Discuss the correlation between nursing education and positive patient outcomes. Include current research that links patient safety outcomes to advanced degrees in nursing

Correlation Between Nursing Education and Positive Patient Outcomes

Research on nursing education and patient outcomes has revealed that institutions with nurses with higher levels of education have increased patient safety and better patient outcomes. Djukic et al. (2019) noted that baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses had better preparation compared to associate degree nurses in twelve out of sixteen aspects linked to safety and quality, such as data analysis, evidence-based practice, and projection implementation. Aiken et al. (2016) findings revealed that when there is a larger percentage of professional nurses current for patients in the wards, there are better patient outcomes. The addition of assistive personnel who do not have professional nursing qualifications can lead to preventable mortalities, low-quality healthcare, and nurse shortages. Yakusheva et al. (2014) revealed that a ten percent increase in the proportion of baccalaureate nurses in hospital departments was linked with a reduction of mortalities of 10.9. The author noted that increasing nursing care offered by BSN nurses to 80% significantly lowers readmission rates and hospital stays, leading to cost savings.

I agree that education positively correlates with better patient outcomes and reduced mortalities. Educated nurses have better skills and knowledge to offer patient-centered care. I’m afraid I have to disagree that one must have a BSN nursing degree to provide quality care. In my clinical experiences, I have observed that experience in practicing is associated with better patient outcomes. Nurses who have practiced for more years have been able to think quickly on their feet to deliver care whenever patients need it. The BSN program can give nurses better managerial skills for improving patient outcomes. However, experience is also a critical factor. I prefer being managed by clinically experienced nurses instead of a master’s or Ph.D. nurse.

References

Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D., Griffiths, P., Rafferty, A. M., Bruyneel, L., McHugh, M., Maier, C. B., Moreno-Casbas, T., Ball, J. E., Ausserhofer, D., & Sermeus, W. (2016). Nursing skill mix in European hospitals: Cross-sectional study of the association with mortality, patient ratings, and quality of care. BMJ Quality & Safety, 26(7), 559-568. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2016-005567

Djukic, M., Stimpfel, A. W., & Kovner, C. (2019). Bachelor’s degree nurse graduates report better quality and safety educational preparedness than associate degree graduates. The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, 45(3), 180-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjq.2018.08.008