Strategizing for Success: Innovative Strategies for Improving Nursing Education Levels

Purpose:
The IOM report challenges organizations to achieve an 80% BSN or higher education rate for nursing by 2020. One Midwestern Magnet facility has implemented numerous strategies to encourage and support nurses to pursue higher levels of education in order to meet this challenge head on.

Significance:
Research shows nursing education directly impacts organizational quality patient outcomes. However, education is expensive and on-boarding nurses to meet these recommendations can be difficult. Implementation of innovative strategies can improve education rates without limiting hiring practices.

Strategy and Implementation:
As a specialty hospital centered in a regional area supported by 33 schools of nursing, of which, less than 60% offer Bachelor programs, limiting hiring practices to nurses with a minimum BSN preparation is not an option. Recognizing its importance, the organization has committed internal resources and developed community partnerships to advance nursing education. On-site accelerated BSN and MSN programs are provided through collaboration with an accredited nursing program and neighboring healthcare facility. Higher education levels have been integrated into job descriptions and the professional development program. Nurses must achieve the minimum education requirements before advancing professionally. Each year, families of former patients provide over $75,000 in scholarships to employees seeking nursing degrees. Financial assistance is available for employees to help curb out of pocket education expenses. Employees must commit to one year of service from the date of receipt.

Evaluation:
Due to this commitment, education levels have increased across nursing. In 4 years, direct care nurses increased BSN or higher preparation by 8% to 76%. Also, 100% of nurse leaders are BSN or higher prepared, increasing 25% in 4 years. Currently, 80.9% of all nurses hold a BSN or higher degree.

Implications for Practice:
Innovative strategies can be implemented to address the educational challenges of nurses in order to meet or exceed the IOM report's recommendation of 80% BSN or higher by 2020, or earlier.