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Differentiated levels of nursing work force demand
1Division of Nursing, School of Education, New York University, New York 10012, USA.
Summary
Registered nurse (RN) experience showed no consistent link to practice, but baccalaureate preparation did. Baccalaureate-prepared RNs may see increased demand due to perceived complex practice capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Practice
- Professional Development
Background:
- The relationship between nursing education and practice is complex.
- Variations in nursing practice exist across different healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on basic nursing education and its relation to practice.
- To investigate how nursing practice, education, and experience differ across healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on nursing education and practice.
- Analysis of practice and organizational differences in hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulatory care.
Main Results:
- No consistent association found between nursing experience and current practice.
- Consistent association identified between baccalaureate preparation and registered nurse (RN) practice level.
- Baccalaureate-prepared RNs may have more differentiated roles in hospitals compared to other settings.
Conclusions:
- Baccalaureate education is linked to higher-level RN practice.
- Potential for increased demand for baccalaureate-prepared nurses due to perceived capabilities and cost-saving opportunities for employers.