Associate-degree versus Baccalaureate-degree Nursing
Benjamin Botengan
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
NRS 430V
Professor Luci Hanus
May 30, 2015

Associate-degree versus Baccalaureate-degree Nursing
In the dynamic world of health care, change is always in demand. To keep up with this, there seems to be direct correlation with quality care and a nursing workforce equipped with the proper educational levels. Higher level of nursing education, better patient outcomes. Numerous research teams have proven that there are lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes associated with nurses who at least have their Baccalaureate-degree in Nursing. This fact has been the soul of a more highly qualified nursing workforce. A baccalaureate prepared nurse is the baseline in this quest. The numbers prove this fact as shown in recent studies. * One study shows lowered odds of patient mortality by 10.9% from a 10% increase in the proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. Furthermore, an increase in the nursing workforce to 80% BSN resulted in lower readmission rates and shortened lengths of stay and therefore more savings (Yakusheva, Lindrooth, & Weiss, 2014). http://journals.lww.com/lww-medicalcare/pages/default.aspx. BSN nurses understand culture and society in relation to nursing. They are able to visualize future health trends as well as the present health requirements of the patient and of society. (Rosseter, 2010) * This is also proven on a worldwide scale (International Journal of Nursing Studies, August, 2014). In South Korea, it was found that a 10 % increase in baccalaureate prepared nurses was associated with a 9% decrease in patient deaths. www.journalofnursingstudies.com * Over in Europe patients experiencing complications after surgery are more likely to live if treated in hospitals with adequate staffing