Baccalaureate Degree Programs
Nursing programs awarding a bachelor’s degree prepare graduates for entry-level nursing practice and to assume direct-care nursing roles in various healthcare settings. In addition, these programs prepare the graduate for additional roles and set the foundation for advanced graduate-level nursing education.
Overview
Baccalaureate nursing programs incorporate additional components of professional practice, such as leadership and introduction to nursing theory and research. Baccalaureate programs are based on The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice (AACN, 2008), which serve as the fundamental underpinnings of baccalaureate generalist nursing practice. These essentials include liberal education, leadership, evidence-based prac- tice, information management and use of technology, the healthcare delivery system, inter- professional collaboration, population health, and professionalism (AACN, 2008).
The most common baccalaureate degree in nursing awarded in the United States is the Bachelor The most common baccalaureate degree in nursing awarded in the United States is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BS) and Bachelor of Arts in of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BS) and Bachelor of Arts in Nursing (BAN) are alternatives awarded by some institutions of higher learning and are equiva- Nursing (BAN) are alternatives awarded by some institutions of higher learning and are equiva- lent to the BSN.
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nurses interested in emergency care may be able to take advantage of such experiences and better position themselves for employment in the ED.
Jobs
A bachelor’s degree gives a nurse the opportunity to work as a direct-care emergency staff nurse. With the appropriate clinical experience, these opportunities are also available:
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ED charge nurse
■ED clinical preceptor ■ED assistant/nurse manager ■ED clinical staff educator ■Transport nurse ■ED nurse case manager
These graduates are prepared for the broadest range of entry-level nursing positions across healthcare settings and patient populations. Those hospitals pursuing Magnet designation may prefer or require new hires to hold a BSN (AACN, 2015b).
Positives
The BSN-prepared nurse is largely considered to be the standard for entry into nursing practice. With some practical experience, the BSN nurse can assume a variety of leadership and educational roles. The BSN nurse has a wide degree of job latitude in nursing practice, including emergency nursing. The nurse prepared at this level is also ready to seamlessly step into graduate level nursing study.
Negatives
Advocates of associate degree nursing programs argue that BSN programs lack adequate practical, hands-on experience. Baccalaureate degree programs tend to be significantly more costly than ADN or diploma programs (Fulcher & Mullin, 2011). Additionally, 4-year col- leges and universities may not be geographically accessible for prospective students in rural or remote areas. The program length may also be prohibitive or a deterrent for some pro- spective students, instead opting to enter into practice via the ADN route and completing the undergraduate degree at a later time.
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RN Completion Programs
RN Completion Programs
There are unique programs that exist to prepare those with previous education and training as an LPN or allied health providers for graduation to professional nursing practice (Mason et al., 2011). Also known as RN completion programs or bridge programs, these programs prepare the graduate to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam like traditional educational programs.
Overview
Bridge nursing programs most frequently award an associate degree in nursing, though some do award a BSN. These programs take advantage of the healthcare provider’s previ- ous training and clinical experience that may overlap with basic nursing education that is often found in the first semester or year of a professional nursing program. It’s important to note that each program’s criteria and requirements vary greatly. In general, the applicant must be a licensed healthcare provider in the appropriate related field, have graduated from an accredited program, and generally have practiced for about 1,000 hours.
Length
LPN to RN (ADN) or LPN to BSN programs are generally the most standardized and may reduce the professional nursing program completion by up to an academic year by transfer- ring previous academic credits. Licensed practical nurses entering ADN or BSN programs typically complete a specifically designed transition course at the beginning of the program and then progress with the traditional students.
Bridge programs for paramedics, respiratory therapists, and other allied health providers are more limited, and requirements tend to vary. In general, however, these students may be required to complete an assessment examination, complete bridge courses, and then enter the program at an advanced placement.
Jobs
Graduates of bridge nursing programs are prepared for the same roles as graduates of tradi- tional nursing programs. The type of program (ADN or BSN) may affect additional roles aside from the direct-care emergency staff nurse.
Positives
Emergency nursing is challenging and unique from all other nursing specialties. New gradu- ate nurses entering into ED staff positions may encounter various challenges, in which pre- vious clinical experience may be beneficial. Namely, skills like interaction with patients, physical assessment and history, and some technical procedures in which LPNs and other
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allied healthcare providers are experienced may increase the likelihood of standing out from other applicants, and will likely prove beneficial in their novice practice as emergency nurses.
Negatives
Some graduates of nursing degree completion programs may have difficulty transitioning from their previous role and experiences into that of an emergency nurse. Unlike practical nursing, which is largely built around medically stable patients, and the narrow focus of the pre-hospital environment to which paramedics are accustomed, novice emergency nurs- es may need additional time or resources to acclimate to their new role in the ED.