In 2010, the 80% BSN by 2020 initiative rolled out in an effort to boost nursing’s competency level. Have we reach the 80% goal? Read on to find out if we’ve made progress over the past 10 years.
NursesGeneral NursingArticle
A decade ago, our healthcare system was growing more complex and patients were sicker than ever. In response, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) rolled out a 2-year initiative to determine if the nursing workforce was prepared to face these challenges. Data was gathered, analyzed and in 2010, the IOM released a report of evidence based recommendations to improve the skill and competency of working nurses.
80% BSN by 2020
The report was clear… nurses needed a higher level of education. Therefore, the IOM pushed for more BSN nurses by setting the goal of 80% of RNs earning a BSN by 2020. When the report was released in 2010, only 49% of nurses were educated on a baccalaureate level.
Distinct Differences
BSN and ADN nurses fill many of the same positions, with both performing similar tasks. But, there is a growing number of research studies that show BSN graduates bring greater skill to their work than ADN or diploma graduates. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) provides an overview of numerous studies in the fact sheet, The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice.
According to research, BSN graduates are better prepared to:
Use evidence-based practice
Analyze data
Implement and manage projects
Communicate with other disciplines
Promote patient safety
Work in leadership positions
Nurses with a bachelor degree have also been linked to:
Lower odds of patient deaths
Better patient outcomes
Leading to lower costs
Fewer adverse events
Fewer medication errors
Stronger use of research
Stronger leadership skills
Progress Towards Goal
The nursing profession won’t meet the goal of an 80% BSN workforce by 2020, but progress is being made. The Future of Nursing’s Campaign for Action works to implement the IOM’s 2010 recommendations. Here is a quick look at their progress:
Starting in 2012, the number of nurses graduating with a BSN, including RN-to-BSN, is higher than those graduating with an associate degree.
From 2010 to 2012, the number of RN-to-BSN graduates increased by 180%.
In 2018, the percentage of working nurses with a bachelor's degree (or higher) was up from 49% in 2010 to 57% in 2018.
Since 2010, the number of nurses with a doctorate degree has doubled.
To reduce the hurdles faced by nurses in obtaining advanced degrees, 30 states are now enrolling nursing students into 1 of 5 promising program models:
RN-to-BSN degree from a community college to allow RNs to complete bachelor education at a community college
State or regionally shared outcomes-based curriculum
Accelerated RN-to-MSN programs
Shared statewide or regional curriculum between universities and community colleges.
Shared baccalaureate curriculum to shorten the time between obtaining an associate and a bachelor's degree.
Making it Easier to Return to School
ADN graduates share common concerns about returning to school. Online RN-to-BSN programs are designed to address these concerns by:
Building on previous education to shorten the time it takes to earn a BSN
Providing multiple start dates for RNs to enroll at a time convenient for them
Formatting coursework to be completed at a time and place that works best for the student
Making online programs more affordable than traditional campus-based programs
Nurses may also qualify for loan forgiveness and loan-for-service programs
BSN Minimal Degree for Entry Level Nurse
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) stated in a draft position paper the organization “strongly believes that registered nurses should be minimally prepared with the bachelor of science in nursing or equivalent nursing degree”.
So where does this leave the associate level nurse? The National League for Nursing (NLN) argues entry points into the nursing profession shouldn’t be limited, as more nurses are needed to ease the nursing shortage. In addition, the NLN argues 2-year community college programs are “front and center in attracting students of color and those who may be marginalized by economic disadvantage”.
Does The ADN Still Matter?
We are all feeling the strain of the nursing shortage, especially as the pandemic marches on. What does this mean for ADN graduates? It’s impossible for baccalaureate programs to graduate enough nurses in a time-frame needed to fill the current (and future) shortage gap. Both inpatient and outpatient settings need all the nursing “hands on deck” they can get. So, the answer is a loud “YES”, associate trained nurses are still needed and new grads will have no problem finding a job.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with requiring a percentage of working nurses to hold BSNs? Also, is it fair for employers to mandate the nurses they hire to obtain a bachelor degree within a specific time-frame?
