DESCRIPTIVO

There is a limited amount of qualitative and quantitative research regarding the experience of acquiring a BSN education after initially attending an ADN and Diploma program. This is a group of experienced nurses who constitute

approximately 60-70% of current nurses. According to Benner et al. (2010), “We note that the time and expense to earn a ADN alone discourages many students from continuing their studies and completing a baccalaureate degree, especially when they can get a relatively well-paying position as a staff nurse” (p. 35). This presents the challenge of providing a supportive environment that invites nurses to continue their education and attain a BSN degree. The IOM report (2010) also suggests there is a need for monetary support from medical institutions to supplement the financial need of prospective nursing students.

“Nurse educators have relied too much on general research on education and have developed little domain-specific research on teaching nursing” (Benner et al., 2010, p. 35). More nursing education specific research is needed to tailor programs to the students’ needs, academically and personally. Research should be conducted to examine the issues through the lens of the nursing domain. Nursing education is an entity all its own. More research is needed to determine how to best craft nursing education in the future.

Nursing education needs a major expansion and improvement if nursing students are going to receive the quality of education they need to function at par level in the current health care environment (Benner et al., 2010). The nursing shortage and new demands on nursing practice challenge the current nursing educational system to improve and expand (Benner et al.). The nursing shortage is taking its toll on practicing nurses and faculty. There are a significant number of experienced RNs who are ADN and Diploma prepared nurses who would be ideal candidates for a transition to BSN preparation. We need to find ways to facilitate this transition. By learning more about the RN to BSN experience and its meaning to nurses, researcher may help leaders in the field to more effectively engage and enable the expansion of the pool of BSN nurses and support the professional development of the general nursing population.

Recommendations for Future Research

Although this study revealed important information, it also presented other opportunities for future research regarding the transformation from RN to BSN. The participants of this study might include any RN who was initially educated in an ADN or diploma program and completed the BSN program. The participants were all females from Midwest institutions. A qualitative study that in includes the female aspect and the role feminine aggression might play in the BSN process may provide a valuable perspective on this phenomenon. A study in a different geographic region may also reveal different experiences than those of the Midwest participants.

There is limited research directed specifically at nursing education. Nursing education is unique. Much of the qualitative and quantitative research nursing educators utilize and apply is general. Research focused specifically on nursing could provide value insight in the development of programs that address the needs of nursing practice and potential BSN nursing students. Previous studies included nursing education in the general mix of studies, whereas a separate examination may reveal some important differences.

Several participants saidthey would like to teach nursing. Currently there is a shortage of nursing faculty, thus understanding what motivates these participants to desire to teach would add to understanding this phenomenon. Understanding how teaching fits into the goals of BSN nurses would be potentially useful. If there is a common denominator, recognizing it in others could identify potential nursing faculty. Replacement faculty are needed, and experienced nurses who have the education necessary to function as faculty should be cultivated to the fullest extent. More qualitative research on this group could provide valuable insights.

Final Thoughts

From the start of their careers, nurses are trained to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. Conducting this qualitative research of Diploma and ADN educated RNs who advanced to BSN status was an expansion on the nursing process. I thought I knew how demanding this process would be on my time and energy, but the experience took me to a level I did not expect. While it challenged me to reach beyond my perceived capabilities, I was rewarded with an enriching

academic experience. The educational advancement of experienced nurses, as well as the evolvement of nursing education, are topics of great interest to me, personally and professionally. There is a wealth of information experienced nurses have to offer incoming professionals. In order to tap into this group, there must be a better

approach to understand how to recruit these nurses to a BSN program, support them during the process, and reward them for the contributions they make as a result of their BSN education.

The ten participants in this study had the drive and grit to advance to a BSN while they were working and taking care of families. They were passionate nurses who understood the new demands placed on nurses by an ever-changing healthcare system. Positive attitudes and pursuit of excellence are a positive force in the

nursing profession. These participants gave me their time, stories, and support during the research process. As BSN nurses, they understood the value of research and wanted to be a part of any contrition to the nursing profession. They gave me their attention and allowed me access to their experiences, giving me answers to questions that were personal and meaningful to them. I am grateful for their gift of time and stories.

As a former diploma RN, I also experienced attaining a BSN while working and raising a family. I returned to academics while working fulltime and raising a family as a single parent. When these nurses spoke of support, I was reminded that I also received support and could relate to their experiences. While this study was about their experiences, their stories also reminded me of how important their perception of BSN education was to each participant. This experience was of

interest to me because I was aware of a lack of research regarding the meaning nursing constructed while continuing their education. I have a passion for nursing and have seen many changes in my 36 years in the field. Advancing my education has afforded me career choices within the nursing field, and I would like to support others in the same endeavors. It was a pleasure to hear the stories of these

participants, and it was my goal to accurately convey the meaning of their personal experiences. I hope this information will facilitate more research that enhances the understanding of the nursing experience and supports the development of nurses in the future.