Associate degree nursing: entry into practice—link to the future

Associate degree nursing is in a unique position to address two challenges currently facing the nursing profession—the shortage of registered nurses and the lack of adequate numbers of baccalaureate degree-prepared nurses. Associate degree nursing programs increase the numbers of adequately prepared nursing graduates through enrollment increases and retention measures while encouraging and assisting associate degree-prepared nurses to obtain their baccalaureate degrees in nursing. Improved patient outcomes can be attained through each of these initiatives.