Why Community College nursing students bridge to Baccalaureate prepared nursing programs

From the April 2014 White Paper organized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation titled:  Summary of the 2013 Community College President's meeting and progress in the year since it was convened comes some of the following dialogue: Community colleges have a role to play a role in preserving nursing as a profession. … In partnership with community colleges, we can influence social change.

Through (Academic Progression in Nursing) APIN and the Center to Champion Nursing in America, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) is supporting the development of innovative, sustainable models that support seamless academic progression. Through grants to nine states (California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington), APIN is testing four promising practices for academic progression: RN-to-BSN degree conferred at a community college; state or regionally shared competency- or outcomes-based curriculum; accelerated options of RN-to-Master of Science in Nursing (MSN); and shared statewide or regional curriculum that offers seamless progression and shared curriculum.

Several promising models are in place, and the community college meeting participants heard updates on three—from New Mexico, Texas, and Washington. Each is based on strong partnerships and close collaboration between community colleges and universities. Participants at the meeting lauded the APIN presentations without hesitation after hearing about how these strong partnerships are producing seamless academic progression for students.

This is a dynamic and unique time in the history of the nursing profession. Community college and university nurse leaders are working collaboratively for the benefit of students and patients. Meeting participants agreed that the synergy is compelling and unique, and the nursing community is no longer working in silos. They recognize academic progression for graduates of community college programs as part of the solution to improving the quality of patient care across all   settings, addressing the nurse faculty shortage, preparing nursing scientists and advanced    practice nurses, diversifying the nursing workforce at all levels, and developing a more highly educated nursing workforce. They support equitable relationships between nursing professionals within systems that interact seamlessly.

The Future of Nursing (FON) report and RWJF’s work around academic progression have helped to bring together schools, students, employers, and professionals to make positive change. Several community college presidents at the meeting said they believe current conditions present an opportunity to respond to market challenges and improve nimbleness. They see this as their responsibility to their communities and their students.

Many community colleges foster a culture that promotes and values academic progression. Their faculty members encourage students to continue their education and strive to expose them to all available educational pathways and opportunities. They want to see this encouragement become the norm at all community colleges, with AD nurse educators encouraging students to become lifelong learners—and, they say, community college students must have access to clinical placements, financial support for their education, and high-quality jobs.

An excellent option for AD nurses continuing their education and obtaining their BSN degrees is available at Tarleton State University Fort Worth.  The mission and vision of Tarleton State University are closely aligned with the philosophy of APIN and the RWJF.  We provide face to face classes for existing AD RNs tailored to the RN's practice needs and work/life balance.  Check us out at http://www.tarleton.edu/fwnursing

For more information:  http://campaignforaction.org/apin