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Increasing RN-BSN Enrollments
As the majority of graduates for registered nursing programs are at the associate degree
level, the need and demand for baccalaureate educated nurses rises (Spenser, 2008). The
National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice, American Association of Colleges
of Nursing, as well as the American Organization of Nurse Executives recommends that the
baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) degree should be the minimum requirement for
nursing practice (Spencer, 2008). These demands are based on views stating that the BSN
enhances nurses concepts of the profession and proves a wider ranges of experiences, allowing
them to better adapt to an ever-changing health care environment (Jacobs, DiMattio, Bishop, &
Fields, 1998). In order to increase BSN graduates is to provide an environment for academic
progression by promoting statewide and mandated articulation agreements (Spenser, 2008).
Advantages of BSN
Baccalaureate degree nurses are prepared with a broader knowledge base with training in
research, theory, community health and leadership content (Spenser, 2008). This also includes
evidence-based practice. Theory-based practice provides a solid foundation for critical thinking,
which places an emphasis on reflective learning (Spenser, 2008). The leadership content learned
from the baccalaureate curriculum focuses on, according to Spenser, management styles,
communication, implementing change, and understanding nursing administration and
collaboration.
Motivation for RN to BSN
RNs desire to receive their BSN stem from wanting to expand opportunities, and to raise
potential (Spenser, 2008). Kearney (1994) found that the motivation for returning to school
would fulfill a personal goal and gain potential for promotion. Barriers to achieving this goal,
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however, included time constraints, cost, retaking clinical courses, irrelevant courses, and a lack
of monetary incentive or recognition from employers (Delaney & Piscopo, 200).
Articulation for RN to BSN
A solution to this matter, according to Spenser, is to promote registered nurses to return
to school to complete the baccalaureate degree is to establish articulation agreements that
eliminate redundancy and unnecessary units and maximizing available resources. Articulation
agreements are comprised of three categories: mandated, statewide, and individual. Mandated
agreements guarantees AND graduates admission into BSN programs, transfer credits accepted,
progression through the academic system, and establishes consistency (AACN, 2005a).
Statewide articulation agreements are the collaborative efforts among nurse educators, regulators
and legislators to establish voluntary plans to accelerate academic mobility (Spenser, 2008).
Conclusion
With registered nursing continuing to be a highly pursued career, many graduates will be
prepared with an associate degree education (Spenser, 2008). Registered nurses with a
baccalaureate level of education are preferred due to the specific additional training the
additional year provides. Facilitating articulation will promote support to RNs wanting to return
to school to receive their BSN (Spenser, 2008).
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References
Spencer, J. (2008). Increasing RN-BSN enrollments: facilitating articulation through curriculum
reform. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 39(7), 307-313. Retrieved from
EBSCOhost.