In recent years, hospitals are seeking to hire more nurses with a bachelor’s degree rather than nurses who have obtained a certification or associate degree (ADN) in the United States. As of today, there are 2.8 million registered nurses that are employed in the work force and 61% of these population holds at least a BSN degree or received a higher education (AACN, 2015). The Future of Nursing reports that there will be an increase of 50% to 80% of BSN prepared nurses in the work force by 2020 (Kutney – Lee et al, 2014). A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a program that requires 4 years of college education and associate degree in nursing (ADN) requires 2 years of college education to complete the program (Ciambelli, 2014). …show more content…
Both diplomas lead to the road of becoming a register nurse (RN) and include similar core curriculum (Ciambelli, 2014). One of the differences between the two diplomas are the length of time and amount of credits required to complete the program (Ciambelli, 2014). Also BSN program include additional courses in nursing theory, research and informatics (Ciambelli, 2014). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is an organization that represents the baccalaureate nursing programs across the country and believes that nurses who have achieved a higher education such as BSN have more comprehensive knowledge and clinical competency (AACN, 2015). As a result, nurses can promote better care for patients, positive outcomes and lower mortality rates that are all linked to BSN prepared nurses (AACN, 2014). The baccalaureate program in nursing consists of 60 credits in foundation of liberal arts.
Even though many students assume that liberal arts are not useful in nursing, liberal arts provide the initial development for intellectual and practical abilities that can be utilized in clinical practices (Miner, 2013). Liberal art education further develops our personal value system that is based on ethical and professional standards (Miner, 2013). These values that are learned through liberal art education can help us to apply principles of social justice and cultural factors towards diverse patients (Miner, 2013). Therefore, nurse that have strong background in liberal arts can help nurses to enhance communication and integrate multidisciplinary knowledge to their practices (Miner, 2013). Also liberal arts education helps develop analytic abilities and theoretical perspectives that can be utilized to integrate ethical and critical decision making skills to promote better quality of patient care (Miner, …show more content…
2013). Baccalaureate educational program in nursing teaches students on how to formulate optimal questions towards patient care (Miner, 2013). These questions are formulated based on evidence and are not based upon traditional processes (Miner, 2013). These questions are utilized to help develop quality outcomes, evaluate the outcomes, and apply evidence based research processes to answer questions that needs to be addressed (Miner, 2013). In addition, Baccalaureate programs emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork that consists of timely and high quality communication, inter-professional respect, informatics, evidence and collaborative skills (Hodges et al, 2015). BSN programs offer opportunities for interprofessional education where students can interact and learn from other health care workers (Hodges et al, 2015). The interaction between different types of health care workers will help students to develop communication skills, learning and practical skills to share information. It also helps students to share goals of the interdisciplinary team and value diverse contribution of each team member (Hodges et al, 2015). BSN prepared nurses are widely associated with decreased post-surgery mortality rate (Lee et al, 2013). Studies have shown that hospitals that consists of high BSN prepared nurses are linked with 10% increase of reduction in post-surgery mortality rate (Lee et al, 2013). For every 1,000 patients who are risk for post-surgery death, there was a reduction of 2.12 death (Lee et al, 2013). In addition, patients who have an increased risk of death due to post-surgery complication had a reduction of 7.47 death per 1,000 patients (Lee et al, 2013). According to Ann Kuteny-Lee who is an author for “An Increase in the Number of Nurses with Baccalaureate Degree is Linked to Lower Rates of Post-surgery Mortality” stated that “our study’s time period, some 500 death among general, orthopedic, and vascular surgery patients might have been prevented. The findings provide support for efforts to increase the production and employment of baccalaureate nurses” (Lee et al, 2013). This explains that 500 post-surgical patients’ death could have been prevented through increase employment of BSN prepared nurses in hospitals. Kutney-Lee further states that the reduction of post-surgical mortality rate are achieved through constant surveillance of post-surgical patient by the BSN prepared nurse in order to reduce complications and adverse outcomes (Lee et al, 2013). Nurses have the responsibility of ongoing assessment, periodically surveillance of patients, identify complications and initiate intervention (Lee et al, 2013). Further education can promote better ongoing surveillance through enhancement of critical thinking and more efficient on identifying complication. Thus, BSN prepared nurses can widely decrease mortality rates of post-surgical patients and in turn change the outcome of the patients. In another