How do new BSN nurses perceive their nursing education?

The goal was to determine if new bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) nurses perceived their education to be relevant for the current demands of the profession.

The design was nonexperimental, descriptive survey research. Data were gathered using a researcher-designed mailed survey. Addresses for survey participants, RNs who had graduated with a BSN within 2 years prior to June 2012, were obtained from the North Carolina State Board of Nursing.

This study found that new graduates in the sample perceived their academic preparation to be adequate for transitioning into professional practice; however, new graduates wish they'd had more opportunities to practice clinical skills while in nursing school. Respondents also perceived that some health assessment content included in nursing programs may not typically be useful in entry-level nursing practice.

Because a large percentage of the sample perceived they'd had inadequate clinical practice time, new nurses might not feel completely competent with practice-related skills. Employers should take this into consideration when structuring orientation programs. Additionally, the curricula planners for BSN programs might creatively and strategically consider ways to increase or improve the clinical practice opportunities for nursing students.