Nurses, Nursing Education, and Nursing Workforce: Definitions

B. EDUCATION-RELATED TERMINOLOGY

1. Practical/Vocational Nursing Program. A program of instruction that requires at least one year of FTE coursework generally within a high school, vocational/technical school or community /junior college setting, the completion of which results in a diploma or certificate of completion and eligibility to apply for licensure as an LPN/VN.
   
   
2. LPN/VN to Associate Degree in Nursing Program. A program of instruction to prepare registered nurses that is specifically designed to admit individuals licensed as practical/vocational nurses and, at completion, awards an associate degree in nursing and eligibility to apply for licensure as an LPN/VN.
   
   
3. LPN to Baccalaureate Program. A program of instruction to prepare registered nurses that is specifically designed to admit individuals licensed as practical/vocational nurses and, at completion, awards a baccalaureate degree in nursing and eligibility to apply for licensure as an RN.
   
   
4. Diploma Nursing Program. A program of instruction that requires two to three years of FTE coursework, usually within a hospital-based structural unit, the completion of which results in a diploma or certificate of completion and eligibility to apply for licensure as an RN.
   
   
5. Associate Degree Nursing Program. A program of instruction that requires at least two years of FTE college academic work generally within a junior or community college, the completion of which results in an associate degree (e.g., AS, AA, AAS, ADN, etc.) with a major in nursing and eligibility to apply for licensure as an RN
   
   
6. Generic (Basic or Entry-Level) Baccalaureate Nursing Program. A program of instruction to prepare registered nurses that admits students with no previous nursing education, the completion of which results in a baccalaureate degree (e.g., BA, BS, BSN, etc.) with a major in nursing and eligibility to apply for licensure as an RN. The program requires at least four years but not more than five years of FTE college academic work within in a senior college or university.
   
   
7. Baccalaureate for Nonnursing College Graduates (2nd Degree). A program of instruction to prepare registered nurses that admits students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines and no previous nursing education and, at completion, awards a baccalaureate degree in nursing and eligibility to apply for licensure as an RN. The curriculum is designed to be completed in less time than the generic (entry-level) baccalaureate program usually through a combination of "bridge"/transition courses. Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
   
   
8. Master's Nursing Program. A program of instruction that admits students with baccalaureate degrees in nursing and focuses on a specific area of study (functional or professional role) and the completion of which results in a master's degree (e.g., MSN, MS, MA, etc.) in nursing.
   
   
9. Master's for Nonnursing College Graduates (Generic [Entry-Level] or Second Degree) Program. A program of instruction that admits students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines and no previous nursing education. The program prepares graduates for entry into the profession, eligibility to apply for licensure as an RN, and upon completion awards a master's degree (e.g., MSN, MS, MA, etc.) in nursing.
   
   Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
   
   
10. Doctor of Education Program. A program of instruction within a senior college of university that admits students with master's degrees and awards a doctor of education degree (EdD). The program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry regarding the science of education (i.e., teaching, learning, curriculum development, program evaluation, higher education issues, etc.) and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge about pedagogy. Typically, the program could require a minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate and a research dissertation.
    
    
11. 35 Doctoral (Research-Focused) Program. A program of instruction that admits RNs with master's degrees in nursing and awards a doctoral degree. This program prepares students to pursue intellectual inquiry and conduct independent research for the purpose of extending knowledge. In the academic community, the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree, is the most commonly offered research focused doctoral degree. However, some schools for a variety of reasons may award a Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS or DNSc) as the research-focused doctoral degree. Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing
    
    
12. Doctoral of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program. A program of instruction that prepares graduates for the highest level of nursing practice beyond the initial preparation in the discipline. The doctor of nursing practice degree is the terminal practice degree. (Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. For additional information see: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/pdf/DNPEssentialsDraft_8-18-05.pdf
    
    
13. Baccalaureate to Doctoral Program: Admits RNs with baccalaureate nursing degrees and awards a PhD, DSN, DNS, or DNSc. The program may include the receipt of a master's degree in nursing, but it is specifically designed to accomplish the programmatic objectives in less time than a traditional doctoral program. Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
    
    
14. Postdoctoral Program in Nursing: A program environment for multidisciplinary research training involving more than one unit of a university, and a recruitment plan that will attract the most highly qualified candidates from throughout the nation. Postdoctoral fellows must hold a doctoral degree in nursing and the nursing unit has the ability to demonstrate that graduates of the program remain active in research. Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
    
    
15. Nurse Practitioner Program. A graduate (master's-level) preparation in which a defined curriculum includes theory, research, and clinical preparation for competency-based primary care or specialty practice. Graduates are awarded a master's degree in nursing and are eligible to sit for a national NP certification examination in a clinical area that matches the practice area of the educational program. Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing and National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties Advisory Committee for Data Collection Initiatives.
    
