New Rules Send Upstate Nurses (in S.C.) Back to School
One rationale behind this is that since the role of the nurse in the hospital is changing and becoming more complex, more education is needed to keep up.Hospitals across the country are now mandating that nurses with associate degrees obtain a Bachelor of Science degree.The change went into effect July 1 for nursing staff at Greenville Health System. The organization anticipates 300 nurses will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding stating that they will return to school for a BSN degree within four years.The change in education requirements for nursing staff is based on a recommendation from the Institute of Medicine. The non-profit advisory group wants 80 percent of all nurses to have a four-year degree by 2020.
"We hope for the patient, it will provide enhanced care," according to Judith Thompson, CEO of the South Carolina Nurses Association.
What do you think about making nurses with years of experience under their belts to go back to school or risk their jobs?