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

[texan]

Certainly there is a shortage of instructors. Though recruiting instructors needs attention, it is not the front runner in the shortage.

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.

[texan]

Certainly there is a shortage of instructors. Though recruiting instructors needs attention, it is not the front runner in the shortage.

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.

[Sheri257]

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.

Well, as I've pointed out before, that would be a major problem in California. If people were required to obtain BSNs right away, TOTAL disaster.There are only 20 BSN programs in the state, and over 70 ADN programs.

Whoah. Talk about a massive nursing shortage. We already have the lowest nurse per capita ratio in the nation. (If not the lowest, then I think we're 49th.)

Not to mention, it would probably blow the hard won ratio law right out of the water. :uhoh21:

I guess you could try to convert the ADN programs to BSNs but that would probably involve more instructors, money, etc. which the state, at least right now, doesn't have.

The better solution would be requiring a BSN in X amount of years after the ADN. Just about all of the state universities have launched or are in the process of launching more affordable online ADN-BSN programs. That would probably be more feasible.

[Sheri257]

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.

Well, as I've pointed out before, that would be a major problem in California. If people were required to obtain BSNs right away, TOTAL disaster.There are only 20 BSN programs in the state, and over 70 ADN programs.

Whoah. Talk about a massive nursing shortage. We already have the lowest nurse per capita ratio in the nation. (If not the lowest, then I think we're 49th.)

Not to mention, it would probably blow the hard won ratio law right out of the water. :uhoh21:

I guess you could try to convert the ADN programs to BSNs but that would probably involve more instructors, money, etc. which the state, at least right now, doesn't have.

The better solution would be requiring a BSN in X amount of years after the ADN. Just about all of the state universities have launched or are in the process of launching more affordable online ADN-BSN programs. That would probably be more feasible.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Everyone is getting in such an uproar! Why not require a BSN as an entry level for RNs? :balloons:

Agree that a bachelor's requirement would be a good thing for the profession long-term.

Need not necessarily be a BSN though.

Docs, attorneys and others can have a variety of undergraduate degrees. Pre-med (pre-law) isn't a mandate.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Everyone is getting in such an uproar! Why not require a BSN as an entry level for RNs? :balloons:

Agree that a bachelor's requirement would be a good thing for the profession long-term.

Need not necessarily be a BSN though.

Docs, attorneys and others can have a variety of undergraduate degrees. Pre-med (pre-law) isn't a mandate.

[smk1, LPN]

i agree that all current rns should be grandfathered and just require future rns (those not currently enrolled in a nursing program) to be bsn, but to accomplish this all of the adn and diploma programs need to enter into co-op agreements with the state or private colleges for distance learning or telecourses so that bsn is feasible for everyone. example you would still go through part of the program through community college if you want but have the rest of the bsn coursework to finish up via telecourses or distance learning before graduation and nclex can occur. this way the community colleges still keep their biggest money making program and those who can't travel 100 miles to a BSN program can still become an RN (thus the shortage won't be greatly affected.) The instructor issue is still a problem though.

[smk1, LPN]

i agree that all current rns should be grandfathered and just require future rns (those not currently enrolled in a nursing program) to be bsn, but to accomplish this all of the adn and diploma programs need to enter into co-op agreements with the state or private colleges for distance learning or telecourses so that bsn is feasible for everyone. example you would still go through part of the program through community college if you want but have the rest of the bsn coursework to finish up via telecourses or distance learning before graduation and nclex can occur. this way the community colleges still keep their biggest money making program and those who can't travel 100 miles to a BSN program can still become an RN (thus the shortage won't be greatly affected.) The instructor issue is still a problem though.

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

i agree that all current rns should be grandfathered and just require future rns (those not currently enrolled in a nursing program) to be bsn, but to accomplish this all of the adn and diploma programs need to enter into co-op agreements with the state or private colleges for distance learning or telecourses so that bsn is feasible for everyone. example you would still go through part of the program through community college if you want but have the rest of the bsn coursework to finish up via telecourses or distance learning before graduation and nclex can occur. this way the community colleges still keep their biggest money making program and those who can't travel 100 miles to a BSN program can still become an RN (thus the shortage won't be greatly affected.) The instructor issue is still a problem though.

I also agree that the current RNs should be grandfathered as the diploma nurses were previously grandfathered in for the Associate's degree requirements. It makes sense. Many Associate's RNs would have a hardship in finishing BSN programs.

[NursesRmofun, ASN, RN]

i agree that all current rns should be grandfathered and just require future rns (those not currently enrolled in a nursing program) to be bsn, but to accomplish this all of the adn and diploma programs need to enter into co-op agreements with the state or private colleges for distance learning or telecourses so that bsn is feasible for everyone. example you would still go through part of the program through community college if you want but have the rest of the bsn coursework to finish up via telecourses or distance learning before graduation and nclex can occur. this way the community colleges still keep their biggest money making program and those who can't travel 100 miles to a BSN program can still become an RN (thus the shortage won't be greatly affected.) The instructor issue is still a problem though.

I also agree that the current RNs should be grandfathered as the diploma nurses were previously grandfathered in for the Associate's degree requirements. It makes sense. Many Associate's RNs would have a hardship in finishing BSN programs.

[teeituptom, BSN, 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.....

Come on down Ya'll.

I will not be OUTGUNNED by any BSN or MSN

Staff Nursing is Staff Nursing

But I do think it is awfully civil of you to be willing to grandfather this ole grandfather of an RN.. That really is so nice of you. It just warms my heart to know ya'll care.

[teeituptom, BSN, 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.....

Come on down Ya'll.

I will not be OUTGUNNED by any BSN or MSN

Staff Nursing is Staff Nursing

But I do think it is awfully civil of you to be willing to grandfather this ole grandfather of an RN.. That really is so nice of you. It just warms my heart to know ya'll care.