BSN in 10

[Farmer2DO]

http://rochester.ynn.com/content/to...registered-nurses-to-have-bachelor-s-degrees/

So, good old New York State, in its infinite wisdom, is pushing a bill to require RNs to complete a BSN within 10 years to continue to work in the state.

"The data is clear, that patients are better served, and we have better outcomes for patients when we have a bachelor's level nurse." Joe Morelle, NYS Assemblyman

First, I'm interested to know if anyone is aware of this "data". Is there any sound, scientific proof out there? Rigorous studies, not just studies paid for by academics to require people to spend more on education.

At least in NYS, and I believe elsewhere, there is a shortage of nurse educators. There are also waiting lists for students to get into nursing programs. There is no way this is going to help; in fact, I only see it driving people into other states and other professions.

Its already hard for new grad nurses to find jobs, because it costs hospitals a lot of money to put a nurse through the first year of work, and they are picky about who they pick. Now, students will have have to worry about spending more money on a degree when they may not even have a job.

I think efforts would be better spent increasing the number of nurse educators.

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[sarjasy]

http://rochester.ynn.com/content/to...registered-nurses-to-have-bachelor-s-degrees/

So, good old New York State, in its infinite wisdom, is pushing a bill to require RNs to complete a BSN within 10 years to continue to work in the state.

"The data is clear, that patients are better served, and we have better outcomes for patients when we have a bachelor's level nurse." Joe Morelle, NYS Assemblyman

First, I'm interested to know if anyone is aware of this "data". Is there any sound, scientific proof out there? Rigorous studies, not just studies paid for by academics to require people to spend more on education.

I am not defending anything done by the state of NY, but there is evidence that the more BSN nurses you have, the lower the patient mortality rate. This has been shown in a number of settings. Most studies are done my academics, because, well, that is what academics do. But it is not as if academics (or NY state for that matter), get salary increases as a result of increased enrollments.

Having said that, I don't think forcing ADN's to get BSN's will make a difference. In my opinion, it is not primarily the degree, but the difference in the type of person that chooses each degree (generally speaking).

 

[deleted6669]

I think it's a bad idea as it will make good nurses leave the state.
isn't adn to bsn 1 yr of online coursework while working full time? seems like it would be easy to do for anyone interested and I'm guessing hospitals will pay for this.

 

[sarjasy]

I think it's a bad idea as it will make good nurses leave the state.
isn't adn to bsn 1 yr of online coursework while working full time? seems like it would be easy to do for anyone interested and I'm guessing hospitals will pay for this.

I doubt anyone is going to leave the state when they have 10 years to complete it, especially with how quickly some BSN completion programs can be done (in as little as a year, as you point out).

I highly doubt, however, that making ADN's get BSN's will affect patient mortality or outcomes, especially considering that so many BSN completion programs are a joke.

 

[deleted6669]

I'm sure most younger nurses will make the transition but what about the 50 yr old (+) nurses who live in areas adjacent to other states? might just be easier to work across the border.
I agree that requiring a bsn will not improve pt. care(in fact some of the best nurses I know have an associates).

 

[sarjasy]

I'm sure most younger nurses will make the transition but what about the 50 yr old (+) nurses who live in areas adjacent to other states? might just be easier to work across the border.

Valid point, but my guess would be that those 50+ would either a) work 10 more years and then retire, or b) work 10 more years and then move to a bordering state for their last 5 or so years before retirement, or c) go ahead and get their BSN and not have to worry about it. I know nurses 50+ that are working on BSN's, MSN's and doctorates.

Either way, I don't see it having a huge impact. The state would have 10 years to replace those 50+ that retire or leave for a bordering state. And, if the OP is correct, it sounds like NY has more nurses than jobs right now anyway.