CNO Influence Key to Advanced Nurse Education

Advancing nurses' education is a major goal for stakeholders ranging from the Institute of Health to individual hospitals. But are there certain nurses who are more likely than others to continue their education? And what are the reasons behind nurses' decisions to pursue or not pursue more advanced degrees?

A new study provides answers to some of those questions, and according to its lead author, the findings should spur chief nursing officers to take action.

"I think that most hospitals are very interested in what they can do that can either increase revenue or decrease cost. And there's some evidence that better educated nurses can do a lot for both of those," says lead author Christine T. Kovner, PhD, RN, FAAN, a professor at the College of Nursing, New York University.

She says hospitals are in a position to help nurses overcome their major barriers to education, and it's in their best interest to do so, since studies link nurse education to better outcomes.

"It's up to the chief nursing officer to make that case," she says.

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