Nursing Education, Not Training!!

[scoochy]

I have been a nurse for thirty-one years. Throughout this time, I have had many people ask me, "Where did you do your nurse's training?" This question pushes my SVR way over the edge. I want to respond, " I went to the AKC Kennel Club," but I politely reply, "I received my EDUCATION from___________," emphasizing the word education. I am sure there is no ill intent, but the word "training," in my opinion, is not synonymous with the word education. How do you feel about this question?

[caliotter3]

I feel the same way you do. We had a big go around over this, but I don't remember where or when. I make a big point of emphasizing the word "education" when referring to nursing and "training" where appropriate. Even when you explain the difference, some people look at you like you are inept enough to need training.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I can't say that I've ever been asked that question, but if I were to, I'd be offended. I'm with you.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i did, in fact, have "nurses training" i went to a 3 year hospital based NURSING SCHOOL not college. This is, perhaps, an old fashion way to refer to it, but that IS what it was called historically. So, depending on the age of the asker, I certainly wouldnt be getting offended.

[clemmm78, RN]

I don't let things like that bother me. Life is too short.

[MedChica]

Well, I'll be honest -- I probably would have phrased the question in the same way.

Before now, I didn't know that nursing even required a degree of any sort.

I spoke with an an aunt. She's been an RN for forever and 2 days. I'm sure I've offended her more times than I care to count.

It usually came about when she tried to persuade me to be a nurse.

Then, when I became disenchanted with the corporate world, I took her suggestion. Started looking into it, "Oh...you can get a Master's in nursing? Interesting. So nursing does have growth potential...?"

I had this notion that I'd become a nurse and get 'stuck'.

The income potential is there. You do good things, but, does nursing offer anything else? I didn't know.

I'm the type who likes to have options. Flexibility. Nothing excites like opportunity.

I don't feel too bad about it, though.

There seems to be a bit of confusion among nurses concerning how much education is necessary, if at all. There are nurses on AN and other places griping about knowitall BSN's who think they're hot-poop while propping the 'diploma' and ADN's upon pedestals...and talking about how 'on-the-job training makes the nurse and is more more important that having a Batchelor's.

Don't forget the 'What's the difference between an ADN and a BSN' jokes.

I mean, how is the public supposed to take that? How do you think this...anti-intellectualism (not sure what else to call it) affects the perception of nursing, in general?

It's not about 'looking down' on nurses. Everyone respects nurses. They're fabulous. They do good things. Nursing (much like teaching and social work) is a noble profession.

It's just that,based on what I've read/seen, it's natural to assume that an individual doesn't require much (formal) education to be a nurse.

Nurses appeared to go through 'training'.

...and some or many nurses aim to keep it that way.

*shrug*

Can't have it both ways.

Anyway, I wouldn't be bothered by things like this. So long as your job brings personal fulfillment and you're paid well...what does it matter to me what others think?

It's nothing to get all bent out of shape about.

*shrug*

[blondielocks]

Interesting question. I would be extremely irritated...when I think of training, I think of minimal skills required to do the job. For example, when I worked for a large corporation, I was sent on a two-week training prior to me actually beginning my job duties.

For someone who has spent two years in the actual nursing-related classes (give or take), plus an additional one-two years (ADN or BSN, depending) on prereqs...they deserve to have that experience referred to as what it is: an education.

I have just been accepted to ASU with minimal prereqs and with a minor in Sociology, probably a solid four years of college left. I have worked very hard, and will be working even harder in the next 2 semesters, as I am trying to apply to the Barrett Honors College.

I think all current and future nurses deserve the respect of having our education referred to as just that! Some of us have had to jump through large hoops, with issues with paying for school, working FT, childcare, etc! Stand up and be proud! GOO NURSES!

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I can't recall ever having thought about it.

Tait

[Jolie, BSN]

I think it's a generational thing.

My mom is 75 and was educated in a diploma program. She still refers to this as her nurse's training.

What used to drive me nuts was my MIL constantly referring to me as a "trained nurse." In her generation, that meant an RN as opposed to a nurse's aide, but I still cringed at the phrase. Sort of like a "trained monkey" :) But she really meant no disrespect. She was proud of me. She's been gone for years now. I'd love the chance to hear her call me anything at this point.

[ShiphrahPuah]

Your AKC Kennel Club reply is hilarious (even if you don't really use it.)

[semiller36545]

One of my instructors( trainers ?)always said " Animals are trained, people are educated.".

[pers]

As others have said, with the different pathways to becoming an RN, particularly the diploma programs, I don't find it offensive. To me, training refers to my clinical experiences while education refers to the classroom so I'd list the various places I did clinicals in response to where I trained and if asked where I went to school or got my education I would mention the university.