Baccalaureate Education in Nursing and Patient Outcomes

• DOI: 10.1097/nna.0b013e31827f2028
• Publication Date: 2013-01-11T10:55:25Z
• Authors: Mary A. Blegen; Colleen J. Goode; Shin Hye Park; Thomas Vaughn; Joanne Spetz
• Keywords: Staffing

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the effects registered nurse (RN) education by determining whether nurse-sensitive patient outcomes were better in hospitals with a higher proportion RNs baccalaureate degrees. BACKGROUND: Future Nursing report recommends increasing percentage degrees from 50% 80% 2020. Research has linked RN levels hospital mortality rates but not other outcomes. METHODS: This cross-sectional that, use data 21 University HealthSystem Consortium hospitals, analyzed association between and (risk-adjusted safety quality care indicators), controlling for staffing characteristics. RESULTS: Hospitals or had lower congestive heart failure mortality, decubitus ulcers, rescue, postoperative deep vein thrombosis pulmonary embolism shorter length stay. CONCLUSION: recommendation increase is supported these findings.