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Learning Objective #1: describe the effects of RN to BSN education on the person of the nurse.

Learning Objective #2: describe the effects of RN to BSN education on the professional practice of the nurse.

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The American Nurses Association first proposed the bachelor's degree as a minimum requirement for entry into practice more that 40 years ago. The nursing profession has been unable to adopt that requirement as the value of baccalaureate education for nurses has long been questioned by health care administrators, health policy makers and the general public although recent research has documented the positive effects of educational level of nursing staff and surgical patient mortality (Aiken, et al. 2003; Keepnews, 2006). Thus far, research on RN to BSN education has focused on the educational process, student experience and socialization of RN to BSN students. Although nurses who are products of RN to BSN education claim that the RN to BSN education enhances their practice and person, this has not been documented through research. The question proposed for this study was: What is the value of RN to BSN education ? The purpose of this qualitative study is to describe the effects of the RN –BSN education on the practice of the nurse and on the nurse's personal development. In unstructured interviews nurses were asked to identify the value of the added education to themselves and to their nursing practice by discussing changes in their practice and their personal lives as a result of the RN to BSN education. The sample consists of ten nurses newly inducted into Zeta Omega chapter STTI and who recently completed an RN to BSN program. Themes are identified and discussed. Implications are made for nursing practice, education and research. Pending legislation in New York State regarding timelines for the completion of the baccalaureate degree by diploma and associate degree nurses may be supported by results of this study.