masters degrees without ever working at the bedside?!

[nightengalegoddess]

Just found out in my state that anyone....lawyer, baker, housewife...etc; may complete a quick, streamline program which makes them a Master Of Nursing Sciences without ever having been a bedside RN. Does this mean that there will be nursing professors who have no idea what it means to be a real nurse?! Just a bunch of book-schooled people who have no calling, love, nor understanding of patient populations and real time experience?! I am appalled and wondering how this is allowed by any nursing board. As well, this "Master" could go right on to become a PHD in nursing, practice as a nurse practioner without ever working at the bedside. Please comment on how you all think about this. I don't think anyone who has not been a real nurse at the bedside should be teaching nursing. I am appalled!!!!!!!! Help me understand the logic of this beyond the colleges wanting more money in any way they can get it.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

Of course, nursing is not swimming. It wouldn't hurt to take some initiative & look something up every now & then.

????What does this mean?

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

????What does this mean?

As you can probably see from previous posts, I am prone to impulsive typing; I apologize. I think my reply was for the wrong audience. I know nurses with several decades of experience who never seem interested in getting up to speed on the latest recommendations, guidelines, etc., & some seem resistant to change. I think there needs to be a balance b/t education (formal & informal) & experience. I think experience can teach a great deal only if you are receptive to learning.

[Quantum_Leap]

In the planning stages of my career transition from IT to healthcare, I researched the direct programs very carefully, and I have to admit as a middle-aged male I found that route very attractive. I figured I already had undergraduate and graduate studies under my belt, so why not look for the quickest route possible - I'm not getting any younger. However, after careful analysis I decided the best route was to take it slowly, obtain the RN, and pay my dues a bit before the NP stage. I know in my profession you don't normally put a newbie in charge of the servers or routers, so why would the Nursing profession (or anyone in the healthcare realm for that matter) readily accept an NP that has not proven themselves competent in the field.