What a coincidence. . .every single student nurse who shadows me. . .

HM-8404, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

And here is the problem. Nursing experience allows nurses to be in that advanced practice role. The nursing experience will help to become a better practitioner by being able to pick up on subtle things that you can only get with experience at the bedside. Why do you think they don't just let med students start practicing when they are done med school?
There is a reason the advanced degrees do not have a direct entry pathway, and for good reason. You can only learn so much from books. You are right that NP's and CRNA's don't do the same thing as nurses, that's because they do more and it comes from a foundation built on education AND experience.

If that is the case why is the AMNP so successful? Someone with a BA in Art History can become a NP in 9 semesters.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

I don't recall seeing anyone use the word "mean" to describe the behavior that is being discussed here. That is your personal projection. Consequently it is often this very same projection that you inject into every conversation that involves young nurses, new nurses, and nursing students. To me it signals a pathological preoccupation - one that renders most of what you post invalid to me because it has become obvious that your comments are driven by this emotional baggage which sometimes interferes with having rational discussions with you.
How's that for a dose of reality?

Could not agree more!

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

Ok, 4years undergrad, 4years med school. Then as a resident you're practicing medicine. I can see the same for 4 years undergrad+ 2-3 years of crna school being enough. Everything u need to know as a crna u would learn before even practicing IMO.

Residents are practicing medicine with the safety net of an attending. That is the point of residency is so they can specialize and gain the experience and not just come out of med school pass an exam and all of the sudden they can practice as an attending.

How can you possibly think you could learn everything you need to know in school prior to actually becoming a CRNA? Are you in anesthesia school? Are you a CRNA? I'm curious to see what you think a CRNA does. There is a good reason they require experience before even considering letting someone into a program.

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

If that is the case why is the AMNP so successful? Someone with a BA in Art History can become a NP in 9 semesters.

Where are your stats to back up that statement? Successful and popular are two different things. And just because a school is churning out graduates that meet requirements, does not mean they are producing quality practitioners.

HopefulNurse2011 · Jul 30, 2012

I never said I'm 100% for direct entry program,I stated that I could see them deloping a program that would enable a person to be a competant crna. Just like trades, specialties. And of course I know what a CRNA does, why would I want to be one w/o even knowing what they do? That's silly.

HopefulNurse2011 · Jul 30, 2012

CKH23. I think its safe to assume everyone is an adult on this forum so let's speak to eachother like one and not condescending.

HM-8404, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2012

Where are your stats to back up that statement? Successful and popular are two different things. And just because a school is churning out graduates that meet requirements, does not mean they are producing quality practitioners.

With many of the top tier nursing schools in the country offering them, and they are certified by the AACN tells me there must be something to it. I doubt a school is going to put their reputation on the line to draw in a handful of students.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Jul 30, 2012

and that's pretty much what it is -- students gravitating toward the "glamour" jobs like astronaut or cowboy because they don't really understand what else is out there. it's uninformed at best.the thing that bothers me about so many of the responses here -- and about students in general -- is how disrespectful they are of the bedside nurse they're shadowing in some area other than the glamourous area they're aspiring to.

this. exactly.

to the students who actually did their research and are actively pursuing a spot in the er or the icu, those students i am rooting for. they're the ones who got jobs as a tech in the icu and/or er. they are making connections on the unit. they realize they have little to offer as a new grad and so have compensated by getting their foot in the door and networking. good for them. and if they still have to work first on med/surg or (god forbid) ltc, they do so with grace and humility.

then, on the other hand, you have the other students. the ones so many of us find annoying. the ones who haven't worked a day as a tech or aide, have made no connections, and still expect to get hired off the bat in icu or the er. really? why on earth would they want you? in this economy, it's hard for a new grad bsns w/o experience to even get a job on a med/surg floor. i've seen these new grads come to ltc with the attitude that it's not good enough for them. they're almost in tears cause they have to push a med cart. like they're too good for anything less than their dream job. these new grads deserve the humble pie they're having to eat.

students should do the math and realize there aren't enough jobs for everybody to be a nurse in the icu, er or l/d. if you want that, you darn well better be laying the groundwork and getting your foot in the door.

and yes, it is hilarious when one student after another all say they want one of the glamour jobs they see on tv. it's like kids saying they all want to be a fireman or a ballerina. it's painful to see a grown adult acting so naive and childish.

PlumeriaSun · Jul 30, 2012

I don't recall seeing anyone use the word "mean" to describe the behavior that is being discussed here. That is your personal projection. Consequently it is often this very same projection that you inject into every conversation that involves young nurses, new nurses, and nursing students. To me it signals a pathological preoccupation - one that renders most of what you post invalid to me because it has become obvious that your comments are driven by this emotional baggage which sometimes interferes with having rational discussions with you.
How's that for a dose of reality?

Took the words right outta my mouth, couldn't have said it better.

PlumeriaSun · Jul 30, 2012

And shame on you newbies for continuously attacking veteran nurses for being mean to them and dashing their dreams.

Oh Ruby. All I can do us roll my eyes at this one.

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Jul 30, 2012

To quote Mad Men.

"Not every little girl gets to live their dream. The world cannot support so many ballerinas."

Stephalump · Jul 30, 2012

I don't recall seeing anyone use the word "mean" to describe the behavior that is being discussed here. That is your personal projection. Consequently it is often this very same projection that you inject into every conversation that involves young nurses, new nurses, and nursing students. To me it signals a pathological preoccupation - one that renders most of what you post invalid to me because it has become obvious that your comments are driven by this emotional baggage which sometimes interferes with having rational discussions with you.
How's that for a dose of reality?

If only I could "like" this from my app.

Unfortunately, as I'm sure you're well aware, any such observations will probably not be taken at face value and will instead be twisted and used as further evidence of "old nurse abuse."

Go ahead and sell it, but I'm not buying it. My post record can speak for itself - I'm an equal opportunity abuser.