Consider what was happening in nursing in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s with the change from diploma programs to an associate degree program. Martha Rogers believed that nursing is a separate and essential discipline and a unique field of study. She worked hard to establish nursing in higher education. Explain the importance of this shift and how it impacted nursing as a profession. Purchase the answer to view it
The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a pivotal period for the nursing profession, as it witnessed a significant shift from diploma programs to associate degree programs. This transition was founded on the belief of Martha Rogers, a renowned nursing theorist, who recognized nursing as a distinct discipline and a unique field of study. Rogers dedicated her efforts to establishing nursing within higher education, a decision that held immense importance and had a lasting impact on the profession.
Before this shift, nursing education primarily consisted of diploma programs, which were typically hospital-based and offered by schools of nursing. These programs provided a rigorous training that focused on hands-on clinical experience. However, they often lacked the comprehensive theoretical knowledge and scientific foundation that are vital for nurses to provide quality patient care.
Rogers advocated for the incorporation of nursing into higher education through the introduction of associate degree programs. She believed that nursing required a specialized body of knowledge, distinct from medicine and other healthcare disciplines. By positioning nursing as a separate and essential discipline, Rogers aimed to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver evidence-based care and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
The shift to associate degree programs brought several key implications for the nursing profession. First and foremost, it elevated the level of education for aspiring nurses. Associate degree programs were typically offered by community colleges and took approximately two years to complete, providing students with a comprehensive curriculum that combined theoretical knowledge with clinical practice. This extended education allowed nurses to acquire a deeper understanding of the scientific foundations of the discipline, which in turn enhanced their critical thinking skills and ability to provide competent care.
Moreover, the incorporation of nursing into higher education increased the academic rigor of the profession. Nurses were now required to undergo a structured curriculum that encompassed a broader range of subjects, such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, nursing theory, and research methodology. This multidisciplinary approach equipped nurses with a holistic understanding of healthcare, enabling them to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals and contribute to evidence-based practice.
Another significant impact of this shift was the professionalization of nursing. By establishing nursing as a separate discipline within higher education, its status and recognition were elevated. Nursing became recognized as a legitimate profession, with its own body of knowledge, research, and standards of practice. This recognition led to increased opportunities for career advancement, as nurses with higher education degrees were now eligible for roles in leadership, research, and education, which were previously reserved for physicians or healthcare administrators.
The inclusion of nursing in higher education also fostered the development of nursing theory and research. As nurses engaged in academic settings, they were exposed to various research methodologies and theoretical frameworks, enabling them to contribute to the expanding body of nursing knowledge. This emphasis on theory and research facilitated evidence-based practice, where nurses were able to incorporate scientific evidence into their clinical decision-making, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the shift to associate degree programs broadened access to nursing education. Diploma programs were often limited in availability and primarily located within hospital settings. In contrast, associate degree programs were more accessible, as they were offered by community colleges in various locations. This increased accessibility allowed a more diverse group of individuals to pursue a career in nursing, promoting greater representation of different backgrounds and perspectives within the profession.
In conclusion, the shift from diploma programs to associate degree programs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, driven by the vision of Martha Rogers, marked a critical turning point for the nursing profession. This transition elevated the level of education for aspiring nurses, promoted a comprehensive theoretical foundation, professionalized nursing, fostered the development of nursing theory and research, and broadened access to nursing education. As a result, nursing as a profession was significantly impacted, positioning it as a distinct discipline within higher education and enabling nurses to make substantial contributions to the delivery of healthcare.