The relationship between selected educational outcomes of senior RN-to-BSN students and their choice of advanced placement options available in the Maryland nursing articulation model.
If national standards for entry into practice are to be changed, viable routes to achievement of the BSN must be established in each state. Maryland has implemented a statewide articulation model that allows the registered nurse to obtain credit for work completed at lower division schools through one of three advanced placement options. This study sought to answer the question of whether there is a difference in selected academic outcomes of senior RN-to-BSN students who choose different pathways available in the model. Data were collected from all students (n = 113) completing clinical concepts courses at a large university school of nursing. The independent variables were mode of entry and pattern of study. The dependent variables were scores obtained on the National League for Nursing (NLN) Comprehensive Nursing Achievement Test for Baccalaureate Nursing Students and the grades obtained in the spring and fall nine-credit clinical concepts courses (examinations, formal papers, clinical evaluations). The entry pathway did not make a significant difference in terms of scores on the spring NLN examination, course tests, or paper grades. However, differences were noted in the clinical area. Transition course students achieved the highest mean clinical performance score, and direct transfer students achieved the lowest score. The implication for nursing education is that there appears to be no significant difference in academic achievement of RN-to-BSN students admitted for advanced placement using three different validating procedures.
Rapson
M F
MF
University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Perry
L A
LA
Parker
B
B
D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004496:Education, Continuing; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D004518:Education, Professional, Retraining; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D008396:Maryland; D008875:Middle Aged