Will

Well Michael- Looks like some good apples have floated to the top. I think Chad has signs of a good manager. By being smarter and more thorough in our research of places to work, we'll be fortunate enough to work for someone like Chad. The tide has also turned for me, I received a few good, brief postings, including one from Chad. Thats enough commentary from me. Good luck! Will

Hi Michael, No help from me about the career decision. Actually, you are I are sailing on the same ship of good intentions and ideal situations, full of energy and ready to go. However, we're sailing this ship on the sea of disgruntled and burnt out nurses who have given all they can give and more, sadly some with only a year or so of experience. The nurses here represent an underserved justice, after having given so much of their heart and mind have likely been shown very little gratitude for their many sacrifices and service for the public good. My impression is this: this posting board is a safe outlet for nurses: away from the wards, the egomaniac doctors, and the endless apathetic families who can't do simple things for themselves. A brotherhood, or more PC these days; a siblinghood of nurses. Closed to those outside their world. Unfortunately, thats us right now. Before you ask this crowd for any favors, first read some of the postings. I wish I had. I'll chalk this up as a valuable lesson of insight. Are we going to be sitting in the same spot as these good people after a year or so of practice? I don't know about you, but this is quite a sacrifice to make a new career. I want to be informed as well. Buckle down, go to the hospitals (like I have), and see the reality of it. We're in for a hell of a ride once we get out. Its not a matter of being nicer or more caring in nursing. I mean, look at a typical day of work for us. Especially what your job functions are as a CNA. Its not about a lack of heart. Its a matter of being smarter about your career in nursing. Look at the players involved in our future arena: For one- a major staffing shortage- why is this? Turnover maybe?.... and why? Any relief in sight? Two- hospitals with enomorous debts and trying to evade million$ lawsuits. Administrators out of touch with whats going on "in the trenches" Three- Insurance companies Four- Those "God bless them" families who are legimately in need of care, but more so- "those careless people who make life hell, but you still have to treat them anyway." Five- The "Docs" with their attitudes, demands, and yes, incompetence. Six- Sh***y floor managers. Just a few to think about.... from the side you and I as students don't want to see. Good luck to you Michael. Sincerely! If you don't believe what I've said, just check the number of replies to your question compared to others. Its a clear sign to me whats important here. Will

Hi. I can hear the keyboards beginning to fly! My question should be rephrased...What are the major differences? How are they valued in the workplace? I am completing prereqs for nursing now, but have not chosen either route yet. Thorugh my investigations I have heard many conflicting views. Some hospital staff say: The Assoc. degree nurse is prefered because they receive more technical and clinical on-the-job training. They are more competent nurses as far as technical nursing skills (IV therapy, blooddraws, direct care of patient, etc.) However, career advacement is not as good. The BSN receives less time in the clinical setting and the focus in school for them is generally management related. They have more earning potential and career advancement opportunities. However, they lack some on the technical side. Is this an accurate assessment? Thanks.