Success indicators for an accelerated masters entry nursing program: staff RN performance

The purpose of this exploratory research study was to assess employment performance outcomes of students who completed the prelicensure segment of an accelerated graduate entry program, the Masters Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) at the University of California, San Francisco. MEPN RNs and their managers at three study sites completed a survey constructed from staff RN performance criteria position descriptions and participated in focus groups. Data were used to evaluate staff RN employment performance and how well the educational program prepared students for the staff RN role. Findings indicate that MEPN RNs' self-assessment and their managers' performance evaluation were rated as very effective in their staff RN roles, regardless of years of nursing experience. Recommendations for further research are discussed, encouraging the use of employment performance criteria as an additional way to evaluate the quality of nursing educational programs.