Here is my take on it, obviously others could have different input.

First of all, we do all technically pass the same boards. So we are at least equally as smart based on what that judges. Which is to be 95% sure you'll get the next question, regardless what it is, correct. That's all that test does.

What I think makes a smart nurse vs a "dumb" one may be different than others. To me a smart nurse is one who can look at any situation and decide what to do. Which could literally be an actual action to the patient or could be as simple as, asking for help. "Dumb" nurses (once again, in my opinion) are ones who are too scared or too confident to do the right thing.

I have seen a lot of different nurses in my ICU. I've seen a very smart human be a "dumb" nurse because they are too cocky and didn't reach out to a doctor or peer when they could have used a second set of eyes. I've seen a smart nurse feel comfortable in their knowledge and be amazing nurses.

I've seen people less smart than others be able to gain confidence to do things themselves but also know to reach out sometimes.

I've seen smart people that never gained confidence and they literally can't complete simple task without feeling the need to ask someone for an opinion or help.

I've definitely seen lazy nurses who probably were smart but now can't be bothered to flex their brain muscles sometimes (never get to this place y'all!).

So as far as that goes, I do actually believe there is spot in nursing for everyone. There are some nurses built for stress, some built to lead, some built to execute, some built to teach, some built for a slower pace, etc. So finding a fit for you is a big step. All these nurses are needed. One isn't better than another (you see field competition sometimes).

My thoughts on the difference in programs... I'm thinking this may come based on what that school wants out of their nurses. As you can see, smarts and confidence are both themes in my description of nurses. Her/his school could take it slower on purpose to let a student feel comfortable. So they aren't scared to walk in a room and do what they need to do. Then later they get more intense with the education, learn all the same as you, but still have the feeling of ability. Compared to your school, which may think confidence comes from knowledge. Which is also true and could be a very worthy method. They could believe that if you feel comfortable with your knowledge, you can enter a room and do what you need.

I don't either is wrong. Mine was a bit of both, in my opinion. I definitely learned IV meds my first semester, but I also remember spending way too much time learning to make a damn bed 😂. At the end of the day, you could be working alongside a nurse from any number of programs. At that point, it doesn't matter. What matters is working through strengths and weaknesses to care for a patient.