article by Koen Van den Heede “The Relationship between in Patient Cardiac Surgery Mortality and Nurse Numbers and Educational Level: Analysis of Administrative Data” further shows that there is an association between BSN prepared nurses and decreased post cardiac surgery mortality rates (Heede et al. 2009). This study took place in a Belgium hospital and compared two units that consists of one unit that contained a higher BSN prepared nurses then the other unit. The study showed that postoperative intensive care nursing units comprised of 95% of BSN prepared nurses had achieved a lower mortality rate than postoperative general nursing unit which is composed of 69% of nurses who held a bachelor’s degree (Heede et al. 2009). The postoperative intensive care nursing units had a 3.1% per 1,000 patient mortality rate and the postoperative general nursing unit had a 4.9% per 1,000 patient mortality rate (Heede et al. 2009). Thus, it can be explained that the unit that consisted of higher BSN prepared nurses than the unit that has a lower number of nurses that holds BSN degree can drastically decrease cardiac post-surgical mortality rate. In particular, cardiac patients require great deal of surveillance during the postoperative period because of increased risk of post complications (Heede et al. 2009). BSN prepared nurses can provide better patient quality care than nurse with ADN degree. BSN prepared nurses have a better development of critical thinking, leadership, case management and health promotion that is developed from higher education to further decrease cardiac post-surgical mortality rate. BSN prepared nurses can promote better patient quality and safer outcomes other than reduction of post-surgical mortality rates.
Many studies indicate that hospitals that consist of higher percentage of BSN prepared nurses will lead to lower congestive heart failure mortality, decubitus ulcers, postoperative deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and shorter length of stay (Blegen et al, 2013). According to “Baccalaureate Education in Nursing and Patient outcomes” article, a cross sectional study was conducted and the data sets that was created by University Health System Consortium (UHC) was utilized. The data sets consists of patient diagnosis, procedure codes, actual and expected length of stay (Blegen et al, 2013). Another set of data contain direct caregiver hours (Blegen et al, 2013). Also questionnaires were delivered to RN in each of these hospitals to assess the education level (Blegen et al, 2013). Hospitals that consist of approximately 62% of RN that held BSN was compared to hospitals that had lower percentages of BSN prepared nurses out of 21 UHC hospitals (Blegen et al, 2013). The finding of this study showed that there was significant decrease of cardiac heart failure mortality rate, pressure ulcers, infection due to medical care, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis and patient’s stay in hospital (Blegen et al, 2013). In addition, BSN prepared nurses spend more total hour of care per patient day and work over time to provide better quality
of care to patients (Blegen et al, 2013). BSN prepared nurses conduct extensive comprehensive assessments and deliver holistic and patient centered evidence based care (Miner, 2013). As a result, many complication can be prevented through accurate and extensive ongoing comprehensive assessments. In addition, BSN programs in nursing extensively educate students about interdisciplinary team and in turn BSN nurses collaborate with others to produce optimal safety outcomes (Blegen et al, 2013). Also BSN nurses has the knowledge and clinical competencies to respond to changes in patient conditions (Blegen et al, 2013). Thus, higher percentages of BSN prepared nurses in hospitals can lead to lower congestive heart failure mortality, decubitus ulcers, postoperative deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and shorter length of stay. It is imperative for hospitals in the United States to encourage RN who holds a certification or associate’s degree to become a BSN prepared nurses. BSN prepared nurses can enhance patient quality of care and deliver safety outcome through higher education. The liberal arts education in BSN programs help develop baccalaureate graduates in constructing intellectual skills, practical skills, and develop a value system which is used to help apply principle of social justice and cultural factors; enhance communication and help integrate ethical and critical decision making skills. The BSN program also helps us to develop our inter-professional team work skills which are essential for patient quality and safety outcomes. In addition, higher percentages of BSN prepared nurses in hospital leads to lower congestive heart failure mortality, decubitus ulcers, postoperative deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, post-surgery mortality rate and shorter length of stay. This can be achieved through BSN prepared nurse’s efficient assessments, ongoing surveillances and optimal critical thinking skills which are formed through the education of baccalaureate programs. Thus, more research and proposals need to be addressed in order to increase BSN prepared nurses in the workforce. Hospitals can provide scholarships for nurses who hold associate’s or certification degrees. This will abate a few of the barriers that hinders RN who hold ADN or certifications that have financial concerns. Also an increase in BSN prepared nurses wages may attract and motivate RN to become a BSN prepared nurse.
