RNs' perceptions of their baccalaureate programs: meeting their adult learning needs

The American Nurses' Association's (ANA) 1985 resolutions have resulted in an influx of registered nurses into a variety of baccalaureate programs. The purpose of this study was to compare ways in which 12 baccalaureate programs in nursing were perceived by RN students and to note significant differences among programs in meeting adult learning needs. Data were gathered using the Beeman Educational Environment Measure for Adult Nurses instrument, which contains statements related to adult learning principles. Findings revealed significant differences among three groups of students on three scales: RNs in RN-only programs (BRNs; n = 129); RNs in basic BSN programs (n = 59); and non-RNs (n = 96). RNs in basic programs indicated that facets of their programs often inhibited learning while BRNs found that their programs better promoted an orientation to learning, met their practical concerns, and more often fostered adult characteristics such as self-direction and independence. All students found their educational environments offered them some support.