Should RNs be Required to Have A BSN?

Rep · Nov 25, 2004

Here in the Philippines, our nursing programs are four years. This includes three in clinicals. Graduated BSN and can become an RN after passing the nursing licensure exams.

As a BSN graduate, one cannot work as a nurse unless she becomes an RN here.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2004

I'm guessing I booboo'd bigtime, eh? Ah well...wouldn't be the first time.... :chair: :chuckle

Nope mattsmom, even though there are a couple of issue's we are miles apart and always will be, you are and have been one person I respect and listen to very carefully.

Here's what you said that interested me: "I also like Canada's stacked program...one is a LPN after first year or so and can choose to go on, but BSN is the only RN degree and is required. They also grandfathered their diploma and AD nurses, rightfully so."

I was curious about being those being grandfathered in and how that occurred. Fergus answered it for me. :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2004

Hey Tweety, Canada did not give Diploma nurses BSNs, they were just exempt from the requirement. The requirement for BSNs is for new nurse registrants only and only in certain provinces since each province has it's own board of nursing just like each state does. Nurses without a BSN can't consider themselves RN, BSNs but they can not be discriminated against for not having the BSN. (They are considered the same as new nurses with the degree).

Thanks that clears it up for me.

Fiona59 · Nov 25, 2004

What is this "stacked programme" for LPN after 1 yr?

My LPN was four semesters. Come 2005, the requirements are the same as for the old diploma RN. The course will include the first year English, Psych., etc.

Students in the RN programme can write an exam at their hospitals to be an "accredited care worker", or "employed nursing student" after their second year which will allow them to work as an LPN.

LPN's who want to bridge into an RN programme have to work a certain number of hours (varies province to province, university to university), and make the same high school marks as a new student applying to the nursing programme, so its not that easy.

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Nov 25, 2004

Tweets - I think Canada probably changed their standards the correct way, by grandfathering currently practicing nurses in and allowing them to retain their licensure as well as title RN. I fear that the changes being made in New York are only going to compound the current nursing shortage problem in that State.

Here in North Carolina - the BON is proposing some very tough new educational standards for educators. While I have always believed that BSN should be entry-level for an RN, I am concerned that the change in laws here are going to force the closure of ADN programs in favor of BSN programs and significantly reduce access for people wanting to be nurses as well as decrease the numbers of new graduates. If this happens, the impact could be tragic for nurses and patients in North Carolina! This is simply not the way to go and I believe the State should have a much better plan.

VickiRN had posted a passionate informational thread on the changes being proposed here in North Carolina in another thread. I will try to find it.

But, ultimately, I think it is up to nurses to define their own profession as well as their own professional future.

rn_nj · Nov 25, 2004

I totally agree with u. I have seen experience and good guidance making a good nurse if you have the will to be one. Of course, formal education gained should be to help with our practical life and to be a better person.

RNs should not be required to be BSNs nor should they be required to be MSNs
If the want to be an AD RN and this meets current laws and it does then that is up to the individual.
Ive worked with all sorts of different degreed RNs and they still boil down to being a RN. The bigger degree does not necessarily mean a better nurse, maybe a bigger ego but thats all.

mattsmom81 · Nov 25, 2004

Nope mattsmom, even though there are a couple of issue's we are miles apart and always will be, you are and have been one person I respect and listen to very carefully.
What a nice thing to say Tweety...and I feel the same about you. We can disagree in some areas... it IS OK. (((HUGS)))

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 25, 2004

Tweets - I think Canada probably changed their standards the correct way, by grandfathering currently practicing nurses in and allowing them to retain their licensure as well as title RN. I fear that the changes being made in New York are only going to compound the current nursing shortage problem in that State.
Here in North Carolina - the BON is proposing some very tough new educational standards for educators. While I have always believed that BSN should be entry-level for an RN, I am concerned that the change in laws here are going to force the closure of ADN programs in favor of BSN programs and significantly reduce access for people wanting to be nurses as well as decrease the numbers of new graduates. If this happens, the impact could be tragic for nurses and patients in North Carolina! This is simply not the way to go and I believe the State should have a much better plan.
VickiRN had posted a passionate informational thread on the changes being proposed here in North Carolina in another thread. I will try to find it.
But, ultimately, I think it is up to nurses to define their own profession as well as their own professional future.

Patrick, I got my ADN in North Carolina. I remember Vicky's thread. There was an excellent NLN approved program in Fayetteville, and it was cheap. The nearest BSN was in Chapel Hill which was 2 hours away, a competetive school, and an expensive one compared to school I went to in Fayetteville. There isn't enough access to BSN programs to fit the needs in North Carolina without a significant increase in spending by the state to change th ADN programs to BSN. I would definately compound the shortage if those ADN programs had to shut down.

Same here. In my county of 800,000 people it's only been in the last five years that a BSN program opened up. The nearest was in our sister city next county north with already a long waiting list.

Not an easy understaking to upgrade all ADN programs to BSNs.

Morning-glory · Nov 26, 2004

I am a diploma RN in Canada. I am also a clinical instructor. I would love to teach full-time but the college req's that I have a BScN for that ( I appreciate the need for this). It would take me 2 years full-time or up to 7 years part time to get my degree. It's a tough decision.

As a diploma RN, I can work anywhere a degree nurse can in the hospital (degree nurses get another $1.00/hr). It's the other jobs that a degree would really open up the doors to.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Nov 26, 2004

I WANT THAT CHOCOLATE RATCHET!!!!

Trying to give me a stroke there, Tweety? I just giggled because I saw you were the OP and thought NO WAY lol.

Here's looking at you!

flaerman · Nov 26, 2004

A nurse is a nurse, period. Regadrless of whether one has an AD, Diploma, BSN, or higher(of course I rarely see MSN or higher on the floor unless they are a clin spec or instructor) and we are doing the smae job. I have 20 yrs experience in 3 states doing everything from med/surg to ER and my educational background is a Diploma nurse(which by the gives much better clinical training and orientation than BSN programs) and will match my skills and knowledge base to any BSN trained nurse anywhere. BSN doesn't make one a better nurse. Sorry for the rant but this point has been getting beaten to death ever since I was in nursing school....... flaerman :rotfl:

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2004

Trying to give me a stroke there, Tweety? I just giggled because I saw you were the OP and thought NO WAY lol.
Here's looking at you!

:rotfl: Thanks!!!

(Remember folks I'm not interested in the ADN vs. BSN debate, just the question as to how they did it in Canada. Woot!!!)