A Seamless Progression: Preparing Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Students for Entry Into Baccalaureate and Masters Nursing Education

The New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) scholarship program provides grant support for minority, male, and disadvantaged students to pursue an accelerated second degree in nursing. A review of nursing school reports and student surveys concluded that students could benefit from more information at the start of their program. The Pre-Entry Immersion Program (PIP) was designed to support stu- dents with a seamless progression from their prior educational experiences into the nursing profession. Although nursing schools customized the PIP program, there was core consistency in the sessions provided. Students reported sessions on policies, procedures and preparation for nursing school were most helpful. The PIP program has the potential to contribute to the academic success of accelerated degree students, increasing the proportion of nurses with baccalaureate degrees while enhancing career progression of these students to the doctorate degree, and addressing recommendations 4 and 5 in The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report.