Nursing 108

N108: Transition to the Registered Professional Nurse Role Study Guide of 172 Doctoral Programs In 1924, the first doctoral program for nurses was established at Teachers College of Columbia University and awarded a doctorate in education (EdD). Two additional programs that awarded a doctorate in nursing (DNS) opened in 1946. Both degrees are considered professional degrees, although there are few differences between the two degrees. Today, there are over 50 doctoral programs in nursing. Case Western Reserve University initiated the first program in which a student may earn a doctorate in nursing (ND) before being eligible to take the licensing examination. Most of the graduates of this program are engaged in teaching and research. Doctoral programs in nursing offer various degrees, including a doctor of nursing science (DNS), doctor of nursing education (DEd), doctor of science in nursing (DSN), and the more traditional doctor of philosophy in nursing (PhD). Non-nursing doctorates are available to nurses, such as the doctor of education (EdD) and the doctor of public health (DPH). In 2004, the AACN proposed a doctor of nursing practice degree (DNP) designed for nurses seeking advanced nursing practice. The DNP was developed with the premise that the challenge of today’s healthcare demanded a higher level of preparation for advanced practice nurses. Alternative Educational Programs These programs exist to meet the specific needs that arise for practitioners. These are assessment programs developed to assess the level of the practitioner. These require the nurse to complete only the competencies she does not already have. For example, this study guide is used to assess your abilities by examination and give credits accordingly. The AD nurse can use the same system to earn a BSN. RN to BSN Programs These are usually located in BSN programs in universities. Credits toward a BSN are given and the RN can take examinations to challenge some courses. Articulation Programs These are designed to help the nurse complete one level of education and articulate into the next level of education. The nurse may complete an associate degree, for example, and then may have all credits earned for the AD accepted toward the BSN in the same institution or in another, cooperating institution. Certificate and Practitioner Programs These programs were started in the 1960s by a pediatrician for nurse practitioners (NPs). These were one-year certificate programs for RNs. Although initially looked down upon by the nursing hierarchy, these programs have moved into mainstream nursing education. The graduates often do primary care and provide ambulatory care for patients. Many states require NPs and CNSs to have separate licensure for their practice in addition to their licensure as an RN. ©2018 Achieve Page 32