Associations between nurse education and experience and the risk of mortality and adverse events in acute care hospitals: A systematic review of observational studies

While evidence suggests that higher nurse education is associated with lower risks of mortality and failure to rescue, longitudinal studies are needed to better ascertain these associations and determine the specific thresholds that minimize risks. Further studies are needed to better document the association of nurse education and experience with other nursing-sensitive adverse events, as well as the benefits to patients and organizations of the Institute of Medicine's recommendation.