Job security
In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) published a report that has been overwhelmingly referenced recommending that by the year 2020, 80 percent of nurses should be baccalaureate prepared. Since then, this has been used by healthcare agencies nationwide to set the bar, with many listing nursing positions as BSN preferred or having associate prepared nurses sign contracts requiring them to achieve that degree within 3-5 years or face termination.
This is especially seen in hospitals pursuing Magnet or Pathway to Excellence status. In 2017, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also signed legislation requiring future nurses graduating from associate degree or diploma nursing programs to obtain a baccalaureate in nursing within 10 years of initial licensure.
Quality of patient care
In 2011, the
BSN recommendation was further supported by a study by
Aiken,
Cimiotti, Sloane, Smith,
Flynn, and
Neff, which concluded that a “10 percent increase in
BSN-educated nurses decreases the odds on patients dying by about 4 percent.” (para. 5).
Then, in 2013, a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that “…a 10 percent increase in the proportion of
BSN-educated care was associated with a 10 percent reduction in the odds of mortality.” (p. 3).
The reasons for this are multifaceted, but ultimately, bachelor’s programs include more content on patient safety measures, patient satisfaction tactics, quality care skills, interdisciplinary practice, and leadership development.
Career mobility and pay
By achieving a Bachelor of Science in nursing, registered nurses are qualified candidates for many current and emerging roles within
healthcare organizations. Additionally, baccalaureate prepared registered nurses are able to apply for graduate education to elevate their practice in roles such as nurse practitioners, nurse managers, nurse educators, and nurse midwives.
Additionally,
payscale, Inc. found in a 2017 study that “
BSNs with the same level of experience (as associate prepared nurses) earn $8,337 more” annually.
Why a B.S. in nursing from St. Bonaventure?
True student-centered approach
The RN-to-B.S. in Nursing program is a hybrid program that holds nursing classes where RNs work. With support from local healthcare agencies, nursing faculty travel to teach where nurses are working. Scheduling flexibility is a high priority with evening classes arranged around student cohorts.
This student-centered approach allows for the possibility of working nurses to start their shift at the bedside and finish it in a classroom without commuting to a college campus. Clinical hours also remain student-centered through one-on-one discussions and placement to not only meet clinical objectives, but personal ones as well.
Grow into a technology savvy consumer
With the hybrid approach, students are exposed to online courses, modules, and virtual simulation. Technology is the way of healthcare’s future, and it is found in many graduate school programs, so it is the mission of the nursing faculty at St. Bonaventure to prepare B.S. in nursing graduates to be savvy consumers for current practice and future academic endeavors.
Course content is also focused on technology, with two classes dedicated to developing skills in nursing informatics and evidence-based practice.
Emotional intelligence
A big piece that sets this program apart from others is a focus on emotional intelligence. Threaded throughout the program, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management lessons and activities work to prepare RNs to become their best selves.
In 2017, a research study showed “…that training in emotional intelligence abilities may increase job satisfaction and decrease burnout.” (Jung Lee, p. 1)
Graduates are guided to complete assignments that hone inter- and intra-personal skills that can be immediately applied to combat driving factors behind nurse turnover.