A socialization scale was completed by entering (n=96) and graduating (n=106) baccalaureate nursing students who used either on-campus (n=41), distance (n=15), or both methods (n=50), and 51 diploma nursing graduates. Distance education graduates scored highest; mixed-method students and diploma graduates had similar scores. Experiences and…

Listed are the senior colleges and universities with educational units which offer baccalaureate and master's degree programs in nursing that are accredited by the Department of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs of the National League for Nursing. Continued approval for accreditation is based on periodic reevaluation through revisits and…

A survey of registered nurses (RNs) in the Battle Creek, Michigan, area identified the barriers they faced in continuing their education. Barriers include (1) commuting distance, (2) work schedule, (3) finances, and (4) anxiety. Michigan State University's Lifelong Education program was designed to help nurses overcome these barriers. (CH)

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)

This study compared perceptions of clinical competence of professional and technical nursing students with the expectations of their nursing faculty by using a nursing diagnosis framework. Results of the study are reported and implications discussed. (CT)

Describes use of computer-based simulations to evaluate educational and experiential learning as a means of according appropriate credit for clinical nursing courses and facilitating admission and progression within the existing undergraduate curriculum at Ohio State University College of Nursing. (Author/MBR)

Interviews with 10 faculty participating in a collaborative bachelors' degree program involving 5 nursing schools identified elements of the program's success: initial agreement, faculty control, initial curriculum focus, management of ambiguity, iterative process, objective facilitation, institutional autonomy, and assertive conflict management.…

A second-degree options program enables entry to a master's nursing program with a bachelor's degree in a nonnursing discipline. Of 95 completers, 94 passed the licensing exam and all became certified nurse practitioners. Keys to effectiveness included admitting goal-directed students, using 12-month calendar, integrating into existing curricula,…

Investigated the validity of 3 American College Testing-Proficiency Examination Program tests for predicting the academic performance of registered nurses by studying scores of a sample of 2,600 enrolled in baccalaureate nursing programs. Results support the validity of the test scores. (JOW)

Issues that need to be resolved related to the inclusion of critical care nursing (CCN) in the baccalaureate curriculum are (1) the nature of specialist versus generalist preparation; (2) the goals for inclusion of CCN; and (3) the relationship between education and practice and the responsibilities of each in educating competent practitioners.…

The authors explain some of the successful teaching strategies that the faculty of the Intercollegiate Center for Nursing Education have used at their outreach site, 200 miles from the main campus. Topics discussed include (1) faculty roles, (2) supportive services, and (3) theory presentation methods. (CH)

Survey responses from 67 of 100 accredited nursing baccalaureate programs indicated that fewer than 11% require research methods for freshmen/sophomores; all required a separate research course and 63.5% a statistics course; only one-third required research articles as references for papers and care plans; and 93.7% assigned critiques. (JOW)

Nine years of data from first-time nurse candidates taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) were examined to identify predictors of successful performance and determine probabilities of success. Variables placing nurse candidates at risk included first-semester grade point average, sex, and whether they…

A survey of 50 students each in 4 types of nursing programs (associate degree, diploma, generic bachelor's and upper-level bachelor's) found no significant difference between professionalism exhibited by seniors in generic and associate degree programs. Positive correlations of critical thinking and professionalism were almost as strong among…

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)