The effects of nursing education on job effectiveness: An overview of the literature

Abstract

An overview of the published studies on the effectiveness of a nursing education as it relates to job performance is presented. Selected literature is reviewed and divided into three areas of study: competency, performance, and quality of care. The literature revealed contradictory evidence on the value of baccalaureate nursing education. More important, the review demonstrates a lack of rigorous research in this area. Suggested research directions include the measurement of individual performance rather than the perception of group performance, the development of better instruments, and control of the setting and individual variables that affect job performance. It is recommended that nursing effectiveness be defined in terms of both patient outcomes and nurse performance.

Differences in Patient Rating of Care Provided by BSN and ADN Students

“…they were receiving very similar educational experiences and thus were providing very sllTljlar levels of care to patients. These findings s u p port the literature reports of no consistent or sigruficant differences in the practice of or patient satisfaction with BSN and ADN prepared graduates in the hospital setting (Davis-Martin, 1990;McCloskey, 1981;Petti, 1975;Rose, 1988). Preparation for basic, safe nursing practice is the major underlying goal of both BSN and ADN education.…”

Differences in the performances of baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma nurses: A meta‐analysis

“…However, unlike the findings of this study, Dennis and Janken concluded that BSN nurses tended to outperform AD and diploma nurses in activities requiring leadership. McCloskey's (1981) conclusion that there were no differences in performance among nurses from different education programs is not supported. The larger number of studies in this analysis (N=139), as compared to Dennis and Janken's (N=22) and McCloskey's (N=33) reviews, extends and clarifies the findings of the two previous reviews.…”

“…Since the early 1960's, numerous studies have been conducted of nurses from baccalaureate degree, associate degree, and diploma programs. Two prior reviews of the literature found inconsistent evidence on the value of baccalaureate degree education for nurses (Dennis & Janken, 1979;McCloskey, 1981). However, Dennis and Janken (1979) concluded that associate degree and diploma nurses focused more on basic skills and technical care delivery, while baccalaureate graduates performed better in areas of leadership, psychosocial support of patients, and problem solving.…”

Nursing Work and Nurses at Work

“…It is argued that measures of perceived competence cannot substitute performance assessment (Dwyer et ai, 1988 cited by Maguire, 1989) and competence is not always translated into actual role performance (McCloskey, 1981;Stedman, 1985;Newble, 1992). It is argued that measures of perceived competence cannot substitute performance assessment (Dwyer et ai, 1988 cited by Maguire, 1989) and competence is not always translated into actual role performance (McCloskey, 1981;Stedman, 1985;Newble, 1992).…”