Preparing the Future of Registered Nursing Through Baccalaureate-Level Education

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Recommended: The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing As an Entry-Level Requirement for Professional Nursing Practice

The pathway to become a registered nurse starts with training and education, as most other professions. Historically and currently, there is much controversy among national nursing boards, organizations, associations, and educators on what the minimal level of education should be for entry level practice including to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, commonly known as the NCLEX. The American Nurses Association has long supported a bachelor’s degree for entry-level nursing practice, despite the current minimum education requirement of an associate’s degree in nursing for a candidate to sit for the NCLEX. (Blaney 1986) With today’s growing demand for nurses, a bachelor’s degree in nursing science or nursing should be the new standard of education. Professionals in health care need to be prepared to grow and adapt to the current needs of society and to produce quality workers and professionals who are competent. Nursing is no exception and will continue to be a popular career choice. As a result, nursing must be able to change and adapt with technological changes, new laws, and the demands of society. (Jacobs, Bishop 1998) There is much debate about why a baccalaureate program should be the standard level of education, not an associate’s degree in nursing. A registered nurse that holds a bachelor’s degree will be well prepared to think critically to solve problems quickly, to provide successful implementation with patient care plans, and to interact with a vast and diverse group of patients, families and other healthcare professionals.
Popular routes to enter into the nursing field are either associate degrees or bachelor degrees, but an individual must consider several factors in choos...

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...education levels would positively impact the nursing profession and the United States’ overall healthcare system.

References
Blaney, David R. (May 1986). An Historical Review of Positions in Baccalurate Education in Nursing as Basic Preparation for Professional Nursing Practice 1960-1984. Journal of Nursing Education, 25 (5), 182 – 185.
Hess, Joanne D. (1996). Education for Entry Into Practice: An Ethical Perspective. Journal of Professional Nursing, 12(5), 289 – 296.
Jacobs, Linda A., DiMattio, Mary Jane K., Bishop, Tammi L, and Fields, Sheldon D.. (July-August 1998). The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing As An Entry-Level Requirement for Professional Nursing Practice Journal of Professional Nursing, 14(4), 225-233.
Taylor, David L. (March 2008). Should the Entry Into Nursing Practice Be the Baccalaureate Degree? AORN Journal, 87(3), 611-620.

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