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'BSN in 10' push regains steam with NY bill

Opponents say measure could worsen staffing shortage

Topics: Nursing, Outcomes, Quality, Performance Improvement, Staffing, Efficiency, Staffing, Labor Expense, Workforce, Workforce Planning

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January 04, 2012

A New York bill that would require new RNs to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree within 10 years has rekindled the debate over minimum nurse licensure requirements.

Federal statistics show that as of 2008, only about one-third of RNs had a bachelor's degree or higher, with most earning two-year associate's degrees, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports. Although no state requires a four-year degree for initial licensing or afterward, New Jersey and Rhode Island also have considered similar "BSN in 10" bills in recent years.

Bill advocates say heightened education requirements could improve quality of care and prepare more RNs for jobs in administration, medical specialties, or teaching. In a memo supporting the bill, the New York State Nurses Association cited a 2003 study that found that every 10% increase in BSN-equipped RNs results in a 5% decrease in surgical mortalities.

Related: How to create a high-performing nursing organization

However, bill opponents argue that its requirements could exacerbate the nursing shortage by discouraging new entrants in the field. Although the industry recently has seen an uptick in young nurses entering the workforce, researchers say the industry still should expect shortages as the sector continues to add jobs. For example, 2004 federal data show that New York could face a shortfall of 54,000 RNs by 2020.

In addition, William Van Slyke, a spokesperson for the Healthcare Association of New York State—which opposes the four-year degree mandate—notes that there are too few nursing faculty to support the requirement. "If you start the clock and you don't have the educational system, we may find ourselves having to turn away staff and have shortages," he says. 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the state nurses association says many New York City-based hospitals are requiring new RNs to have a bachelor's degree or earn one within five years, creating a disparity in standards across the state, the AP/Chronicle reports.

According to Peggy Tallier—program director and associate professor of nursing school health at Mercy College—"[e]ven without the legislation in place, hospitals and other medical facilities are making hiring decisions that favor those with BSN degrees over those without them" (Gormley/Walsh, AP/Chronicle, 12/30/11).

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