Community Colleges Could Soon Offer BSN Degrees, If Bill Passes In CA

A California bill SB895, by Senator Rich Roth, proposes allowing up to 15 community colleges to offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. This bill aims to provide an entry point for more BSN-prepared nurses to enter the workforce, by increasing access to affordable BSN education. The bill would create pilot programs enabling selected community colleges to award BSN degrees, which are increasingly preferred by nurse employers over associate’s degrees. If passed, it would be a significant expansion of California’s community college system beyond associate’s and certificate programs into bachelor’s degrees for nursing. The proposed legislation has garnered attention as a potential way to address the challenges, but in my opinion, it is not a solution. 

California’s healthcare system has been grappling with a severe lack of nurses currently in the workforce. According to a report by the California Board of Registered Nursing, the state will face a projected deficit of 37,000 registered nurses by 2030 if no action is taken. 

The lack of nurses in the workforce has far-reaching consequences, impacting patient care, healthcare costs, and the overall well-being of communities. Hospitals and healthcare facilities across the state have been operating with limited staffing, leading to increased workloads, widespread nurse burnout, and potential compromises in the quality of care. Notably, the heavy and long-lasting strain placed on nurses during the pandemic, and beyond, by these facilities has caused nurses to leave the profession, and not return. Staffing issues in nursing are systemic, and this bill hopes to alleviate some of that pressure by increasing the number of nurses in the workforce. 

Expanding Access to Affordable BSN Education

The proposed legislation aims to address this pressing issue by increasing access to affordable BSN education. Community colleges, known for their lower tuition costs and proximity to local communities, could play a pivotal role in training the next generation of nurses.

The push for community colleges to offer BSN degrees is driven, in part, by increasing nurse employers requiring bachelor’s degrees. While associate’s degrees in nursing have traditionally been a common entry point into the profession, the Institute of Medicine and other healthcare organizations have advocated for increasing the proportion of BSN-prepared nurses.

The critical shortage of nurses willing to work in the current settings continues to be a pressing issue for our profession. A recent survey by Nurse.org indicates that the overwhelming majority (84%)  of nurses feel that the so-called “nursing shortage” is getting worse. While this is a slight decrease from 2022 (84% vs. 91% reporting a worsening shortage), most nurses still feel their units are understaffed and struggling to meet safe staffing ratios. This understaffing directly impacts patient care and creates a vicious cycle of nurse burnout.

The survey identified several key factors contributing to the so-called “shortage”:

• Burnout: A staggering 66% of nurses reported feeling burnt out.
• Work Conditions: Poor working conditions were a major concern for 55% of respondents.
• Compensation: Inadequate pay remains a significant issue, with 51% reporting dissatisfaction with their current salaries.

One nurse aptly summarized the situation: “The shortage isn’t due to a lack of nurses. It’s due to nurses being fed up with current conditions.”

This statement explains the urgent need for systemic changes that address burnout, improve working conditions, and ensure fair compensation for nurses. We must work together to create a profession that retains skilled and dedicated nurses, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and a healthier healthcare system.

Potential Challenges and Concerns

While the proposed legislation has garnered support from healthcare organizations and nursing advocates, some concerns have been raised. Critics argue that community colleges may lack the resources and infrastructure to offer rigorous BSN programs, potentially compromising the quality of education.

Additionally, there are concerns about the potential impact on existing nursing programs at four-year universities and the overall nursing workforce pipeline. Supporters of the bill argue that these concerns can be addressed through careful planning, collaboration, and the allocation of adequate resources.

As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, stakeholders across the healthcare and education sectors are engaged in discussions to ensure a smooth implementation and address any potential challenges.

The Community College League of California lists information on its website for sending letters of support for the bill.