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Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Using Learning Outcome Measures to assess Doctoral Nursing Education
Published on: June 21, 2010
Promoting Differentiated Competencies Among RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program Graduates
Background:
Bolstered by the Institute of Medicine's employment goal of 80% of baccalaureate (BSN)-prepared RNs by 2020, the number of RN-to-BSN programs has grown dramatically. This rapid growth has led to concerns about lack of standardization and significant variability in requirements related to content and expected competencies.
Method:
The Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs) of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs was reviewed to tease out the concepts, content, and competencies that are BSN-level specific and thereby appropriate for RN-to-BSN programs.
Results:
The current review was a compilation of differentiated competencies based on education level. In this article, numerous examples are drawn from the DECs and are organized by the major content areas common to RN-to-BSN programs.
Conclusion:
Faculty should examine the DECs to consider how they may be used to enhance RN-to-BSN programs, to evaluate their congruence with traditional BSN programs, and to ensure that program graduates are educationally prepared for practice in today's complex health care system.
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