone down!....just my experience with new grads...ok enough from me on this topic be4 I get into hot H2O...later....

:) :)

fergus51 · Feb 25, 2004

That's what I was trying to say Mel, neither program is better. It was just about making one route instead of two. The BSN has become mandatory for new nurses in Ontario and in BC. It's very different than the system in the US though. In my experience there is less difference between BSN and Diploma programs here than in the US.

MEL101 · Feb 25, 2004

:wink2: Sooo what happened with all the diploma grads in BC and Ontario? Was there a transitiion period of some sorts for them? Obviously you can tell I've not stayed abreast re: the nursing situation in Canada! I feel brain dead many nights...(and days occ):)

fergus51 · Feb 25, 2004

No worries Mel, I feel the same many nights:D The diploma grads were not affected at all. For employment purposes, they are considered equal to BSN grads and don't have to get their BSN. It was just that new students entering nursing programs no longer had the option of getting a diploma, they had to get the BSN. Since it only affects new nurses, there is really no reason for current nurses to even care, let alone worry.

epg_pei · Feb 25, 2004

..A nurse is a nurse , especially if he/she passed state boards!!

That's a good point. If we (degree seekers) are so much more educated (better?), how come we write the same test?

fergus51 · Feb 25, 2004

Because you aren't better. And because the exam just measures minimal competency. The CNAT can't be used to say someone is a better nurse because you don't even get your mark! That wasn't the reason for phasing out the diploma.