Articulation and Baccalaureate Entry to Practice

Abstract

The Canadian Nurses Association has resolved that, by the year 2000, the minimal educational requirement for entry into the practice of nursing should be a baccalaureate degree in nursing (Canadian Nurses Association, 1982). This resolution emerged from recognition by the nursing association of the actuality that changes in health care concepts require that the nurse be educated in the university setting. Six provincial organizations have endorsed similar resolutions; the remaining four provinces are developing position papers. These resolutions parallel a similar resolution by the American Nurses Association. This proposal has important implications for the nursing profession and will require significant changes and adjustments in the educational process. Currently, professional organizations and nursing educators across Canada are considering how to implement this change. The position and purpose of hospital schools of nursing and of community college programs will have to be reconsidered. Designed as terminal programs, it is not clear what, if any, role these schools will have in the future education of nurses.