My new job started several weeks ago and I am amazed at the lack of knowledge regarding levels of nursing.
Studying the history of nursing was very interesting, for me, and it also clarified why there are so many ways to become a nurse.
Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) was brought about because of the U.S. government/military lack of available registered nurses; education is received through technical schools (traditionally); sits for NCLEX-PN
Diploma RN - the oldest method to RN; educated through programs associated with a hospital and not a college or university; these programs are being phased out (TN last diploma program closed in 2006); sits for NCLEX-RN
Associate RN (ADN/ASN) - educated through a 2 year program (usually a junior college) and was brought about (by forces outside the profession) due to a shortage of 4 year registered nurses; sits for NCLEX-RN
Bachelor RN (BSN) - educated through a 4 year college/university program; sits for NCLEX-RN
Did you know that Florence Nightingale was the first to call for nursing schools to be associated with colleges and universities and NOT hospitals?
I wonder what the discipline of medicine would look like today if it had as many outside forces manipulating the profession of Medicine?
One more thought...
True. There are various ways to become a nurse and multiple ways to become a registered nurse. But please do not discriminate against the new grad BSN due to 'lack of clinical experience'.
The discipline of Medicine expects (and treats) its new MDs to have limited clinical experience and accommodates the learning curve.
Nursing should have the same level of expectation and professionalism.
The Deal About Nothing
6 years ago
Posts
You're gonna be a great nurse, and all new graduates (I don't care what program it's in) are inexperienced.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Hoosier above ... but sat through central nursing orientation in back of a gaggle of young BSN/GNs who were already trying to "pick out" the ADNs from the crowd. One was telling the other you can always tell because they have no communication skills (lacking a 4 year degree) and will always be "just a staff nurse" while they are being groomed for management. Ouch.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all ... she is welcome to the management position - I don't want to try and get more work out of less people with fewer supplies - sounds like a job I'd rather not have until I have a lot of experience (no matter what my degree).
I so agree with your sentiments ...
I was an LPN for a year while I finished my ADN (1+1 program). I started my BSN completion classes less than 1 month after ADN graduation. There is a difference educationally and clinically. The big point that people miss ... is that unless an ADN gets more education - within a year (I think perhaps less) the clinical advantage is gone.
I think that to be professionals ... we need to respect all of our nurses.
:) Hope you are enjoying your new job!