New laws requiring LPNs and RNs to become BSN by 2016

DoGoodThenGo · Jun 28, 2013

The BON of South Dakota (or was it North Dakota? It was a Dakota, that I recall) tried the "BSN only" route once. It didn't last.

It didn't last because hospitals continued to hire ADN or diploma grads and that students simply went to border states for their ADN education, graduated, took and passed the boards then went back to ND and filed to have permission to work in that state. There was the rub, IIRC the ND scheme only covered those graduating from nursing programs within that state.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2013

The BON of South Dakota (or was it North Dakota? It was a Dakota, that I recall) tried the "BSN only" route once. It didn't last.

In 1987 North Dakota passed a law which had mandated all RNs licensed in the state to be educated at the baccalaureate (BSN) degree level or higher.

However, North Dakota ended up repealing this law in 2003 because so many nurses were fleeing the state and relocating to other states where their diplomas, associate degrees, and previous work experiences were being welcomed.

green34 · Jun 29, 2013

I think most hospitals are moving towards requiring ADNs have a BSN by a certain date in my area. Supposedly the state north of me is requiring all nurses to have a BSN, but I am kind of calling BS on that one.

T-Bird78 · Jun 29, 2013

Not only is it logistically impossible, as everyone else pointed out, but it's financially irresponsible. LPNs make a good deal less than RNs, so forcing all LPNs to become RNs would then force higher pay for all the new RNs. LTC and doctor's offices use LPNs so they don't have to pay RN salaries, and they'd have to cut staff (or seriously raise prices) to pay RNs. Or we'd all get our BSN but keep the same pay rate, just the title change.

I hope that made sense. It's late, I'm tired, and I think my ibuprofen 800 is kicking in.

cmack6 · Jun 29, 2013

they also would like np to get a phd instead of a master degree. but this is just recommendations not mandates, yet!!! although a lot of schools are migrating away from master np programs already. so changes will probably come but not by 2016.

ComeTogether, LPN · Jun 29, 2013

A lot of hospitals are starting to do it, although there isn't a law yet. In the hospital I worked at in SC all RN's have to have their BSN's within four years of transferring units and any newly hired RN's have to agree to get it within 4 years. I've decided I'll just be a career student.

allnurses Guide · Jun 29, 2013

Yeah hospitals can do whatever they want - especially when they usually don't pay the BSN nurse any more for the extra education.

sistasoul · Jun 29, 2013

The hospital where I work is recommending BSN by 2020 and enrolled by 2015. For first shift jobs bsn is required or any transfers. They are hiring mostly BSNs. I have an ASN and have 4 classes left to get BSN. Trying to get ahead of the inevitable.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2013

Hello,
I'm an LPN (since 1993), and have recently learned that LPNs and 3-year/or diploma RNs are required to become BSNs before 2016 in order to keep their jobs. The change is apparently due to the new medicare laws and 'Obamacare'. Does anyone know if this is true?
Last Summer, incidentally, I decided to pursue my BSN degree as I would like to increase knowledge and develop my skills as a hands on nurse in the field of pediatrics. Thus, I had already started down this road on my own. Interestingly, my nursing supervisor (Master's level) informed me shortly after I had enrolled in a LPN-BSN program, that it would be required by law by 2016 for all LPNs and RNs without a BSN to obtain a BSN in order to practice nursing in the future.
I haven't heard any news released about this requirement, and if it's actually true, why isn't this knowledge to all nurses (LPNs and RNs) working out in the field? I'm posting this thread to create a dialogue about this issue. Does anyone know anything about this?
Thanks!

This has been talked about since the beginning of time.....it hasn't happened yet. They will HAVE to grandfather in ALL presently practicing RN's OR they will have to pay, IN FULL, for their education (federal labor laws)

There have been many initiatives....BSN in 10....which applies to only new practicing RN's from a certain point forward will have to obtain a BSN within 10 years. This has not passed any legislation for it is expensive for all involved and demanding further education to maintain a position requires reimbursement....I have my own personal theories on why this is being pushed but that is another thread.

That this is being hooked to Obama-care....is like everything being hooked to HIPAA.....it's urban legend to scare people into a specific behavior or belief for control purposes.....nothing more....nothing less.

To require BSN entry will close all of the community college programs and the for profit programs across the country causing it's own economic crisis....let alone the few diploma schools.

They have been closing diploma schools, LPN programs for YEARS!!!!!!!! and I graduated 34 years ago. while I believe that with the current market with the surplus of nurses it is wise to get a BSN especially if you are just entering the profession...... because of the future job opportunities that will going forward that will not be available to ADN/diploma grads.

The phasing out of LPN's is another urban legend.....while it has been sucessful to some degree....LPN's will ALWAYS have a place in medicine.

opdahlamber · Jun 29, 2013

Iowa IS doing this. As of 2015 (April), if you have not already taken RN Boards, you will be getting a BSN. They are doing this by licensing restrictions. The first renewal is at 2 years, so at that time you must be ENROLLED in a BSN program. By the next renewal (3 years) you must have GRADUATED that program. If these requirements are not met, you will not be granted your license. RN's that take their Boards before then are obviously grandfathered in but a lot of the hospitals (even rural) are just flat out not hiring ADN grads anymore. It's a tough situation.

Vocationofalifetime · Jul 2, 2013

Thank you all for your help in clearing up this issue for me! I am constantly amazed by the community that we have as nurses, no matter what our specialties or educational levels!

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Leslie

MedChica · Jul 2, 2013

I don't know of any state lef push for bsn nurses beyond new York. some facilities are going bsn-preferref, though. I'll be happy to be a diploma or ADN RN.

if hospitals want more BSN nurses, (since they dont wanna help nurses foot the bill) they need to make it worth our while and INCREASE THE PAY. honestly, when I was a student I thought that was the plan. why would I assume more debt and stress to earn a bs only to hit the floor earning the same as someone who took shortcuts?

money is a motivator. that's why I'm pursuing an rn, in the first place.

ever worked ltc? you can't even tell the diff between an rn and lvn. we have 3 and they train and get us certified to do various tasks because they don't want to have to come in to do it.

lvns don't do assessments...really?

...because that's the lie that was oft-repeated in nursing school by my instructors.

darn right I'm 'hating'! lol

I want my RN because I want to paid 10-15 more per hour to do the same job that I'm doing now.

as it is with a bsn. they want folks to get a bsn? well, they need to create more value in receiving one.

I don't work for pennies. no nurse should.