nursing profession is undergoing fundamental change as it relates to both internal and external regulation. Externally, new legislation such as the Affordable care act has created nearly 30 million newly insured Americas. This new demand for services, although lowering overall health care costs, presents challenges as it relates to the nursing profession. Nurses will now need expertise beyond prior requirements in order to serve this newly insured population. As such, it is my contention that new requirements eliminating the two-year nursing program will be a welcomed addition. In 2011, 60% of all RN candidates in the U.S. were non-bachelor prepared. Over the next 10 to 15 years, 33% of these individuals will be retirement eligible (The U.S. nursing workforce, 2013). The future now presents an interesting opportunity to uplift the standard of care for society, while also helping improve the overall health care system. A baccalaureate degree requirement will be...
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