ReNEW: Wyoming's Answer to Academic Progression in Nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Academic Progression Models
• Rural Health Workforce Development

Background:

• The Institute of Medicine recommends 80% of RNs hold a BSN by 2020.
• Rural states face significant challenges in implementing baccalaureate nursing education.
• Existing models struggle to meet the demand for BSN-prepared nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe Wyoming's strategy for enhancing academic progression in nursing.
• To outline the collaborative development of a statewide BSN curriculum.
• To project the impact of this educational model.

Main Methods:

• The ReNEW (Revolutionizing Nursing Education in Wyoming) initiative was implemented.
• A streamlined, shared BSN curriculum was developed collaboratively.
• Leveraged existing community college infrastructure and the state's single BSN program.

Main Results:

• ReNEW successfully decreased barriers to BSN education.
• Increased student motivation through a unified curriculum.
• Established a scalable model for rural nursing education.

Conclusions:

• Key principles for success include valuing both ADN and BSN education.
• Broad-based coalition development and maintenance are crucial.
• Statewide structure and sustained funding are essential for program longevity.