ADN vs. BSN - patient mortality rates

[Katniss88]

I came across an article that was talking about the importance of a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Here is a quote from their article, "Several studies have demonstrated an inverse relationship between the proportion of BSN nurses and mortality of the hospitalized patient.In other words, they found that as the proportion of baccalaureate-degree registered nurses increased in hospitals, patient deaths decreased."

I have my ADN degree, the college I graduated from is highly regarded and better prepares their students than the BSN program down the road. Also, the ADN program I graduated from does far more clinicals than BSN program down the road, and in my opinion that is better at preparing student nurses for starting their career. I am not speaking for all the other ADN or BSN programs in the country. I just thought this would make an interesting topic and would like to hear everyone's opinion on this subject.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

This is so true. I have encountered some BSN prepared nurses who have NO CLUE what they're doing and they graduated from the prestigious schools. I'm not exaggerating. Trust and believe.

I don't think anyone would argue that you have seen some BSN-RNs that are not prepared. But this is also observational selection bias.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

I think that study on patient safety decreasing when there are less BSN prepared nurses working is seriously flawed and should have gone right into the shredder. It seems to be more of a gimmick to bring in more money to 4 year universities. The future of nursing education seems to be taking a downward spiral. Learning research and how to write papers is good in its place, but assessment, procedural, bed side nursing skills are still needed. How can someone really be a safe effective RN if they can't assess? Its really a pity. Nursing is becoming more corporate and less patient centered. I cannot wait to be done with this circus of a profession. The only problem is that someday I may have to be a patient again. What a scary thought for the future.

Please elucidate why that study us flawed.

[manusko]

This is so true. I have encountered some BSN prepared nurses who have NO CLUE what they're doing and they graduated from the prestigious schools. I'm not exaggerating. Trust and believe.

I have meet diploma nurses and LPNs I wouldn't trust with a corpse. I have also met some of the smartest nurses who are diploma nurses, ADNs, LPNs and BSNs. Not everyone with a degree is the greatest nurse that ever lived. Also, the hospitals are pushing for higher degrees on their nurses. It's not the universities mandating this but I understand at the end of the day it's about money. I will also point out that many hospitals will pay their nurses tuition to get their BSN.