Research Papers?

Hanabna · Dec 9, 2007

Research papers are something that are a requirement of college students, so if the nursing program you are considering going into is part of a college or university, then the answer is, yes, you will probably need to do some research related papers. If you go into a BSN program you will definitely be required to take a nursing research class.
If you just want to be a hands on practitioner become a CNA (certified nursing assistant). That requires 6 weeks of training, often outside a college setting; you'll make a little bit more than minimum wage; probably never do a research paper; and spend your career doing nothing but physical work.
You need to understand that an RN is a leader, supervisor and problem solver--hands on work is part of the job, but not a consuming part of it. An RN is expected to be a thinker and user of their brain. If you can't figure out how to write a research paper, how are you going to be able to figure out how to solve patient problems which is what an RN is expected to do on a regular basis?

Thank you for the condesending tone, I appreciate it. I have been in College for four years. So, I think I know how to write a research paper or two *rolls eyes* (FYI received all As)

The reason I wanted to know is because all Psychology and Sociology is RESEARCH. Not all University majors are centered around research, doll. I wanted to know if the BSN nursing program that I will be getting into has a lot of research papers which do not require you to think...but simply BS. It is a waste of time. I want regular tests and hands on learning experience. Though I am not a fan of BS research papers that doesn't mean I don't have the ability to think.

Anyway, thanks everybody for your responses. =]

toreyjane · Dec 10, 2007

Research papers are something that are a requirement of college students, so if the nursing program you are considering going into is part of a college or university, then the answer is, yes, you will probably need to do some research related papers. If you go into a BSN program you will definitely be required to take a nursing research class.
If you just want to be a hands on practitioner become a CNA (certified nursing assistant). That requires 6 weeks of training, often outside a college setting; you'll make a little bit more than minimum wage; probably never do a research paper; and spend your career doing nothing but physical work.
You need to understand that an RN is a leader, supervisor and problem solver--hands on work is part of the job, but not a consuming part of it. An RN is expected to be a thinker and user of their brain. If you can't figure out how to write a research paper, how are you going to be able to figure out how to solve patient problems which is what an RN is expected to do on a regular basis?

OUCH! I don't think Hanabna seemed against research papers....I think she was just curious if most programs require them. I was actually wondering the same thing...It doesn't mean I am incapable of problem solving or that I can't figure out how to write a research paper...

smk1, LPN · Dec 10, 2007

We had two large ones per term in most cases (and smaller ones 3-6 pages). Our advanced med surg I term we had a physiology paper due every week between clinical days and it ran 4-20 pages depending on the instructor. Careplans are extra and can be very long as well. Personally I thought the paper work has been doable and the worst was the med surg unit where a paper was due every week. But I did learn a lot.

MB37 · Dec 10, 2007

I already responded, but I actually don't remember writing any "BS" papers for my psych degree - but I'm sure we didn't attend the same school or take the same professors. I double majored with history, and I wrote many more research papers for history than for psych. Most BSN programs that people describe on this site - mine included - has several written assignments for each course. We have to write careplans and SOAPIE notes for clinical (with all sources for patho, nutrition, interventions, etc. properly cited in APA style), we have to do at least one presentation each semester based on evidenced-based practice (looking up peer-reviewed journal articles about our patient's condition/treatments), we have discussion board postings that need to be based on the reading and in APA style with citations, etc. We also have to write some research papers, but for me it hasn't been more than 1-2/semester so far. Does some of the written work get a little repetetive after a while? Of course. Do our instructors firmly believe it all serves purpose? Yes. For now I'm taking their word for it and not dismissing it, even if something seems a little "BS" to me when I'm already swamped with work. Could you describe what the problem is with your current coursework? I'm just afraid that you might feel the same about a lot of what they have us do in NS.

caliotter3 · Dec 11, 2007

There is a difference between being against writing research papers and writing too many research papers or doing too much of the same thing or doing just plain busy work that justifies somebody's job rather than provide a valid learning experience.

None of us is so stupid that we can't identify overkill and that doesn't mean that because someone identifies stupid overkill and meaningless work, that they should remain in a lesser skilled job. We all paid good money for our tuition, so our education should be worth the money we paid for it. For one, I will not sugar coat my nursing program to anyone who asks me about that particular program. I didn't expect perfection, but a quality education that prepared me for entry level practice was what I was paying for. I didn't get it.

