Is it true that a BSN will be mandatory soon?

Published

An instructor of mine (I'm in another state) stated that she recently went to a national educators conference and that they were saying that within the next several years in NY it would be mandatory to have your BSN. Does anyone know anything about this? Thanks

Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.
i wish it were true because i get so tired of other professions and patients thinking that nurses are only technical workers. i am a professional and the general public need to be aware that all RN's are well educated people. the ADN program is NEVER 2 years anyway, so why not just take the 1 or extra semesters and make it a 4 year degree??

Do you think the public will really know that you are a professional and not a technical worker? Do you think that a patient contemplates wether you are a BSN or ADN? I don't think so, they even think that medical assistants are nurses, god forbid.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know Jersey is trying to pull something like this as well. As a matter of fact, they are trying to say that if you are a diploma or ADN graduate, you will have 10 years to get your BSN, if not they will pull your license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Assisted Living Nurse Manager.
I know Jersey is trying to pull something like this as well. As a matter of fact, they are trying to say that if you are a diploma or ADN graduate, you will have 10 years to get your BSN, if not they will pull your license.

This is ridiculous! They have all passed the same boards. The nclex is not any different for an ADN-vs-BSN.

To me and this is only in my opinion (not that anyone cares) but they all take the same boards, which proves to me and most of the public that they are equally able to care for their patients.

I would like to see a study showing that out of all the nursing errors made, how many were ADN-vs-BSN. I am very curious to say the least.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC/Geriatric.

BSN is now the entry level for RN in Canada.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe there are only 2 or 3 two year RN programs left in Canada. U of Calgary and U of Manitoba? I think this change was made in 1998 or 1999? Sorry to be vague, I don't have a link. I just know that in my province of BC, the only RN programs are 4 year BSN programs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/ICU/Dialysis.

I thought those who are interested can check out this article.

http://www.nursinglink.com/benefits/3842-where-are-we-on-this-issue-adn-vs-bsn

Recently, I have even heard the "rumor" that in the future nurse practitioners would be required to get their doctorate. I have done some research and the idea has been tossed around, but is currently a "no-go."

No one should stop reaching for their highest potential. Furthering one's education is always a good idea and should be a priority.

Nursing IS a serious profession and requires years of education and training. The fact we have to sit for boards and are scrutinize by governing bodies (all for protecting the public welfare and the profession) makes this a profession!! And a good one!!!

Unfortunately, there are some schools that do not serve the profession or even their students, well. This needs to change.

Arguing about what is or isn't distracts from the issue at hand....the shortage, the need for highly trained nurses, the money to train them, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

To be honest, being outside of the US I find it confusing and a little strange that a profession has so many different educational entry points - especially to receive the same professional recognition.

Here in Australia there is a single educational entry point to become a qualified RN. Simply anybody that wishes to become a RN must complete a bachelors degree in nursing (BSN/BN).

To become an EEN (Endorsed Enrolled Nurse) - similar to a LPN you need to complete a Diploma in Nursing taking 18 months.

Obviously there are a number of differences including that we are not required to pay upfront for our education, under various government schemes where part or all fees can be deferred until you are employed and earning over a certain amount, where contributions are then taken from your tax.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
i wish it were true because i get so tired of other professions and patients thinking that nurses are only technical workers. i am a professional and the general public need to be aware that all RN's are well educated people. the ADN program is NEVER 2 years anyway, so why not just take the 1 or extra semesters and make it a 4 year degree??

I think you are right on the money and going the extra 1 or 2 semesters for the BSN makes perfect sense in theory. I would estimate about half of RN's were educated (in my area anyway) at community colleges. The change must be allowing cc's to award BSN's. Could you imagine what the waiting lists would be like if all ASN programs were shut down? Some think we have a nursing shortage now!

An ASN was my only option to get started toward a BSN. I only had a GED and no SAT's. Not a traditional application to a 4 year school. My cc accepts EVERYBODY - and if you have the GPA, the points and A's in nursing prereqs when all is said and done, you have a second chance to become somebody you can be proud of. 21 additional months later, of nursing classes and clinicals, you graduate.

I don't thing there is another associates degree that is more time consuming, difficult or with higher standards that exists. If it were a 2 year degree, I'd be done and not have 21 more months - the hardest months - ahead of me. It was my only option without previous college.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

I'm going to merge this with an ongoing discussion in the forum where we have such discussions. Carry on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

As Ogopogo said, most of Canada is heading for BSN as entry. Ontario and I think BC already have that requirement.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCU, OB, Home Health.

I haven't heard of this trend, but I can definitely see it happening. I would think it would happen according to what state you have your license in, though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

This is hogwash, and it will not happen anytime soon. This rumor has been floating around since 1965, but it has never been implemented.

South Dakota made the BSN degree the minimum entry point for nursing a few years ago, and it failed miserably. They had to return to the nationwide practice of utilizing ADNs and LPNs quickly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, Administration (briefly).

There is NO WAY for the 4-year universities to meet the demand for nurses. We have neither the faculty nor the class space. There is little incentive for nurses to get the advanced degrees, period.

I figured out that it cost me $140,000 (lost overtime and school costs) to get the BSN and MSN degree.

How much did my salary go up with either degree? 0

Politically, the community college system is very well protected. Most politicians see it as a way for those with less opportunities to advance themselves.

Maybe, if we can take back control over our practice domain, we can build towards this goal over the next decade or so....slowly

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion