BSN's vs. Community college

Howdy y'all!

Well I am a nursing student at a community college now going for my ADN but eventually I want to get my MSN. I think that nurses with BSN degrees should be payed more for their education. I don't think a large amount more since they are doing the same job but perhaps slightly more. I don't think having a BSN makes you a better nurse then an ADN. I think that education is only a portion of what makes you a capable nurse and shouldnt' be used to look down on those with less education then yourself. I know many physicians who have told me directly that they perfer to work with nurses from the local community college (not only because its a good school) but because at our community college most of the time is spend on practical clinical expericnce instead of paperwork and theories (like most of the 4 year BSN programs in our area are based upon.) Education like nursing, is a personal choice and different people are satisfied at different levels. I think its more important for nurses to be united together, no matter what education level, instead of being divided over the issue of pay.

the OP said that community colleges "pay you to go", heh, I need some reimbursement somewhere. I have met some nurses that have a Master's and still don't know which way is up...and then I have met some with an Associates that are the best nurses you will ever meet...I am still a student, but I have worked in a doctor's office and just doing my clinicals...I think what you learn, not how long you go to school is what really matters, and actually applying it of course.

I graduated from a BSN program in MAY 2005 and my school now has the highest passing rate in the state 97%. I have 5 and half months experience as a nurse and a couple of weeks ago decided that I wanted to tranfer to a specialty area. I applied, was interviewed within 3 days, and got the job on the spot. The second question out of the director's mouth was where did I go to school? My coworker with 10 years of nursing experience, 4 of which are on my old floor (telemetry) applied, interviewed with the same people and didn't get the job. She is an extremely nice woman and figured if I got the job, it should be a breeze for her, she was wrong. I don't think a BSN should get paid more for bedside nursing, but it does help you get off that floor a lot quicker.

When my year comes up in June, I will be applying for a clinical manager job. Due to the fact by then I will be half way through an MSN program, I'm confident my lack of bedside nursing experience will not keep me from getting the job. I will play up my education. Therefore, education is never a waste. If your long term goal is not to be a bedside nurse, get your BSN and higher

Where I work, you'd have gotten the job because as a new grad you would be paid less $$$$$$$, the lady with 10+ yrs experience would have probably come at too high of a price, as to keep cost down, the less expensive option was exercised. Sorry, but I have been in waaaay to many financial meetings these last couple of months. This may not be the case here, but unfortunately in some places it usually is. And never disregard experience, many employers value it just as much or more than they do education.

You don't think a clinical manager should have solid experience? Interesting.

This is very concerning. We nurses NEED TO stick together. BSN, ADN, Diploma, LVN. Nurses are nurses period. And to the original post.....shame on you.

Jake Sareerak IP

You don't think a clinical manager should have solid experience? Interesting

A clinical manager should definitely have some solid experience under their belt-regardless of education level :wink2: I think education is always good, but at any level-except entry level-experience is needed with the education.

Sorry, but I don't think one year is enough experience to be a clinical manager, no matter what kind of degree(s) someone has. Personally, I would be alarmed to interview for a position where a unit was being managed by someone with only one year of experience...in fact, I wouldn't pursue the job.

Do I smell something? Oh, it must have been that first post! Stop this before it gets out of hand!

Oh, just when you think you've met all the small minded snobs another one comes along.

I would NEVER accept a unit manager job with only one year under MY belt. To each her own; I wish you well.

I also wish to caution the OP is LONG gone as this thread is nearly 2 years old, so there is no use in scolding him/her or getting all hot under the collar. Remember, some people enjoy what I like to call "drive-by" posting----leaving a zinger of a post, and then silently lurking to watch the fireworks that ensue.

I would suggest we not feed energy like that.