Children’s Minnesota nurses achieve national standard for BSN degree completion

Congratulations to Children’s Minnesota nurses for achieving a national standard for nurses holding advanced degrees. We are proud to announce that 80 percent of Children’s Minnesota nurses now hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing, which is recommended by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and supported by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

“I’m very proud that Children’s Minnesota nurses have reached this important distinction in professional nursing practice,” said Pam VanHazinga, MBA, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer and senior vice president patient care services.

“As nurses continue to care for more complex patients, utilize the latest technology and implement evidenced-based practice, additional education supports their entry into practice meeting the demands of the current and future health care environment.”

In 2010, the IOM recommended that 80 percent of nurses should have Bachelor’s degrees by 2020. At that time, the national average was 49 percent. In 2017, the average had rose to 56 percent.

Children’s Minnesota reached its goal of 80 percent Bachelor’s degree completion on Dec. 31, 2019. We were the second organization in the state to reach this milestone, and still ahead of many hospitals across the country.

This goal was identified by the IOM in response to the increasing medical needs of the population.

“Children’s Minnesota is thrilled to work with nurses to advance their careers and is committed to sustaining resources for professional development,” said Pam. “Congratulations and thank you to our nursing team for their work to further their knowledge and careers in order to provide the best possible care for kids and their families.”