ABSTRACT
AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine gap areas where North Carolina should implement strategies to promote the Institute of Medicine's recommendation of an 80 percent bachelor of science workforce. BACKGROUND: The North Carolina Action Coalition sought information about the nursing BSN and higher degree workforce and about human resource policies/strategies that promote BSN and higher degree education. METHOD: An electronic survey was used to query 120 acute care hospital chief nursing officers over a four-year period and 100 public health chief nursing officers over a two-year period. RESULTS: A majority of acute care and a minority of public health institutions had policies promoting BSN education. Barriers included lack of tuition reimbursement, scheduling/staffing issues, lack of local universities, and a perceived lack of value for nurses. A minority of respondents reported an 80 percent BSN workforce. CONCLUSION: Strategies are needed statewide to support nursing academic progression.