Use of learning contracts in a RN-to-BSN leadership course

Educating RN-to-BSN students can be challenging and rewarding. The diversity of these students can make designing courses quite difficult. In addition, the RN with experience in nursing practice may resent being put in the traditional role of student. Nominal group process and use of learning contracts in a leadership course in one RN completion program are described as two means of meeting the unique learning preferences of working, adult learners. Houle (1984) identified the learning contract as one means of assisting the adult learner seeking continuing professional education. Accordingly, examples of use of these two strategies in continuing nursing education and staff development are described.