BSN32

Whoops, Did not mean to write that paragraph twice.

56, I am not current on ANA happenings,Obviously. I no longer am a member, although I used to be. This is by choice. My own personal set of life circumstances limit me,We all have them. Acceptance is difficult.Chronic disease flares frequently.Being so LIMITED is so frustrating. Looking back at a brilliant career with tremendous potential that i used to have is no longer something I anguish.And I speak of no one about it.I am grateful that I am able to work, and that disease has been stable for over a year. knock on wood. I am very much in favor of the 16 month accelerated programs, as well as the graduate level APN programs post a non nursing BS. I know 3 people currently in such programs. Open mind? Not even going to answer that. Historical perspective of nursing is a great interest to me. My beloved mother was a diploma school graduate , class of 1945. Brilliant,gracious lady. When I moved back to this area, I became Elaine's daughter, in the community.Local people all remembered her as a wonderful nurse. I pray my clinical practice has been worthy her honor, I SO REGRET posting anything, any opinion on line. It was late at night. I as very upset about a dangerous medication error I had discovered. Disbelief how the young grad defended herself. Condescending? Yes, it certainly sounded that way. My intent when I wrote it? NO. Foolish to post my opinion on this reputable web site viewed by thousands of nurses. Absolutely. Any comment posted on line is there FOREVER. Do I feel misinterpreted? Oh yeah. But I am accountable for my post, and my poor judgement to post my opinion. Condescending? I reread the post, and certainly see how it offended nurses who read it. Was that my intent. No. But my opinion remains in regard to several local private programs. I feel these nurses dishonor the profession. So hopefully I have learned my lesson, I will NEVER post anything on any public website. I will NEVER write anything controversial online or in an email.Especially when I am tired, and angry. Had I slept instead, and waited until morning, a post would never have been written.

Luther Cristman Dean, Rush College of Nursing.Chicago. He fired all LPN's who had given years of dedicated service to Presbyterian St Luke's Hospital. I never agrred with that, or his rationale. My BFF graduated from a CC based LPN program in 1978, I believe. Excellent nurse. She then recieved an AD shortly after, and a BSN 20 years later.

I agree to the on line- degree that does not require clinical. Several years ago I was curious. One very visible on line University advertised a FNP program. I entered my information. Within SECONDS after I submitted my info, my phone rang. I was accepted to the program over the telephone. Requirements were BSN and one year of experience. No clinical. Hello? I asked about an internship with an MD in a practice? Not neecessary. The person on the phone said that I already had the clinical skills. No thesis. But reputable graduate programs have non thesis option. I questioned COST. This was interesting. $36,000. This was in 1995. Then she quickly changed the subject to offering me finance options. When she asked me when I wanted to enroll I declined of course. She continued to try to entice me. When I told her that there were a REPUTABLE universities nearby offering reputable degrees, which were less costly, she was quiet. But what the HECK? I would be embarrassed to have such a degree. Sorry,

I am talking about the programs that are not NLN accredited, and the graduate is not eligible to write boards in every state. That is something to fuss about.

Recently I have a positon in which LPN's are on staff. In the 1970's, my Dean, Dr. Luther Christman, was instrumental in discouraging LPN programs. I realize that times have changed. I have changed my own old attitudes,which has been difficult. My generation and ANA were promoting the bill to define two levels of nursing practice. BSN, and ADN. This was in the early 1980's. Medical center's boasted a BSN staff. Primary nursing was the gold standard.So this is the bias of my earlier years in clinical practice. But recently I have become aware of these private LPN programs. One such program has unusual entrance requirements. A high school diploma/GED, a clean criminal record, and $26,000-$30,000 guanantee a spot. I am aghast at the quality of care that I have witnessed. My colleagues, including seasoned LPN's from reputable programs, were flabbergasted to hear about such programs. This discovery was prompted by investigation of the educational preparation of 3 new LPN's. They have all since been terminated for patient negligence, life threatening medication errors, or substandard clinical practice. Posting this thread will be met with outrage, and criticism I am certain. But why were the LPN's I have spoken about totally defensive concerning thier LPN program? I am wary of a program that is not certified by NLN. I am wary of a program that does not include,or require an English class. I am wary of a program with such pathetic entrance requirements. I am adamant that these programs are not EDUCATION. I am not sure what they are.