A questionnaire was sent to 5000 Florida hospitals to obtain information from non-members of the Florida Nurses Association (FNA) and to compare the data with that of FNA members on questions relevant to nursing education. Among findings from the 22-item survey, 84 percent of which were returned, were that 80 percent disagreed that licensing…

This quantitative research study (N=175) examined predictors of first time success on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) among transfer students in a baccalaureate degree program (BSN). The predictors were chosen after an extensive literature review yielded few studies related to this population. Benner's…

Responds to the American Nurses Association proposed requirement of a baccalaureate degree (BSN) for entry into registered nursing practice, defending associate degree nursing (ADN) programs and the preparation and clinical skills of ADN graduates, reviewing ADN employment patterns, and highlighting the competencies shared by ADN and BSN…

The status of nursing research content at the undergraduate level was investigated based on responses from 241 accredited bachelor of science (BSN) degree nursing programs. Sixty percent of the responding institutions were part of state university systems, while 39 percent were private, and 54 percent enrolled over 200 nursing majors. The class…

In response to the Affordable Care Act of 2010 and the changing health care needs of the 21st century, the Institute of Medicine recommended that 80% of the registered nursing (RN) workforce should have their baccalaureate degree or higher by the year 2020. The College of Nursing at Washington State University (WSU) offers an accredited, online…

Simulation is an educational strategy in nursing education that incorporates structured activities that depict real-life situations to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nursing students by allowing them to analyze and initiate interventions for realistic situations in a simulated environment. Debriefing is a reflective…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to investigate what motivates associate degree (AND) and diploma prepared registered nurses (RN) to pursue a baccalaureate degree (BSN) through an RN-to-BSN program. Studies have shown that the educational level of nurses has direct impact on the safety and quality of care provided to patients.…

Though it is still possible to enter the nursing profession with a Licensed Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN) or an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), it is becoming increasingly necessary to get a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in order to be assured of continued employment. The Associate in Applied Science-T Nursing Degree prepares…

This basic qualitative study explored students' experiences with blended learning through semi-structured individual interviews replicating the research method as outlined by Merriam. Blended learning integrates two or more modalities to teach the same material, using thoughtfully selected and complementary face-to-face, online approaches, and…

Processes and outcomes associated with baccalaureate education for registered nurses were studied longitudinally as part of the Sleuthing Nursing Pathways Project. Participants included about 500 registered nurses who entered the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at the University of Kentucky, the University of Louisville, Northern…

The traditional route of obtaining a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing is vertical: a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), followed by PhD in nursing. An ongoing shortage of PhD-prepared nurses--nurse educators and nurse researchers, in particular, has spurred the creation of more pathways to obtaining a PhD in Nursing. In recent years, there…

Examines the Differentiated Practice Role of Nurse model which provides a basis for discussion of collaborative ADN (Associate Degree of Nursing) and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) prepared practice. Discusses provision of direct care competencies, communication competencies, and management competencies. (CT)

The associate degree nursing program offered at a privately owned, regionally accredited career college in central Virginia was placed under conditional approval by the Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON) due to low NCLEX[R]-RN pass rates and nine other violations of regulation. The lack of VBON approval for the nursing program resulted in the…

This study investigated the relationship between readiness to learn and self-efficacy among newly enrolled BSN students in an online program. A sample of 27 students completed the 45-item Test of Online Learning Success (ToOLS) and 10-item General Self Efficacy (GSE) scales via Survey Monkey. Knowles' (1980) adult learning theory and Bandura's…

Discusses the baccalaureate requirement for entry into professional practice and other aspects of the legislation. Examines economic factors to be considered, cost effectiveness of the BSN (Bachelors of Science in Nursing) degree as the first professional degree, the two-year associate degree, and the future of nursing education. (CT)