...The Difference Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Increasing clinical understanding and the rising complexities in the health care technologies today requires that professional nurses be educated and competent to the baccalaureate level. Nurses with their RN can be educated to the level of associates degree or to baccalaureate degree. According to the Grand Canyon University Baccalaureate Curriculum Model, the associates degree level nurse differs from the baccalaureate level nurse in three main competencies; client, nurse, and nursing education. One of the different competencies between associate degree (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree (BSN) is type of client or patients they are prepared to treat and the care setting which they are allowed to work in. “ADN nurses are educated to provide nursing care to persons with similar health alterations in structured setting, whereas BSN-prepared nurses are educated to engage in independent thinking and to provide nursing care to persons with complex and differing health alterations within a variety of settings, including the community” (Hood, 2010, pg. 18). Health care is not only centered as inpatient hospitals but throughout the community as preventive care as well, leaving ADN nurses in a disadvantage. Nurses now a day have to be able to practice across multiple settings. Contrasting the graduates of an ADN program with the graduate of a BSN program; the BSN nurse is prepared to practice in all health...
Words: 1035 - Pages: 5
...opportunity. The more educational experience you have, the more doors are open for you, just like many doors are open to nurses with a BSN, than nurses with a diploma or an associate degree. An associate degree nurse is a nurse with three years nursing training which are usually offered at community/junior colleges. After graduating from the program the associate nurse is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN). The program was offered to reduce the nursing shortages at hospital. Associate degree nurse program was formed by Mildred Montag (a nurse educator) in 1956 due to severe shortage of nurses after World War 11. Baccalaureate degree nurses are nurses with four years of nursing training that are offered at summer colleges and universities. The graduates of this program are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and become a Registered Nurse. The BSN program includes all the courses taught in an associate or diploma degree program, but the courses go more in depth in physical sciences, social sciences, and nursing management. The educational background a nurse receives from the Baccalaureate degree while in school helps the nurse to understand religious, cultural and social matters related to patient care and safety. The degree also helps to better understand social-cultural, economic and potential concerns that may have emotional and psychological impact on the patient’s wellbeing. It not only...
Words: 974 - Pages: 4
...Differences in Competencies Between Associate and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Babrin Guisha Grand Canyon University: NRS 430 October 7, 2012 From the beginning, nursing has been the way of caring for sick individual, who are unable to care for themselves. The concept has not changed till today, but event surrounding it has changed tremendously in regards to civilization, modernization and technological advancement. This knowledge of nursing profession evolved around education, community health nursing, and research. Today, more is required from the nurses before you can practice as a professional nurse to the benefits of the patient, family and community at large. Therefore this has force many nurses to go back to school to attain more knowledge in other to fit into today’s world of nursing and to be able to give excellent and qualitative care to their patient, family and society. According to the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), “Quality patient care hinges on having a well educated nursing workforce” (2011). There are two types of nursing degrees, an Associate Nursing Degree and a Baccalaureate degree level in nursing. The ADN is a two year program that is task and skill oriented. This type of education received does not prepare them for nursing research and this degree has limited interaction with community health and minimal knowledge of patho-physiology of disease. On the other hand, BSN is a four...
Words: 1167 - Pages: 5
...Differences and in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at Associate-Degree versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing The nursing profession has multiple entry levels which are diploma, Associate (ADN) degree and Baccalaureate (BSN) degree (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010). Historically, The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree was established in 1909, whereas the Associate degree was established in 1958 (Hood & Leddy, 2006). BSN students are required to attend 4 years of college education, mostly given at colleges or universities, and on the other hand ADN students are required to attend 3 years of a community college nursing program (AANC, 2011). These variations in the years of education create differences in competences between BSN and ADN. Some variations include critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and ethical reasoning. Both, ADN and BSN prepared nurses sit for the same licensure examination (Taylor, 2008). According to Lane & Kohlenberg (2010), “Baccalaureate education provides nurses with critical thinking for complex patients and opportunities for leadership, professional mobility, and advancement, this does not mean associate degree nurses are unimportant” (p. 220). Associate degree nurses demonstrate the critical role in nursing (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010).They continued by adding that through building onto the fundamentals of Associate degree education, emphasis on research, social and physical sciences, and management of community health;...
Words: 829 - Pages: 4
...The Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level in Nursing Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Professional dynamics 125 January 11, 2012 The Differences in Competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level in Nursing In modern society human being, encompass extensively sophisticated requisites provoking advanced techniques of acquisition directly correlating to health care industry. The health care is intensifying in complexity and observing beneficial amendments. The longevity and expectations have heightened thus nurses are obligate to become educated in higher echelon, the professional baccalaureate level, to comprehensively achieve composite necessities. The professional nurse who graduates with a baccalaureate is primed for broader role in numerous facet of health care in addition to global knowledge of functionality of medical system and diverse methods of application. Enabling the application in daily patient care ,the delegation of tasks ,independent decision making ,secure patient discharge , and numerous other aspects provoking an improvement in quality of care . Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. (AACN, 2011). Education...
