Nursing Excellence Through Education: Development of an innovative funding program using NDNQI RN Education Data

Purpose:
The issue, identified from our hospital's 2007 NDNQI RN Education data, was our low percentage (30%) of BSN/higher degree RN staff and leaders. Our strategic goal was to implement several initiatives to increase the percentage of RNs with BSN and higher degrees by raising $500,000 over 3 years.

Significance:
Emerging data in the nursing literature is revealing that a relationship exists between BSN and higher degree nurses and positive patient outcomes. One study by Aiken et al. revealed a correlation between the percentage of BSN-prepared nurses and failure to rescue outcomes in post-surgical patients.

Strategy and Implementation:
In 2007, several nurse leaders wrote and submitted a grant request to our Foundation to establish a nursing fund to assist RNs seeking BSN/higher degrees and certifications. The Nursing Excellence Through Education Fund was approved, and the Foundation committed to raising $500,000 over 3 years. The initiative encompassed several steps and focused on soliciting donations from employees, physicians, and community members. We developed eligibility and selection criteria and application and selection processes involving our Professional Development Council, whose members include direct care RNs. We marketed the fund internally and externally. The Foundation created a DVD highlighting the fund drive. A special committee was formed and headed by a physician from our community. Proceeds from our annual, Foundation-sponsored ProAm Golf Tournament for 3 years were earmarked for the fund. We started on-site BSN cohorts, developed tracking tools, and established 1-, 2-, and 3-year goals.

Evaluation:
As of June 2010, over $750,000 has been raised, with approximately $228,000 dedicated to endowments, which will support the fund into perpetuity. Physicians have donated $100,000. Approximately 125 RNs have received funding, which represents approximately 20% of our direct care RN workforce.

Implications for Practice:
As our RNs have returned to school, we have seen increased interest in evidence-based practice and research. Nurses returning to school are asking more questions, taking ownership for practice, and are implementing projects to improve patient outcomes and our nursing practice environment.