Encouragement from other nurses including peers, managers, and educators was the most highly ranked factor (70%) facilitating pursuit of baccalaureate education.
The most highly ranked factors impeding return to school were time (60%) and financial constraints (34%).
The goal of Magnet-designated organizations to have 80% of RNs with a BSN by 2020 was chosen by 24% of respondents as an important consideration in their decision to return to school.
A perceived lack of value added by a baccalaureate degree was a theme identified for those choosing not to pursue further education.
Organizational incentives were mentioned by many as factors in choosing to return to school.