The national shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) has helped generate formidable interest in the nursing profession among people entering the workforce and those pursuing a career change. According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service in 2002, the national population is continuing to grow and age and medical services continue to advance, so the need for nurses will continue to increase. They report from 2000 to 2020 the predicted shortage of nurses is expected to grow to 29 percent, compared to a 6 percent shortage in 2000. With the projected supply, demand, and shortage of registered nurses and nursing salaries ever-increasing, the nursing profession can offer countless opportunities. But first one must determine which educational path to pursue, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in nursing (ADN). Most will initially be educated at the associate degree level, even though the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE) has recommended a baccalaureate level as a minimal for entry-level nurses. With the expanding number of RN to BSN programs available there is always the option to further one’s education at a later date. The benefits for acquiring a BSN over an ADN include a better knowledge for evidence-based practice, an increased advantage for promotion, and the necessary gateway for higher education.
The question of whether or not nurses should be required to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) to work has become a very big and controversial topic. As with any great debate, this situation comes with many advantages and disadvantages. Although some statistics may lead you to believe that the good outweighs the bad, when making the decision of whether or not obtaining a BSN should be mandated there are a great deal of barriers that have to be taken into consideration. Obtaining a BSN requires more schooling and for those who are already nurses, it means having to go back to school. This requires a lot of money, time, and motivation to balance family work and school. Nurses should not be required to obtain a BSN to work.
There is a shortage of all health care professions throughout the United States. One shortage in particular that society should be very concerned about is the shortage of Registered Nurses. Registered Nurses make up the single largest healthcare profession in the United States. A registered nurse is a vital healthcare professional that has earned a two or four year degree and has the upper-most responsibility in providing direct patient care and staff management in a hospital or other treatment facilities (Registered Nurse (RN) Degree and Career Overview., 2009). This shortage issue is imperative because RN's affect everyone sometime in their lifetime. Nurses serve groups, families and individuals to foster health and prevent disease.
Recent research has exhibited that a decrease in mortality rates and medical blunders, in addition to an increase in positive outcomes, are associated with nurses who have studied at baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. With the technological advances made in health care, the increase of patient need, and more importantly, an increase in the practice demands across healthcare settings, a larger emphasis must be placed on nurses furthering their studies to that of a baccalaureate and even a master’s degree. At the end of the day, patient care is the number one focus for all healthcare professionals, and if further education for a nurse can assist in improving that aspect, then a larger onus should be placed on nurses in the present and the
In fact, Researchers had shown the results of outcomes having different degrees of level. According to AACN, Today 61% Nurses in the United States have a BSN degree who works in health settings. In fact, BSN nurses reduce death rate mortality, and readmission rate by using clinical practice knowledge (AACN) . Having advance level of knowledge involves nurses to manage the patient level of care and monitor for progress. American Organization of Nurses Executives states that nurses who have a higher education level promotes safe nursing care and improves patient safety. Higher educational nurses prepare herself for clinical challenging and complex roles (AACN, page 1). They develop more ideas, better intervention, and focus more on clinical
Nursing is a profession that requires a unique skill set. A few of the traits include compassion, understanding and empathy. Clayton State University has a goal to produce competent, compassionate, professional nurses with communication and technical skills. Clayton State’s School of Nursing has outlined nine program outcomes or concepts that are part of the Conceptual Curriculum Model. These concepts include caring, communication, critical thinking, human diversity, informatics, interdisciplinary collaboration, nursing therapeutics, professional development, and theory based practice. These program outcomes relate to three nurse and client transitions; health-illness transitions, developmental transitions and organizational transitions. In health care, it is necessary to be knowledgeable and advanced in many areas in order to provide efficient care; these concepts are the foundation for a healthy nurse and client relationship.
I chose to go into nursing because I had taken a sports medicine class in high school I enjoyed, and I thought I would be guaranteed a job graduating that had something to do with medicine. I can remember being so excited to learn how about illnesses and medications, and all the difference procedures done in the hospital. At the time I thought a nurse’s job was to do what the physicians said, and I expected set guidelines that would tell me what I was and wasn’t allowed to do. I had no idea that I was entering onto a career path involving so much complexity, and that the skills I had dreamed of learning were such a small part of nursing in comparison to the emotional, decision making, and critical thinking skills that a nursing career requires. Ethics in nursing was not something that had ever crossed my mind when I chose to take this path, however now ethics is something that I think about every day I am practicing, whether in clinical or theory courses. Ethical theories often come from the idea that because we are human we have the obligation to care about other’s best interests (Kozier et al., 2010), however in nursing ethical practice is not just a personal choice but a professional responsibility.
