| Learning Objective #1: Analyze the challenges inherent in developing nursing education programs for second degree students. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Plan educational tracks for second degree students that will as much as possible, esure success. |
Educating the Educated
To date little research has been conducted on the efficacy of providing a specific BSN track for nursing students who have a baccalaureate degree. Questions comparing traditional nursing education with second degree tracks in terms of cost, board passing rates, employer satisfaction post-graduation and best educational practices have only received cursory attention. Literature to date on separate, accelerated programs describes second degree students as outstanding in terms of their academic performance. Findings from this study do not agree with prevailing descriptions of the success of these students.
This evaluation of a second degree track designed within a traditional program compares traditional students with second degree students on variables that relate to success in school, board passing rates, eventual employer satisfaction and educational practices. Variables addressed were performance in nursing courses, performance on a standardized examination of nursing content (HESI), organization skills, and socialization within the traditional program. Unlike accelerated second degree offerings, this track is one semester shorter than the traditional program and provides an 8 credit course that is specifically designed for these students. Also, these students are gradually integrated into the traditional program and fully integrated by the third semester.
Measures used were course grades, HESI scores, scores on a standardized instrument assessing organization skills (LASSI) and focus group data on socialization within the College of Nursing. Performance of traditional students was compared to the second degree students using inferential and descriptive statistics. Substantially poorer performance by second degree students on all variables provoked several changes in the track. Workshops were held to assist these students to respond successfully to application, multiple choice questions, content was rearranged, and efforts were made to enhance positive relationships among all students as well as faculty and second degree students.
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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)