Sandy McLellan

First, check your facilities policy and procedure manual. Or, walk to the library and look it up. If that fails, ask a respiratory therapist. And, by the way, watch your spelling...it's the first thing people judge you by.

I graduated from a diploma program in a teaching hospital in 1966 and have never regreted my educational choice. Over the years I have watched, trained and mentored many a two or four year grad who was not prepared for the reality of practice. I believe that neither the two or four year programs contain enough clinical experience. I worked all three shifts,and weekends, and knew the flow of 24/7 care when I graduated. I can honestly say there were no surprises, I didn't feel cheated or deceived. Now,as a VP of Nursing, I admit to a prejudical deference to a diploma grad. Sure, I am delighted when they added to their basic education and got an advanced degree, as I did. But, I will hire a diploma grad over any other given the opportunity.My choice is for a diploma grad at the bedside taking care of me.My dream is to be able to bring someone to their senses that nursing academia has cut off it's nose to spite it's face, and has eliminated the most effective method of training nurses that we ever developed. Every one of my classmates, (126) are still nursing and loving it! Sandy

I graduated from a diploma program in a teaching hospital in 1966 and have never regreted my educational choice. Over the years I have watched, trained and mentored many a two or four year grad who was not prepared for the reality of practice. I believe that neither the two or four year programs contain enough clinical experience. I worked all three shifts,and weekends, and knew the flow of 24/7 care when I graduated. I can honestly say there were no surprises, I didn't feel cheated or deceived. Now,as a VP of Nursing, I admit to a prejudical deference to a diploma grad. Sure, I am delighted when they added to their basic education and got an advanced degree, as I did. But, I will hire a diploma grad over any other given the opportunity.My choice is for a diploma grad at the bedside taking care of me.My dream is to be able to bring someone to their senses that nursing academia has cut off it's nose to spite it's face, and has eliminated the most effective method of training nurses that we ever developed. Every one of my classmates, (126) are still nursing and loving it! Sandy