J Prof Nurs. 2001 Sep-Oct;17(5):267-9. doi: 10.1053/jpnu.2001.26300.
Rapidly expanding clinical knowledge and mounting complexities in health care mandate that professional nurses possess educational preparation commensurate with the diversified responsibilities required of them. As health care shifts from hospital-centered, inpatient care to more primary and preventive care throughout the community, the health system requires registered nurses who not only can practice across multiple settings-both within and beyond hospitals-but can function with more independence in clinical decision making, case management, provision of direct bedside care, supervision of unlicensed aides and other support personnel, guiding patients through the maze of health care resources, and educating patients on treatment regimens and adoption of healthy lifestyles. In particular, preparation of the entry-level professional nurse requires a greater orientation to community-based primary health care, and an emphasis on health promotion, maintenance, and cost-effective coordinated care. Accordingly, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) recognizes the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing as the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing practice.
临床知识的迅速扩展以及医疗保健日益增加的复杂性要求专业护士具备与其所需承担的多样化职责相称的教育准备。随着医疗保健从以医院为中心的住院护理转向社区内更多的初级和预防性护理，卫生系统需要注册护士，他们不仅能够在多种环境中执业——包括医院内外——而且能够在临床决策、病例管理、直接床边护理、监督无执照助理和其他支持人员、指导患者穿越复杂的医疗保健资源迷宫以及教育患者治疗方案和采用健康生活方式等方面更独立地发挥作用。特别是，入门级专业护士的培养需要更注重以社区为基础的初级卫生保健，并强调健康促进、维护和具有成本效益的协调护理。因此，美国护理学院协会（AACN）认可护理学理学学士学位为专业护理实践的最低教育要求。
