BSN-prepared nurses are Essential to Quality Health Care
Nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have demonstrated abilities that benefit patients and healthcare providers. BSN education focuses on knowledge development, critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion.
BSN-prepared Nurses benefit everyone
24% greater odds of surviving cardiac arrest
An increase in BSN-prepared nurses was associated with greater odds of survival among patients who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest (AACN Fact Sheet)
24.6% lower odds of mortality
Hospitals staffed with 80% BSN-prepared nurses compared to hospitals staffed with only 30% BSN-prepared nurses had 24.6% lower odds of inpatient mortality (Nursing Outlook)
10% lower odds of death in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD)
A 10% increase in BSN-prepared nurses was associated with 10% lower odds of death in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)
8% decrease in length of hospital stays
Hospitals that increased their proportion of BSN-prepared nurses over time had a decrease in length of stay for patients (Research in Nursing & Health)
Cost Savings
By increasing BSN-prepared nursing staff by 10%, the cost–benefit analysis showed a gross monetary benefit for the healthcare provider of $46,323 in non-surgical wards and $135,430.21 in surgical wards, per 1000 patient days, due to reduced 30-day hospital readmissions (International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health).
An increase in BSN staffing to 80% for each patient could potentially mean $5.6 million in savings per year! (Medical Care Journal)
Conclusion
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree or completing an online RN to BSN degree can lead to transformative outcomes for patients, healthcare providers, and communities. From improving patient survival rates to reducing costs and enhancing care quality, the evidence underscores the value of BSN-prepared nurses in healthcare.
