blady

Just because nursing schools accepted some people that doesn't mean that med schools would have. I fail to see the comparison. Nursing is nursing.....and medicine is medicine.

I know that all nursing programs aren't created equal. However, the bsn encompasses pathophysiology and research. Keep in mind the importance of theory. Skills will be mastered by practice...on the job. As you explore different roles in nursing your theory will make sense and it will never leave your thoughts. As for your skills.....don't use it and you lose it.

Keep in mnd whether your credits are transferrable after, so you can continue from RN-MSN. Diplomas are usualy attached to hospitals, they are being phased out gradually. I see you are in the VA area. Johns Hopkins has an entry level masters, for 2nd degree holders so check it out. Look for scholarships. This sounds like a career move for you, not just a job so go for it, especially if you are young and got time............GO WHERE THE SUN SHINES!!!!!!

it's not about having a heated debate because you will never change anyone who is wise about the value of education. the rn was accurate in both instances. it's important to know your scope of practice according to the law and to know the rationale behind your skills. a good nurse needs more than skills. if you do anything over a period of time, you better know what you're doing, so to hear others brag about their experience is meaningless. we're all going to get there. everyone started off with a blank slate. having experience doesn't exempt one from making mistakes. it's important to know the history of nursing and what it took to be deemed a profession. please note that since 1965 the ana advocated that entry level begin at the baccalaureate level. you may say that it will never happen, bear in mind that nursing was not considered honorable. in some foreign countries there is no such thing as nclex. that's because you have to have acquired a certain level of education before you are accepted in nursing school. by the time you graduate there is no need to prove that you are lpn or rn. in this country one is given the opportunity to enter with minimal education, so why shouldn't one be required to attain more, thanks to somebody that it's a matter of choice. education is never "overated"...it's a gift you give yourself. though you may fail to see it's relevance at that time, it's part of the bigger picture, which includes making you become more flexible, and well-rounded, not to mention educated, and off course more of a critical thinker(important tools for being a good nurse)

. I think your sociology background didn't do much for you,,,,,try psy ........moving right along where interesting topics are discussed

when you know better, you do better. here lies a perfect example why higher education is necessary. if you had some of that"overrated" knowledge maybe you would not be referring to someone with their masters degree as "stupid" we need one entry level for nurses like other professions, that would be one way to alleviate this debate. everybody demands more pay after continuing their education, so why shouldn't nurses. if you want to stay at your level and work yourself to a frazzle for experience sake then that's your choice. usually people with a wide knowledge base tend to be less insecure. i don't hear the msns debating over lesser degreed nurses. did you know that the new batch of nurses entering the field is coming in as second-degreed nurses and depending on what part of the country you live, they come in as entry level masters degreed nurses. do you really think they are going to accept small change as salary. you live and learn everyday.

:nuke: Thanks, for a minute I thought I was getting beat up for the wrong thread:nuke:

Repeat!!!! I did not write that thread. Go back to the original thread and see who wrote it and look at my RESPONSE at the bottom of the thread........thank you.

I did not write that thread. My response is at the bottom of her thread

Dear Creature I did not write that thread. My response to her is at the bottom of the thread. However, I do agree with your comment. Certain factors contribute to situations. I think those need to be addressed. A lot of people get into the profession just to pay their bills so they overwork themselves. Before you know it they get burnt out. Nurses need to take time to be humans. It's not about the paycheck only. I feel sad for the nurses who compare their salaries to other professions based on overtime. One's life should be in balance. If you try to buy everything in sight, off course you're going to work yourself to a frazzle. I believe that people need to know when its time to move on. A nurse always brings something to the table, when you feel that you can't bring anymore.......that's when you move on. You can only change youself. At the end of the day guess who gets short-changed. I am a strong advocate for education because college gives you some tools for life, if you use them. If you're only going to take it for a job then you still haven't learned. Others can only do to you what you allow them to. Someone commented that nursing schools don't prepare us for the real world. Which profession does? Besides, all nursing programs are not created equal. I know that I had a class called 'nursing trend' which prepared me to nurture the caregiver.....me. Think about it, the nurse is exposed to death and dying....it's not normal to be surrounded by that all the time. If you ask me, a nurse should work 4 days for the most. If you live within your means you could.

