"Don't waste your time getting your BSN..."

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People are always trying to tell me that I am going to waste my time by not stopping after getting my ASN. They say that getting your BSN just gets you management positions and that it does not pay more. I am going for my masters so I can be a CNM, so I have to have my BSN anyway but, how could it be true that a person with a BSN gets the same as a person with a ASN? (Aside from the fact that working in different dept can make a difference)

Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.

:trout:

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Specializes in L&D, High Risk OB, OR, Med-Surg, PHN.

]AMEN RNDAVE

Lisa :trout:

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Specializes in currently, hospice.

If you have the time and resources available to you to obtain a higher degree, go for it. I have incredible respect for people who increase their knowledge in whatever way they can. Start with a 2 year degree? End with a 2 year degree? There is an element of "imputed respect" that comes with a higher degree, but there will be those who don't respect just because they are disrespectful; there are bills submitted in several states (in response to the policy statement proposing that all APNs should have a doctoral degree by 2015 as "entry level" as an APN) in which MDs have lobbied that nurses can't be doctors. I wonder why they don't get bent out of shape that English or philosophy professors are "Doctors", but that's a discussion for a different day.

I truly believe that knowledge is power. Does it have to come from a university? Nope. With a diploma, certificate or other piece of paper confirming attendance, testing skills, payment of funds? No. If you bypass formal education does that make you stupid, lazy, or inferior? Of course not. Is our society such that it gives more credence to someone with an advanced degree than to someone with a lesser degree or no degree at all? Indeed it does.

I think the more pertinent question should be, "Why am I doing this?" Is it for respect, or money, or job security, personal growth, to help others, because you want to make a difference? Some of those things we can do aside from nursing. So, why nursing? Why consider the educational differences? These are questions we have all had to consider for ourselves. What is it we want, and who do we want to be at the end of the day?

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Would someone tell me what ADN is?

Associates degree nursing (2 yr degree) go to school 2 full year round

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Specializes in OR.

I am a Diploma RN. I have been a nurse for almost 30 years and have never needed a BSN. I work in the Operating Room in an outpatient surgery center.

BUT I would advise all new nurses or going to school to school now to get the BSN. Nursing is going in all different directions now and getting the degree can open up alot of options for your career.

AND it becomes difficult with family obligations to try to go back to school at a later time with small children and working.

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im thinking of going for my BSN does it depend on what kind of nursing you want to go into im thinking eather peds or the ER. Evunattly im thinking of going for my masters then maby going to become a nurse practoner.

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Specializes in CCU, CVICU, ER.

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Specializes in IM/Critical Care/Cardiology.
I did read post #411...Sorry, your argument is unclear.

My points of disgust were in reference to the generalization of oppressed people: then specifically naming those such as ,women,people of color, less educated. Why state specifics if your point only needed generalizations?

The response part of the post in #411 ended with ......rather than spending the rest of their lives on their knees..........

Again, slanderish comments. Since there was no specific name(s) given I used the term slanderish by definition rather than defament. This post in question was not a purportedly defamaming assult.

Reading between the lines throughout the post quoted and the response it was very clear that I perceived contradicting statements. For examle, one might be higher respected if a doctor........but the time it would take to reach that goal appearred inconvient. .........That is why becomig a nurse practioner......... yet in the same breath......women are still oppressed.

I have no problem with individuals achieving a higher education. I believe one does not need to imply specified generalizations to prove there point. Especially in 2007.

If a high degree of respect is your wish, then respecting others wth or without generalizations may get you this wish......even without a higher education. IMO.

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This is getting a little off-topic...

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

If a high degree of respect is your wish, then respecting others wth or without generalizations may get you this wish......even without a higher education. IMO.

AMEN!!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
This is getting a little off-topic...

This forum was specifically created for this type of thing and I'm a little more tolerant than I am in other fourms. As long as no TOS violations occur we allow for some threads to go off on tangents.

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Well, on that note then, I'm also very confused as to what Sharona97 is trying to say. Why would specific references to groups of people that have been historically oppressed disgust you? Even in 2007, in this great nation, there are still marginalized groups of people that continue to be oppressed. Do you really think that racism, sexism, ageism, and other prejudices no longer exist and are no longer acted upon? Just because laws are now in place to protect certain groups does not mean that it no longer exists.

Changing gears, I wouldn't withhold my respect of a nurse just because the nurse lacked a certain level of education. There are many ADN nurses that I completely respect and admire. In fact, I respect all people on a certain level. After considering the true definition of respect, I have to admit that I don't think education has much to do with respect on the individual level. Any competent nurse should have the ability to earn the respect of the individual patient. On a societal level, "respect" is much more complex and intangible (i.e.- the factors that influence the idea of "respecting" a specific group, such as nurses). Perhaps "respect" isn't even the right word for this concept. But there is something that causes society to place a greater value on certain professions and I believe that education is definitely a factor.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has a position statement on the BSN as entry to practice. You can check it out here: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/positions/baccmin.htm

I believe that they cite some very good examples that support the BSN as minimum entry to practice. As a link on this page, they also have a statement on ADNs, stating that they do not seek to limit the practice of ADNs, but that they do "seek to define distinct scopes of practice congruent with educational preparation". http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/ADNFacts.htm

Perhaps this is what we need to work toward.

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