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 Med/Surg, Progressive Tele.

I think one problem is, people aren't willing to go out into thier community and ask questions. When I started my LPN to BSN program I lost count on how many RN's told me there was no such program. They were surpised when I showed them there was. Here in AZ, the 3 state Universities schools all have a BSN program. NAU (Northern AZ Univeristy) just opened a satilite campus here in PHX, which will give another BSN program. Currently we have 4 Univeristies that have the RN to BSN program. These programs are very flexable in the class meetings, some are ground (class room) programs, and others are on-line program. There is something for everybody... But they have to want it first to make the move to look for it.

I think that if other fields can manage, with the same sorts of issues, than so can nursing.

We will need more BSN programs, if we mandate that the entry point into nursing is a BSN. But, I imagine what will happen is that universities - 4 year - will simply absorb the closest community college programs and have them as "satellite" locations. So, in essence, you'll be attending the community college campus, with the same community college professors, at least for the nursing portion of the program, but you'll be award the degree from the 4 year university. And, of course, you'll have to meet all the other degree requirements.

At least, that's what I would anticipate happening, to avoid losing all those nursing programs and nursing professors. Thus, BSN programs would be more widely available.

I think it would be much better if nurses could come to this decision on their own, rather than have some administrative type decide for us and have to *force* us into more education. How would that look to everyone - while all other health care professionals gladly increase their own educational standards, nurses have to be *forced* by administration to obtain a mere Bachelor's?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Progressive Tele.

One thing I have noticed with this subject is, most of the people who are argueing against the entry point as a BSN is a very emotional issue. When emotion is brought into, rational thinking goes out the window. I see people assuming what was written, then twisting the words around... But, times are changing in the nursing world. In the last 10 yrs it has changed more so then every before and with this change, well come a change in the education...

Please read the posting above, this must be where you're getting the info on the "single" mothers. You know what? I agree with this poster 100% :yeah: I too, am sick of the nursing profession being the "welfare" of professions. I don't see any other profession lowering their educational standards to an Associate's degree, so it will be more convenient, affordable, attainable, etc., etc., etc.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Utilization Management.
*** There is no nursing shortage. As has been pointed out here many, many times, if one looks at the number of licensed RN on state rolls there are more than enough to fill every nursing position. While some of those nurses would not go to work in nursing no matter what, they are retired, stay at home moms, disabled etc. most are simply working in other fields. There is no shortage of nurses, just a shortage of nurses willing to work under current working condition and pay.

Absolutely correct. Anytime any nurse talks about "moving up" the ladder and getting a BSN, it's always with the goal of getting away from the bedside. Conditions for bedside nurses are not good and whether they have an ADN or BSN won't change that, because the system as it is works just fine for those in power.

But that's a topic for another thread.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
*** There is no nursing shortage. As has been pointed out here many, many times, if one looks at the number of licensed RN on state rolls there are more than enough to fill every nursing position. While some of those nurses would not go to work in nursing no matter what, they are retired, stay at home moms, disabled etc. most are simply working in other fields. There is no shortage of nurses, just a shortage of nurses willing to work under current working condition and pay.

the nursing job vacancies are not being filled, for whatever reason leads to (you guessed it) a shortage.

BTW, you posted that BSN courses differ a little from ADN programs. Why, yes, they do. Allow me to provide you with a little well-needed info here:

My ADN program: pre-req's were Micro, Chemistry, A&P, Developmental psych, intro to nursing, as well as all of the other standard English, math, etc.

The actual program was all of the usuals.. ob/gyn, cardiac, nutrition, pharmacology, GI, on and on and on for every body system.

My BSN curriculum:

NUR 3805 - Professional Roles and Dimensions of Nursing Practice

NUR 3125 - Pathophysiology

NUR 3655 - Nursing in Multicultural Society

NUR 3066C - Health Assessment and Physical Appraisal

NUR 3826 - Legal and Ethical Aspects of Nursing

NUR 4606 - Nursing of Family Theory

NUR 4606L - Nursing of Family Practicum

NUR 4165 - Intro to Nursing Research

NUR 4636 - Community Health Nursing Theory

NUR 4636L - Community Health Practicum

NUR 4835 - Leadership Theory

NUR 4935L - Leadership Practicum

NUR - Nursing Elective

These courses were not part of my ADN program and are quite standard with many BSN programs. It differs from the ADN graduate, in that at the baccalaureate level, nursing education is directed towards enabling students to develop their roles as 1) providers of care, 2) designers, managers, and coordinators of care, and 3) members of the profession of nursing.

With a RN-BSN program, the goals are:

1) to expand the use of the nursing process,

2) expand the implementation of the nursing process,

3) utilize effective oral and written communication,

4) apply appropriate management and leadership skills,

5) evaluate research findings,

6) demonstrate accountability, and lastly

7) to demonstrate a continued commitment for lifelong learning.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
Absolutely correct. Anytime any nurse talks about "moving up" the ladder and getting a BSN, it's always with the goal of getting away from the bedside. Conditions for bedside nurses are not good and whether they have an ADN or BSN won't change that, because the system as it is works just fine for those in power.

