Nurse Insights about BSN Progression Results from a Survey of Nurses Pursuing BSN Progression Partnerships for Progression: Inspiration for Aspirations August 2012 1
The Project Partnerships for Progression: Inspiration for Aspiration is a Virginia project with a mission to create partnerships to help Virginia nurses pursue a seamless progression from the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to a Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing. 2
The Survey Purpose The purpose of the survey is to learn more about why nurses with the ADN degree pursue the BSN degree, as well as the supports and obstacles that influence their experience. We will use the results of the survey to help inform employers and nursing schools about the key factors that influence nurses in their pursuit of the BSN degree. 3
The Survey Framework The survey framework assumed that decisions to pursue a BSN progression are influenced by personal factors, factors in the work environment, and factors in the education environment. Education Factors Personal Factors Factors Influencing Nurse Decisions about BSN Progression Work Factors The survey was conducted online in 2012 with a group of nursing students currently enrolled in a BSN progression program. 4
The Survey Respondents Total Respondents Employment Setting Location of Current or Most Recent Job Experience Time from ADN Completion to BSN Initiation Educational Aspiration Age and Sex 128 (although some did not answer every question) 77% full time, 11% part time 73% hospital, 8% clinic or office, 5% long term care, 2% public health, 12% other 90% in Virginia, about 1/3 in Richmond, Charlottesville, Norfolk Average 10 years, range 0-35 years Average 8.8 years, range from <1 to 39.7 years BSN 16%; MSN 66%; PHD 13%; other 6% Average age 38, 95% female 5
The Survey Results The survey results provide insight on the importance of: Factors in personal motivation to pursue a BSN degree Initial supports for pursuing a BSN degree Continuing supports for pursuing a BSN degree Obstacles faced by nurses pursuing BSN progression 6
Factors in Personal Motivation to Pursue the BSN Degree Figures indicate average rating on scale of 1-5 where 1 = Not Important and 5 = Extremely Important Personal Love of Learning 3.8 Personal Factors Opportunity to Pursue a Graduate Degree 4.31 Education Factors Opportunity to Pursue a Clinical Position 3.98 Opportunity for Higher Pay 3.89 Work Factors Opportunity for More Clinical Responsibility 3.70 Opportunity to Pursue Admin Position 3.37 7
Importance of Initial Supports for Pursuing the BSN Figures indicate average rating on scale of 1-5 where 1 = Not Important and 5 = Extremely Important Encouragement and support from family 4.15 Personal Factors Academic advising from Pre-Licensure Program 2.66 Academic advising from BSN Program 3.48 Education Factors Tuition reimbursement from Employer 3.59 Availability of mentoring 2.51 Work Factors Availability of a scholarship or other financial aid 3.46 Availability of tutoring 2.18 8
Importance of Continuing Supports for Pursuing the BSN Figures indicate average rating on scale of 1-5 where 1 = Not Important and 5 = Extremely Important Encouragement and support from family 4.11 Personal Factors Academic advising from Pre-Licensure Program 2.40 Academic advising from BSN Program 3.37 Education Factors Tuition reimbursement from employer 3.71 Availability of mentoring 2.57 Work Factors Availability of a scholarship or Other financial aid 3.59 Availability of tutoring 2.24 9
Obstacles to BSN Progression Figures indicate average rating on scale of 1-5 where 1 = Not an obstacle and 5 = Very large obstacle Difficulty managing family responsibilities and school 3.14 Personal Factors Difficulty finding time to study or complete coursework 3.08 General education requirements are cumbersome 2.26 Education Factors Difficulty learning in an online environment 1.98 Difficulty managing work responsibilities and school 2.88 Lack of scheduling flexibility by employer 2.15 Difficulty paying tuition costs 2.72 Difficulty meeting writing requirements 1.92 Pre-licensure program was not NLNAC accredited 1.53 Work Factors No incentive from employer to complete BSN 2.13 10
Summary Observations Nurses currently enrolled in BSN progression programs are an important source of insight for optimizing BSN progression. BSN progression is influenced by an interacting set of personal factors, factors in the work environment, and factors in the educational environment. BSN programs and employers can each take practical steps for enabling nurses to pursue BSN progression. Creative partnerships between employers and educators could be especially helpful for nurses considering a BSN progression program. 11