Highlights
- •Despite growth in entry-level Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education and Registered Nurse (RN)-to-BSN graduations, the Institute of Medicine recommendation that 80% of RNs have a bachelor's degree or higher by 2020 will not be attained.
- •Based on current patterns of entry-level and RN-to-BSN education, approximately 66% of RNs are projected to have BSN+ education by 2025.
- •To reach the 80% goal by 2025, changes in the mix of entry-level education and/or an increase in the number of RN-to-BSN graduates will be required.
- •Employers can support tuition costs and offer rewards to RNs who complete baccalaureate degree, as many do now.
- •Programs that support entry-level BSN education should be expanded, including collaborative agreements between community colleges and universities and community colleges offering bachelor's degrees in nursing.
Abstract
Background
In 2011, the Institute of Medicine recommended that 80% of RNs have a bachelor's degree
or higher by 2020. Progress toward this recommendation has been slow.
Purpose
This paper presents a model that projects whether the 80% recommendation can be met
within a 10-year period and estimates the impact of education changes that might accelerate
progress.
Methods
A projection model for 2016 to 2026 was created using a “stock-and-flow” approach.
Secondary data were extracted from multiple sources for the projections. The model
includes the option to enter alternative values of key parameters to estimate the
impact of changes.
Discussion
Based on current patterns of entry-level and RN-to-BSN education, approximately 66%
of RNs are projected to have BSN+ education by 2025.
Conclusions
To reach the 80% goal by 2025, changes in the mix of entry-level education and/or
an increase in the number of RN-to-BSN graduates will be required.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 03, 2018
Accepted:
April 29,
2018
Received:
December 23,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
