NEW YORK NURSE: February 2008
The Coalition for Advancement of Nursing Education (CANE) is a group of nursing, healthcare, and educational leaders in New York State who support expanded educational requirements for RNs.
As a sponsor of CANE, NYSNA has provided assistance to the organization by developing its new website: www.rneducationadvanceny.org. Visit the site for information on the coalition partners and a summary of the proposed legislation to advance nursing education.
The legislation (A2480/S294) would require RNs to earn bachelor’s degrees in nursing (BSN) within ten years of initial licensure. This is similar to the existing education requirement mandating that public school teachers in New York State earn a master’s degree within five years of initial certification. The bill would exempt nurses already in practice and nursing students already enrolled in an RN program.
As New York Nurse went to press, the legislation was in the Higher Education committees of both the State Assembly and State Senate.
“NYSNA is assisting CANE in its mission to educate nurses and legislators about the importance of nursing education,” said Tina Gerardi, NYSNA CEO. “The new website is a first step in that direction.”