To the OP: most of us realize the intent of your initial post. Hope you find yourself in a worthwhile nursing program where teaching you what you need to know is the priority of the staff. Good luck.

caliotter3 · Dec 11, 2007

System double post.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2007

Thank you for the condesending tone, I appreciate it. I have been in College for four years. So, I think I know how to write a research paper or two *rolls eyes* (FYI received all As)
The reason I wanted to know is because all Psychology and Sociology is RESEARCH. Not all University majors are centered around research, doll. I wanted to know if the BSN nursing program that I will be getting into has a lot of research papers which do not require you to think...but simply BS. It is a waste of time. I want regular tests and hands on learning experience. Though I am not a fan of BS research papers that doesn't mean I don't have the ability to think.
Anyway, thanks everybody for your responses. =]

Condescending tone? That's your interpretation. You asked a question. I answered it for you. You never mentioned anything about why you wanted to know that information but from the "tone" of your original question I got the impression that a research paper was a make or break it deal as to whether or not you were going to go to nursing school which in my opinion should NOT be the sole reason for anyone deciding on going into a nursing program, and that's what it sounded like to me. How was I and my crystal ball supposed to know you knew how to write a research paper since you didn't give that information. You sure didn't make it sound that way. And, if you, after writing a few research papers, still don't think that they require you to think, get your tuition back because you've been mislead as to what research is. But, is you do go into BSN nursing, they'll straighten out your thinking on this.

People should become nurses because they have a need to want to care for people not because they have to write a research paper or two. I and my crystal ball didn't pick up on that either. I've been a practicing RN for 32 years and I've seen a lot of newbies come and leave the profession because they came into it with the wrong idea about what it was. News flash! Nursing is considered a member of the behavior sciences too, just like Sociology and Psychology. Why? Because as a nurse you are interacting with people all the time. And, if you take the time to look at your college catalog and the required courses for the BSN program which you could have easily done instead of throwing the question out to a bunch of strangers I am sure you are going to find a Nursing Research course listed there. I have a BSN and just about every other BSN I've talked to has had to take this course too. It's like a right of passage for us; it's also a university thing. Not only for nursing students, but for students in many of the other disciplines as well. Research papers are a part of university life. Maybe you're only meant for an ADN.

Hanabna · Dec 11, 2007

I realize you don't have a crystal ball, but you were pretty snarky with your tone.

I really haven't learned much from writing the majority of my research papers. I keep getting all these "A's" and yet I still feel like I know nothing! It's amazing! It honest to God didn't teach me a darn thing. That is what upsets me. I hate paying all this money for tuition and not learning anything. I want a skill. I'm not going to be a writer. I'm sick of writing!

But really, I was just curious to see what nursing school is really like. So many on here have said they didn't actually learn anything until they got on the floor and learned on the job. I was just curious to know more about nursing school. It was just a question.

I am definitely going to be a nurse even if I have to write hundreds of papers, but I was hoping that wouldn't be the case. I'll be more careful on how I ask questions from now on.

Condescending tone? That's your interpretation. You asked a question. I answered it for you. You never mentioned anything about why you wanted to know that information but from the "tone" of your original question I got the impression that a research paper was a make or break it deal as to whether or not you were going to go to nursing school which in my opinion should NOT be the sole reason for anyone deciding on going into a nursing program, and that's what it sounded like to me. How was I and my crystal ball supposed to know you knew how to write a research paper since you didn't give that information. You sure didn't make it sound that way. And, if you, after writing a few research papers, still don't think that they require you to think, get your tuition back because you've been mislead as to what research is. But, is you do go into BSN nursing, they'll straighten out your thinking on this.
People should become nurses because they have a need to want to care for people not because they have to write a research paper or two. I and my crystal ball didn't pick up on that either. I've been a practicing RN for 32 years and I've seen a lot of newbies come and leave the profession because they came into it with the wrong idea about what it was. News flash! Nursing is considered a member of the behavior sciences too, just like Sociology and Psychology. Why? Because as a nurse you are interacting with people all the time. And, if you take the time to look at your college catalog and the required courses for the BSN program which you could have easily done instead of throwing the question out to a bunch of strangers I am sure you are going to find a Nursing Research course listed there. I have a BSN and just about every other BSN I've talked to has had to take this course too. It's like a right of passage for us; it's also a university thing. Not only for nursing students, but for students in many of the other disciplines as well. Research papers are a part of university life. Maybe you're only meant for an ADN.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Dec 11, 2007

as an rn you are going to be a problem solver. from almost the very beginning of nursing school you are going to learn about the nursing process which is the problem solving process. care plans, which you will hear a lot about, are the written documentation of the nursing process. a written care plan is required in every hospital patient's chart. care plans, especially at the bsn level, are pretty much equivalent to term papers as many times the information you put on them is required to be referenced. i had one that was 45 pages long when i was in school. this problem solving is critical to being an rn. we have to understand what is going on with patients at a moment's notice and make changes in what we are doing with them on the spot. what you will learn in nursing school is about a whole lot of different medical diseases, how the doctors diagnose and treat them, how nurses assist in the treatment and how we can independently do some treatment of them as well. nurses learn to do thorough assessments and inspections of their patients in order to help them determine what kinds of problems and issues each of their patient's have. they draw from their knowledge of nursing to help assist their patients in getting along in their daily lives. while we do have to know some of the information that doctors know, we also have to know how we can assist the patients. you will learn about adls (activities of daily living) because that is a primary focus of nurses as well as carrying out doctor's orders.

