New Entry in NLN's Reflection & Dialogue Series Initiates Discussion on Academic/Professional Progression in Nursing

FORM IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2007 — New York, NY — In its latest Reflection and Dialogue, the National League for Nursing has issued a thoughtful commentary on the road to lifelong learning and professional advancement in the practice of nursing.

The continuing series, available at www.nln.org/aboutnln/reflection_dialogue/index.htm, reflects the input of members of the NLNs Board of Governors and offers an opportunity for reflection and dialogue with the nursing education community on important issues.

"The League is the voice for nursing education," said CEO Dr. Beverly Malone, "And as such it behooves us to help clarify issues and initiatives that affect nurse educators in all types of nursing education programs."

"Academic/Professional Progression in Nursing" was developed in response to proposed legislation in New York, New Jersey, and other states that has revived the question of educational preparation for nursing practice. The proposals under consideration require nurses prepared in diploma or associate degree programs to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing within 10 years of initial licensure. "With this Reflection and Dialogue," points out NLN president Dr. Elaine Tagliareni, "the NLN reframes the conversation away from entry into practice to a focus on how to approach academic and professional progression for all nurses."

The NLN advises that we must "sidestep the old argument of baccalaureate entry and move to options, such as RN to BSN or RN to MSN, that are not based on entry but as opportunities for lifelong learning and progression for those who enter the nursing profession through diploma and associate degree programs."

The piece concludes with a request to the nursing education community to join in this dialogue and reflect on the questions it raises including these:

• How will we inspire graduates of associate degree, diploma, and bachelors degree programs to continue their formal nursing education, to expand leadership and communication skills in an increasingly complex health care system?
• What incentives will encourage nurses to attain additional formal credentials, as well as value lifelong learning and continued professional practice?

For more information and interview opportunities please contact NLN chief communications officer Karen R. Klestzick at 212-812-0376 or kklestzick@nln.org.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education offering faculty development, networking opportunities, testing and assessment, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 23,000 individual and 1,100 institutional members.