American colleges and universities are often thought as being divided into two tiers--the elite institutions and everybody else. That grouping raises two important questions, however: Is that a full picture of degree providers in the United States, and do the tiers provide similar credentials? The answer to both is no. There are actually between…

Issues of practice, licensure, and education for associate and bachelor's degree nursing indicate a lack of consensus. The perspective of an ethic of care highlights moral dilemmas that must be resolved because the current state of nursing education and practice is ethically dubious. (SK)

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)

Reviews the current state of differentiated practice and credentialing in nursing and proposes a national generalist certification program for professional nurses, based on achievement of the nursing baccalaureate degree and/or examination. (SK)

Recounts the American Association of Community and Junior College's opposition to a 1978 American Nurses Association resolution requiring the bachelor's degree for nursing licensure. Describes the formation of the Associate Degree Nursing Task Force, outlining its membership, concerns, and projected state forums. Promises final report in fall of…

Differentiated practice structures the roles and functions of nurses according to education, experience, and competence. Although differentiation has increased staff retention and reduced recruiting costs, improvements in patient care are difficult to prove. (SK)

The majority of current nursing graduates are associate degree nurses (ADNs). However, recent trends, such as the shift to a worldwide health care market and community/primary care, suggest that a bachelor's degree is better preparation. Ways to increase the mobility of ADNs into bachelor's degree programs are needed. (SK)

A plan for revising nursing education proposes (1) direct transfer linkage to improve associate/bachelor's degree articulation; (2) partnerships for student transfer between junior and senior colleges; and (3) a terminal nurse associate program to prepare for long-term nursing home care. (SK)

Socialization of nurses for entry into practice is hampered by the fact that, although bachelor's' degrees are considered the minimal entry requirement, associate degrees are still recognized as terminal degrees. A new organizational climate is needed in which articulation between two- and four-year programs enables elimination of associate…

This publication is a compilation of highlights from papers presented at the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) project's regional conferences during 1983-84. Papers address pertinent issues in ADN education and practice. "AD Education: Are the Parameters Real?" (Julia Perkins) examines the parameters of associate degree nursing education from a…

Events in the history of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) are summarized and the future of nursing education is projected in this paper. The establishment of the ADN program at St. Mary's Junior College in 1964 is considered first, with respect to its roots in the diploma program of St. Mary's School of Nursing and the ideas on nursing education of…

The strategy to implement the goal of setting the bachelor's degree in nursing as minimum preparation for professional nursing practice by changing laws or regulations in all states by 1995 is discussed via educational resources, economic constraints, risk and consequences of political failure, and consequences of success. (CT)

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)

This study investigates the characteristics and attitudes of nurses who have been in the work force from three to five years. It uses a randomly selected national sample and compares diploma, associate degree, and baccalaureate graduates. It focuses on the group with the highest turnover rate. (SSH)

This paper discusses current differences in the nursing education community regarding the roles of associate degree and baccalaureate degree nurses and presents a critique of the "Position Paper on Nursing Roles--Scope and Preparation" issued in 1982 by the National League for Nursing (NLN). After a discussion of the history and…