b'|EDUCATIONBSN in 10How the Mandated BSN is ChangingNursing By Diane Goodman, RN, MSN-C, CCRN, CNRNF or as long as nurses have cared for patients,to be pronounced in many geographical areasrequires proof that a facility has a plan in place the argument has been present: what isof the country, especially those currently havingfor 80 percent of the RN workforce to achieve the entry level of academic preparationdifficulty recruiting nurses (California, Texas,BSN status by 2020. Both have slowly but surely required for a nurse? Although nursing leadersNew Jersey, South Carolina, among others). been driving BSN percentages higher, although have tried since 1964 to require a BaccalaureateBut for nurses who are relatively new to thenot everyone, by any means, has been sold.Degree for entry into the profession, the attemptsprofession, or are working without a BSN, whatMany nurses will argue the ADN or Diploma have never been met with success. So, when legis- does the BSN in 10 mandate really mean fornurse is the better bedside nurse. Some peo-lators recently announced the BSN in 10 man- those working in New York State? ple have reservations that the associate degree date for New York State, did nurses feel moreFirst, this legislation is not brand new: itnurse isnt any less qualified than a BSN.than a fleeting spasm of interest? Should theyrequired nearly 14 years of lobbying for theAssociate degree nurses will repeat horror care? What makes this news different from thoselegislation to be passed! What the legislationstories of the BSN graduate that can quote the-that have crossed nursing radar before? states is that all RNs are required to obtainory for days but couldnt insert an IV if a patients The first difference is the atmosphere ofa Baccalaureate Degree within 10 years oflife depended on the skill. They also tell precep-nursing in 2019. Ask any nurse that is receivingreceiving their initial RN license in New York.tors of BSN graduates that have no idea how to a paycheck in anywhere USA, and they can tellIf they fail to do so, their license will be sus- insert catheters or nasogastric tubes. The battle you expectations are high. Patients are sicker,pended. At this time, nurses currently work- of bedside skills and technical skills could go on plus they are waiting longer to seek assistance.ing who hold ADN or Diploma Degrees whofor days, and yes, they may have a point.They may have higher deductibles, or no insur- have no plans to go back to school will beBut the BSN graduate does obtain a list of ance coverage whatsoever. They may live ingrandfathered in. Current students enrolled inskills that employers need, especially in the a state where rural care is scarce, especiallynon-BSN programs are also exempt, however,highly complex atmosphere of care nurses Emergency Care. Bosses have high demands,going forward, the expectation will be thatencounter in 2019. Items included in a too. They want patients cared for with shorternurses will be held to the BSN in 10. Baccalaureate program include the following, stays, higher satisfaction, yet they dont wantThis legislation could be attributed to twowhich are more comprehensive than technical to see them returning within 30 days, or withfactors in medicine and nursing. One was theor psychomotor skills:resistant infections. Its a stressful profession. Institute of Medicines goal for 80 percent ofCommunity NursingTo make matters worse, within the nextthe Nursing workforce to be BSN preparedNursing Research10-15 years over one million Baby Boomerby 2020. The IOM report, published in 2010,Pediatricsnurses are expected to retire, taking withfocused on patient safety statistics, pointingNursing Theorythem a wealth of experience. The good newsto the correlation between a higher percent- Psychosocial Nursingfor nursing leaders? With those retirees will goage of BSN-prepared nurses and a reductionHealth Assessmenta hefty group of ADN and Diploma graduates. in morbidity and mortality. The second factorNurse Management and LeadershipISTOCKThe bad news? The nursing shortage is goinghas been AACNs Magnet designation, whichNursing Ethicswww.elitecme.com |2019| EDUCATION 15'