chestrockwell

What in the world is everyone confused about here? Lets break it down: "BSN"- A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing. Its not a license, not a title. "BSN" is just some weird abbreviation that nurses made up to feel special. Its not a specific degree separate from any other B.S. degree. A B.S. in Mathematics is not called a "BSM". A B.A. in English is not a "BAE"... and so on. Anyone who says a BS with a concentration in nursing is different from a "BSN" is blowing smoke up your a**. This obsession that some nurses have with degrees and credentials is borderline neurotic, sad, and pathetic. An MD doesnt sign his name "John Smith BS, MD". He signs MD, which is his title, granted after passing the boards. Same with "RN". BSN is not a title. I might as well sign my name ChestRockwell, 5th grade graduate, 8th grade graduate, HS graduate, BS, RN. That makes just as much sense as ChestRockwell, BSN, RN.

You might want to associate with different people if that's the respone you get whenever you complain about that. Are they suggesting that an extra 2 years of theory and research classes will then entitle you to complain?

No offense, but I think you are overthinking this issue of respect. Why are you so concerned that someone respect your education? Who has told you they think that nursing education is easy and why would you care? In reality your patients are in the hospital because they are ill and are focused on more pressing concerns than where you , one of their many nurses, went to school.

I have to say that this weird obsession some have about being "respected" seems odd. Who are we talking about here? Who isn't giving the respect some think they deserve? If you are not getting respect, perhaps its because you are not demanding it. Taking some intro to french literature classes and reading some nursing theories from the 1800's will not motivate anyone to respect you.

personally, I think all nurses should have a bachelors degree at some point. It makes you a more well rounded person. But I disagree that a BSN is necessary as other degrees and majors provide enough liberal arts education.

great post.

That a problem for requiring a BSN. I too have a BA and am going for an ADN because I did not want an accelerated BSN program. Now why should my previous degree not be of value? Because I didn't take a history of nursing class that will never help me in the real world? The same is to be said of previous lawyers, engineers, and MBA's and their accompanying advanced degree. Those pushing for a BSN need to take a look at all of the different educational accomplishments people have before blindly requiring the BSN degree specifically or risk losing a lot of brilliant people to the profession.

Do you think that OT's and PT's and pharmacists have a lot of work place control? You make it seem like they get all the respect in the world and that nurses get none. I don't know anyone that says " wow, look at that OT, I really respect and envy that position". They do their job and you should do yours and stop comparing yourself to other careers. If I follow your train of thought, why not just make a masters the entry level degree to be a RN? Why settle for anything less? And to call yourself a step above a high school drop out displays your regard for yourself, not the view hundreds of thousands of men and women who work hard at nursing have about themselves.

because my BA is in sociology I have already taken classes on community health, theory, and research. I agree that a Bachelors should be necessary for a nurse, but I disagree at to the necessity of a BSN specifically. Many people have previous degrees, skills and life experiences that trump, in my opinion, a BSN. I know a local school near me that requires physics for the BSN. Physics? Not really something most need in their nurses toolkit.

Exactly. I have a previous bachelors and am almost finished with my AA in nursing. Are the proponents for a mandatory BSN suggesting I go back to school for yet another degree? And if so, should I then demand more respect and salary for the extra education I have over someone with only a BSN education?

I believe it will be.

Hey timdmb, I'm going to CSI right now. What hopital are you working at?

hi! Im going to CSI's program myself. No probems so far (cross your fingers), but I have heard stories like yours. Where are you working now? From your name I'm guessing NY Presbyterian?

Let me see if I understand. You maintain a personal friendship with a physician that sleeps with multiple sales reps who call on him, but have no respect for the sales reps? I think you should have more of a problem with your sleazy doctor friend.

Are you sure there is no differential for a BSN? Not even a few cents?