Skip to main content
Article
Student’s lived experience in an associate’s degree to baccalaureate degree continuation program: Opening doors, opening eyes, opening minds
Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing (2013)
  • Susan G. McNiesh, San Jose State University
  • Lori Rodriguez
  • Deepika Goyal, San Jose State University
  • Lynette Apen
Abstract
Background: Major nursing organizations, federal agencies, and researchers are recommending that all nurses be educated to at least the baccalaureate level. Methods: This article reports the results of a qualitative study of the experiences of students enrolled in a direct associate’s degree to baccalaureate degree nursing program. Based on multiple small group interviews conducted during an 18-month period, a multistep interpretive analytic process was used that ultimately described themes within a holistic view of the phenomenon. Findings: The results showed an overarching theme of transformative change over time, centered within the “place” of the university. Conclusion: The study suggested that there are differences beyond additional coursework that describe a transformative process in associate’s degree to baccalaureate degree education. An atmosphere, or “space created,” for reflection on learning is significant to consider in the development of education programs.
Keywords
  • opening doors,
  • opening minds,
  • associates
Disciplines
Publication Date
2013
Publisher Statement
SJSU users: use the following link to login and access the article via SJSU databases
Citation Information
Susan G. McNiesh, Lori Rodriguez, Deepika Goyal and Lynette Apen. "Student’s lived experience in an associate’s degree to baccalaureate degree continuation program: Opening doors, opening eyes, opening minds" Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing Vol. 44 Iss. 7 (2013)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/lori_rodriguez/3/