title: RN-BSN curricula: designed for transition, not repetition.
abstract: Combined efforts of professional mandates, employer preferences for increased educational levels of staff registered nurses (RNs), Magnet's higher environmental ratings, the Institute of Medicine report, and Aiken's (2003, 2008, & 2011) clinical research outcomes have spawn renewed attention for RN-baccalaureate degree of science in nursing (BSN) education. Yet, nationally, only 21.6% of associate degree nurses are continuing their education (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2010). Designing programs with the student as the center, where student/faculty engagement is the goal, has enabled one school of nursing to develop a quality on-line RN-to-BSN program. Core values of the program reveal a faculty who is committed to development of education to transition the associate degree and/or diploma graduate to professional nursing practice without repetition of content and learning activities.
authors.affiliation: Professor and Director of Center for Innovation in Nursing Education, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, Lubbock, TX.. Electronic address: patricia.allen@ttuhsc.edu.
authors.forename: Patricia E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: Myrna L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: ADN or diploma completion education; On-line education; RN/BSN education