Mahaffey Elizabeth H
Division of Associate Degree Nursing, Hinds Community College Jackson, MS, USA.
Online J Issues Nurs. 2002;7(2):3.
Associate degree nursing education remains a relevant choice for students entering the nursing profession. Since its introduction fifty years ago, associate degree nursing education has had a significant impact on the registered nursing population in the United States. The climate for a new type of nurse was created by a nursing shortage, the growth of community and junior colleges, and government and consumer interest. Evaluation of initial programs revealed that desired outcomes were met. A proliferation of associate degree nursing programs followed with there currently being more than 800 associate degree nursing programs in the nation. Controversy regarding associate degree nursing as an entry level for registered nurses has been evolving since its inception. Issues related to technical nursing versus professional nursing titles and roles, and differentiated roles have been divisive for the nursing profession. Current demographics reveal that associate degree nursing continues to make a positive impact on the registered nurse population, providing almost 60% of entry level graduates each year, and attracting a greater percentage of minority groups and males. Associate degree nursing representatives should be involved in defining the future of nursing. Societal needs for health care and individual rights for access to education should be considered. Collaborative efforts among the nursing organizations are essential to promoting recruitment and retention efforts.
护理学副学士学位教育对于进入护理行业的学生来说仍然是一个不错的选择。自五十年前引入以来，护理学副学士学位教育对美国注册护士群体产生了重大影响。护理短缺、社区学院和初级学院的发展以及政府和消费者的关注，共同营造了对新型护士的需求环境。对最初项目的评估表明达到了预期成果。随后，护理学副学士学位项目大量涌现，目前全国有800多个此类项目。自护理学副学士学位作为注册护士的入门级别出现以来，相关争议就一直存在。与技术护理与专业护理的头衔和角色以及差异化角色相关的问题，一直困扰着护理行业。当前的人口统计数据显示，护理学副学士学位教育继续对注册护士群体产生积极影响，每年提供近60%的入门级毕业生，并吸引了更大比例的少数群体和男性。护理学副学士学位教育的代表应参与界定护理行业的未来。应考虑社会对医疗保健的需求以及个人接受教育的权利。护理组织之间的合作努力对于促进招聘和留用工作至关重要。
