RN Early Assurance Project: Removing Barriers and Ensuring Continuation
Purpose/Aims
In Utah, over 50% of the RN workforce has been prepared by associate degree programs. Only 33% have a baccalaureate degree. One of the eight recommendations issued by the Institute of Medicine: Future of Nursing (IOM) report is to have an 80% baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce by 2020. In the state of Utah, through the combined efforts of the Utah Action Coalition for Health (UACH), the Utah Organization of Nurse Leaders’ Academic Leadership Committee (UONL-ALC), and Westminster College (WC), institution specific strategies were put in place that would provide options for RNs going back for baccalaureate nursing degrees. Westminster College’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences (SONHS) wanted to remove identified barriers and provide an option for RNs who obtained associate nursing degrees from nationally accredited institutions to be able to obtain baccalaureate degrees from a regionally accredited institution in three semesters.
Rationale/Background
The online-hybrid program provided a way for RNs to remain in their current work setting while obtaining a baccalaureate degree in nursing. One primary barrier for RNs is that they received nursing degrees from nationally accredited institutions. This restricted credit transfer and increased the need to repeat or take additional courses prior to application. Often, in order for RNs to qualify for admission, an additional 2-4 semesters of course work were required. For many RNs, this barrier led to reconsideration in advancing their degree.
Process
WC SONHS developed institution-specific strategies to improve availability for RNs wishing to obtain a baccalaureate degree: (1) conducting information sessions about the state of the RN workforce in Utah and the 2020 goal of an 80% baccalaureate nursing workforce with key strategic offices and departments on campus, (2) orchestrating logistics discussions with the Admissions and Registrar’s offices, (3) exploring options for second degrees in terms of financial aid, (4) hiring a program director with expertise in online learning, (5) developing individualized advising practices with the program coordinator, (6) offering more general education courses online, (7) creating the technological infrastructure necessary to support online learning, and (8) developing cohort pricing for healthcare organizations and agencies to support continuing education for their employees.
Outcomes Achieved
WC SONHS has identified ised as necessary. arning. the liberal/general education requirements and pinnovative ways to address the needs of the RNs returning for a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Articulation agreements with identified institutions has allowed WC to evaluate program curricula and accept students into the RN/BS program pending successful licensure.
Conclusions
Barriers have been assessed and removed to ensure seamless movement from nationally accredited institutions to regionally accredited institutions. Future endeavors will include: (1) early identification of top students in associate programs prior to graduation, (2) evaluating option to have dual registration between the institution and WC, (3) advise students to take required prerequisites and LEs to meet established criteria for admission, (4) assess prior learning skills as transfer credit, and (5) continue to work with employers to insure access to baccalaureate education for employees.