Is it true that a BSN will be mandatory soon?

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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 ER/SURGICAL ICU/PACU/MEDICAL ICU.
"Until the proposal is made formerly, it is premature to speculate," she said. "This is really just a discussion period and the State Board has indicated that they'd like to hear opinions before they present it formally."

So, for the most part, this is just a discussion period and even if presented, it would take quite some time before it would even come into fruition. As it is, since no other state has made this an official requirement, I think it's safe to say that there is nothing to worry about as of yet. By all means, though, those who hear anything new on this matter, please keep us informed, for as as many have already mentioned, the idea of making a BSN a requirement to practice has been talked about since the late 70's, so Im sure all would be interested....

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Hmmm:idea:....the day nurses actually stand up and EMPOWER ourselves will be the day hospital ceos and other vips over hospitals and healthcare become frantic enough to FINALLY shut up and listen to nurses about how to REALLY operate a hospital, retain nursing staff, lower patient/nurse ratios to SAFE levels, AND..........shall I go on?????????????????? :uhoh21: :lol2:

I'm with you. All of us NURSES need to stick together and speak our minds. All of these people in the so-called Upper Class JOBS, that really have not a clue about the medical field need to step back and see how things need to be done. Just because you have a Master's degree in whatever it may be; Nursing, Administration, or whatever, let the nurses work and do what they have been taught to do.

As for as ADN/BSN, granted as a BSN you do have a much easier chance or climbing the corporate ladder, but I have been a nurse for 20 yrs (ADN) and yes I have at many times checked into obtaining my BSN, but when you weigh both sides.

Pay in many times is the same. Truely in my opinion the only difference between ADN/BSN is a couple of years more of school and the letters on the diploma.

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I will have my BSN degree this summer. I am in an accelerated program and will complete it within one year. However, I looked into AD programs too and it did not make sense for me to go 2 yrs when I could do it all in 1 year AND have a BSN. (I also have a previous BS degree from my first college experience) I feel that the nursing prof needs both AD and BSN nurses. However, I also feel that there should be two different NCLEX tests -- one for the AD grad and one for the BSN grad. Two levels of degree should have two levels of NCLEX. Anyone agree??

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I will have my BSN degree this summer. I am in an accelerated program and will complete it within one year. However, I looked into AD programs too and it did not make sense for me to go 2 yrs when I could do it all in 1 year AND have a BSN. (I also have a previous BS degree from my first college experience) I feel that the nursing prof needs both AD and BSN nurses. However, I also feel that there should be two different NCLEX tests -- one for the AD grad and one for the BSN grad. Two levels of degree should have two levels of NCLEX. Anyone agree??

I totally agreee. I brought this up before . I was confused if..you have two different courses...why not two different tests?

It makes more sense.

Z

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Specializes in Utilization Management.
I will have my BSN degree this summer. I am in an accelerated program and will complete it within one year. However, I looked into AD programs too and it did not make sense for me to go 2 yrs when I could do it all in 1 year AND have a BSN. (I also have a previous BS degree from my first college experience) I feel that the nursing prof needs both AD and BSN nurses. However, I also feel that there should be two different NCLEX tests -- one for the AD grad and one for the BSN grad. Two levels of degree should have two levels of NCLEX. Anyone agree??

No, I don't. ADNs might've gone to school for a year less than BSNs, nevertheless, they're responsible for the same standard of practice.

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See I don't get that. Why are they responsible for the same stuff when they didn't take all the same stuff? Or did they?

AARGH!

I've been here for HOW long and I still don't get all the differences.

z

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

The NCLEX is not education-based, it is Standard-of-Care based.

Hope that helps.

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No, I don't. ADNs might've gone to school for a year less than BSNs, nevertheless, they're resposible for the same standard of practice.

AD nurses go to school 2 years less than the BSN. In the accelerated course level, the student must have all the prereqs completed before she/he can begin the program. For my program, I took 18 credits the first sem, 18 the second, and I'm currently taking 16 credits this summer. It may take a yr to complete but it actually takes longer when you consider the prereqs that you must do. Plus, the traditional programs are 4 years long. The BSN prepared students take more research, leadership, and communication skills classes than do the ADN. There should be two tests -- both tests should have the same standard of care questions, but the BSN test should have extra material that was discussed in their program as well to differentiate it.

That's where it's different.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

Ok, Lets say they did give different test , one for the ADN's and one for the BSN grads. Do you feel there should be some sort of additional required designation for name tags and such. Many of the RN's I know just have RN on their name tag and they are not required to add BSN or ADN to their name tag. I have no idea who has a BSN and who has a ADN in my facility and really dont care either .. A RN is a RN is a RN... Moreover, what could be accomplished by having two tests? Where does the diploma nurse fall into the mix?

I will have my BSN degree this summer. I am in an accelerated program and will complete it within one year. However, I looked into AD programs too and it did not make sense for me to go 2 yrs when I could do it all in 1 year AND have a BSN. (I also have a previous BS degree from my first college experience) I feel that the nursing prof needs both AD and BSN nurses. However, I also feel that there should be two different NCLEX tests -- one for the AD grad and one for the BSN grad. Two levels of degree should have two levels of NCLEX. Anyone agree??
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Specializes in Utilization Management.
Ok, Lets say they did give different test , one for the ADN's and one for the BSN grads.......what could be accomplished by having two tests? Where does the diploma nurse fall into the mix?

I wouldn't really care if they did give two different tests. I could probably pass either or both of them, as could any diploma nurse.

What would be accomplished, I have no idea. Which is why I'm so against it. Why make more and more complex rules when we can barely function with the ones we have?

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
What would be accomplished, I have no idea. Which is why I'm so against it. Why make more and more complex rules when we can barely function with the ones we have?

Well said.

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It seems to me that the nurses who are at a lower level of learning are against the move to BSN which is something I don't understand! Why wouldn't you want to further your education in your desired profession? The majority of health care workers (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, etc...) need at least a bachelor's degree to work. Why should the nurse be any different? Don't you want to be on the same playing field with others in the health care team? I understand that not all RN's want their BSN, which is why I say that we still need ADN programs. However, the diploma programs are starting to wean out and the majority of health care facilities want BSN prepaired students. Also, whereever I've been the ADN just has RN by his/her name and the BSN has RN, BSN by his/her name. I'm busting my butt for my BSN and I want it to show on my nametag. I want the patients/families/community/and others in the health care team to know that I went for the long haul and worked hard and achieved a higher status.

I guess I don't understand why you would just want to settle with an AD when you can further your knowledge and benefit your patients.

I hope eventually New York goes with only BSN prepaired students! Let's work together to have insight and more knowledge so that nursing can be recognized as the profession that it needs to be!

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