NY State may require nurses to obtain 4-year degrees

[Brian]

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...

Full Article: http://www.rochesterdandc.com/news/0413BA3TIOG_news.shtml

[angel337, MSN, RN]

Wait a minute, you think having a bachelors degree means you will be treated like a professional? How many people with those degrees are working at your local restaurants as waiters, how many are working as lawn and garden caretakers. Well all I know is that when I am wiping someones soiled behind I dont feel like a professional behind wiper; when I am pushing a stretcher I dont feel like much of a professional; when I am being screamed at by over-privileged brats and yuppie suburbanites because they want to be seen now!!! for a hangnail?! in an overcrowded ER - I dont want to be a professional - I want to tell them to sit down, shut up and wait your turn you ******. Face it! if your a nurse providing primary care in a hospital setting the public thinks you are blue collar. If you sit at a desk in administration you are percieved as white collar. Get a union !!! or Join an agency and command top dollar for now as demand is exceeding supply for your services!!

Thats right maybe nurses should bill fee for service rendered!!!!! I am sorry I cant answer your call bell unless you've got cash!! $20 for a answering a call bell. $200 for an IV start. Calling your doctor when the S+++ hits the fan FEE FOR Critical Care Service for 30 minutes $1000. How do you like them apples!

sounds like a plan to me!!!

[angel337, MSN, RN]

Wait a minute, you think having a bachelors degree means you will be treated like a professional? How many people with those degrees are working at your local restaurants as waiters, how many are working as lawn and garden caretakers. Well all I know is that when I am wiping someones soiled behind I dont feel like a professional behind wiper; when I am pushing a stretcher I dont feel like much of a professional; when I am being screamed at by over-privileged brats and yuppie suburbanites because they want to be seen now!!! for a hangnail?! in an overcrowded ER - I dont want to be a professional - I want to tell them to sit down, shut up and wait your turn you ******. Face it! if your a nurse providing primary care in a hospital setting the public thinks you are blue collar. If you sit at a desk in administration you are percieved as white collar. Get a union !!! or Join an agency and command top dollar for now as demand is exceeding supply for your services!!

Thats right maybe nurses should bill fee for service rendered!!!!! I am sorry I cant answer your call bell unless you've got cash!! $20 for a answering a call bell. $200 for an IV start. Calling your doctor when the S+++ hits the fan FEE FOR Critical Care Service for 30 minutes $1000. How do you like them apples!

sounds like a plan to me!!!

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

If they really want a BSN requirement, they should grandfather in anyone who is currently an ADN or diploma RN. THEN require NEW RNs to be BSNs. How can you be an RN one day, then an LPN the next? It doesn't make sense.

Most foreign nurses are BSNs. I've heard that NY is pushing to obtain tons of foreign nurses. Maybe this is why.

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

If they really want a BSN requirement, they should grandfather in anyone who is currently an ADN or diploma RN. THEN require NEW RNs to be BSNs. How can you be an RN one day, then an LPN the next? It doesn't make sense.

Most foreign nurses are BSNs. I've heard that NY is pushing to obtain tons of foreign nurses. Maybe this is why.

[Jailhouse RN]

Mel you should be offended. I passed the same board as you and hold the same license. I have spoken to makny BSNs and looked into at least six. Yes here in NY the focus is not the bedside. It is mangaemant. I am offended at the fact I am expected to teach on the job, nursing tasks for the real world that many BSNs did not get in their programs. Yes you do your rotations, but I know for a fact the bedside aspect is not as intense as what an ASN gets. Mind you I can back up what I say. I am offended at the fact that you seem to think you have some form of superiority. My friend I will debate you on any aspect of nursing you care to come up with. Believe me I will not be underguned. Remember this, most of this job is learned after you pass the board.....

[Jailhouse RN]

Mel you should be offended. I passed the same board as you and hold the same license. I have spoken to makny BSNs and looked into at least six. Yes here in NY the focus is not the bedside. It is mangaemant. I am offended at the fact I am expected to teach on the job, nursing tasks for the real world that many BSNs did not get in their programs. Yes you do your rotations, but I know for a fact the bedside aspect is not as intense as what an ASN gets. Mind you I can back up what I say. I am offended at the fact that you seem to think you have some form of superiority. My friend I will debate you on any aspect of nursing you care to come up with. Believe me I will not be underguned. Remember this, most of this job is learned after you pass the board.....

[Jailhouse RN]

Right on nursebonkers.

[Jailhouse RN]

Right on nursebonkers.

[texan]

FYI...nurses are the least educated health care professionals...they are also the most abundant...

to be a hospital social worker one needs a masters degree, a physical therapist also needs a masters degree as does a speech therapist, etc.

Something to think about...the nursing shortage comes from the lack of interest in nursing as a profession. Students look for a career with prestige and that often comes with the amount of education needed. How will nursing gain the prestige it needs to attract students if it is the least educated profession? By furthering the educational requirements the profession will progress (hopefully then we will all make more money).

I certainly promote a required BSN though I believe those already practicing should be grandfathered.

[texan]

FYI...nurses are the least educated health care professionals...they are also the most abundant...

to be a hospital social worker one needs a masters degree, a physical therapist also needs a masters degree as does a speech therapist, etc.

Something to think about...the nursing shortage comes from the lack of interest in nursing as a profession. Students look for a career with prestige and that often comes with the amount of education needed. How will nursing gain the prestige it needs to attract students if it is the least educated profession? By furthering the educational requirements the profession will progress (hopefully then we will all make more money).

I certainly promote a required BSN though I believe those already practicing should be grandfathered.

[Energizer Bunny]

Don't you think that some of the nursing shortage comes from a lack of instructors? I know at my school there is a long, long waiting list and have heard that time and time again from others trying to get in to schools around the country.

[Energizer Bunny]

Don't you think that some of the nursing shortage comes from a lack of instructors? I know at my school there is a long, long waiting list and have heard that time and time again from others trying to get in to schools around the country.