BSN in 10: What Is Your Opinion?

BSN in 10: What Is Your Opinion?

JACQUELINE J. HAVERKAMP, DNP, RN, CNP; KAY BALL, PhD, RN, CNOR, FAAN

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this project was to elicit the opinions of members of AORN of Central Ohio regarding Ohios BSN-in-10 initiative. Using a focus group, we sought to answer the following question: is there a need to legislate that newly licensed RNs in Ohio obtain a bachelors degree in nursing (BSN) within 10 years? Participants valued higher education but were not informed about the need for more BSN-prepared nurses. They also were not aware of the professional and nancial effects of obtaining a baccalaureate degree, the available resources to assist them in obtaining one, or collaborative nursing association partnerships that advocate for BSN-in-10 legislation. The results suggest that health care policy advocates need to nd alternative means to communicate essential information to RNs. AORN J 98 (August 2013) 144-152. AORN, Inc, 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2013.06.006

Key words: BSN legislation, nursing education, focus group, action coalitions, Future of Nursing.

ACochrane Collaboration systematic review showed that stafng nurses with higher levels of educational preparation is linked

to better patient outcomes.1 The Institute of Medicines (IOMs) 2010 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, recommends an 80% baccalaureate-prepared nursing workforce by 2020.2 The American Nurses Association has resolved to support initiatives that require RNs to obtain a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) within 10 years of initial licensure.3 Many advocates in Ohio, including members of the Ohio Student Nurses Associationdmore than half of whom are enrolled in associate degree programsd believe that this is unlikely to occur without a legislative mandate.4 Considering this, we undertook a focus group project to elicit perceptions regarding Ohios BSN-in-10 initiative from members of the AORN of Central Ohio chapter.

BACKGROUNDThere are three educational routes in the United

States that lead to entry-level licensure for all RNs: diploma programs provided by hospitals, associate degree programs provided by community colleges, and baccalaureate degree programs provided by colleges and universities.5 Nurses from all three programs sit for the same NCLEX-RN licensing examination that veries minimal competency to provide safe, basic care.5

Baccalaureate programs include all of the technical aspects of nursing, such as caring for individuals and their family members during illness and...