The Future of Baccalaureate Degrees for Nurses

Abstract

PROBLEM. Unlike other professional healthcare disciplines, the profession of nursing has multiple levels of entry. Recently, several states have proposed legislation to mandate completion of baccalaureate education after 10 years of nursing licensure. METHODS. This article examines the proposals, statistics, strategies, and other relevant literature on baccalaureate education for nurses and the positive outcomes associated with a more highly educated nursing workforce. FINDINGS. The proposal recognizes the entry level preparation provided by associate degree nurses and is an innovative solution that offers a balance between multiple entry levels into practice and continued educational preparation. CONCLUSIONS. Through a combination of the entry level preparation of associate degree nurses and baccalaureate education, a stronger nursing workforce can be created and patient outcomes and quality of care improved.

A Call for More Diploma Nurses to Attain a Baccalaureate Degree: Advancing the nursing profession in Oman

“…11,12 A crucial step in rebuilding the image of nursing professionalism would be to standardise the baccalaureate BSN degree as the only permissible entry point to a nursing career.…”

“…16,17 Nursing baccalaureate programmes have been reported to equip nurses with critical thinking, leadership, care management and health promotion skills as well as the ability to work in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. 11 BSN education covers all of the information provided in ADN and diploma courses, as well as in-depth courses in physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health and nursing management. These additional courses enrich the students' professional development and prepare nurses for a broader scope of practice with an improved understanding of the cultural, political and social issues that affect patients and influence healthcare delivery.…”

“…11 Studies have reported that baccalaureate nurses are associated with reduced patient mortality rates (e.g. approximately 3.6 deaths per 1,000 surgical patients) and shorter lengths of patient stay.…”

“…As Lane et al observed, baccalaureate education can change the characteristics of the nursing workforce. 11 However, not all RNs can meet the financial requirements of a baccalaureate education. 11 The AACN encourages healthcare providers and employers to foster practice environments that embrace lifelong learning by offering incentives to RNs to pursue a BSN and higher degree qualifications.…”

“…13 There is a great need for baccalaureate-and graduate degree-educated nurses. 11 The AACN recommends that all new nurses should complete a BSN degree within 10 years of licensure. …”