Current literature continues to reiterate the indicators of a major shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. The total RN population has been increasing since 1980, which means that we have more RNs in this country than ever before (Nursing Shortage). Even though the RN population is increasing, it is growing at a much slower rate then when compared to the rate of growth of the U.S. population (Nursing Shortage). We are seeing less skilled nurses “at a time of an increasingly aging population with complex care needs and an increasingly complex technological care environment” (Mion). According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that “more than a million new and replacement nurses will be needed over the next decade” (Diagnosis: Critical).
Even though entry level is an ADN (associates degree in nursing); there is still controversy that entry level should be a BSN (bachelor science in nursing), which is a four-year degree. Before applying to a nursing program; you will have to pick a college to attend, take the prerequisites for the program, take the HESI exam and then you will finally be eligible to apply for the program. Here is the long sometimes-stressful process on how to successfully get into the two year nursing program.
There has been great debate in the nursing community for years regarding what should be the educational requirements for a practicing nurse. There are currently many options for men and women to enter the field through LPN, ADN, and BSN programs. More recently, programs have been popping up allowing accelerated BSN obtainment through second degree programs. The debate stems from the conflicting ideas of whether nursing as a whole is a trade, requiring an associate’s degree, or should be considered a profession, often requiring a Baccalaureate degree. In this paper this author will use past nursing history, current medical demands and advancements, and clinical patient outcomes to argue that the minimum education for a nurse should be a Baccalaureate degree.
As a nurse, we serve a society which is very culturally diverse. We provide care to many individuals whom have their own unique set of ethics, values, morals, and beliefs by which may be very different from our own. Because of our professional role, we must use lifelong learning as a tool to broaden our views, increase our knowledge, and understand the influences which affect it. To make this possible, we have to continually educate ourselves about the nursing laws, professional standards, and code of ethics all of which we are committed to.
Nursing encompasses several levels of education and licensure. For decades the differentiation between these levels has been debated, primarily between the differentiation of the Associates degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). The associate’s degree, which began with the intention of creating a technical nurse, has developed into being “equivalent” to a bachelors degree (Hess, 1996). The two degrees however are not equivalent, the bachelors educated nurse receives two years education beyond the associate, in the liberal arts and upper division nursing courses
McEwen, M., Pullis, B. R., White, M. J., & Krawtz, S. (2013). Eighty Percent by 2020: The Present and Future of RN-to-BSN Education. The Journal of nursing education, 1-9.
Factors such as, heavy workloads, stress, job dissatisfaction, frequent medical errors, and intention of leaving the job are all common for nurses to experience, especially during the nursing shortage crisis. Not only do the nurses suffer during a shortage, but the patients ' health outcomes suffer even more. For instance, there are higher rates of infectious diseases and adverse patient outcomes, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), upper gastrointestinal bleeding, shock, pneumonia, prolonged hospital stays, failure to rescue, and mortality. As a result, this leads to higher re-admission rates for patients. Furthermore, high patient-to-nurse ratios cause heavy workloads due to an inadequate supply of nurses, an increased demand for nurses, a reduction in staffing and an increase in overtime, and a shortened length of stay for patients. Without the heavy workloads that nurses have to endure on a daily basis, there would more time for nurses to communicate more effectively with physicians, insurance companies, and patients and their families. Those heavy workloads are the result of hospitals reducing the nursing staff and implementing mandatory overtime policies just to meet unexpectedly high demands. Unfortunately, the nursing shortage has affected nurses ' mental and physical health. For example, the most common health concerns for nurses include cardiovascular health, occupational injuries and illnesses, and emotional and physical exhaustion. Therefore, safe-staffing ratios/levels have to become the main
The BSN program helps the nurses in many ways including utilizing the process to the full scale and it will encourage nurses to use their skills like educating the patient as we’ll as creating new nurses. Because of the new health care reform, the BSN program will also aid in filling the gap from the influx of patients. The baccalaureate degrees and BSN program helps prepare students for the significant part they are going to play in reinforcing the new healthcare reform. At present, I utilize and develop nursing care plans in the nursing process, even though it needs some corrections due to the nature of my work. The highest standards of nursing can only be achieved through better research and advanced training.