Sigma's 29th International Nursing Research Congress Collaborative Efforts to Increase BSN Prepared Nurses at a State University Hospital Taylor J. Solak, BS, RN, CCRN, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA Roberta Rolland, PhD, RN, FNP, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA Background/Significance: An expanded workforce of BSN prepared nurses is associated with decreased rates of patient mortality, 30-day readmissions, and non-reimbursable nursing quality-specific conditions such as pressure ulcers, falls, and postoperative complications. Subsequently, a viable BSN workforce promotion model is crucial for patients and nurses alike. Due to civil service laws, state-funded hospitals within states that do not legally require the BSN for RN practice cannot modify hiring policies to require the BSN for hire, or require pursuit of the BSN degree within a specific time frame post-hire. Therefore, alternative interventions aimed at increasing the BSN prepared workforce must be explored and implemented. Clinical Question: What interventions are most effective to increase the number of BSN prepared nurses in a state-funded university hospital? Intervention: A literature review was completed to identify barriers and motivating interventions for BSN promotion. Considering the literature, a team composed of representatives from a state-run university hospital and the collaborated to develop strategies to increase RN-BS enrollment among hospital nurses. A marketing event titled, Instant Decision Day was created along with additional promotional interventions. These interventions included, communication strategies, tuition assistance, optimized marketing to employees, and improved ease of enrollment through the Instant Decision Day initiative. Discussion: The initiatives resulted in increased hospital RN application to the RN-BS program by nearly 300 percent. The success came with challenges. For the hospital, unit managers were faced with creative strategies to accommodate staffing schedules. For the college, the increased course sections required hiring instructors and establishing clinical preceptors. The college consistently scheduled face-to-face classes one day per week to assist with work schedules. Qualified hospital personnel were recruited as adjunct faculty and preceptors. Conclusion: University hospitals can utilize this model to promote BSN enrollment, and subsequently increase the BSN workforce. The joint mission of the hospital and college share a common goal to promote optimum health and well-being to the patients, communities, and populations they serve. Title: Collaborative Efforts to Increase BSN Prepared Nurses at a State University Hospital Keywords: BSN, Enrollment and University Hospital References:
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b) Increasing tuition assistance 2. Supporting point #2 a) College: rapidly increased class size b) Increased instructor workforce III. Conclusion a) Importance of building clinical-academic relationships b) Evaluation of process and attrition First Primary Presenting Author Primary Presenting Author Taylor J. Solak, BS, RN, CCRN SUNY Upstate Medical University Critical Care Nurse, Master's in Nursing Student Syracuse NY USA Professional Experience: Educational Achievements: Associate's Degree in Nursing, 2014; Bachelor's of Science in Nursing, Valedictorian, 2017; Master's of Science in Nursing, FPMHNP Program, projected graduation May 2019; Adult Critical Care Nursing Certification (CCRN), 2017-current. Professional Experience: Medical-surgical RN, 2014-2015; Critical Care RN, Surgical-Trauma ICU and Burn ICU, 2015-current Author Summary: Taylor Solak, BS, RN, CCRN, is a Critical Care Nurse and MSN student in Syracuse, NY. She is an upstate NY native, on staff at SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital since 2014. She graduated Valedictorian from SUNY Upstate with her BS in 2017, and was awarded the Undergraduate Student Leadership Award. She is currently pursuing her MSN in the FPMHNP program at SUNY Upstate, to advance her clinical capabilities to better serve her patients. Second Author Roberta Rolland, PhD, RN, FNP Upstate Medical University Assistant Professor Syracuse NY USA Professional Experience: 2014-present State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY Associate Professor, Director Undergraduate Programs Previous research explored the phenomenon of transitioning. Experienced researcher with qualitative analysis. Published qualitative research in peer reviewed journals. Reviewed qualitative manuscripts for Disability and Health Journal, Elsevier Author Summary: Dr. Rolland is an assistant professor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. She continues to explore the phenomenon of transitioning. Dr. Rolland s current research involves
Military Veterans transitioning to the role of civilian nursing student. The research supports Military Veterans pursuing Bachelors in Nursing.