The profession, as the ANA (American Nurses Association) dictates it, has been demanding the 'entrance level' for nurses be the BSN (Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing), but it has demoralized the profession by supplying a venue of 'opportunities' for nurses to leave 'back breaking work' and 'unreasonable demands of CEOs of Health Care Conglomerates' to entire Graduate Schools in Business, Law or many other venues of opportunity, yet their programs remain congested with applicants attempting to achieve an AAS (Associates of Applied Science.) or ADN (Associates Degree of Nursing -click here).
Basically, the ANA shot itself in the foot to demand more nurses be BSN at entry than those that are Associate Degree trained individuals.
Universities benefit from the four year degree. The County Colleges can turn out qualified Registered Nurses faster than Universities can. If the USA wants better health care without the high prices of nurses currently, they need to produce them at the County College level before emphasizing the University BSN.
The nurse :: patient ratio would benefit immensely by increasing the amount of Nurse Assistants in most health care settings. Nurses and their assistants are vitally important in containing costs within the health care system of the USA.
Nurses Desert Profession; Men Leave at Twice the Rate of Women, Study Shows (click title to entry - thank you)
The Washington Post
October 20, 2002
Joann Loviglio
Recent graduates of the nation's nursing schools are leaving the profession more quickly than their predecessors, with male nurses bolting at almost twice the rate of their female counterparts, according to a recent study.
About 7.5 percent of new male nurses left the profession within four years of graduating from nursing school, compared with 4.1 percent of new female nurses, a study by a University of Pennsylvania researcher shows. It was reported last month in the journal Health Affairs.
"In general, nurses are looked down upon, especially by physicians," said Jerome Koss, a nurse since ...
The investment by the USA into County Colleges that produce AAS Registered Nurses needs to be the focus of this effort, the Universities produce BSNs that see their educational achievement as a stepping stone to another profession. Also, the LPN is an invaluable member of the Health Care Team and most of those diploma programs have been diminished in importance to the college degree.
While, the ANA can emulate the BSN as a pinnicle of entry to the practice of Nursing, it has to realize the shortage that effects the cost of health care within the country. The ANA needs to appreciate overwhelming all levels of nursing achievement and seek to provide; the bedside RN' with reasonable 'work loads' and abandon the concept of 'Super Nurse.' Super Nurse is scaring new grads and burning out the seasoned nurse.
Additionally, the career RN realizes their health is not of concern to its profession. There are definately health related realities to this profession and organizations, such as the ANA have never demanded better working conditions for its profession. The ANA recognize themselves as 'handmaidens' to a physician. They never seek to improve the 'work ethic' of CEOs so much as compromise the 'work environment' to licenesed individuals that are left on their own to defend their license.
This is not shallow complaining.
Women that have BSNs, when they realize the toll practicing within this profession takes on their health, leave at an early age; frequently with a year to three after graduation of a BSN program. When BSNs or MSNs (Master Degrees in Nursing) find their way into Hospital Management Infrastructure, they 'sell out' their old complaints to CEOs that have 'no clue' to the issues of the nursing staff.
The Nurse's Health Study (click here)
The Nurses’ Health Studies are among the largest and longest running investigations of factors that influence women’s health. Started in 1976 and expanded in 1989, the information provided by the 238,000 dedicated nurse-participants has led to many new insights on health and disease. While the prevention of cancer is still a primary focus, the study has also produced landmark data on cardiovascular disease, diabetes and many other conditions. Most importantly, these studies have shown that diet, physical activity and other lifestyle factors can powerfully promote better health.
Please choose from the links across the top of the page or the navigation menu on the left to find out more about the Nurses’ Health Studies....
There should be class action lawsuits against these CEOs of Health SYSTEM conglomerates, because they have 'unreasonable' power over the professions that practice. No different than doctors are complaining about their 'lot in life' in dealing with the current health care system, so do Nurses, but, they simply 'take it.' They aren't empowered by their professional organizations or their licensing boards.
The ANA and State Licensing Boards need to 'sell' the BSN as a concept so they promote 'education of the public' as a real 'up tick' to that level of entry. There isn't reason to believe an Associate Degree is less prepared to teach the public than a BSN. Associate and LPNs have more 'clinical experience' on entry into the profession. There are studies to back up these claims, but, the reality is any hospital can provide education to their staff to accomplish the best outcome to the patient.
BSN degree nurses are better prepared to meet patient needs (click here)
The main difference in study between an ADN and BSN is the emphasis on additional education in leadership and management, wellness, and community nursing. BSN prepared nurses possess greater knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction as well as illness and disease management and are prepared to assist individuals, groups, and communities to prevent disease and achieve optimum levels of wellness. As nurses expand their role and move further into providing more community based primary care delivery the need for BSN prepared nurses is apparent.
This is accurate. Associate trained nurses can contribute to the USA economy in two years rather than four with far less educational debt. Their longevity in the profession is better and they tend to be career nurses.
Salary of a nurse with a BSN vs a nurse with an associate's degree? (click here)
Essentially the base hourly rate for hospital based nurses in the same clinical areas are the same. Many hospitals will pay additional differential pay, based on the hospital policies (clinical ladder or other criteria). For this reason in entry level RNs the average BSN makes between $2500 to $3500 more per year than the average ASN....
