Topic 3 DQ 1
Discuss the correlation between nursing education and positive patient outcomes. Include current
research that links patient safety outcomes to advanced degrees in nursing. Based on some real-life
experiences, explain whether you agree or disagree with this research.
Nurses are expected to provide quality and evidence based care to their patients so that a better patient
outcome is possible. This is possible when the nurses continue to learn new things, keep themselves
updated with the latest research, knowledge, and technology. A well-educated nurse will be fully
prepared to make informed decisions (Thomas, 2018). Education not only improves decision making but
also improves clinical competency, and strengthen skills. It helps the nurses specialize in specific areas
and improve on patient safety. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has stressed on
continuing nursing education and acknowledges that BSN nurses are better equipped to deal with
changing health care demands and diverse patient population. They are well versed in giving a holistic
care to the patient. “BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case
management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and
outpatient settings” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 2019, para. 1).
There are many researches that link nursing education to better patient outcome. One such research
done by Linda Aiken highlighted this relationship and formed the basis of IOM report of 2010 (Thomas,
2018). Another study done in Pennsylvania hospitals from the year 1998 to 1999 was an eye opener. It
clearly established this relationship and showed that with 10% increase in nurses holding BSN improved
the patient outcome and reduced the likelihood of patients dying within 30 days of admission by 5% and
the odds of failure to rescue also by 5% (Thomas, 2018). Another study done in Europe on a similar
model also highlighted this aspect. It showed that getting a BSN improved quality care and reduced the
patient mortality rates by 7% (Thomas, 2018).
I feel that education improves knowledge, skills and competency. It helps us prepare better for today’s
healthcare system and deliver evidence based practice to achieve better patient outcomes. Looking at
my own personal experience, I think I am a better prepared nurse as I am doing by BSN than when I did
my ADN. My bachelors is improving my knowledge base, giving me insight to better patient safety and
delivering a holistic care to my patients. I agree with the findings of the research.
Reference
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2019). The Impact of Education on Nursing
Practice. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/impact-of-
education
Thomas, J. (2018). Professional development in nursing. In Trends in health care: A nursing perspective.
Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs440vn/trends-in-health-care-a-nursing-
perspective/v1.1/#/chapter/3
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Discuss the correlation between nursing education and positive patient outcomes. Include current
research that links patient safety outcomes to advanced degrees in nursing. Based on some real-life
experiences, explain whether you agree or disagree with this research.
Nurses are expected to provide quality and evidence based care to their patients so that a better patient
outcome is possible. This is possible when the nurses continue to learn new things, keep themselves
updated with the latest research, knowledge, and technology. A well-educated nurse will be fully
prepared to make informed decisions (Thomas, 2018). Education not only improves decision making but
also improves clinical competency, and strengthen skills. It helps the nurses specialize in specific areas
and improve on patient safety. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has stressed on
continuing nursing education and acknowledges that BSN nurses are better equipped to deal with
changing health care demands and diverse patient population. They are well versed in giving a holistic
care to the patient. “BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case
management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and
outpatient settings” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), 2019, para. 1).
There are many researches that link nursing education to better patient outcome. One such research
done by Linda Aiken highlighted this relationship and formed the basis of IOM report of 2010 (Thomas,
2018). Another study done in Pennsylvania hospitals from the year 1998 to 1999 was an eye opener. It
clearly established this relationship and showed that with 10% increase in nurses holding BSN improved
the patient outcome and reduced the likelihood of patients dying within 30 days of admission by 5% and
the odds of failure to rescue also by 5% (Thomas, 2018). Another study done in Europe on a similar
model also highlighted this aspect. It showed that getting a BSN improved quality care and reduced the
patient mortality rates by 7% (Thomas, 2018).
I feel that education improves knowledge, skills and competency. It helps us prepare better for today’s
healthcare system and deliver evidence based practice to achieve better patient outcomes. Looking at
my own personal experience, I think I am a better prepared nurse as I am doing by BSN than when I did
my ADN. My bachelors is improving my knowledge base, giving me insight to better patient safety and
delivering a holistic care to my patients. I agree with the findings of the research.
Reference
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2019). The Impact of Education on Nursing
Practice. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-information/fact-sheets/impact-of-
education
Thomas, J. (2018). Professional development in nursing. In Trends in health care: A nursing perspective.
Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs440vn/trends-in-health-care-a-nursing-
perspective/v1.1/#/chapter/3
This study source was downloaded by 100000847426977 from CourseHero.com on 06-04-2022 03:50:51 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/54363774/Topic-3-DQ-1docx/
