"To BSN or Not to BSN That is the question." Should BSN be minimal requirement?

canigraduate · Jul 13, 2015

I think an entry standard is a good thing, but just for RNs. I don't think the current BSN programs should be the standard, though.

I wish there was a BSN-diploma hybrid, so that the new grad had all the theory and the skills. Maybe drop some of the humanities and electives and add clinical time for all eight semesters.

If it does come to pass, I definitely believe in grandfathering.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2015

There are states in the eastern part of the US, who are actively debating whether to require a BSN as a minimal requirement to become an RN. If this becomes law, should currently licensed RNs be "grandfathered in?"
While I hold a BS in Nursing, I personally do not agree with mandating a change. I have seen nurses: the good, the bad, and the ugly who are diploma grads, 2 year college grads and 4+ year grads.
What do you think?

Hasn't this "debate" been going on for 30+ years? Is there actually any serious forward movement?

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2015

Hasn't this "debate" been going on for 30+ years? Is there actually any serious forward movement?

Yep, it's the reason I decided to get my BSN right away. That was in the mid 70s.

So, to answer your second question, nope.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2015

There are states in the eastern part of the US, who are actively debating whether to require a BSN as a minimal requirement to become an RN. If this becomes law, should currently licensed RNs be "grandfathered in?"

I live in the Eastern part of the country (New England) and I'm wondering which states are debating this. I know it's not CT. But, I do know that many hospitals in State are almost all starting to require BSNs (or require the applicant is in/will be enrolled in a BSN program) even for non-critical floors.

canigraduate · Jul 13, 2015

I think an entry standard is a good thing, but just for RNs.

That came out totally wrong. I meant we shouldn't phase out LPNs, not that only RNs should have an entry standard. Sheesh.

roser13, that's a good point. I've heard the said debate has been going on for decades and nothing has happened yet, so I wonder if this is a continuation of the same old, same old.

elkpark · Jul 13, 2015

... so I wonder if this is a continuation of the same old, same old.

Yes, it is.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Jul 13, 2015

Been a nurse since 1977. This is hardly new. And I know of ZERO states that are 'actively' considering this- OP could you provide some documentation of this?

But, to the original point, yes, I do think BSN should be the entry to practice degree for RNs. Yes, current RNs should be grandfathered.

I'll go one further and say an AAS should be the standard path for LPN/LVN - and yes, current LPN/LVN should be grandfathered.

Back when I was in LPN school, there were grandfathered LPNs practicing in the hospital who had done on the job training and never attended an actual school. They passed an exam that had both didactic and clinical portions, and were granted licensure.

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 13, 2015

yet, so I wonder if this is a continuation of the same old, same old.

"Same old, rat in a drain ditch, caught on a limb

You know better but I know him

Like I told you, what I said

Steal your face right off your head"

Libby1987 · Jul 13, 2015

Yes BSN should be entry level, and with adequate clinical training.

Yes current nurses should be grandfathered in.

Wish they would have done just that years ago.

Or eliminate bachelors requirement for every other profession, but at least keep the playing ground more equitable.

Fiona59 · Jul 13, 2015

That's the way it is in Canada. 2009 was the year the last diploma RN graduated.

The PN course is two years.

nurseactivist · Jul 13, 2015

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/24/education/changing-requirements-send-nurses-back-to-school.html?_r=0

I first heard about this as I was a part of a national organization of nurses. Here is an article outlining some of the issues that I found online. Hope that helps.