RE: Diploma vs Degree

Kirsty RVN — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 19:25:05 GMT

To answer your question on whether the degree is contributing to my dissatisfaction with nursing!

No it's not!

I became disappointed when my first job as a RVN I was not utilised and the vet told me she doesn't trust nurses to places IVs etc. Nice to know where valued! I spent years trying to get into a profession to working hard to gain my skills to than not be aloud to utilise them!

Your first job as a RVN can have a huge impact on life in the profession and unfortunately mine was negative! I was on 16k but than again if I am going to be treated like a auxiliary than I should be paid as one. I lost my home and got in debt and after 15 years living comfortably independently I had to move back in with my mum!

So that contributed to my disillusionment

A practice and either make you or break you! I have uni friends that got fantastic jobs and their experience was different to mine and still loving nursing and friends just like me had negative experience and no longer nursing now!

I have also contributed to my dissatisfaction by doing locum work as unfortunately there is a reason some can't recruite and I've covered for them!

RE: Diploma vs Degree

Kirsty RVN — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 19:13:02 GMT

Apache right let's get one thing straight here, I for one minute never suggested I should earn more money or I am any better!

I did the degree as that was the only way I could enter the profession! From the age of 16 to 24 I carried out work experience unpaid in practice in order to get my experience and hopefully get my foot in the door. I sent countless letter to practice for years, some would contact me back but the majority didn't! I travelled miles for interviews and was willing to relocate but still no luck so at 24 I had a choose to either maybe consider a different profession as felt I was trying to win a losing battle or maybe consider university as my last option. So I went to get my A levels than at 26 got a place at university and finally qualified at 30!

In terms of experience that is a common misconception of degree nurses. I spent only 13 weeks at uni in year one the rest in placement, year 2 I spent a full year in placement building my NPL, year three I spent only 16 weeks at uni and rest in practice and last year was on day release at uni. The course is a lot more in-depth yes and I did have to do additional modules yes so did learn more. As well as satisfying RCVS requirements we also have to satisfy uni requirements so had to gain additional skills some of which I did feel was pointless. Remember we all have to meet RCVS requirements in order to register as a RVN including experience but degree nurse have to do more as we have to meet university requirements too! Also I worked throughout holidays, Christmas etc unpaid!

I left with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience and glad I did it! And a degree is transferable so now contemplating leaving I can now transfer over to another degree!

But I did it as a last resort and tried my hardest for many years before I choose that as a option.

And your right in terms of legalities I cant do any more than a diploma nurse and would not expect to! It was just a route into the profession

I get sick of attitude from others, I still get the whole "just cuz u have a degree doesn't make u a better nurse" I never thought it did or you don't have enough experience etc

Coming from a background where I was bullied for being dyslexic and told I would amount to nothing, I am proud to have achieved a degree!

But i don't think for one minute I should earn more, I think we all should get fair pay as we All diploma or degree work hard for our qualifications!