Final answer:
Nursing employers may disapprove of the ANA proposal because higher educational requirements could lead to higher salary demands from baccalaureate-prepared nurses, thereby increasing payroll expenses during a time when there is increasing demand for nurses. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason for nursing employers to disapprove of the American Nursing Association (ANA) proposed requirement that only nurses with baccalaureate degrees be eligible to take the RN licensure exam is c) Higher salary demands from baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
While improved patient outcomes could be associated with more education, from an employer's perspective, the primary concern is often the cost associated with hiring and retaining staff. A higher baseline for education would likely lead to higher starting salaries and raise payroll expenses.
Additionally, considering that the demand for nurses is expected to grow significantly, employers may be concerned about a potential shortage of qualified nurses if the barrier to entry is raised.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nursing jobs are expected to increase by 16% between 2014 and 2024, and employers may fear that limiting licensure to those with a baccalaureate degree would reduce the pool of eligible candidates, thus exacerbating any potential shortages in the workforce.