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Students' lived experience in an associate's degree to baccalaureate degree continuation program: opening doors,
Susan G McNiesh1, Lori Rodriguez, Deepika Goyal
1San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA. susan.mcniesh@sjsu.edu
Background:
Major nursing organizations, federal agencies, and researchers are recommending that all nurses be educated to at least the baccalaureate level.
Methods:
This article reports the results of a qualitative study of the experiences of students enrolled in a direct associate's degree to baccalaureate degree nursing program. Based on multiple small group interviews conducted during an 18-month period, a multistep interpretive analytic process was used that ultimately described themes within a holistic view of the phenomenon.
Findings:
The results showed an overarching theme of transformative change over time, centered within the "place" of the university.
Conclusion:
The study suggested that there are differences beyond additional coursework that describe a transformative process in associate's degree to baccalaureate degree education. An atmosphere, or "space created," for reflection on learning is significant to consider in the development of education programs.
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