Should the Entry Into Nursing Practice Be the Baccalaureate Degree?

Differing views on the BSN as the entry level into nursing practice

“…I take exception to a number of points presented in this article. First, as the author states, 60% of RNs today obtained their RN licenses after graduating from associate degree programs 1 . (p613) This fact is important to explore before dismissing associate degree programs—that's a lot of nurses!…”

“…How many of these nursing students would not have become nurses if the BSN was the entry level for all RNs? The author states that the “nursing shortage should not be an excuse to push for the continuance of associate degree programs.” 1 (p614) One simply cannot ignore this large population, however, and the impact a change might have.…”

“…The author also states that nurses prepared at the graduate level show a significant difference in competence when compared to nurses who have earned associate's degrees 1 . (p612) This statement diminishes an associate degree nurse.…”

“…The author quotes from another source that “under‐educated” nurses rarely are asked to participate on committees, such as those that develop policies 1 . (p613) Certainly, a new nurse—whether with an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree—would not typically be invited into discussions involving changes in policies and procedures because his or her knowledge base is novice level.…”

“…A point made in the article is that the associate in applied science degree, which I have, is a technical degree that equates these RNs with technicians or assistants in other health care professions. The author feels this is a negative view of nursing that is “detrimental to the profession's ability to recruit viable candidates into nursing programs.” 1 (p613) The author further states, “employers who hire nurses with less than a bachelor's degree are doing their patients a disservice.” 1 (p614) I am sorry to be such an embarrassment to you and our profession of nursing. Especially since I have been promoted from the staff level to manager of the OR, published numerous articles in professional nursing journals, and spoken at conferences such as the AORN Congress—and this without a BSN.…”