History of associate degree in nursing programs

The nursing population is aging. The effect associate degree nursing has on each of these factors will be examined. As mentioned in the introductory comments, of the nearly 2. Graduates from associate degree nursing programs also provide a source for baccalaureate and masters programs: This is the same decrease in percentage as for all candidates. From to , the number of graduates of all program types was reduced from 96, to 71,, and the number of graduates of associate degree programs from 59, to 42, Associate Degree Nursing reflects a higher representation of minorities.

Graduates of associate nursing programs are represented by This corresponds with Table 1 demonstrates the breakdown of minority groups for associate degree nursing graduates compared to the total RN population. The average age of registered nurses employed in nursing is The average age at graduation of associate degree nursing graduates is The age for Baccalaureate and Diploma graduates is Over the past twenty years, nurses who are less than forty years of age have changed from representing almost half of the nursing population in to representing less than a third of the nursing population in Spratley et al, Associate degree nursing education continues to present a compelling option for individuals interested in the nursing profession.

If there is any self-criticism of associate degree nursing, it would involve the lack of consistent efforts to publish information about associate degree nursing education and practice. Numerous characteristics of associate degree nursing programs attract prospective students: lower tuition rates, geographic locations, completion time, reputation of graduates, dynamic curricula, and effective faculties.

Unfortunately, these qualities are promoted primarily by word of mouth. Quite often, decisions are made about associate degree nursing, based on outdated or a lack of information.

There are exemplar programs across the nation that can serve as benchmarks for excellence in such areas as retention, creative teaching, alternative clinical sources, curriculum process, and student satisfaction. Department of Health and Human Services. The current nursing shortage is most acute in hospitals; the initial setting for practice for the majority of registered nursing graduates. Therefore, associate degree nursing educators continue to be committed to provide educational programs that produce the nurses necessary to meet the demands of the nursing shortage.

Associate degree programs provide a sound foundation for the delivery of safe client care in the current complex health care delivery system. The programs are a reasonable investment of time and money for the student, allowing for licensure and employment in two years from the time of admission to the nursing program. Evidence of this can be seen by: the number of students who seek associate degrees in nursing; the strong passage rate on the NCLEX-RN exam by associate degree nursing graduates, which exceeds or equals that of other graduates; and the success of the associate degree graduates in nursing practice.

N-OADN, Partnerships between education and practice should be expanded to develop creative extern, intern, and residency programs, for students, graduates, and nurses in practice. Lifelong learning to promote continued competence and enhanced knowledge should continue to be emphasized in associate degree nursing programs. Associate degree nursing educators should also continue to be involved in recruitment efforts. Several national initiatives have already made great strides in promoting the image of the registered nurse.

The collaborations among all program types, as well as between education, practice, and the public, are producing the most effective recruitment endeavors. Implementing recruitment activities at the local level remains vital, including age groups from elementary schools to adults, with emphasis on minority populations. The future of nursing has been the subject of many groups over the past fifty years.

In recent years, these groups have attempted to be inclusive of the various education program types, and multiple practice groups. Unfortunately, through timing, degree of involvement, or number of participants, associate degree nursing has not enjoyed equal inclusion in many of these endeavors.

Participation involves risks, but is essential if a group or organization is to have a voice in what the future of nursing will be. For associate degree nursing, it is our responsibility to articulate the educational outcomes of our programs, and the competencies of our graduates.

All efforts to define the future of nursing should center on the needs of the communities we serve. Models of nursing practice that compliment the efficacy of associate degree nursing education must be identified or designed. Models of nursing practice should reflect the ability of the nurse to meet those identified needs. Although there is no current consensus on the future of nursing, or future models of nursing practice, very few could disagree with the words of Dr. Mildred Montag,. The real concern of nursing, of nurse educators and nursing service administrators alike, is that practitioners of nursing be prepared and employed in a manner that promotes the nursing care of patients.

This is not a new concern, or a concern of a few, but rather of nurses generally. We can no longer fail to prepare and use nurses honestly. Elizabeth H. Role responsibilities include coordination of the program planning, teaching, counseling, and evaluation of sophomore students.

Mahaffey has been a leader in curriculum development at Hinds and has served as a curriculum consultant for associate degree nursing programs. Active in numerous professional organizations, Dr. Mahaffey is currently serving as the president of the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing. In this role, Dr. Mahaffey has served on multiple national committees and consortiums which have examined the future of nursing. A Model for Differentiated Nursing Practice.

Haase , P. Kaiser , J. New York: National League for Nursing. Retrieved April 20, , from www. Retrieved May 7, , from www. Retrieved February 25, , from www. Retrieved April 29, , from www. Spratley , E. Login ». OJIN is a peer-reviewed, online publication that addresses current topics affecting nursing practice, research, education, and the wider health care sector.

Additional Information Back to Top. Publicity material Bk Cover Image Full. Also Viewed. Living a Feminist Life. Dear Science and Other Stories. Staying with the Trouble. On Being Included. The Queer Art of Failure. Atmospheres of Violence. Queer Phenomenology. By this time, however, many employers are stating a preference for BSN-holding nurses and creating incentives for nurses to go back to school. While a nursing diploma or ADN provides the basic technical skills necessary for safe and effective patient care, a good RN to BSN program will build on those skills in a way that encourages critical thinking.

A BSN program helps nurses to develop critical thinking skills and improve existing communication skills. Likewise, an MSN program can be your passport to a specialty nursing field, like case management , informatics , or infection control.

These areas require strategizing, collaborative relationships, and a multi-dimensional approach to tackling a problem Specialized knowledge forms the foundation of these nursing fields. When you acquire new knowledge, you can apply it to nursing practice in ways that enhance patient care and improve outcomes. By clicking the button above, Post University has your consent to use automated technology to call, text and email you regarding its educational services at the contact information provided above.

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