Words: 1739 - Pages: 7
...Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Gillian Gimby Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V August 11, 2013 Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Nursing has been constantly evolving in every direction of the health care field. In the beginning of nursing it was built and expanded on many frameworks of education/models. In becoming a registered nurse there are many stage: general educations, prerequisites, nursing school of Associate or Baccalaureate degree, Master of Nursing in multiple fields and Doctoral degree. When becoming a registered nurse there consideration of what type of degree. Within this essay I will be viewing the differences between Associate-degree level (ADN) and Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing (BSN). Definition As defined by Wikipedia the definition of Associate -degree nurse is: “is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. This type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or similar nursing schools. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse”. (Associate of Science in Nursing) As defined by Wikipedia the definition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing: “is an American and Canadian four-year...
Words: 999 - Pages: 4
...While the Registered Nurse, be it ADN or BSN, provides similar care as regards skill level, medicine administration, and composition of care plans, the LVN is more limited in scope. The LVN is not permitted to hang or push IV medications, perform admission assessments, write nursing care plans, or flush PICC/Central lines. Differences between ADN and BSN are often more subtle as regards both learning and application. Bachelor level nurses typically demonstrate a higher level of competency when dealing with patients of greater comorbidity and acuity as well as a more sophisticated approach to decision making. Medical terminology indicates comorbidity as multiple system diagnosis of disease, such as a patient with both acute renal failure and congestive heart failure. Such an individual presents a unique challenge in that blood pressure control is at risk via both systems. While both ADN and BSN may approach the nephrologist regarding use of a diuretic, the BSN will have a superior understanding regarding risks/side-affects as pertains to each system, ideal length of use, and related laboratory results to communicate to each physician specialist. This difference in ability stems, in part, from additional hours exposing them to extensive pathophysiology, pharmacology, and research involving all aspects of the profession. Acuity reflects patient stability and while list of diagnosis, patient history, and physical may contribute a more intimate knowledge of client needs, the...
Words: 825 - Pages: 4
...The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Amanda J. Perez Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-0105 NRS-430V Professional Dynamics March 10, 2013 The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Although both an associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses may sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam, “nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-level are linked to lower mortality and failure to rescue rates” (AACN, 2012). This is simply one difference between the competencies of a nurse prepared at an associate-degree level versus one prepared at a baccalaureate-degree level. In the mid 1900’s an associate-degree level nurse was thought of as a “technical nurse”, closer to the role of a limited vocational nurse; created to assist the professional baccalaureate-degree level nurses during nursing shortages (GCU, 2013). Since then associate-degree level prepared nurses can very much function and practice on their own, once passing the state board licensing examination. However differences in patient care and nursing approach are evident between associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses. According to Table 2-1 “Comparison of Nursing Education Programs” in Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice, the purpose of an associate- degree level program is to “prepare...
Words: 991 - Pages: 4
...head: Differences in competencies Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level John Edgar May 15, 2011 Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level As a registered nurse the individual has an opportunity to work with other healthcare professionals in an effort to provide quality of care to the clients they are responsible for in a variety of different settings. In an effort to provide quality of care it is important to verify that the care is delivered safely and in a manner that promotes the patients over all well-being. The question that is being asked by many in the healthcare community is whether or not the patient is best served by having the care delivered by an associate-degree nurse (ADN) or a nurse that has a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This paper will review a few of the differences in competencies for nurses that are prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. There are three levels of education that will qualify an individual to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The associate’s degree in nursing consists of two years of concentrated study focused on clinical skills in the community college setting. The diploma nursing program offers three years of nursing education focused on learning nursing skills in a hospital-based setting. In diploma nursing programs...
Words: 1003 - Pages: 5
...Differences in Competencies in ADN and BSN Degrees Education has a strong outcome on everyone, and nursing is a profession that makes sure that everyone that is being called a nurse goes through the best kind of education that is available. Nursing helps to nurture human by providing humane services for all. There are different levels of education in nursing; an associate’s degree, a baccalaureate degree, master’s degree and so on. So it is very important to understand the differences between all these degrees since each certified nursing program carries educational and professional requirements that are expected to be carried out. The following paragraphs are going to explain the differences in competencies between nurses that are prepared at the associate degree which is the entry level degree and baccalaureate degree which is the degree that comes after Associates degree. Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) was first brought into light by Mildred Montag in 1952 since nurses were eligible to take the RN licensure exam once they had this degree. Associate degree nursing programs last for 2 years and after graduation, nurses were expected to work in places such as the community hospitals under the careful guidance of nurses who had their baccalaureate degree. An associate degree is just the beginning of the nursing education but the baccalaureate degree is a step higher in training and education than the associate’s degree. The baccalaureate...
