Nurses specialize in different fields and in a variety of areas. They specialize in diseases, organs, body systems, and so forth. Since the healthcare sector is growing, nurse shortages are becoming a reality as there is a bigger need for nurses. Most importantly, professional nursing jobs are booming.
Nursing Study Supports Higher Education
According to an article released by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “given the demands of today’s healthcare system, the greatest need in the nursing workforce is for nurses prepared at the baccalaureate- and graduate-degree levels.”
The new findings regarding higher education come because of studies that show links between “lower patient mortality rates, fewer errors, and greater job satisfaction among RNs.” With higher education more professional nurses are able to help patients in a wider variety of specialized areas.
According to the article, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) also says that RNs need to be prepared for higher education. The study that AACN conducted emphasizes that supporting lower education and a lack of degrees equates to less-qualified nurses. They also say that the Division of Nursing found “graduates of baccalaureate-degree programs in nursing are four times more likely than graduates of associate-degree programs to pursue a doctoral or master’s degree, which is needed to teach in all types of nursing programs.”
Having nurses continue on to higher education means a stable workforce for nursing jobs, according to healthcare professionals and officials. These educated nurses can also teach other nurses, which further increases the nursing workforce’s reliability.
The information in the study was compiled by AACN’s 27th Annual Survey of Institutions with Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Nursing Programs. The association’s data and research center surveyed demographics, trends, and education officials, among other factors and individuals.
Nurses who are entering the field should consider pursuing higher education. This will allow them to progress further in their careers and provide a stable environment for their nursing careers. For more information and more statistics, please check out the AACN survey’s findings at www.aacn.nche.edu/media/factsheets/nursingwrkf.htm.
