Requiring a BSN degree for an ADN scope of practice

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

I recently attended an interview which BSN nurses were preferred (essentially required but they couldn't say so) but the duties were not upgraded. The position was at an ADN level of knowledge, skill, and ability. A BSN would be very hard pressed to use their advanced skill set in the position. Even with places that do require a BSN degree, the position doesn't require BSN knowledge. With the all shortage of positions and changes in nursing policy I'm sure this a common practice. I am a firm believer in education but this trend makes me uncomfortable. It's a waste of talent and doesn't increase the professionalism of nursing.

[klone, MSN, RN]

There is no difference between scope of practice. There is no such thing as "ADN scope of practice". Both are RNs and that is what dictates scope of practice.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

What do you mean...BSN level of practice and advanced skill. The ADN and the BSN are both entry degrees..

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

There are no 'advanced skills' that a BSN possesses that an ADN does not- nursing wise. They both take the same NCLEX exam, they both hold the same title.

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

Let me clarify

A nurse with a BSN has additional skills and knowledge than a nurse with an ADN, yet a BSN degree is required for positions that do not use nor need the knowledge of a BSN.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Can you be more specific about these additional skills? What are they?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Why do you believe that one would not need or use the knowledge gleaned in BSN classes?

Yes, and what Maryjean asked - what are the specific skills and knowledge you're referring to?

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

There are no 'advanced skills' that a BSN possesses that an ADN does not- nursing wise. They both take the same NCLEX exam, they both hold the same title.

Advanced in walls of academia. I was referring the core nursing science courses such as community health, nursing research, and health assessment.

[klone, MSN, RN]

And you do not think the knowledge gained in those courses would be utilized?

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

What do you mean...BSN level of practice and advanced skill. The ADN and the BSN are both entry degrees..

Both entry level yes. Unfortunately not considered equal (in the eyes of others).

[Gentleman_nurse, MSN]

And you do not think the knowledge gained in those courses would be utilized?

Can be used, yes. Should be used, yes. Required to be used, no as evidenced be job descriptions. From anecdotal conversations it seems a nurses must extend themselves to use the knowledge learned in a BSN program. The workplace doesn't prevent it but doesn't require it either.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Can be used, yes. Should be used, yes. Required to be used, no as evidenced be job descriptions. From ancedotal conversations it seems a nurses must extend themselves to use the knowledge learned in a BSN program. The workplace dosn't prevent it but doesn't require it either.

Maybe I'm obtund...I still don't understand. The ADN and the BSN are entry degrees. The BSN allows for more rounded of a general education with NO difference in the clinical and nursing curriculum. Both graduate and new grads without nursing experience.

It is true that many facilities are hiring BSN only grads, pushing the BSN entry agenda, however, they are still bedside nurses. There is NO difference in nursing practice and the standards of care between a BSN grad and the ADN grad.

What is this difference and how should the job descriptions be different?