nursie76

I think that there is professional with a lower case p and Professional with a capital P. Lower case it definitely applies to how one dresses and conducts themselves. In my state Professional (upper case) refers to a nurse AD, BSN, MSN. As the amount of education increases so does the autonomy with which that nurse practices. Some nurses consider only the BSN and above as professional nurses. It is difficult to differentiate on education alone as both AD and BSN nurses take the same licensing exam. After the BSN degree the difference becomes a little clearer as the amount of education and advanced practice nursing certifications increases. All that being said....I was an LPN (LVN) for 25 years prior to returning to school. I would go along with the technical nurse title, BUT, I still considered my job a profession!!! Nurses at all levels are important members of the patient care team! Getting hung up on titles does not benefit our patients in any way. mjlrn97 - I agree that you have the skills to allow you to function in a position of a leader/manager...I would definitely consider you a professional!

I am currently finishing up my MSN. I live in PA and will be an advanced practice nurse (broad umbrella term) and a CNS once I take the certification exam. My specialty is Community Health. I am currently a part time clinical instructor of student LPN's and AD, RN students. I would be eligible for full time education position with the completion of my MSN. I do feel that the CNS track gives you a much broader range of employment possibilities than nurse educator track. However, as was pointed out by someone else, if you took some education courses (I took 2 as electives), you would be more than prepared for clinical nurse educator position. Good luck in whatever you choose!

my program at bloomsburg university in pa waived the gre requirement if you had a gpa of 3.5 or higher. st. josephs in maine, required mat's the last time i checked.

i am from pa and there are programs here that take you straight from ad to msn. i have also seen several online programs that do the same. google rn to msn and i bet you will find a lot. good luck!!!