1. Watch Sentimental Women Need Not Apply (available on DVD). How
does your experience of nursing school compare with that of
students a century ago? What challenges to nursing have not
changed over time?
2. How did you determine which type of basic nursing program you
entered? Knowing what you know now, what changes, if any, would
you make in your choice? How would you advise a high school
student interested in nursing to select a program?
3. Consider the challenge that states face in determining whether a BSN
should be the educational degree for entry into practice. Discuss the
pros and cons of requiring a BSN to take the NCLEX-RN®. In what
ways would the unification of nursing education strengthen the
profession? What are the drawbacks to this approach?
4. If you could create a curriculum for nursing school, what would you
include? What courses have surprised you by being included in your
nursing education?
5. Discuss the merits and drawbacks of mandatory CE from viewpoints
of both nurses and consumers of nursing care.
6. What unique contributions to nursing are possible by nurses with
master’s-degree–level education? With doctorates?
7. Find out if your school has implemented QSEN competencies. How
prepared are you in each of the competencies?
8. Find out if your school offers any interprofessional courses or
experiences with other health care disciplines. If so, consider
enrolling in one or more to enhance your education and
understanding of the focus and values of other health professionals.
