Keywords

Baccalaureate Nurses (BSN), Cost-Effectiveness, Failure to Rescue, Length of Stay, Mortality Rates, Patient Outcomes, Readmission Rates

 

Authors

  1. O'Brien, Deborah
  2. Knowlton, Mary
  3. Whichello, Ramona

Abstract

AIM: This review of studies conducted since the 2011 publication of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health" evaluates the current state of evidence showing an association between an increased ratio of BSN-prepared nursing staff and improved patient outcomes.

 

BACKGROUND: The IOM established a nationwide goal to increase the number of BSN nurses to 80 percent by 2020 to meet the challenges seen in today's health care environment.

 

METHOD: The literature search included a five-year (2011-2016) span following the initial release of the IOM report.

 

RESULTS: Mortality, failure to rescue, and readmission rates all decrease as the proportion of BSN nurses is increased in a nursing staffing ratio.

 

CONCLUSION: It is the recommendation of this project that nurse leaders and organizations support the findings of this literature review and the IOM BSN recommendation.