Unit 6
Unit Objectives
Identify some current trends and issues that influence nursing education
Describe the diversity in nursing education
Differentiate between licensed practical/ vocational nurses and registered nurses
Identify advanced educational options a baccalaureate nurse may pursue in graduate school
Describe current trends that provide flexible educational opportunities for nursing students
Content Outline/Theory
1. Relevant/contemporary trends and issues that influence nursing education
a. Knowledge expansion; use of technology and informatics
b. Practice based competency outcomes
c. Sociodemographic, cultural diversity, and economic and political changes
d. Patient-centered care: engagement, safety and 367
e. Shortage of nurses and faculty
2. Current programs/Diversity in nursing education programs
a. Licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)
b. Diploma degree in nursing
c. Associate Degree in Nursing (AND)
d. Baccalaureate Degree (BSN)
e. Master’s Degree (MSN)
3. Examples of flexible programs
a. Excelsior College
4. Key Terms from textbook
Competency Outcomes: the results, or end products, of planned study and experience that
are focused on specific abilities required for practice
Contemporary issues: the problems, changes, and concerns that are current for the present
time
Core competencies: the essential cluster of abilities and skills required for competent
nursing practice
Educational mobility: progression from one educational level to another, often based on
flexible, self -directed, or advance placement options
Education trends: changes in condition and concerns due to and effect changes in society.
Broad changes in America and the world can influence practice of nurse and providers
Performance examinations: standardized evaluation based on objective demonstration of
specific required competencies
Unit 7: Nursing Licensure and Certification
, Unit Objectives:
Discuss the historical evolution of nursing licensure
Explain the purpose of a nurse practice act
Describe the various components of a nurse practice act and the functions/duties of a state board
of nursing
Identify special cases of nursing licensure
Review nursing certification
Content Outline/Theory:
Identification/recognition through nurse skills
Early caregivers were identified by the havits they wore
Nowadays, schools of nursing give their graduates pins
o White coat ceremonies
1. Historical evolution of nursing licensure (Important dates: 1896, 1901, 1903,1915, 1923,1947,
1950, 1982, 1994)
a. Purpose of nursing licensure: protection of public
i. Graduate nurses, physicians and hospitals set criteria for licensure of nurses in
the US
b. Permissive nursing licensure: license that are permitted but not required (1903)
i. This idea was introduced in 1901. Education standard is set at a minimum of two
years of training and examinations must be passed
ii. 1915: due to variability among states’ licensure requirements ANA designed
“model nurse practice acts” which allowed a similar ground for all nurses but that
wasn’t a law
iii. In 1923, all states implemented examinations for permissive licensure
c. Mandatory nursing licensure
i. New York was the first state to implement this; requirement came in place in
1947
ii. National League for Nursing
1. State Board Test Pool Examination
iii. National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCBSN]- formed in 1947
1. 1950: administered the first State Board Test Pool Examination
2. 1982: Advocated for National Council Licensure Examination [NCLEX];
NCLEX-RN
3. 1994: Paper and pencil test Computerized Adaptive Testing [CAT]
2. Nurse Practice acts: statue in each state and territory that regulates the practice of nursing (written
and passed by legislator)- state develops rules and regulations that govern the practice of nursing
a. Template was passed by NCSBN
b. Components of Nurse Practice Acts
i. Purposes and regulatory power
1. Basically: protection of the public 1. protect the health and safety of
patient 2. Protect the name of RN
ii. Definition of Nursing and Scope of Practice
1. Passing nurse practice acts to regulate nurse’s practices within the state’s
border
a. What can nurses perform within the jurisdiction