Attention Health Care Leaders: Literature Review Deems Baccalaureate Nurses Improve Patient Outcomes.

AIM: This review of studies conducted since the 2011 publication of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health" evaluates the current state of evidence showing an association between an increased ratio of BSN-prepared nursing staff and improved patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The IOM established a nationwide goal to increase the number of BSN nurses to 80 percent by 2020 to meet the challenges seen in today's health care environment.

METHOD: The literature search included a five-year (2011-2016) span following the initial release of the IOM report.

RESULTS: Mortality, failure to rescue, and readmission rates all decrease as the proportion of BSN nurses is increased in a nursing staffing ratio.

CONCLUSION: It is the recommendation of this project that nurse leaders and organizations support the findings of this literature review and the IOM BSN recommendation.