The path to nurse registration

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Higher Education

Background:

• The integration of degree-level education into nursing programs is a significant development in professional training.
• Scotland's first nursing school offering diploma-to-degree transfer programs provides a unique case study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing student nurses' acceptance of pre-registration degree-level education.
• To explore attitudes towards degree programs among student nurses at a Scottish nursing school.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to third-year student nurses (adult branch).
• Data collection included a psychometrically validated "attitude towards obtaining a degree" scale.
• Analysis of responses from students who accepted or declined transfer to a degree program.

Main Results:

• Most students held positive attitudes towards obtaining a nursing degree, anticipating career and status benefits.
• A majority disagreed that a degree is essential for being a good nurse or improving patient care.
• Significant barriers to degree transfer included academic workload, family, and work pressures.
• A perceived theory-practice gap was evident, with limited perceived links between degree knowledge and clinical practice.

Conclusions:

• While nursing students see value in degrees for career progression, they question their direct impact on clinical skills and patient outcomes.
• Addressing workload and practical application concerns is crucial for successful implementation of degree-level nursing education.
• The theory-practice divide requires further investigation to enhance the perceived relevance of degree education in nursing.