Lburns

In northern california the new grads start btw 18 to 25 depending on where you work.

Education is worth far more than any money it generates. I went for my BSN knowing it wasn't going to generate more income but I have learned so much more than I thought possible. I used to believe many of the same things other here did, that an ADN was all that was necessary. However, I have since changed my mind and continue forward with changing nursing for the positive. I don't believe anyone needs to feel left behind or belittled, but the time is now for us to take control of our profession. To start with we need to develop a minimum standard degree and that should be a 4yr degree. Once that is done it is time to move forward and change the roots of nursing from other professions making up our standards to us making up our standards. Lets get behind the nursing force and become a force that leads to positive change.

Education is worth far more than any money it generates. I went for my BSN knowing it wasn't going to generate more income but I have learned so much more than I thought possible. I used to believe many of the same things other here did, that an ADN was all that was necessary. However, I have since changed my mind and continue forward with changing nursing for the positive. I don't believe anyone needs to feel left behind or belittled, but the time is now for us to take control of our profession. To start with we need to develop a minimum standard degree and that should be a 4yr degree. Once that is done it is time to move forward and change the roots of nursing from other professions making up our standards to us making up our standards. Lets get behind the nursing force and become a force that leads to positive change.

As a response to the nursing shortage, check with the hospitals, sit on the board, and take a look around. Those tasks we are doing, as Sheripa mentioned before, are tasks that are being taught to others. The RN has been shown to do assessments and intervene effectively, but the LVN and the CNA will be doing the tasks. AS nurses become fewer due to hard work and low pay, the number of laws passed in regards to ancillary care will continue. That is what I originally meant in regards to the nursing shortage, not necessarilly more RNs, but more jobs delegated out there. RNs have very little political power both in hospitals and in WAshington, yet we are a HUGE group of people. Only until we realize our worth and push forward for unity (both in education and pay) we will not be able to use that power. Other countries have seen the light and their nurses are more educated than our nurses putting their health care system ahead of ours. The US was number one in spending but only 33 in providing of care, that is terrible. With nurses getting a 4 year degree and coming to the table armed with knowledge, we will be able to demand better wages, better benefits, better care for the patient and we WILL be able to change things. However, we must move forward and know that things aren't as they were 20 years ago. Technology forces us to become better educated and the health care crisis forces us to get involved. Education is not for those who tire of the bedside, it is for those who wish to continue to provide care on every level.

As a response to the nursing shortage, check with the hospitals, sit on the board, and take a look around. Those tasks we are doing, as Sheripa mentioned before, are tasks that are being taught to others. The RN has been shown to do assessments and intervene effectively, but the LVN and the CNA will be doing the tasks. AS nurses become fewer due to hard work and low pay, the number of laws passed in regards to ancillary care will continue. That is what I originally meant in regards to the nursing shortage, not necessarilly more RNs, but more jobs delegated out there. RNs have very little political power both in hospitals and in WAshington, yet we are a HUGE group of people. Only until we realize our worth and push forward for unity (both in education and pay) we will not be able to use that power. Other countries have seen the light and their nurses are more educated than our nurses putting their health care system ahead of ours. The US was number one in spending but only 33 in providing of care, that is terrible. With nurses getting a 4 year degree and coming to the table armed with knowledge, we will be able to demand better wages, better benefits, better care for the patient and we WILL be able to change things. However, we must move forward and know that things aren't as they were 20 years ago. Technology forces us to become better educated and the health care crisis forces us to get involved. Education is not for those who tire of the bedside, it is for those who wish to continue to provide care on every level.

As our society becomes more technologically advanced and the stream of information and knowledge grows by leaps and bounds, it becomes impossible to learn even the basics in two years. The best nurses are good, not becasue of their degree, but because they are motivated and committed. I couldn't have said it any better. Absolutely a degree is not everything and doesn't make someone a good or bad nurse or even MD. However, the technology and advancements are such that a 2yr degree is not looked upon by others as enough education. Not only for management but for all aspects of nursing. Thanks for the positive feedback.

As our society becomes more technologically advanced and the stream of information and knowledge grows by leaps and bounds, it becomes impossible to learn even the basics in two years. The best nurses are good, not becasue of their degree, but because they are motivated and committed. I couldn't have said it any better. Absolutely a degree is not everything and doesn't make someone a good or bad nurse or even MD. However, the technology and advancements are such that a 2yr degree is not looked upon by others as enough education. Not only for management but for all aspects of nursing. Thanks for the positive feedback.

I understand some people have difficulty taking tests, period, but I bet those same people taking the nclex and failing it would pass the clinical aspects taught during nursing school. That is my point in my posting! A 75 question test does very little to show who is going to be a good nurse or not. I know many people who took the review courses and many who bought the books, all passed. The test is not a very good determinant of nursing skills, critical thinking or leadership, all of which are required to be an entry level nurse. Let's determine a more practical test that really reflects nursing, not one that pulls obscure questions from a computer data system.

I understand some people have difficulty taking tests, period, but I bet those same people taking the nclex and failing it would pass the clinical aspects taught during nursing school. That is my point in my posting! A 75 question test does very little to show who is going to be a good nurse or not. I know many people who took the review courses and many who bought the books, all passed. The test is not a very good determinant of nursing skills, critical thinking or leadership, all of which are required to be an entry level nurse. Let's determine a more practical test that really reflects nursing, not one that pulls obscure questions from a computer data system.