You're on the right track, continuing your education, after which you would have choices. All facilities are not created equal. Try a teaching facility where you would be exposed to a whole lot more if that's what you like.

And what is wrong with that? career vs Job?????????????

Way to go!

Do a little more research on nursing. Go online and you could find a wealth of info. RNs go to school for either 2years(Associates degree) or 4 years(bachelors degree) at entry level. Try not to be overly concerned with the pay scale but rather if you see yourself enjoying that type of work. Such factors could determine what level you want to aspire to. All programs are challenging but if you see yourself serving others, then you would benefit from the social sciences and other aspect of the program. Don't let anyone tell you that you would never use a certain course that you're required to take. I remember having to take a course called nursing trend. That class prepared me to nuture myself as a caregiver. I recall volunteering for hospice and being a part of school nursing, and various outpatient clinics as requirements for the program. So the benefits are numerous depending on the program.

Only difference here is that unless you pass the NCLEX, you're not considered a RN. BSN means you've earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

It doesn't matter what your profession is----you always bring something to the table and you learn everything at the job. But you always need the theory part of your profession which is why there is a requirement. "functioning as a team"--wishful thinking. All the more why we should have one entry requirement. Too many times you read threads about who think they know more than whom.

How about PA

Your best bet may be to apply to a second-degreed program/accelerated which could be another 16 months depending on your state. After which you may not necessarily have to work at the bedside or at least not for long-that's one of the benefits of having the BSN. There is a need for nurse administrators. Your education level would always set the tone for your destiny career-wise. So go for it.

Get online and plug in "accelerated nursing programs" in your state. Stonybrook Long Island has one.

You think so? I found that NY is really a place where everyone can make a living. I did a bit of travel there and I noticed that one may work harder there but one can survival there.

I'm not disagreeing with the path one took to get there. If however, the requirement changes to a higher level, it should be the concensus. After all it's our profession. All professions require certain levels of education. Interestingly, the letters behind your name does mean something in all professions.

Get over people and get educated! Education is for your own upbuilding. If that becomes law and you don't live in NY it would not affect you until your state starts following suit because you know its only going to be a matter of time. Compare different states like MA vs NY for reciprocity (FYI to the person who wanted to know) I'll repeat..other professions require much higher standard of education - they don't have a shortage and they get paid well. Nursing is more than pushing meds and wound care. Our profession should not have to be of NP status to gain respect. Did anyone consider why we have a shortage in faculty.

Nursing is the only profession that allows one to enter with such minimal education. Some states only offer jobs in nursing homes and the like to ADNs. If you have the experience, a 10 year period is enough time to get your BSN. Knowledge is power. Besides, why not get paid for your expertise. BSN programs provide nurses with a wealth of knowledge, including other disciplines, and these are things a good nurse could always use. Besides, you can only get certain possessions and sit on boards after such. Your degree could determine what kind of nurse you become. As a nurse I come across lots of nurses who could do with a lot more training especially in the social sciences. I think NY is on the right track. It has always been a state that is flexible for lots of profession. Maybe that's why they don't have reciprocity with other top states.

I agree if one hasn't had much experience as a lpn that one would benefit from a classroom nursing degree because there is so much to learn besides the practicality of nursing. Knowledge gained is never wasted, you always have the opportunity to apply it, though some may think that some classes are unneccessary. As stressful as nursing is, we do well to apply principles of other disciplines to the profession so that we would not burn ourselves out. Keep in mind that nursing is not only about wound care and med administration.

I am a new grad LPN trying to relocate to Western MD. I can't tell you how frustrating it has been trying to find a job. In MA where I am presently located, one can easily walk in or send in a resume and land a job. Sad to say that its seems like nursing homes pay a lot of money to agencies to find nurses including relocating foreign nurses, than taking the time to interview people like me. Off course, the agencies need nurses with experience, so then where does that leave me as a new grad. I am waiting on acceptance from George Mason to complete my BSN, in 3 semesters starting Spring '04( 2nd BS degree student). It seems like I will have to seek reciprocity in VA or do another type of job until I graduate as an RN. Everyone says there is a great need for nurses but I wonder......Anyone with feedback?