...EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Associate Degree Nurses Versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Madelyn Bearden Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V July 5th, 2014 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Associate Degree Versus Bachelor Degree Nurses Education has played an increasingly important role in the development of the nursing profession throughout the years, and one should be able to use learning in order to move forward in daily practice. This paper will discuss the differences in competencies, education, and practice between Associate Degree Nurses (ADNs) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSNs). This paper will also discuss the roles that skills and clinical versus academic experience play in practice decisions made by both BSN & ADN nurses. Associate Degree Nurses In 1952 Mildred Montag designed the Associate Nursing Program as a response to the critical national nursing shortage after the war. (Creasia, 2011) The shortened length of the program, two years, made it an ideal “collegiate alternative for the preparation of technical nurses” (Creasia, 2011) but Montag’s original intent of having ADNs work under the direction of BSNs became clouded along the way and the inclusion of core general nursing courses and clinical instruction led to the declaration of eligibility for RN licensure exams after graduation for these ADN nurses. The program was piloted...
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...Educational Preparation: The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Eric Bradford Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics June 16th, 2013 Educational Preparation: The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Throughout the United States there a two basic nursing programs one can complete to become a licensed nurse. There are associate degree programs (or an ADN program) and bachelors degree programs (or BSN programs) available to students willing to complete either program. There are multiple differences between the two programs and the objectives and competencies taught in each degree. A few differences between those competencies will be discussed in this paper along with a patient care situation involving the decision-making skills between a nurse prepared at the baccalaureate level and associate level. The first difference between the two degrees is the multiple studies on nursing education linked to patient outcomes. These studies all show that the hospitals with a higher percentage of nurses baccalaureate level of nursing resulted in a lower mortality rate for their patients. In the January 2007 Journal of Advanced Nursing they reported findings that indicated just a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses who held a bachelor’s degree resulted in 9 fewer deaths...
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...Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V November 18th 2012 Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Who is more competent and can be referred to as the professional nurse? There are three entry-level educational programs available for nurses: The Diploma, Associate, and the Baccalaureate degree programs. All three nursing programs leads to registered nurse licensure and entry positions as nurses. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level (ADN) versus nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level in nursing can never be over emphasized. There seems to be various rising controversies in the nursing profession regarding which of these degree levels in nursing is a better choice as an entry level into the profession of nursing taking into consideration how nursing care may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse. Issues related to technical nursing versus professional nursing titles and roles and differentiated roles have been divisive for the nursing profession. In 1892, The national League for nursing (NLN) approved the document Position Statement on Nursing Roles-Scope and preparation, which stated that “professional nursing practice requires the minimum of a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing”. “Preparation for technical nursing practice requires an associate degree or a diploma in nursing”...
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...Educational Preparation, the Difference between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Educational Preparation, the Difference between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Wayne Williamson, RN Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-O191 May 11, 2014 Educational Preparation, the Difference between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurse There has always been a question regarding the skill levels of nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus nurses prepared at the Baccalaureate level. There have been multiple studies done and those studies have proven that immediately after graduation the skills of both groups are equal. Where the difference begins is approximately one year after graduation, nurses prepared at the Baccalaureate level “…show greater critical thinking skills, better problem solving, and the development of clinical judgment; three skills of increasing importance for the increase in acuity of patients in hospitals and other health care settings”. (West Coast University N.D) Based generally and only education I could see how this might be true, but I look at my own experiences and realize that I am not unique and this is not always the case. In my medical career, I was ambulance attendant, an Emergency Medical Technician, an Army Combat Medic, a Patient Care Specialist (the Army’s version of an LPN), then a Paramedic. Varied but similar jobs all with their own experiences and all this before I started...
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...April 21, 2016 Chris Bartholomew Educational Preparation As early as the 1950’s, the ongoing debate regarding nursing education in the United States has been whether a minimal entry-level requirement is needed. If graduates from an associates and baccalaureate program are similarly compatible in theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, what then are the differences? Multiple studies have been conducted on the topic of nursing education, and organizations such as the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) stand firm on the need for higher educational standards for nurses in all practice settings, and emphasize the baccalaureate degree as the minimal entry level for ‘professional’ nursing practice (Giger & Davidhizar, 1990). The following essay will discuss the differences in knowledge base and competencies between the associate-degree and the baccalaureate-degree nurse clinician. Historically there have been three routes of entry into the field of nursing. For the purposes of this paper, we will focus on the associates program traditionally offered at community colleges, and the baccalaureate program taught at the university level. Graduates from both of these programs sit for the same (NCLEX-RN) National Council Licensure Examination (AACN, 2015). Course study in an associate’s degree program usually includes nursing fundamentals and clinical care across the lifespan, but their main educational focus revolves around clinical skills...
