Evaluation of graduates of an associate degree nursing program

Approximately 58 % of the RN nursing programs in the United States are asso ciate degree programs (ADN). The curricula of these programs are designed t o prepare graduates to competently provide direct patient care. The purpose of this descriptive comparative study was to evaluate the nursing performa nce of ADN graduates as perceived by graduates, faculty, and employers. In the first phase of the study, graduates and faculty completed the Six-Dimen sion Scale of Nursing Performance (6-DSNP) at the time of graduation. Six m onths later, the graduates again were asked to complete the same questionna ire along with their employers. Findings indicated a significant difference in the planning and evaluation performance of graduates at graduation and 6 months later as perceived by the graduates. Graduates rated themselves si gnificantly higher in all areas of performance when compared to faculty and employers. There was no significant difference in the perception of gradua te performance between faculty and employers. This outcome assessment provi des needed data on perceptions of ADN programs.