Quality patient care hinges on having a highly educated nursing workforce. Research has shown the lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors and quality outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and higher degree level. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) supports the career ladder concept for nursing and understands that education enhances both clinical competency and patient care.
To facilitate a more highly educated workforce, degree completion programs provide additional education to registered nurses (RNs) who received their initial nursing preparation in diploma and associate degree (ADN) programs. These bridge programs build on previous learning, prepare nurses for a higher level of nursing practice, and provide RNs with the education necessary to move forward in their nursing careers.
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