In this post, the student discusses the need to change the entry-level education requirement for nursing practice. The student argues that there is a difference between registered nurses with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and that the BSN nurse receives more intensive training, leading to safer and better patient care. The student also refers to a study conducted by the American Association of College of Nursing, which concludes that BSN registered nurses offer higher quality care and have better patient outcomes.
I agree with the student’s argument that the entry-level education requirement for nursing practice should be changed. The differences between ADN and BSN nurses go beyond just the duration of training. BSN education provides a more comprehensive understanding of nursing theory, research, leadership, and management, which are essential for providing high-quality care and making evidence-based decisions (Altman, Butler, & Shern, 2016). This advanced training equips BSN nurses with a broader skill set and allows them to take on more complex responsibilities.
The study mentioned by the student conducted by the American Association of College of Nursing adds to the evidence supporting the need for BSN as the entry-level degree. The study found that medical facilities with a higher proportion of BSN nurses had fewer medical errors, lower patient mortality rates, and better relationships between healthcare providers (Resseter, 2019). These findings highlight the positive impact that BSN nurses can have on patient outcomes and the overall quality of healthcare.
To successfully implement the BSN as the entry-level degree, the student provides four recommendations. Firstly, it is suggested to increase the proportion of BSN nurses to above eighty percent. This can be achieved by incentivizing current ADN nurses to pursue further education and by promoting BSN programs to prospective students. Secondly, the student recommends the implementation of a nurse residency program to help BSN graduates develop their decision-making skills based on evidence. This program would provide support and mentorship to new nurses and help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The third recommendation is to focus on increasing the number of nurses with doctorate education levels. This is important as nursing continues to evolve as a profession, and having more nurses with advanced degrees will contribute to the advancement of research, policy, and leadership in healthcare (Altman, Butler, & Shern, 2016).
Lastly, the student suggests encouraging lifelong learning to promote continuous competence among registered nurses. Nursing is a constantly changing field, and ongoing education and professional development are necessary to keep up with advancements and provide the best possible care to patients.
Overall, the student’s argument and recommendations align with current research and trends in the nursing profession. The shift towards requiring the BSN degree as the entry-level education for nursing practice is gaining momentum, and it is supported by evidence that shows the benefits in terms of improved patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. By implementing the student’s recommendations, healthcare institutions and nursing leaders can work towards achieving this goal and ensuring that the nursing profession continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of patients and healthcare systems.