    
16. Clinical Nurse Leader Program. A graduate (master's level) nursing program in which a defined curriculum prepares graduates to oversee the care and coordination of a distinct group of patients and actively provide direct patient care in complex situations. Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. For more information see http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/index.htm
    
    
17. Clinical Nurse Specialist Program. A graduate (master's-level) program in which a defined curriculum includes theory, research, and clinical preparation for competency-based CNS specialty practice. Graduates are awarded a master's degree in nursing and are eligible to sit for a national CNS certification examination.
    
    
18. Nurse-Midwifery Education Program: A post-baccalaureate certificate or graduate-level program accredited or pre-accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation in which a defined curriculum is based on a theoretical foundation in the health sciences as well as clinical preparation which focuses on the knowledge, judgment, and skills deemed necessary to provide primary care and independent management of women and newborns within a health care system, that provides for medical consultation, collaborative management, or referral as appropriate. Graduates are awarded a baccalaureate degree, a post-baccalaureate certificate, or a master's degree in nursing, public health or midwifery (depending on the type of program) and are eligible to sit for the national midwifery certification examination administered by the ACNM Certification Council, Inc. Source: American College of Nurse-Midwives.
    
    
19. Nurse Anesthesia Education Program: A graduate or post-graduate program accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Programs (COA) with a defined curriculum and clinical practice component based on the art and science of anesthesia. The educational and clinical preparation focuses on the knowledge, judgment, and skills necessary to provide anesthesia care to the public. Graduates are awarded a graduate or post-graduate degree with the focus in anesthesia and are eligible to take the national certification examination administer by the Council on Certification for Nurse Anesthetists (CCNA).
    
    
20. Post-Master's Certificate. A formal, post-graduate program that admits RNs with master's degrees in nursing and, upon completion of a specialized area of study, awards either a certificate or other evidence of completion. (Note: This program is different from short term continuing education programs.)
    
    
21. Continuing Education Program. An educational offering designed to help nurses maintain or expand their competence in their role. Such offerings may include workshops, institutes, self-study, clinical conferences, staff development courses, individual study, or other options. They do not include study for an academic degree or academic certificate (e.g., post-master's).
    
    
22. Program Articulation. A process through which two or more nursing programs cooperate to accommodate the learning needs and career goals of students, as they progress from one level of preparation to another, with minimal repetition and duplication of learning experiences.
    
    
23. Academic Year. A designated period of time institutions use to measure a quantity of academic work to be accomplished by a student, or to define the period of time in which an academic year-based appointee renders services. Generally, an institution defines its own academic year, for example, from the beginning of the fall term through the end of the spring term.
    
    
24. Academic Health Center. As defined by the Association of Academic Health Centers, an academic health center is "an institution that consists of an allopathic or osteopathic medical school, at least one other health professions school or program and at least one affiliated or owned teaching hospital." The organization and structure of these institutions vary. Source: Association of Academic Health Centers.
    
    
25. Chief Executive Officer - Nursing Education Unit. The individual who has primary and ultimate responsibility for a nursing academic unit. This may be the Dean, Director, Department Head, Chairperson, or other institutionally-determined title.
    
    
26. Non-Nurse Faculty. Individuals who teach nursing students selected courses (e.g., pharmacology, nutrition, statistics), but who, themselves, are not nurses. These individuals may hold full or part-time faculty appointments in the nursing academic unit.
    
    
27. Full-time Faculty. Those members of the instructional, administrative, or research staff of the nursing academic unit who are employed full-time as defined by the institution, hold academic rank, carry the full scope of faculty responsibility (e.g., teaching, advisement, committee work), and receive the rights and privileges associated with full time employment. These faculty may be tenured, tenure-track, or non-tenure track (given that there is a tenure system in the institution).
    
    
28. Part-Time Faculty. Those members of the instructional, administrative, or research staff of the nursing academic unit who are employed part-time as defined by the institution, may or may not hold academic rank, carry responsibility for a specific area (e.g., teaching a single course), and may carry any number of titles (e.g., adjunct, clinical instructor). These faculty are typically not eligible for tenure.
    
    
29. Tenure. A system designed to protect faculty members' academic freedom and to provide enough financial security to attract able individuals to the profession. It is an affirmative commitment by an institution to a faculty member, generally offered after a probationary period of employment, as a right to continuing employment.
    
    
30. Tenured Faculty. Full-time faculty who have met the teaching, scholarship, service, and other criteria and requirements for tenure, as established by the institution, and have been awarded permanent or continuous employment at that institution.
    
    
31. Tenure-Track Faculty. Full-time faculty in a probationary period of employment preliminary to consideration for tenure. Tenure-track faculty are expected to meet the teaching, scholarship, service, and/or other criteria established by the institution for reappointment and eventual awarding of tenure, but do not claim any right to permanent or continuous employment at that institution.
    
    
32. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty. Full-time faculty employed in institutions with tenure who are not expected to meet all the teaching, scholarship, service, or other criteria associated with tenure at that institution. Non-tenure-track faculty, for example, may not be required to engage in scholarly activities or may have an increased teaching responsibility. In addition, they do not claim any right to permanent or continuous employment at the institution.
    
    
33. Enrollments. The number of students who are officially recognized by a school and program as being enrolled in that program, as of a given date. (Note: This includes transfer students and re-admissions.)
    
    
34. First-Time Enrollments. All students enrolled in a nursing program who have never before been enrolled in any nursing program.
    
    
35. Basic (or Entry Level or Generic) RN Enrollments. The number of students enrolled in a program preparing them for RN licensure eligibility, as of a given date.
    
    
36. R.N.-to-Baccalaureate Enrollments. The number of already-licensed RNs enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program, as of a given date.
37. 
    Headcount. The total number of individuals enrolled in a nursing program (i.e., LPN/VN, diploma, associate degree, generic/basic baccalaureate, RN baccalaureate, master's, etc.) on a specified date. It includes (1) all nursing students (students who have been formally accepted into the nursing program whether or not they have taken any nursing courses) and (2) admissions and transfer students. Excluded are (1) prenursing students (students who have not been formally accepted into the nursing program), (2) leave of absence students, and (3) continuing education students, unless they are degree-seeking.
    
    
38. Full-Time Undergraduate Student. A student enrolled in an associate degree, diploma, or baccalaureate program who is registered for 12 or more semester hour credits (or their equivalent) in a particular semester and who is eligible for awards, scholarships, appointments, etc. that are limited to students enrolled on a full-time basis.
    
    
39. Part-Time Undergraduate Student. A student enrolled in an associate degree, diploma, or baccalaureate program who is registered for less than 12 semester hour credits (or their equivalent) in a particular semester and who is not eligible for awards, scholarships, appointments, etc. that are limited to students enrolled on a full-time basis.
    
    
40. Full-Time Graduate Student. A student enrolled in a master's or doctoral program who is registered for 9 or more semester hour credits (or their equivalent) in a particular semester and who is eligible for awards, scholarships, appointments, etc. that are limited to students enrolled on a full-time basis.
    
    
41. Part-Time Graduate Student. A student enrolled in a master's or doctoral program who is registered for less than 9 semester hour credits (or their equivalent) in a particular semester and who is not eligible for awards, scholarships, appointments, etc. that are limited to students enrolled on a full-time basis.
    
    
42. Graduations. The total number of individuals who have completed and been graduated from a nursing program within a specified time period.
    
    
43. Graduate from Post-RN Program. An individual already licensed as an RN who has completed an academic program of study beyond the initial nursing education, leading to an associate, baccalaureate or higher degree.
    
    
44. Graduate from Basic (or Entry-level or Generic) Program. An individual who has graduated from a state-approved program and is eligible to apply for initial licensure as an RN.
    
    
45. Interdisciplinary Education. An educational approach in which students from two or more disciplines collaborate in the learning process with the goal of fostering interprofessional interaction that enhances the practice of each discipline.
    
    
46. Acute Care. The provision of health care services by clinicians to patient populations that require intense care requiring urgent diagnosis, treatment, and management of discrete, complex health care problems.
    
    
47. Critical care: Intensive care. The specialized care of patients whose conditions are life-threatening and who require comprehensive care and constant monitoring, usually in intensive care units. http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24812
    
    
48. Primary Care. The provision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community Source: Institute of Medicine, 1996).
    
    
49. Specialty Care. The provision of health care services by clinicians to patient populations that is directed at the diagnosis, treatment, and management of discrete, complex health care problems. Source: American Association of Colleges of Nursing and National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.
    
    
50. Distance Education Program. A distance education program is a program where the acquisition of knowledge and skills is accomplished solely mediated information and instruction, encompassing all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance. Source: United States Distance Learning Association. Available from: http://www.USDLA.org
    
    
51. Retention Rate. The retention rate is the percentage of students in a given cohort who progress from one point in the program (i.e., course, semester, level, year) to the next point in the program (i.e., course, semester, level, year) without interruption.
    
    
52. Attrition Rate. The attrition rate is the percentage of students in a given cohort who do not progress from one point in the program (i.e., course, semester, level, level, and year) to the next point in the program (i.e. course, semester, level, and year) without interruption.
    
    
53. Completion/Graduation Rate. The completion graduation rate is the percentage of students in a particular cohort (e.g., all those admitted during a particular term) who complete the Program within 150% of the time students normally take to complete that type of program.