however, as i was initially told, and as i will now tell you, being an rn means being a leader and supervisor of both patient care and the caregivers. you will be exposed to all this in nursing school. the hands on part of doing nursing procedures is something you will learn, but is only one part of the career. in my early years, my primary focus was learning to master those procedures. however, after time you do master them and other focal points become important. this is where my bsn training, i think, was worth every penny. my focus in later years has been more on the human dynamics and the interactions with patients and the other staff i have worked with. my bsn program was very focused on communication and leadership skills. that's where all those classes in psychology, group behavior and all those process recordings we had to do paid off. when i became a supervisor and manager i had to go back to what i had learned in my leadership classes and group behavior and communication classes and review the information and relearn it because you really don't get enough opportunities in nursing school for these experiences. but as a bsn you will be in line for supervision and management positions. not to sound uppity, but, in general, one can usually spot a working adn nurse from a working bsn nurse. it is in the way they approach the work. bsns usually have been given a much broader base of knowledge from which to draw upon and it usually shows in their job performance. and, i know the difference because i started out as an adn and after several years was feeling that i needed to know more which is why i went back to school to get my bsn.

honestly, be proud of having a bachelor's education. it puts you in a special class of nursing. research papers, process recordings, care plans and journaling aside--it's all worth it in the end. and, 20 years from now you'll sit around with other bsns talking about having to go through this stuff like it was boot camp.

Hanabna · Dec 11, 2007

Thank you for the post. I guess I just pictured myself on graduation day with a Psychology degree thinking, "Cool. Now, what in the heck do I do with this? I can't remember what I've learned!" That invoked some fear in me. I kept saying "I wish I wanted to be a nurse!" because I thought with a nursing degree you know exactly what to do after you've achieved it.

I'm getting A's and B's this semester in Anthropology, Political Science, Statisitcs, and Sociology. I can honestly say I hardly know anything about Anthropology, P.S, Stats, or Sociology. Isn't that crazy? I just want to finish Nursing school and actually feel prepared to step into the field and not feel lost. I just really want to master something. That's all I'm hoping for.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Dec 11, 2007

I guess I just pictured myself on graduation day with a Psychology degree thinking, "Cool. Now, what in the heck do I do with this? I can't remember what I've learned!"

One day, if you work really hard, you could become a moderator at allnurses.com. :lol2:

Sorry... I do know what you mean. A liberal arts undergraduate degree often doesn't lead to as concrete a career path as a nursing education does.

toreyjane · Dec 11, 2007

Condescending tone? That's your interpretation. You asked a question. I answered it for you. You never mentioned anything about why you wanted to know that information but from the "tone" of your original question I got the impression that a research paper was a make or break it deal as to whether or not you were going to go to nursing school which in my opinion should NOT be the sole reason for anyone deciding on going into a nursing program, and that's what it sounded like to me. How was I and my crystal ball supposed to know you knew how to write a research paper since you didn't give that information. You sure didn't make it sound that way. And, if you, after writing a few research papers, still don't think that they require you to think, get your tuition back because you've been mislead as to what research is. But, is you do go into BSN nursing, they'll straighten out your thinking on this.
People should become nurses because they have a need to want to care for people not because they have to write a research paper or two. I and my crystal ball didn't pick up on that either. I've been a practicing RN for 32 years and I've seen a lot of newbies come and leave the profession because they came into it with the wrong idea about what it was. News flash! Nursing is considered a member of the behavior sciences too, just like Sociology and Psychology. Why? Because as a nurse you are interacting with people all the time. And, if you take the time to look at your college catalog and the required courses for the BSN program which you could have easily done instead of throwing the question out to a bunch of strangers I am sure you are going to find a Nursing Research course listed there. I have a BSN and just about every other BSN I've talked to has had to take this course too. It's like a right of passage for us; it's also a university thing. Not only for nursing students, but for students in many of the other disciplines as well. Research papers are a part of university life. Maybe you're only meant for an ADN.

Oh, my word you are rude! Unfortunately, I am not lucky enough to live in a cosmopolitan area, such as Arcadia, where there is a four year school for me (as I'm sure is the case for many people) to obtain a BSN degree. I do not think that makes me "only meant for an ADN". It means I have to utilize what resource I have, which is a two year college...sorry... Dismount off of your high horse about having a BSN degree. If your are really all that, why don't you have your MSN or Phd?

I know a nurse that has a BSN, she only got it because the hospital paid for it, she said it didn't change anything for her. All it was, was literally writing a lot of research papers. And, I know a lady, who has been a nurse since 1969. Let me put my ADN program mind in motion here, let's see...38 years she has been an RN. I did the math and that is six years more than you. I asked her if she had a four year degree, she said no because she never had good a reason to get one, she has had a fulfilling career without it. She seems very smart, confident, and from some of the stories she told me, she has leadership skills.

I find it odd that you have been a nurse for so long, dealing with people "all the time" you would think you would have developed some people skills.

Kind Regards and Happy Holidays