In March 2023, the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action took a look at the progress the U.S. has made implementing the 2010 Institute of Medicine report recommendation to increase the proportion of registered nurses (RNs) with a baccalaureate degree to 80 percent.
While the nation's 2020 average percentage of nurses with a Bachelor's or higher degree in Nursing was 59%, the state of Maryland achieved a percentage of 69%. Only two states had a higher percentage of nurses with a BSN or higher, Alaska with 77% and Hawaii with 71%.
These recommendations by the Institute of Medicine were made for several reasons, including to improve patient outcomes.
A more highly educated nursing workforce is needed to care for diverse patients with complex needs, to promote health equity and reduce disparities, to adapt continually to new technologies, and to lead and collaborate with other health professionals and community partners. - Campaign for Action
Maryland is leading the way with innovative efforts expanding access to nursing education! Learn more about the great efforts by our own Nurse Support Program II.