ADN-to-BSN Articulation, Academic Progression, and Transition: A Proactive, Holistic Approach.

Abstract

Although improvements have been made in articulation agreements, credit transfers, and concurrent enrollments, meeting the 80% BSN by 2020 goal falls short. Nursing students at key transitional points (such as first- and last-semester students) are faced with numerous academic and career path challenges and opportunities simultaneously, often leaving them overwhelmed and in need of additional support and resources. Guided by Jeffreys' Nursing Universal Retention and Success model, a proactive, holistic approach for facilitating articulation, academic progression, and transition is presented. Implementation with fourth/last-semester associate degree nursing students and newly admitted RN-BSN students yielded positive student feedback and survey data. Nurse educators can make a positive difference in students' transitional experiences, career path planning, and educational mobility via a coordinated, connected, proactive, holistic approach guided by an evidence-based theoretical framework.