Longitudinal Assessment of Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Scholars’ Perceived Readiness for Nursing Practice

Background: Amid a nursing shortage, a state-funded initiative, Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund, was created to incentivize collaboration between nursing education programs and health care partners to combat the growing nursing shortage in Florida. The University-LINE Scholars Program was launched in collaboration between a university health system and a college of nursing to accelerate the entry of prelicensure nursing students into clinical practice by providing financial assistance. Full financial support—including tuition, fees, and instructional materials—is provided to selected Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) candidates in exchange for a two‑year employment commitment. Scholars receive structured faculty mentorship, clinical shadowing, and targeted professional‑development activities designed to enhance workplace readiness. Method: Participants completed four anonymous Qualtrics surveys administered at distinct intervals throughout the ABSN curriculum. The surveys assessed self‑reported confidence in key practice‑readiness domains—problem‑solving, evidence‑based decision making, and interprofessional communication—alongside readiness to meet program milestones. Results: Students reported a high degree of preparedness for program milestones at baseline, citing confidence derived from prior academic and professional experiences. Later surveys demonstrated the perception of rigorous nursing coursework and enriched clinical exposure as contributors to preparedness. Across survey time points, readiness scores improved in most domains, reflecting progressive skill development and higher confidence levels during the program. Conclusion: The University-LINE model offers a sustainable, scalable approach to workforce development: it aligns educational trajectories with an ongoing practice partnership and promotes early integration of nursing students into their future workplace, thereby accelerating the supply of practice‑ready nurses.