I think because of the reimbursement cut backs, the trends in acute care facilities will be changing during the next few years although it won't help anyone right now. Overall, jobs are relatively scarce for any nurse as hospitals are busy doing more with less but my guess is that the quest for Magnet certification will fall by the wayside, data supporting exclusively BSN prepared nurses will suddenly lose its impact in favor of cost containment. Those BSN positions will be lost to attrition and LPN/LVNs will replace them. I have worked with many fine LVNs and believe they are well prepared to take care of acute care patients. School only does so much and EVERY nurse has to learn the job while doing it and it depends on the individual as to whether or not (s)he rises to the challenge.

R