New Degree For Nursing Program

Edison offering new degree for nursing program

WBBH-TV

FORT MYERS: The future of nursing is coming to Southwest Florida. In August, Edison State College will add a Bachelor of Science degree to its nursing program.

Traditionally an associate's degree was standard training for registered nurses, but as technology advances, more nurses say they need a bachelor's degree, or BSN, to stay competitive.

"There's increasing pressure. The more you advance, the more pressure it becomes on you," says nursing student Elham Farah.

"There's a national trend now to make the associate's degree the entry level for nursing, but the bachelor of science degree a goal of all nursing students," says Dr. Mary Lewis, director of Edison State's nursing program.

An associate's degree in nursing teaches medical procedures, whereas a bachelor's degree focuses more on theory, teaching students why certain procedures are necessary.

"Increased knowledge and being able to make really quick decisions based on knowledge is going to be really a lot more important," said Lewis. "This is just going to improve the level of education of our nurses and the people taking care of us in the future. At a time when there's a nursing shortage expected, to have our community be proactive in offering this BSN program, we're going to be in good shape in the future."

Edison got approval from the state to begin offering the new degrees late last week. Already, more than 100 people are ready to enroll.

Each year more than 300 students graduate Edison State College's nursing program, making it the 13th largest nursing program in the country.


original post from msnbc
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29227132/