Words: 886 - Pages: 4
...Differences in Competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses “BSN in 10” bills either pending or under legislation in some states, will require nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in 10 years. Even more hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking Magnet status seem to be encouraging Associate Degree nurses to return to school or obtain a BSN before applying for employment. Nursing is a profession that involves skills and knowledge to provide optimum level of care. ADN versus BSN has been an issue of controversy for years. The primary focus of this paper will be discussing the differences in competencies of nurses educated in an ADN level to those educated in a BSN level. These differences include varying curriculum requirements, education content and patient outcomes. The first difference in ADN and BSN is the amount of education. The associate degree in nursing includes two years in the nursing program and can be obtained at a community or junior college. However, there are prerequisite courses required for entry into the nursing program, so ADN programs can be at least 3 years in length. Today, earning an ADN takes almost as long as earning a BSN (Orsolini-Hain & Waters, 2009). In contrast, baccalaureate degree in nursing includes four academic years of college at a four year university. Both degrees take the same NCLEX board exam for licensing and both degrees enter into the same position as a registered nurse, with similar wages and benefits...
Words: 891 - Pages: 4
...Difference Between Associate- Degree Level Nurses and Bachelor- Degree Nurses There is always a question about which program is better; Is it the associate’s degree in nursing program provided by community colleges or the baccalaureate of science in nursing program provided by colleges and universities? One similarity is for sure that nurses from both programs can take the NCLEX-RN exam. Before I started college I was debating whether I should go to school for an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, but because I just had a baby and the university is one hour away from our home, I decided to go ahead and enter the registered nursing program in our community college. I know that there is a lot of differences between nurses that are prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing that is why I set a goal that someday I will go back to school for my Bachelor’s degree. This paper will be explaining the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing by comparing their education, patient care and opportunities. This paper will also give some examples about a patient care situation in which how nursing care approaches to decision making may differ based upon the educational preparation of a BSN versus ADN. Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Nurses Differences with Education An associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program...
Words: 1096 - Pages: 5
... 2014 The differences in competencies between the Registered Nurse who is completing the ADN versus the BSN are many. In this country there are two types of Registered Nurses: the Registered Nurse who graduates from an Associate Degree program and the Registered Nurse who graduates from the Baccalaureate Degree program. Both types of RNs take the National Council Licensure Examination also known as the NCLEX-RN. The results of the NCLEX-RN examination determines if the nurse has the technical competency to practice nursing. What the exam does not determine is the difference between graduates who have different levels of education. Although the passing rate for the exam is the same among the two groups of nurses, it is not proof that there are no differences between the two groups. The length of the ADN program is two years, while the BSN program is four years. The ADN is the shorter, faster path to obtaining RN licensure. Both types of Registered Nurses have the same license. Although both types of RNs may go through similar clinical training and have a similar income, there are differences in their educational and professional training as well as in their level of competency. The associate degree program’s emphasis is on clinical skills that are required to work in a hospital or clinic setting. The RN is trained to be task oriented. Education and competency are confined to hands on patient care. The baccalaureate program emphasizes nursing practice which...
Words: 813 - Pages: 4
...Education can make difference in one’s life by providing the respect and well career advancement for their future. People often call uneducated person illiterate; without an education a person waste his whole life. Education is a form of learning, usually transferred from one generation to other. It is provided through teaching, training, or research. One chooses his or her career to earn what they want. Every career is different, and they are different in their competencies. Nursing education is another career people choose to go for; they also have different competencies. Licensed vocational nurse has different competencies than associate degree nursing; and Baccalaureate degree different than associate degree nursing. In this paper, we are going to discuss the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. Competencies Differences The associate program is usually 2-3 years long and it is usually offered at the community colleges. The associate degree nursing students usually learn the knowledge, and skills. These skills are required to care for individuals and families during illness and recovery after medical treatment. ADN nurses practice a more restricted level of nursing care such as skilled nursing and long term care facilities, corrections and clinics. The associate nurse teaching is more focused on direct hands such as hospitals and community care. “The associate degree nursing programs have...
Words: 958 - Pages: 4
...Clinical Competencies of the Associate Degree Nurse versus the Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Nursing is one career that has spent decades establishing education requirements and advancements for those in the field to better the population of those licensed to improve patient care and nurse leadership. A registered nurse starts by becoming licensed after completing either a diploma nurse program, a two or three year associate degree program, or a four year baccalaureate program. Nurses may then advance farther into an advanced practice nurse by obtaining a master’s degree in nursing. When deciding on a nursing program, one must consider the difference between an associate degree nurse and a baccalaureate nurse. At the end of the program, all must sit for the same licensing examination known as the NCLEX. The NCLEX however is not valid proof that there are not differences between the degree levels as the test strictly tests for a minimum safe competency for entry into a basic nursing practice (AACN, 2012). It is believed by some that there is no difference between the clinical competencies between associate degree and baccalaureate degree nurses, however research have shown that baccalaureate degree nurses may be better prepared for different circumstances in a patient care setting. Associate degree nursing programs, also referred to as ADN programs emphasize their training on clinical skills rather than the theory component of nursing focusing less on critical thinking and...
Words: 899 - Pages: 4