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...Differences in competencies: Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Profession Dynamics Section 0106 September 30, 2012 Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing There are three educational pathways to becoming a Registered nurse. These include baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma programs (Friberg et al, 2011). It has been proven in various studies that nurses with a higher level of education provide better quality patient care versus the associate level nurse (Rosseter, 2012). There are several differences in competencies between a associate and baccalaureate nurse that include mortality rates, leadership skills, critical thinking skills, health care promotion, clinical skills, and case management (Rosseter, 2012). Baccalaureate Program The American Association of Colleges of Nursing believes that a Baccalaureate degree has a significant impact on a nurse’s level of competency and knowledge base (Rosseter, 2012). The Baccalaureate program is a four year degree and the nursing courses are at the upper division level (Friber et al., 2011). Courses include health informatics, healthcare economics, leadership, research, and health policies (ANA, 2012). The components of the classes such as at Grand Canyon University (GCU) are liberal education, patient safety, evidence-based practice, management of information, health care policies, communication and collaboration, and professional...
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...Discuss the differences in competiencies between nurses prepared at the AD level versus the BSN level in nursing Identify a patient care situation in which you describe how nursing care of approaches to decisioin making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse (BSN versus a ADN) Competent bedside nurses, regardless of degree, are in high demand. To become a licensed registered nurse, all nurses must pass the NCLEX licensing exam, and graduate from an accredited school of nursing. The debate continues as to whether an ADN degree is adequate, or whether nurses need more advanced training with the BSN degree. This paper will discuss the differences between these two degrees. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/adn-facts AACN recognizes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the minimum educational requirement for what the organization holds to be professional-level nursing practice. AACN's support for the BSN does not mean that we seek to bar ADN graduates from practicing nursing to the full extent of their skills and abilities. AACN maintains this position while recognizing the role ADN-prepared nurses play in the delivery of health care. AACN has a long history of supporting RN-to-Baccalaureate education. From 1986-1988, AACN conducted a study funded by the Division of Nursing, HRSA. The purpose of the study was to provide national data about RN-to-Baccalaureate education both from the institutional and student perspectives...
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...Competency Differences Between Adn and Bsn Nurses The Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Bernice Brown-Hypolite Grand Canyon University, Phoenix Arizona: NRS-430V-0500 November 24, 2015 Introduction: Education enhances both clinical competency and quality care delivery. Quality patient care hinges on having a well-educated nursing workforce. 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. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is committed to working collaboratively to create a more highly qualified nursing workforce since education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. The AACN fact sheet looks at today’s nursing workforce, highlights research, connecting education to outcomes and outlines the capacity of four year colleges to enhance the level of nursing education in the U.S. The definition of Associate Degree and Baccalaureate degree is stated below: Associate Degree in Nursing: The Associated Degree was founded by Dr. Mildred Montag in 1956, in order to alleviate the shortage of Nurses after World War 11, by decreasing the length of education to 2 years, and also providing a sound educational base for nurses. Creasia and Friberg (2011). This program was deemed successful because the graduates were able to pass...
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...Educational Preparation Dora Loya Grand Canyon University: Nursing 430 March 23, 2014 The difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing differ in areas such as more education in nursing related courses and the inclusion of “quality and patient safety, evidence-based practice, information management, healthcare policy and finance, communication/collaboration, clinical prevention/population health, and professional values” (AACN, 2008a ) as additional education courses in the baccalaureate degree programs. Where as in the Associate Degree Programs the total education courses in nursing are two years focusing more in the technical /skills part of nursing. Baccalaureate Degree Nurse The Baccalaureate Degree Program prepares the nurse to use their technical skills, and it trains the nurse to think critically and clinically about the disease process and to go as far as diagnosing and or taking part of the medical treatment plan. The additional teaching and training in different areas related to healthcare, policies, and medical treatment in the baccalaureate programs helps the nurse be well rounded in all aspects. According to The American Association of College of Nursing “Education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery” (AACN 2013). Another study to support this is by Dr. Linda Aiken at the university of Pennsylvania “which identified a clear link between higher...
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...Education Preparation: Associate Versus Bachelor degree in Nursing Chandani Garg Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Professional Dynamics September 16, 2015 Education Preparation: Associate versus Bachelor’s in Nursing The Art of nursing is here since the Biblical times but the modern nursing emerged after the time of Florence Nightingale. In 1873 nursing education was started formally as 4-month hospital training at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Nursing has been growing since then and will continue to grow in future. In 1909 the first 4-yrs bachelor’s degree nursing program was established at the University of Minnesota. Due to the shortage of nurses after the World War II, again in 1952, nurse tech 2-yrs associate degree nursing program was started. Today nursing is a profession with multiple pathways for entry level practice. The purposes of this paper are to discuss the differences in competences between associate and bachelor’s prepared nurses and how their education levels affect the patient outcome. Associate versus Bachelor’s Degrees: Differences in Competencies Mildred Montag in 1952 proposed 2-year associate degree nursing program to prepare technical bedside nurses for secondary care settings, like nursing homes and community hospitals. The graduates of this program are provided with basic general education and skills required for entry into clinical nursing courses. Because the program was shorter than Bachelor’s degree it was more...
