The impact of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on patient outcomes: A systematic review

Abstract

The health of individuals and populations is determined by several interrelated factors. Healthy People 2020 categorizes health determinants into five domains, including a) social factors, b) health services, c) individual behaviors, d) policy making, and e) biology and genetics. Social determinants of health are social and physical conditions that influence all aspects of an individual's life-where they are born, where they grow up, and where they work and play. Many of these factors have been featured on several of the articles published in this edition. Paquiao and Fried have explained that poverty and environmental instability are major contributing social determinants of youth homelessness. Norris and Ayres' research findings have indicated that friends and parental social support are predictive of health promoting physical activity behaviors. Windle's article described the increased satisfaction of patients and families with their healthcare experience when family visitation to patients is allowed in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Ayres, Jurado, Mahat, and Norris further indicated that significant relationship was found between acculturation and several health practices. Furthermore, Tuazon's article has highlighted the relationship of socioeconomic status and health outcomes. Indeed, poorer health outcomes are accentuated by the interplay of less desirable social and physical environments. Closely related to social determinants are health services determinants. The availability and quality of health services is intertwined with socioeconomic factors. The health of individuals and communities is affected by the lack of or inadequate health insurance coverage resulting from poverty. Location of health care services and the insufficiency of transportation services exacerbate the lack of access to adequate, timely and much needed health care services. Individual behavior is another health determinant. Individual behavior determinants include diet, physical activity, use of drugs and alcohol, and other habits. Individual behaviors are influenced by social and health services determinants. The paucity of healthcare interventions to promote healthy behaviors, the scarcity of healthier foods, and the predominance of crime in impoverished communities magnify unhealthy behaviors and practices. Policy making is also a health determinant. The development of policies and regulations greatly improves the health of individuals and populations when these policies are properly implemented and monitored. Examples of policies affecting health are banning smoking in public places, stricter control on car emissions, regulating the use of high sugar drinks in elementary schools, regulating the use of table salt for seasoning in restaurants, and many more. Examples of policies affecting health are banning smoking in public places, stricter control on car emissions, regulating the use of high sugar drinks in elementary schools, regulating the use of table salt for seasoning in restaurants, and many more.

The Nursing Professional Development Role in Fostering Professional Development, Leadership, and Academic Progression for New Graduate Registered Nurses

“…Lastly, there is consensus that RNs with a baccalaureate degree are needed to ensure both safe patient care and to promote the profession of nursing (Haskins & Pierson, 2016; O'Brien et al, 2018; Petges & Sabio, 2020). Organizations must collaborate with academic partners to support academic progression.…”

“…There has been, however, an overall increase in the number of BSN nurses in the workforce that is attributed to RN-to-BSN programs (Buerhaus et al, 2016). This increase is because BSN graduates are in higher demand because of three main events: (a) the Institute of Medicine’s (2010) report recommendation for an 80% BSN workforce by 2020, (b) American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program that focuses on a BSN-prepared workforce, and (c) research that notes healthcare organizations with a higher saturation of BSN-prepared nurses demonstrate better patient outcomes (Buerhaus et al, 2016; Haskins & Pierson, 2016; O'Brien et al, 2018).…”