The Integrated Nursing Pathway: An Innovative Collaborative Model to Increase the Proportion of...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Higher Education Collaboration

Background:

• The nursing profession faces a shortage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
• Employer preference for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates is increasing.
• There is a need to enhance racial-ethnic minority representation in nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a collaborative program designed to increase the number of nurses with a baccalaureate degree.
• To outline a model for seamless progression from community college to university nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a three-year Integrated Nursing Pathway program.
• Inclusion of dual admission and advising for community college students.
• Focus on collaboration between community college and university nursing programs.

Main Results:

• The program facilitates a non-nursing associate degree followed by progression to BSN education.
• Early introduction to nursing concepts is provided to students.
• The model aims to address faculty shortages and employer demands.

Conclusions:

• Collaborative nursing programs can effectively increase the baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce.
• Integrated pathways support student progression and address critical needs in nursing.
• This model enhances opportunities for diverse student populations in nursing education.