Editorial
Positive Patient Outcomes: More than a Degree

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Abstract

There have been multiple initiatives to demonstrate a connection between patient outcomes and increased levels of baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses in the workforce. Yet, despite increasing numbers of people with bachelor of science in nursing in the workforce, negative patient outcomes continue to escalate. This editorial proposes that other system variables, particularly leadership, are contributing factors that nursing leaders must consider if the expectation is improved in patient outcomes.

Section snippets

The Landscape

Organized health care was established in Newark, OH, in the 1890s with nine donated beds. On December 20, 1898, the Newark Hospital Association was incorporated as a not-for-profit organization. The current hospital physical plan was established in 1966 and, today, reports 227 registered beds. In addition to the hospital, the system includes urgent care facilities and physician offices throughout Licking County. In 2017, Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) celebrated its 120th anniversary. Today,

Patient Outcomes

LMH provides a comprehensive array of patient services and has been awarded accreditation in many of the service areas. For example, the hospital holds accreditation in cardiac services, ambulatory services, and radiology to name a few (Licking Memorial Hospital, 2018a, Licking Memorial Hospital, 2018b, Licking Memorial Hospital, 2018c). The hospital has received recognition including but not limited to Modern Healthcare 2017 Best Places to Work in Healthcare, the Mission: Lifeline Gold Level

Valuing Associate Degree Nurses

Access to associate degree nursing education provides a vital portal to a nursing career. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing Workforce Study (2015) indicated that greater than 50% of RNs received an associate's degree as their initial credential. In addition, the National League for Nursing Biennial Survey of Schools of Nursing (Academic Year 2015–2016) reveals the following:

  • Both associate degree and baccalaureate prelicensure nursing education programs cannot admit all qualified

Discussion

It is clear that LMH has embraced their responsibility as health care leaders, demonstrating a clear focus on improving patient outcomes. The chief executive officer and chief nursing officer (CNO) demonstrate leadership that values and recognizes the impact of a strong nursing workforce. However, there is a clear indication that positive patient outcomes do not rely solely on BSN ratios. In a study of safety, mortality, and clinical effectiveness, Keroack et al. (2007) found that there was a

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