Differences in the performances of baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma nurses: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

The findings of 139 studies of nurses educated in one of three basic nursing education programs (associate degree, diploma, and baccalaureate degree) were synthesized using meta-analysis. The results indicated significant differences between professional (BSN) and technical (AD and diploma) nurses on measures of nurse performance. Measures resulting in larger effects for professional nurses included communication skills, knowledge, problem-solving, and professional role. No differences resulted from studies of nurses from the two technical programs, AD and diploma. Further analyses indicated that the effects could not be solely attributed to substantive and methodological features of the studies. However, the hospital setting where a study was conducted and years of nursing experience decreased the size of the effect. The results of the meta-analysis have implications for policy development about educational preparation and for service expectations of professional and technical nurses.

BSN in 10: What Is Your Opinion?

“…Two research studies by Aiken and colleagues 7,8 demonstrated improved patient outcomes when care was provided by nurses educated at the baccalaureate level or higher. The results of these studies substantiate earlier research that suggested baccalaureate‐prepared nurses are more likely to exhibit increased knowledge of professional role, problem‐solving abilities, and communication, three skills of increasing importance in today's complex health care environment 9 …”

Predictors of Professional Nursing Practice Behaviors in Hospital Settings

“…Control variables: Because educational level (Johnson, 1988) and years of work experience (McCloskey & McCain, 1988) have been associated with more professional nursing practice, these variables were added to the model as control variables. No study has examined specialty certification's effect on practice behaviors, although a recent study has suggested that "certification may give nurses the means or opportunity to practice in a manner likely to improve outcomes" (Cary, 2001, p. 49).…”

Nursing professionalization and welfare state policies: A critical review of structural factors influencing the development of nursing and the nursing workforce

“…Such findings are not unexpected, given that a meta‐analysis of 139 studies concluded that university‐prepared nurses score higher than diploma‐prepared nurses on a range of indicators, including knowledge, communication, problem‐solving, and teaching skills (Johnson, ). Similar studies showed that degree‐prepared nurses develop additional competencies on topics such as health policy, leadership, system thinking, funding, quality improvement (IOM, ) and substantially higher levels of research skills that, in turn, support evidence‐informed practices (Kovner, Brewer, Yingrengreung, & Fairchild, ).…”