But that's a topic for another thread.

you're right that whether it's an ADN or BSN nurse at the bedside, it doesn't really matter. Not correct that all educational endeavors mean you want away from the bedside. That's a generalization.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

forgot to add BSN pre-req's, Nursing ethics and Statistics.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
All those "tech" that you mentioned that are only required to have an associates degree are just that - "techs". They generally have a limited job description and limited responsibility. And I don't say that to minimize what they do in any way, for their contribution is very important. However, they manage only one aspect and that one aspect alone. EKG techs do EKGs, Nuclear med techs do nuclear med stuff. RTs also only manage RT stuff.

I just wanted to point out that RTs are not "techs." They are respiratory care practitioners, which means they diagnose and treat under the supervision of an MD.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I didn't say RTs were techs. I said "RTs also only manage RT stuff." Totally separate from the "techs" I was discussing earlier in the paragraph.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I didn't say RTs were techs. I said "RTs also only manage RT stuff." Totally separate from the "techs" I was discussing earlier in the paragraph.

Sorry. They were discussed in the same paragraph so I assumed you were lumping them in with techs. My bad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in oncology, trauma, home health.

You know, I may get flamed here, but I have been thinking a lot about these postings.

I have an Associate's degree. I think the posts that have struck me the most are the one about not being able to sell siding without a Bachelor's and the physical therapy assistants having a two year degree as well. I don't want to get into a big argument but my program required everything stated above, including patho, with the exception of statistics. I think that that class is what is holding me back from returning to school. I went through a great program, I believe I am an excellent nurse but it does seem degrading that the entry level isn't a Bachelor's

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You know, I may get flamed here, but I have been thinking a lot about these postings.

I have an Associate's degree. I think the posts that have struck me the most are the one about not being able to sell siding without a Bachelor's and the physical therapy assistants having a two year degree as well. I don't want to get into a big argument but my program required everything stated above, including patho, with the exception of statistics. I think that that class is what is holding me back from returning to school. I went through a great program, I believe I am an excellent nurse but it does seem degrading that the entry level isn't a Bachelor's

You are absolutely right. It IS degrading to our profession.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You know, I may get flamed here, but I have been thinking a lot about these postings.

I have an Associate's degree. I think the posts that have struck me the most are the one about not being able to sell siding without a Bachelor's and the physical therapy assistants having a two year degree as well. I don't want to get into a big argument but my program required everything stated above, including patho, with the exception of statistics. I think that that class is what is holding me back from returning to school. I went through a great program, I believe I am an excellent nurse but it does seem degrading that the entry level isn't a Bachelor's

Just to give you some encouragement...Statistics was my hardest class but it is possible to achieve and I still ended up with an A. But in pursuit of my BSN I do see its value and then some.

The difference on the number of nursing classes you take by doing it post ADN is definitely there in comparison to those that do a traditional BSN right from the start. I really have laddered and I did my LPN first which was more time than the first year of an ADN, then I transitioned into a RN which required an extra class again, got my ADN, and now doing the BSN which requires an additional 12 classes that are all nursing in origin (and 3 electives which included Statistics of course) and the majority I have found to have helped with clinical practice (ie) how to prevent med errors, evidenced practice, research, ethics etc... all practical.

When I started pre-reqs I was out of high school for 18 years and Math was never my friend in the first place in high school. But luckily I have a computer geek hubby who not only knew Math but was a great teacher. I discovered it is not that hard just that I had lousy teachers in high school and you can never get behind in Math. Be encouraged it is something that you can do. PM if you have questions. I firmly believe we should be there to help and support each other.

I don't regret one minute going on to get my bachelors. I am one week from completing 9 of 15 classes...only 6 to go. Besides the obvious benefits of continuing on with school in Nursing I think if we stop learning new things we really hinder the profession. It is also part of the career ladder at work and highly encouraged by my Manager. Stay encouraged. There will always be a divide on this topic which is obvious by looking at this thread.

I am not saying that ADN's are not great nurses but I think it can even be enhanced by the pursuit of a higher degree. This was illustrated in our last skills lab. One of the nurses was doing a case study. She is highly skilled and has about 15+ years of experience but was way off on evidence based practice. I did a big paper and lots of research on the topic she was addressing so it really made me realize everything I am seeking to accomplish is definitely worth my while and not just a bunch of BS as some people like to say (my hubby included who is nice enough to read my papers). Hope this helps.

I do agree with your post as well. I don't understand why there is so much resistance since nursing should seek professionalism. For those that don't think doctors notice the difference. Some do. When I got my first job out of nursing school the Neurologist in our office was pleasantly surprised with the number of bachelors educated staff in our office and saw its value. Broad generalizations is something that should be avoided. And honestly by doing all the training through my BSN I think it doesn't necessarily make you a better critical thinker but it does change the way you think and doing Statistics alone will help you understand that whole concept better as well.

I think critical thinking is difficult to teach and some no matter their education level just will never get it in the same way as others. We have an RN at work who has her BSN but just can't think outside the box at all. It is really stunning. I guess I should get off my soap box. My main point was to encourage you...YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion