Associate degree nursing: entry into practice—link to the future

Countering Structural Racism Through Alternative Approaches to Baccalaureate Nursing Education

The baccalaureate degree has been touted as the preferred minimum entry into professional nursing practice in the United States. Although the number of Black registered nurses is increasing overall, Black nurses are disproportionately represented at the associate degree level. This article describes how structural racism and Eurocentric gatekeeping have historically created barriers in nursing education. We propose alternative pathways to diversify nursing education that promote equitable access to the profession.

From frontline nurse managers to academic program directors: research, strategies, and commonalities

PROBLEM

Frontline nurse managers, whether in service or academia, are facing very similar stressors related to the ever-expanding job duties that also include providing a positive nurturing work environment for employees. Publications supporting these two administrative positions are referenced in either nursing administration or nursing education journals. Yet much can be shared and learned when both sets of rich research and commentary are merged.

METHOD

This article compares the recent research across these two areas of critical nursing management from a role analysis perspective.

CONCLUSION

Recommendations for encouraging healthy work environments, enhancing personal growth, leadership development, encouraging succession planning, and innovatively partnering toward the future are included.