Ambulatory

Professional Development

To BSN Or Not To BSN? That is the Question! #1074 (1.00 CH)

1074 - To BSN Or Not To BSN? That is the Question! #1074 (1.00 CH)

Speaker(s)

• BF

  Billie Fernsebner, MSN, RN

  Retired CNS
  Longmont, CO
• PS

  Patricia Seifert, MSN, RN, CNOR, FAAN

  Cardiac Consultant
  Falls Church, VA

Increasingly, health care institutions are hiring only BSN (or higher) prepared perioperative RNs based on research demonstrating an association between baccalaureate nurses and improved patient outcomes. The BSN (or higher) RN is also part the Magnet™ Recognition program, offers a growing array of leadership positions, and provides financial benefits. This presentation addresses benefits and barriers to the BSN, describes the increased number of available BSN academics programs, and offers practical suggestions for accessing educational funding, as well as professional and employer support mechanisms (e.g., mentoring, flexible scheduling).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify changing trends affecting the growth of BSN-prepared perioperative nurses.
• Describe the association of the educational preparation of registered nurses with patient outcomes.
• Describe strategies to overcomes barriers to obtaining a BSN or higher nursing degree.