Impact of BSN Education on Professional Nursing Practice

Purpose: The launch of a new RN-to-BSN program in an underserved area of the state of Washington has resulted in a variety of benefits to the nursing profession throughout the region. This program adds to the statewide strategy to meet the IOM Report on the Future of Nursing(2010) goal of an 80% BSN prepared workforce by 2020, but has also contributed to raising awareness in nurses, other health care providers, and the general community-at-large of the important role nurses take in advancing the health and healthcare of the community.

Rationale/Background: PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center (PHSJMC) has been a key partner with Washington University (WWU) in the launch of a new RN-to-BSN program. With the advancement of nursing practice outlined in the Future of Nursing, the Northwest region of Washington State was critically underserved for continued education opportunities for nurses. As a result, the PHSJMC system nursing workforce is comprised of 41% BSN-prepared nurses, far below the recommended 80% by 2020.

 

Methods: The RN-to-BSN program actively engages community partners in the ongoing quality improvement methods of the program and actively seeks input from these stakeholders in the implementation of the curriculum. To date, the program has contributed directly to the improved professional practice of the PHSJMC health system.

Outcomes: As key partners, PHSJMC nurses, physicians and other providers in the system serve in three important roles:

1. Clinical practice faculty, offering insight and support to emerging nurse leaders exploring organizational issues of quality and safety in healthcare;
2. Contributors to initiatives such as the Palliative Care Initiative, ensuring emerging issues relevant to patient care such as competency in palliative care are supported by the RN-to-BSN program to meet the needs of the health system; and
3. Offering opportunities for professional development for practicing nurses and BSN students, supporting state-wide and national efforts in nurses attaining knowledge and skills for leadership positions. Nurses between WWU and PHSJMC have partnered to engage in the “Best on Boards” initiative by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Organization of Nurse Executives to support nurses in attaining board positions on hospital and community boards.

Conclusions: As the WWU RN-to-BSN program evolves, there are multiple opportunities for industry to partner with education to ensure the emerging needs of a rapidly-changing healthcare system are met. This partnership between WWU and PHSJMC provides a strong example of how these partnerships can be replicated in other regions and continue ensure a high-quality nursing workforce to deliver safe patient care.