Carnegie Foundation Report

Study Dimensions

• The learning of theory and scientific methods

• The mastery of skillful practice

• The formation of professional identity

• Done through site visits to nine geographically and academically diverse schools and a national survey of faculty and students.

Key observations/findings

• Education to practice gap

• Harder for nursing education to keep pace with the rapid changes driven by research and new technologies.

Education to practice gap

The disparity between nursing education and the practical skills needed in healthcare settings, which hinders effective professional preparation.

U.S. Nursing Programs

Very effective in forming professional identity and ethical comportment. However, they are not effective in teaching nursing science, natural sciences, social sciences, technology and the humanities.

Clinical Practice Assignments

Provide powerful learning experiences, especially in programs where educators integrate clinical and classroom teaching.

Reccomendations

• Come to an agreement about a set of clinically relevant prerequisites.

• Require the BSN for entry to practice.

• Smooth transition from AND (Associate's Degree in nursing) to BSN (Bachelor's Degree in nursing).

Post Graduation Change

• One year clinical residency after graduation

• The Boards of Registered Nurses should require graduates who pass the NCLEX-RN examination (one of two licensure examinations) after 2012 to earn a master’s degree within ten years.

• Require performance assessments for licensure.

• 3 National exams: First should start at the beginning of the last year of nursing school; the next at graduation; and the third at the end of a one year post-licensure residency.