Will a mandate requring RN's to obtain BSN's contribute to a shortage?

[mttzakr87]

Will a mandate requring RN's to obtain BSN's contribute to a shortage?

One of the most attractive reason's people have flooded to Nursing aside from the most stable career imaginable is the fact that it can be done in two years. How many people would go to Nursing school if they had to do it for 3-4 years? Not to mention many students cant afford most 4 year schools.....they just cant. Sure maybe colleges, employers or maybe government can help alleviate the cost by helping to pay for it, or front some of the cost? But even if they did, how long would that last for, we all know college aint cheap....especially for tens of thousands of people out there? Canada requires BS for Nurses and their nursing shortage per patient is close to twice as big as ours, along with their major physcian shortage which is the real problem with their healthcare system but thats a whole different story....

Me personally, I understand the rationale for wanting to up the education for Nurses, as it is benefical for the patient and the Nurse, and there is real correlation between patient death rates and lesser education levels. But the bottom line......we need people who can do this period, at any education level possible, BSN, ADN, LPN...we need these people at all levels.

And what about the 2 year schools? They really get screwed any legislation as well...as nursing for a lot of these schools is a big draw. For me, the status quo is sufficent and we should just leave it alone.

[princess papooli]

I have never witnessed a RN receiving any more respect or recognition because of "BSN" follows thr "RN" on their ID badge. The doctors still walked over them, give them crap over patient care, orders not performed, lab results not reported timely for their intervention, surgery schedule delays, etc...you name it. I have over 30 years of nursing experience, in numerous fields in nursing, ADN, and the respect I receive from MDs is from my years of experience and the knowledge gained by that experience. I do not need a BSN to make me a better, more knowledgeable nurse. I have a career loaded with teacher ;the patients, the MD's, my own incentive to keep up with changes and continuing education, that did not come with BSN. At this time in my life, and my age, I simply see sense in going forward for a BSN.

And to say that if a ADN nurse who does not achieve the BSN has their license suspended is insane...welcome to "nazi-nursing."

I had the opportunity to live and work in Hawaii. A great number of the nurses that I have worked with got their BSN after their ADN-RN. In Hawaii, you do not need the continuing education requirements to renew your license, and many of these nurses have not, on their own, chose to update their education or knowledge; content to on their "laurels" of the BSN degree.