Bill in Legislation Requiring BSN - Assignment Example

?History and Significance By 2020, the report of the Institute of Medicine advocates that 80% of registered nurses have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. This is supported by bill No A01977B which is at present expecting consideration in both houses of the Higher Education Committees. Last June 2011, it was amended and recommit to higher education. Regarding the practice of nursing, various countries such as Canada, Portugal, Korea, and the Philippines already demand a four-year undergraduate degree. New York and New Jersey State nursing associations have already introduced “BSN- in-10” proposals. Majority of New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) members have voted to support this legislation at the March 31, 2006 meeting. In 1999, Harris Poll conducted a nationwide survey wherein the results indicated that 76 percent of the public think that nurses should have at least four years of undergraduate education for sufficient preparation. In 1978, the American Nurses Association (ANA) House of Delegates recommended that by 1985, the preparation for entry into professional practice would be a baccalaureate degree. This was seconded by their 1965 position paper that was inspired by the Comprehensive Nurse Training Act in 1964. This motivated reviews on nursing responsibilities, practice, and education. There are many reasons why different groups are pushing for the educational advancement of registered nurses. One major purpose is to promote professional behaviors. It is believed that this may promote a higher level of understanding the complexity of healthcare resources significant in caring for patients. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, a study conducted by Linda Aiken and her colleagues concluded, “In hospitals with higher proportions of nurses educated at the baccalaureate level or higher, surgical patients experienced lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rate” (2003). Furthermore, a baccalaureate degree encompasses analytical and critical thinking skills through liberal arts and sciences subjects. These additional course works are intended to deepen perception and appreciation for patients’ cultural, political, economic, and social backgrounds, thus, fostering interdisciplinary and community credibility. Sufficient academic preparation helps nurses to be equitable with other fields in healthcare. In addition, proper education boosts evidence based practice which is handier in the nursing profession. This significance will then give way to professional collaboration. Schools will have more opportunities to partner with relevant industries. As a result, this bill will increase the qualification of faculty members. Those with bachelor’s degrees are expected to advance their schooling by pursuing master’s programs. As the requirement for students become more compelling, faculty standards have to be cultivated. These educational changes, ultimately seek for the enhancement of the nursing practice. This approach maintains its respect for all educational entries while addressing the evolving competencies required. For those with associate degrees, they may continue practicing while furthering their nursing education. For instance, a registered nurse with an associate degree may continue to work while finishing his bachelor’s degree. Currently, there are more schools working with other institutions to deliver innovative and flexible means. Hospitals and other kinds of healthcare facilities can also advance themselves with the promulgation of this bill. With more staff having distinguished education, an institution makes its chances higher to be accredited by the Magnet Recognition Program which is being supervised by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Health care facilities that receive this recognition pride themselves with outstanding patient care and nursing services. Sponsors The bill is being sponsored by Senator Stavisky and Assembly Member Morelle. These two legislators share common ground regarding their experience and emphasis on insurance, healthcare, and other avenues of community work. In 1999, Toby Ann Stavisky was elected to the senate. The 16th senate district in Central and Northeastern Queens’ loyalty to her leadership was evident when she got 92 percent of the vote and has been re-elected seven times. She has been reelected in 2010 with 87 percent of the vote. As stated in her website, she has centered on diverse community improvement advocacies such as issues on better schools, social justice, and enhanced older adult programs. Regarding patient care and education, The Association for Neurologically Impaired Brain Injured Children and the Counseling, Admissions and Financial Aid Legislative Consortium gave her an award “in recognition of her vigorous support for Higher Education.” In 2010, Senator Stavisky was given the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Partners in Quality Award. In 1990, until the present, Joseph Morelle has been elected to the New York State Assembly. According to his website, he has “authored more than 140 laws and established himself as a leader on the issues that matter most to the people of Upstate New York.” Senator Morelle presides the Committee on Insurance and is a member of the Rules and Ways and Means committees. One of his assignments is on the standing committee for Higher Education. He is known for his managed care reform in 2009 and is working on prior approval of health insurance premiums and insurance coverage for children with autism. Literature Review Johnston states in Peoria magazines that education wise; there are three ways to be a registered nurse. These are: three-year diploma program, associate degree (usually offered by community colleges), and a four-year baccalaureate degree (2009). Currently, most nurses have associate degrees at 59 percent. Those with baccalaureate programs come second at 37% followed by nurses holding diploma programs at 4%. It is further explained that several studies have recommended baccalaureate education for positive outcomes since nurses are the main health care providers who have close contact with patients. The Oklahoma Nurses Association Report concerning, educational advancement of registered nurses to bachelor of science in nursing in ten years state that American Nurses Association backs up proposals to require registered nurses to have bachelor degrees exempting those who are licensed (grand-parenting) or are already enrolled in a nursing program at the time the bill is ratified (2008). Fagin reported that it is of significance to amplify baccalaureate degree and graduate programs where as the quantity of nursing schools in community colleges and hospitals must be reduced (2001). At present, there are 47 nursing schools in New York State and 44 of them offer bachelor’s completion programs adapted to the needs of registered nurse students (Silk, 2010). Students are given much prospect for advanced placement as evidenced by the probability of having 30 credits granted for already finished courses in humanities, science, liberal arts, and nursing. This is an advantage with the current challenge of few faculty members since BS programs do not require a high number of teaching staff. Conclusion This 10-year-legislation might discourage a number of aspiring health care providers from entering the field since it entails more time, effort, and financial resources. For instance, some individuals assert that associate degree (AD) programs are still applicable nowadays since it still holds the rationale of its creation. This was generated in World War II to expedite more nurses during a shortage. Since it is said that there is a scarcity of nurses, the validation of AD nursing programs is still present. However, in the long run, it seems wiser to be more scholarly in every profession. Indeed, it is essential for all nurses to earn a degree. In addition to the benefits previously pointed out, nurses will be able to have an overall success in their careers by having wider avenues for promotion and self-improvement. The A1977/S1223 bill may also benefit senior nurses by lessening their “teaching time” towards new nurses given that those with baccalaureate degrees have more applied training. Since many countries are already into this practice, and have reaped gains from it, it is high time for this country to follow suit. In the end, what is important is for the interest of patient care and the innovation of the nursing career. Education must still be coupled with experience so as not to make the nurses’ progress lopsided. Both cognitive and socio-emotional aspects of nurses should be addressed extensively towards a safer, more productive, professional and excellent health care. References Aiken, L.H., Clarke S.P., Cheung, R.B., Sloane, D.M. & Silber, J.H. (2003). Educational levels of hospital nurses and surgical patient mortality. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 290 (12), 1617-1623. Johnston, K.A. (2009). The importance of baccalaureate degree in nursing education. Peoria Magazines. Retrieved from http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2009/apr/importance-baccalaureate-degree-nursing-education Milbank Memorial Fund. (2001). When care becomes a burden: Diminishing access to adequate nursing. New York, NY: Fagin, C. New York State Nurses Association. (2011). Lobby Day. New York, Albany Oklahoma Nurses Association Report. (2009). Educational advancement of registered nurses to bachelor of science in nursing in ten years. Oklahoma Silk, E. (2010). Growing budget deficit and and uncertain political climate will present challenges. New York State Nurses Association. Retrieved from http://www.nysna.org/publications/newyorknurse/2010/dec/legPreview.htm Read More