More Ohio nurses pursue BSN

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The number of Ohio nurses pursuing bachelor's degrees has soared in recent years, mirroring a national trend as hospitals seek caregivers with education beyond an associate's degree.

The Columbus Dispatch reports enrollment in so-called RN-to-BSN programs in Ohio jumped from nearly 1,700 in 2008 to nearly 7,800 last year.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing says the national total increased 76 percent since 2007, rising to nearly 90,000 last year.

Hospitals are encouraging increased education for nurses by providing tuition reimbursements, setting guidelines or requiring more advanced degrees.

This year, Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus began requiring its new nurses to have bachelor's degrees or earn them within five years. Its chief nursing officer says research indicates nurses with such training are better able to help deteriorating patients.