Talking Points for MAADND Position on Nursing Education
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nursing is the top occupation in terms of the largest job growth from 2006-2016. Government analysts project that more than 587,000 new RN jobs will be created through 2016. Other federal projections indicate that by 2020, the U.S. nursing shortage will grow to more than 800,000 registered nurses. The following facts illustrate the value of Associate Degree Nursing education in maintaining and increasing the supply of competently prepared, safe, skilled, quality professional nurses for the nation’s workforce.
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) programs:
- Successfully graduate over 57,000 nurses every year with NCLEX pass rates that are consistently higher than the national average.
- Provide an affordable entry into registered nursing for a diverse population.
- Continually evolve to address local community needs and current health care trends.
- Prepare graduates to practice in multiple health care arenas, including but not limited to acute care, long-term care, and community settings.
- Provide access to nursing education for students from broad socio-economic strata, minorities and men.
- Provide access and seamless transition into baccalaureate and advanced degree programs.
- Instill the tenants of advocacy, professional involvement, lifelong learning, and leadership
- Facilitate evidence-based practice, which prepares graduates to employ critical thinking, apply effective clinical decision making, practice clinical competence and demonstrate technical proficiency in the health care setting.
Data from the National League of Nursing of the academic year 2007-2008 reflect the following:
|
Associate Degree Programs |
Baccalaureate Programs |
Number of Graduates |
63,982 |
38,724 |
Number of Programs |
1023 |
681 |
% of Male Students |
12.7% |
10.5% |
Data from the American Association of Community Colleges 2008 reflect the following:
|
Community College |
Public 4-year colleges |
Average annual tuition |
2,361 |
6,185 |
% of minority enrollment |
35% |
No data available |
Controversy exists over educational preparation for entry into practice (Associate Degree versus Baccalaureate Degree), however, recent studies support the assertion that ADN nurses are competent practitioners who support positive patient outcomes and apply clinical judgment and critical thinking effectively (Marshburn, Engelke, & Swanson, 2009; Martin, 2002; Ridley, 2008; and Sales, 2008). In conclusion, at a time when the US projection indicates a critical shortage of nurses, associate degree nursing remains a vital link to maintaining the supply of competent registered nurses for the United States workforce.
ISSUES
MAADND Position Statement: Life-Long Learning in Nursing Education
National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing
Mission
The National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (N-OADN) is the leading advocate for associate degree nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery.
N-OADN Position Statement (PDF - 440kb)
N-OADN strives to:
- Maintain eligibility for registered nurse licensure for graduates of associate degree nursing programs.
- Educate students and promote AD nursing programs at community colleges nationwide.
- Provide a forum for discussion of issues impacting AD education and practice.
- Develop partnerships and increase communication with other professional organizations.
- Increase public understanding of the role of the associate degree nurse.
- Participate at national and state levels in the formation of healthcare policy.
- Facilitate legislative action supportive of the goals of N-OADN.