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...White 2015 Educational Preparation Despite the fact that the preparation for the Associate Degree in nursing slightly differs from the preparation for the Baccalaureate degree they both hold the title of Registered Nurses. A 3- year associate degree usually offered at a community college; and the 4- year baccalaureate degree offered at a senior college and universities. There are many surveys and research that are being carried out that shows the quality of care given to patients by nurses with associate degree and baccalaureate degree definitely differences exist in competencies based on degree level by demonstrating evidenced based practices, critical thinking, problem solving skills versus technical skills. Baccalaureate nursing programs have a significant impact on the knowledge of nurse clinician as it does on all healthcare providers. Nowadays there is a difference exist in the original propose curriculum design for the ADN educational programs. ADN graduate nurses are employed as staff nurses in hospitals and studies showed that there is very little differentiation between the role of ADN nurses and BSN nurses as they are asked to assume the same responsibilities. When the ADN programs were implemented it was not meant to prepare graduates for administrative positions. Also there was a real willingness within the educational preparation of nurses, to identify explicitly the role and...
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...The Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Frances Frederick-Whiteman Grand Canyon University NRS-430V-0500 January 31, 2016 As one progresses through life, they are given many opportunities to become distinguished among others. This opportunity is given to all, but only few will uptake them, and even fewer are able to see through with the opportunity at hand. This situation in itself can be used to identify the differences in competences between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level. When receiving an education in nursing care, you are taught guideline procedures to handle a situation at hand. However, while practicing nursing care, you may need to deviate from the educational process taught to handle the situation. For example, during your educational process, you may have been taught to handle a fallen patient in a certain manner. However, because of the many complications that the patient may have, you may have to alter the way in which you must handle the patient. Students and educational administrators involved in nursing education are responsible for providing appropriate development and use of nursing knowledge. Nurses can receive...
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...ADN versus BSN: The Battle of Degrees Stephanie N Davis NRS-430V Professional Dynamics Instructor: Chris Bartholomew October 9th 2015 This paper is intended to discuss the differences in competencies between nursing at the associates-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Over the years this has been a controversial and complex issue within the nursing workforce. With both academic options to choose from, education preparation standards are changing in hospitals, making way for a stronger and more diverse nursing staff. The pressure to meet the challenge to raise the educational training of diploma and associate degree prepared RNs to the baccalaureate degree level has resulted in advanced RN-to-BSN programs delivered in fast-tracked programs using both online and class options. It will also be my goal to incorporate a patient care situation that describes a difference in nursing care approaches as it relates to the educational preparation of BSN versus a diploma or ADN degree nurse. I will attempt to give an example of a patient care situation in which nursing care approaches differs between that of an ADN versus BSN nurse based on their educational preparation. ADN Program The American Nurses Association defines a competency as “an expected level of performance that integrates knowledge skills, ability and judgment”. When the question is raised about the competency difference between that of an ADN and BSN nurse, it seems to come down to length of time...
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...Running head: EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION 1 Educational Preparation of BSN And ADN Paper. Benice C Ejiogu Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V 8/19/2012 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION 2 Educational Preparation of BSN and ADN The differences in competencies between Nurses prepared at the associate –degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level should not be over emphasized due to the fact that their educational preparation differs in different ways. ADN students has 3-year associate degree program, which comprises of both theoretical and clinical experiences. While BSN has a total of 4-year baccalaureate- degree program ,both theories and practical inclusive. McIntosh, T., Duske, S., Anderson, M., & Hill, P. (2008). These nurses has many qualities in common, but their competency level differs in different ways. Competency is defined as the integration of skills and knowledge required to perform a role in a particular setting (McConnell, 2001). Competency can also be defined as an individual’s actual performance in a particular situation...
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...Educational Preparation Michelle Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics October 27, 2013 Educational Preparation Although there are differences in competencies between nurses prepared at an Associate-degree versus the Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing, they are slight. As I started my nursing career as an Associate-Degree Nurse (ADN), I felt inferior to my colleagues whom possessed their Baccalaureate-degree. That inferiority faded fast, as I saw that what an ADN and BSN did in my particular specialty was just the same. There were more similarities than differences. The similarities in competencies I found were, that both were required to pass the same NCLEX exam that is needed to possess the required license to practice nursing. There are no differences shown is regards to the legal scope of practice between an associate degree–prepared and baccalaureate-degree prepared nurses; for they are earn the same license upon passing testing from state boards. Although the required testing does not attest for differences between graduates of different programs, it does test for the technical competency that’s required for safe entry into basic nursing practice for both degrees. Secondly, by definition, the act of nursing for both is the same, ‘the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in...
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