Programs that address the transition from practical/vocational nursing to Baccalaureate nursing were virtually nonexistent two years ago; today there are 155 such programs, a number that continues to increase. This is the first text to address the specific educational needs of students transitioning from LPN/LVN to BSN and professional practice. Comprehensive and user-friendly, the text covers every aspect of role transition in the LPN/LVN to BSN course. It is based on the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine's "Future of Nursing" and the "BSN in 10" initiative. The book provides an overview of professional practice at the BSN level and examines the core, role, and skill competencies required for the Baccalaureate-prepared nurse.

The text addresses competence in leadership and management, critical thinking, cultural intelligence, information technology, and professional writing, as well as legal and ethical concerns. It focuses on the role of the RN within an interdisciplinary team, describes the experience of returning to an academic setting, and the challenges of and strategies for accomplishing a successful role transition. Numerous reflective exercises, case vignettes and online case studies reinforce content. Important practice concepts like QSEN and the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice are woven throughout the text. A robust ancillary package includes PowerPoints, online quizzes, reflective questions, and case studies.

Key Features: Comprises the first text to address the specific needs of rapidly growing LPN/LVN to BSN programs Covers every aspect of role transition and defines the higher-level skills required for BSNs Based on recommendations of the Institute of Medicine's "Future of Nursing" and the "BSN in 10" initiative Designed for use in classroom, online, and hybrid courses Incorporates reflective exercises, case studies, PowerPoints, and online quizzes to reinforce content

Moving from Your Associate to Your Baccalaureate Nursing Degree is designed to welcome and celebrate the experience, knowledge, and expertise practicing nurses bring to the academic table as they pursue a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The book aligns with Institute of Medicine competencies and emphasizes leadership and management, ethics and decision-making, critical thinking, evidence-based practice, caring, collaboration, communication, and self-reflective skills, all supported by literature and practice examples. As future change agents, readers are asked to reflect on current issues and trends influencing nursing education and practice. They are challenged to choose a concept of interest, develop a PICOT question, search the literature, and critique a selected article to determine if it is, indeed, scholarly. Readers also recall critical incidents and examine nursing theorists whose theories align with their own individual, current practice. Quotes from nursing leaders, nursing theorists, and members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team, as well as stories from practicing nurses, exemplify and support current evidence in the profession. Chapter exercises provide readers the time and opportunity to reflect on their professional practice. Moving from Your Associate to Your Baccalaureate Nursing Degree is designed to help nursing students better comprehend those processes inherent in the successful transition to the role of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse.