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The nursing shortage, including a shortage of registered nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level, is acute. A large, midwestern university developed and implemented PLAN (Professional Link for the Advancement of Nurses) to assist associate degree RNs to transition into BSN education. Prospective students receive information about the BSN degree when they apply to a participating associate degree program. Stu-dents take required prerequisite courses for the BSN degree at the university or at the community college while in the associate degree program. Through effective advisement and a comprehensive, written plan of study, students are assisted in transitioning to a BSN program and continuing their education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The faculty of a large, Midwestern, public university implemented a community-based baccalaureate curriculum to prepare students for the changing health care environment. Evaluation was planned as the curriculum was developed. The constituents of the School of Nursing were determined to be the students, alumni, employers, clinical agencies, and faculty. Surveys, focus groups, questionnaires, and meetings with agency representatives were some of the methods used to gather data from the constituents. Information gathered during a three-year period resulted in further curriculum revision, increased community partnerships, and more positive feedback from students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]