While clarifying faculty qualifications is important, limiting “alternative credentials” to certifications and recent clinical practice during a nation-wide nursing shortage is too restrictive. CNE certification requires a master’s degree, making it inaccessible to BSN-prepared faculty. Although CNEcl offers a pathway for BSN nurses, it still demands significant teaching experience, which many qualified bedside nurses lack.

Additionally, in the acute care setting, a BSN-prepared nurse maintains the same scope of practice as a ADN nurse.  Therefore, clinical faculty who are teaching pre-licensure nursing students in the acute care setting (whether ADN or BSN) should not require further education beyond what was required for them to pass the NCLEX.  Conversely, in community health settings, only BSN-prepared faculty members should instruct pre-licensure BSN-seeking nursing students due to the difference in scope of practice and educational preparedness.

The Board should prioritize clinical faculty with strong bedside experience over degrees and certifications. Expanding flexibility will help programs recruit competent nurse educators without compromising quality, ensuring Virginia meets the growing demand for nursing graduates.  

At the end of the day, I have never once had a patient ask me about my nursing degree.  My competence as an experienced bedside nurse speaks for itself. 

Thank you for considering this recommendation.