Rn_to_Bsn

RN- BSN: Wow! What a Job Tammy Ringer Professor Sharon Cole-Wainwright Transition into Professional Nursing March 20, 2011 RN-BSN: Wow! What a Job Introduction There has been an increase in the number of people enrolling into nursing programs in the last few years. Most are enrolling in the Associate Nursing Program because the program is shorter and they can enter the job market quickly. “Nursing continues to offer three pathways to achieve licensure: the diploma, the associate degree, and the baccalaureate degree” (Spencer, 2008, p.307). The professional nursing organizations have voiced strong support for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) indicating that more education is preferred. The American Organization of Nurse Executives recommends the BSN as an entry level degree. This educational preparation will prepare the nurse for future functions (Spencer, 2008). Summary Of the three ways to obtain a nursing degree, the diploma program is almost extinct. Now nurses have the BSN and Associate degree. From the study, it is perceived that the nurses’ with a BSN are more professional, therefore; more companies are requiring nurses to have a least a BSN degree before applying for a position. “Overall, the BSN enhances nurses’ concepts of the profession and provides a wider range of experiences, allowing them to better adapt to an ever- changing healthcare environment” (Spencer, 2008, p.308). “The baccalaureate curriculum that addresses leadership content focuses on management styles, communication, implementing change, and understanding nursing administration and collaboration” (Spencer, 2008). After another study was done that interviewed nurses to see those that wanted to return to receive a higher degree, and the course work necessary to obtain the degree. Articulation agreements defined three areas mandated, statewide and individual as collaborative efforts among nurse educators, regulators, and legislators to develop models (Spencer, 2008). The advantage of establishing articulation agreements for nursing education agreements for nursing education is that they provide a solution to the issue of supporting further education is that they provide a solution to the issue of supporting further education. Returning nurses voiced concern over redundancy and time constraints (Spencer, 2008, p. 310). With nurses returning to school, programs came together to setup standards for the RN-BSN. Now returning students could feel at ease about school and fulfilling their career goals. Since the nursing fields are becoming more diverse with career options appearing, students are doing clinical and being challenged to become more professional because of the job market demands. Conclusion An increase in enrollment into the nursing programs has been a way to cut out the nursing shortage. Although more than 80% of nurses today have associate degrees, fewer want to pursue their BSN due to obstacles they must face. But a viable way to increase volume of BSN graduates is to promote statewide and mandated articulation agreements and create an environment for academic progression.(Spencer, 2008, p.312). The NLN wants programs to redo the process by which nurses are educated. The focus should be for programs to maintain flexibility and avoid redundancy for RN. More and more schools are changing to accommodate the working nurse plus they are taking their experience into consideration for exempting certain courses. If the job markets continue with its requirements for the RN to have a BSN before applying for jobs, more will have to return to school in order to advance in the job market. Professional nurses will grow as the job market changes. The Nursing Association will have to stay updated on requirements of job marketing as well as nursing programs to keep nurses wanting to continue there educations. Reference: Spencer, J. (2008). Increasing RN-BSN Enrollments: Facilitating Articulation Through Curriculum Reform. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 39 (7), 307 -313. Article Assignment Grading Criteria |Category: |Points |Points | Comments | | |Possible |Earned | | |Content | | | | |Introduction |20 |16 |Identifies that paper will summarize article. Includes article title, authors, and| | | | |journal name. Explains importance of topic to professional nursing. | |Summary |50 |50 |Summary represents condensed content of article. | | | | |Includes summarization of each of the main headings in the assigned article with | | | | |key points presented in logical sequence. | |Conclusion |20 |18 |Should briefly reiterate topic of article, main points of summary. You should | | | | |ensure you focus and address the most pertinent strength or weakness. | |Scholarly Writing |20 |16 |Should be organized and flow smoothly, using professional wording. See changes to| | | | |your title page and headers, Keep in mind words must be used first before | | | | |acronyms. | |Citations | | | | |Quotations |15 |15 |There was only 2 direct quotations of fewer than 20 words each. | | | | |Correct use of authors’ names, year, and page numbers. | |Paraphrased areas |15 |13 |Paraphrase areas of content at least 4 times in assignment. | | | | |Correct use of authors’ names and year. This was only noted twice. | |Reference | | | | |Reference Page |10 |10 |Includes all required elements of the reference placed in the correct order.. | |Total |150 |138 | |