Revisiting the American Nurses Association’s First Position on Education for Nurses

This article presents arguments in support of the ANA's first position on education for nurses written in 1965 and discusses the effect of this statement on nursing education and practice over the past four decades. The similarity of the issues discussed at policy tables in 1965 and 2002 are addressed. The article ends with a challenge for nurses to advocate for better educated nurses with stakeholders, their patients and clients, in public and private sectors.