Learning Objective #1: Describe the characteristics of the new breed of nurses created when people from other disciplines change to nursing

Learning Objective #2: Plan an education program designed specifically for creating nurse leaders from people with backgrounds in other disciplines

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“Are you looking for a fresh start? Do you already have a bachelor's degree? Do you wish someone would offer a faster way to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing?” Thus began the announcement of Oklahoma City University's Bachelor's-to-BSN program in 2002, a 16-month accelerated BSN for adults who already have bachelor's degrees in other fields. By starting this program the faculty of the Kramer School of Nursing had sought to reduce the nursing shortage by injecting the workforce with exceptionally well-educated, qualified RNs as quickly as possible, targeting non-traditional adults dissatisfied with their current careers ready for change. The characteristics of these students have proven to be remarkably different from generic BSN students, turning the educational process into one of creating new leaders for nursing with challenging expectations. The speed and intensity of the program has also necessitated revamping the curriculum, admission standards, and teaching strategies. This presentation will show other nursing schools how to implement this special path to preparing nurse leaders, how to prepare for this new type of nursing student, and strategies for avoiding pitfalls in dealing with “advanced beginners.”

(This presentation is funded in part by the Division of Nursing, Bureau of Health Professions (BHPr), Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under grant number D65HP01542 titled “Nursing: A New Career for Displaced Oklahomans” for $709,277, of which 100% is from federal funds through this grant. The information should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should be any endorsements be inferred by the DN, BHPr, DHHS or the U.S. Government.)