Memories & Insights of a 1974 Diploma RN Grad

[jewel53]

It has been suggested that I share an article I have composed about my nursing education and experience over the past 40 years. Due to its length, I am posting parts 1 & 2. If interest is demonstrated, I will post the remainder of the article in parts as well.

1. How and why did you decide to become a registered nurse anyway?

My decision to become a registered nurse was made at the tender age of 4 years.

Initially, I was impressed by the ¾ length sleeved, clean, crisp, starched white uniforms and attractive nursing caps worn by RNs. Later, I read all of the "Sue Barton" and "Cherry Ames" books I could acquire from the public library. For me, these books provided insight (although romanticized) into a variety of nursing specialties through the experiences of the characters.

At age 14, I volunteered as a "candy striper", progressing to employment as a "nurse aide" during summer vacations just 1 month after my 17^th birthday. At that time, no type of certification was required in order to become a "nurse aide". The "nurse aide" training I received consisted of an 8am to 5pm OJT course (lasting 10 days) at my local hospital and then I hit the floor running (literally). I gave enemas, etc the whole works!

2. What was the reasoning behind your choice of a nursing educational program?

When I graduated high school in 1971, there were basically two educational routes by

which one could acquire "nurses' training". An individual whose ultimate desire was to perform bedside nursing care chose to attend a hospital-based Diploma RN program. However, one whose ultimate desire was to become a nursing administrator chose a university-based Bachelors Degree nursing program. During more recent years, it seems the fastest way to initiate an extremely heated discussion within nursing forums has been simply to intimate that one holds either of the aforementioned nursing education perceptions of a "by gone" era.

Although academically qualified for acceptance to a university Bachelors Degree

program, I opted to obtain nursing education via a hospital based Diploma RN program. My

personal desire was to care for patients. According to the information available to me at the

time, I felt the Diploma program was best way to effectively accomplish that goal. I will never forget the words of my (now long deceased) crusty, old family physician when I told him where I would be attending college. According to Dr. H.: "Either you'll be the best (double expletive) nurse who's ever been or you'll lose your mind." Over the years that followed there have been many occasions when I questioned which of the predictions of Dr. H. ultimately came to pass!

Hopefully this will help you rethink the reasons for your original choice of nursing as a career and the educational path you chose in order to achieve it. Since this article is a bit long, I will be happy to post the remainder of my nursing article in pieces for your insight, should interest be expressed.

[annaotis]

Forty years! Would love to hear your insights!

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

We would love to read them!. Submit them as an article it easy!!!!!

How To Submit Article

[AmyRN303, BSN, RN]

I'd love to read more from you!

[1970st]

Hey,

I also graduated in 1970 from a diploma school. The nursing school I went to was Catholic, and to say the least, was very strict and challenging. After our first year, we worked in the hospital from 6:30 A.M. until noon, then had class from 1 P.M.-5 P.M., then went to supper, had study hours 7-9 P.M. and lights out at 10 P.M.. On weekends we also worked in the hospital in our senior year, rotated the different special fields, and was even on call in OB from the time the woman was admitted until she delivered and had to accompany the infant to the nursery. Then had to go to class that afternoon. If she had not delivered, you had to go back until she was completed with her delivery. Our school was 3 years, summers too. I do regret not going on and getting a BS degree. The school I went to was accreted, but when I tried to go to other schools, they would not transfer. Keep these things in mind graduates!

[annaotis]

I have my BSN now, but had originally started at an ADN program. Excellent program , but strict also. I had a nursing instructor that bounced a quarter on the beds we made, just like in the military!( She was scary, but I sure did learn a lot!) We had to take 24 credit hours a semester, PLUS clinical rotations. Straight A's and none of it transferred...I basically had to start over, but I had gotten my feet wet in the hospital by the time I did rotations again.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

This is so interesting- more, please!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

You've teased us enough, post the rest!

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Please post it all!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I enjoyed reading this and would love to read the rest of your story. I love love love seasoned nurses. You all always have something to interesting to share and I learn so much.

From a nurse with five years down and forever to go!

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I want to read the rest of your story too!! This first part is like an appetizer hehe

[mamagui]

More please!!!!