RN, LPN, BSN...Hike!

A recent article in a Idaho newspaper described the education of a smalltown mayor as including a "registered nursing degree." Aside from being a political non sequitor, this strange piece of information illustrates the widespread misunderstanding about nursing education and licensing. In fact, a registered nursing degree does not exist!

Like many professions, working as a nurse requires both completion of an accredited educational degree as well as passing the state board exam for the purpose of being licensed. Achieving the former does not necessarily mean obtaining the latter. However, obtaining the latter requires the achievement of the former.

Clear as mud? Okay, here:

There are four types of nursing degrees. There is the "gold standard" Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) which is fast becoming the "entry level" nursing degree required for obtaining a nursing-related job in most states. A BSN is like any of bachelors degree in the sciences and requires four years of college-level education.

Another common degree is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). This degree is a two-year degree focusing on the brass tacks of nursing (i.e., clinical skills) and eshewing the more esoteric ancillary courses typically included in a traditional four-year college program (e.g., nursing management, health care finance, etc.).

BSN and ADN graduates are eligible to take the state board exam to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs), so-called because they become licensed by the state (registered) to practice as a licensed professional nurse.

Alternatively, with a lesser amount of education, one can obtain a licensed practical nurse (LPN) license. The scope of practice of an LPN is more narrow and restricted and LPNs are not very prevalent in the profession as a whole.

Does a BSN or ADN have to become licensed? Only to work as a nurse. In essence, becoming an RN is no more necessary than becoming a CPA after obtaining a bachelors degree in accounting!

Two other nursing degrees, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctorate of Nursing (PhD) also exist, as well as several "advanced practice" state licenses. Advanced practice nurses have MSNs in a particular field of nursing and may become licensed/certified in that field. For instance, those who obtain MSNs in anesthesia programs may become CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) and those who obtain degrees in midwifery may become CRNMs (Certified Registered Nurse Midwives), etc. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are Advanced Practice Nurses with MSNs.

My point is, a nursing degree and a nursing license are two different, mutually exclusive accomplishments. Don't assume an RN has a bachelor's degree, but equally, do not assume a BSN has a license!

The Immaculate Infection

I wasn't surprised by the recent news item that reported a study showing 1 in 4 teenage females between the ages of 14 and 19 have a sexually transmitted disease.

I wasn't surprised by the apparent fact that the rates of STD infection are highest among African-Americans and Mexican-Americans.

What surprised me was that the majority of the female subjects with STDs in the study denied ever having sex!

Apparently 1 in 4 teenagers have an STD, but 1 in 2 suffer extreme denial! Might be how they come by the STD in the first place.