But some worry that an already severe shortage will become worse.
New York is mulling over a requirement that would force all RNs to earn a bachelor's degree in order to keep their RN certification-a step that critics worry could serve as a body blow to a profession already facing a severe shortage.
Under the state Board of Nursing proposal, RNs with associate's degrees would have to earn bachelor's degrees within 10 years, or their RN certifications would be downgraded to that of licensed practical nurse. That would make nursing somewhat like teaching in New York state; certified K-12 teachers need master's degrees or must obtain one within three years of starting a job. It would also add years and thousands of dollars to the difficulty of becoming an RN...
And interestingly, most of those individuals have a Bachelor's degree or higher. Yet, it does not seem to make them more capable in healthcare arena, not one whit.
I don't think it's meant to make anyone more "capable." I really wish that argument would just go away. Again, this BSN requirement is not about any individual nurse and how she/he functions - it's about our profession - something so much larger than Little Susie Nurse in the midwest. It's about standardizing nursing education so that the petty arguments of who had more clinical time, who has a higher pass rate on the NCLEX would just *poof* go away. And so that we're on the same playing field as our other medical professional counterparts.
In sooo many instances, the nursing profession seems to demand to be an exception. Bachelor's degrees as entry is just one of those instances.
Frankly I find it amazing that somebody worries so much about a typo as opposed to the facts. To the persons who were offended by my little typo and factual comments about BSN programs let me say this: I don't care if you are offended. I can back up everything I said. After working with many BSN prepaired nurses and my significant other (female) having a BSN and investigating the courses required of a BSN I can say I know what I am talking about.
i don't think it's meant to make anyone more "capable." i really wish that argument would just go away. again, this bsn requirement is not about any individual nurse and how she/he functions - it's about our profession - something so much larger than little susie nurse in the midwest. it's about standardizing nursing education so that the petty arguments of who had more clinical time, who has a higher pass rate on the nclex would just *poof* go away. and so that we're on the same playing field as our other medical professional counterparts.
in sooo many instances, the nursing profession seems to demand to be an exception. bachelor's degrees as entry is just one of those instances.
my point exactly. and since we have to take the same test anyway, why not make the bachelor's the starting point.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
"Why not?" Because unless and until BSN programs become much more universally accessible, it's un-doable. What about those in underserved rural areas, etc? How do THEY access BSN programs, when the nearest university is in excess of 100 miles away? IF we are going to do this, making BSN the only way to enter nursing, we need to at least do it smartly. Dont' you see the sheer numbers in what you are asking? 60% are ADN programs and graduates. HOW do you move these numbers and NOT deepen the already critical shortage? See what I have been saying yet in my previous posts?
"Why not?" Because unless and until BSN programs become much more universally accessible, it's un-doable. What about those in underserved rural areas, etc? How do THEY access BSN programs, when the nearest university is in excess of 100 miles away?
For some reason Deb, I never understood this argument.
Again, related to my point about nursing demanding exceptions to every norm:
Do medical schools, schools of social work, dietetics, pharmacy, therapists (pick 'em: respiratory, physical, occupational) and other professions (Law, vet medicine) all worry about if every. single. person. can access the school? And even more to the point: should ANY profession consider this when deciding qualifications, credentials and requirements for practice? I certainly don't think so.
In addition, with the plethora of on-line and evening semi-accelerated programs, I don't feel that accessibility is limited but rather enhanced.
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Accelerated and online programs are VERY costly and STILL not so universal, Suzy. Accelerated programs only address the needs to those who have prior bachelor's degrees, as well. We are still leaving significant numbers of people out here.
For example, this would not have worked for me, being a newly-entered RN. Where would I have found an online program for an Generic RN Suzy? It did NOT exist and still does not...unless you are already a licensed LPN or RN. I was not; I went straight for an RN with no medical background behind me. Far as I know, no online BSN exists for generic RN's to date. All but two classmates in my nursing class were generic, like me. Where do we get generic and online BSN programs for these people?
Accelerated programs are VERY costly and STILL not so universal, Suzy. Would not have worked for me, being a newly-entered RN either. Where would I have found an online program for an Generic RN Suzy? It did NOT exist and still does not...unless you are already a licensed LPN or RN. I was not, I went straight for an RN with no medical background behind me. Far as I know no online BSN exists for generic RN's to date. All but two classmates in my nursing class were generic, like me. Where do WE get generic and online BSN programs for these people?
Here community colleges and universities have teamed up. They had to. It was mandated. For example, the college I went to teamed up with Brock University. Another college with Queens university. Students attend the college for two years and then the university for two years...... makes use of all the diploma facilities and the university facilites. Is it perfect? No, but it is coming along. More and more nursing programs are also making use of distance programs to augment their existing programs- like U of Victoria in BC and University of British Colombia. These are Canadian examples of what is working so far.
Q.
2,259 Posts
I don't think it's meant to make anyone more "capable." I really wish that argument would just go away. Again, this BSN requirement is not about any individual nurse and how she/he functions - it's about our profession - something so much larger than Little Susie Nurse in the midwest. It's about standardizing nursing education so that the petty arguments of who had more clinical time, who has a higher pass rate on the NCLEX would just *poof* go away. And so that we're on the same playing field as our other medical professional counterparts.
In sooo many instances, the nursing profession seems to demand to be an exception. Bachelor's degrees as entry is just one of those instances.