Purpose
To improve the quality of associate degree nursing education throughout the state and to promote safety and quality of patient care through:
- Coordinating activities designed to enhance and improve student access, curriculum, career mobility, and employment.
- Enhancing communication and networking between various nursing programs at all levels by providing a forum for discussion and sharing of successes, problems, and concerns.
- Developing group positions on current issues from sources including consumers, legislatures, student paraprofessionals having a direct impact on associate degree nursing education and to plan appropriate actions related to these positions.
- Promoting, encouraging, and providing continuing education and staff development activities for Associate Degree Directors, and Faculty.
- Monitoring/disseminating information regarding legislation and appointments to boards, task forces, and similar entities that influence nursing.
- Providing for the socialization and orientation process of new directors.
Membership
Membership is open to those with direct administrative responsibilities for the state approved associate degree nursing programs of California (e.g., Deans, Coordinators, Directors, Assistant Directors, Chairpersons). Directors Emeriti of Associate Degree Nursing Programs are invited to attend group activities and meetings.
Role of the Associate Degree Nurse
The Registered Nurse fulfills a vital role in the provision of health care and health promotion in many and varied settings in California and across the nation. In California, two-thirds of the registered nursing graduates are educated in Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Programs.
The primary goal of Associate Degree Nursing program is to provide the educational preparation of registered nurses to meet the rapidly changing demands for health care in our communities. We believe the following:
- ADN programs represent an accessible avenue to an affordable and high-quality nursing education for many individuals who would not otherwise be able to pursue this goal.
- ADN program graduates have become increasingly reflective of the diverse demographic composition of California.
- The established and proven network of California Associate Degree Nursing programs is essential in providing an adequate supply of nurses to meet community needs.
- Multiple educational pathways to registered nursing education and entry-level employment are essential in order to meet the varied needs and goals of students interested in a nursing career.
Academic Progression
The Nursing Education Plan White Paper and Recommendations for California, August 2016, included a recommendation under Advancing Nursing Education:
Promote academic progression for all Registered Nurses in California to obtain a BSN or higher degree by 2030.
The role of ADN Programs in academic progression:
- Support our colleagues in baccalaureate and higher education as they seek to increase/maintain educational opportunities for students in undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Develop innovative models of seamless articulation for RN-BSN pathways.
- Promote educational advancement in nursing for Associate Degree graduates.
- Contribute to the dialogue as spokespersons for the educational continuum in nursing, advocating for funds to support nursing programs, nursing students, and other resources that promote nursing careers.
