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Running head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES

Differences in Competencies between B.S.N and A.D.N Prepared Nurses
Veronica Ruiz
Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Professional Dynamics
May 29, 2012

Abstract
This paper will discuss the differences in competencies between Associate Degree nurses (A.D) and baccalaureate prepared nurses (BSN). While both degrees qualify the participant to sit for the licensing exam, NCLEX-RN, and enter the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse, the educational path that brought them to that point is very different. There are different opportunities available according to which degree the participant pursues. This paper will also discuss the differences in how an AD prepared nurse and BSN prepared nurse might approach a patient care situation.
Differences in competencies between A.D.N and BSN prepared nurses In today’s nursing world more is expected from a nurse than just following doctor’s orders and staring IV’s. The nurse must be able to make critical decisions about a patient’s care, to question the doctor if orders seem inappropriate and to help the patient through, sometimes, difficult life-changing decisions. These skills take an education that is broad based, one that includes critical thinking and exposure to many different people throughout processes and culture and societal norms (A.D.N vs. BSN, nursing link). Nurses can pursue either an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. So, what is the difference in how these nurses are prepared?
A.D.N
This program originated as a quick way to meet the high demand for nurses due to the shortage of nurses created during and after the Second World War ( Creasia& Friberg 2011). This degree is a two- year program awarded at community colleges and some universities. Starr and Edwards (2010) states” the typical focus of the A.D.N and diploma nursing education

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