The changing face of academic nursing: Nurturing diversity, inclusivity, and equity.

This paper captures collective experiences of nursing and organizational leaders in creating organizational cultures attentive to diversity, inclusivity, and equity in schools of nursing. Within a cultural proficiency framework, exemplars and leadership lessons are shared. Most importantly, what it takes organizationally to start the ongoing journey towards cultural proficiency is explored. Ensuring the intentional systematic change at multiple levels facilitates sustainability when leadership changes occur.

PhD or DNP: planning for doctoral nursing education.

Leading authorities from inside and outside of nursing are calling for a rapid increase in the number of nurses holding doctoral degrees. More nurses with the terminal degree are needed to serve as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, assume faculty roles, embark on research careers, and pursue top leadership positions. Today's prospective nursing student can choose from doctoral programs focused on research or practice. The authors explore the differences in these degree options, expectations for students enrolled in these programs, key questions to ask when selecting a degree type, and the career choices available to doctorally-prepared nurses, including faculty positions.

Developing an accelerated BSN program: one college's experience.

During the past 10 years, there has been an explosion in the number of new accelerated Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Declining enrollments in undergraduate nursing programs and the nursing workforce shortage created the impetus for this trend. In the past 2 years, baccalaureate nursing enrollments have begun to increase again and many nursing programs now struggle with a faculty shortage; however, starting an accelerated BSN program still presents an opportunity. That opportunity comes from the quality of students these programs attract.