Fewer people are enrolling in RN-to-BSN programs. Here's what that means for the future of nursing.
Published in Slideshow World
Stressful working conditions and workforce shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to burnout among nurses, so much so that about100,000 registered nurses left the industry, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. While COVID isn't straining the U.S. health care system as much as at the start of the pandemic, staffing issues and the demanding work environment persist.
By 2027, about 1 in 5 nurses are expected to leave the industry, and there may not be enough nurses in the next generation to fulfill the need. The 2022-23 school year marked the fourth year in a row that enrollment in RN-to-BSN programs declined, falling to below 100,000 students nationwide.
Vivian Health examined data from theAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing and other sources to see what's behind the decline in students enrolling in nursing schools.
Employers are looking to fill vacant roles with more highly educated nurses, according to the AACN. Over 70% prefer BSN program graduates versus RNs with only an associate degree, saying that a higher degree provides the necessary education and experience for the evolving industry.
Around the country, however, 2022-23 enrollments in RN-to-BSN programs have fallen compared to the prior school year, down nearly 21% in the North Atlantic region, 18% in the South, about 18% in the West, and 13% in the Midwest.
During this time, declines have also spanned all racial demographics. American Indian/Alaskan Natives have experienced the greatest decline, with enrollments down around 20% between 2022 and 2023. While Black students showed the smallest decline of 12%, the dip in enrollment is still significant.
Enrollment declines in RN-to-BSN programs, however, aren'tdue to a lack of interest. More than 66,000 applications from qualified prospective BSN students were rejected. And while the competition can be fierce in some areas of the country—in California, nearly 75% of qualified applicants were not accepted for the 2021-22 school year—staffing shortages have also plagued nursing education.
Just under 8% of full-time faculty positions are open nationwide, with 2,000 teachers needed to fill those slots. Shortages also extend to part-time teachers, clinical placements, and preceptors to supervise clinical rotations.
Budget cuts at schools are also responsible for lower enrollment, as schools have fewer resources for students and aren't able to offer faculty pay that's competitive with clinical practice.
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