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Educational Preparation of Registered Nurses: Associate Degree in Nursing (Adn) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (Bsn)

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Educational Preparation of Registered Nurses: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN)
Donna Rodriguez
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
NRS 430V
Jayme Goodner
September 28, 2013 Educational Preparation of Registered Nurses: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN)
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the educational preparation of the Associate Degree nurse (ADN) versus the Baccalaureate prepared Nurse (BSN). This will be accomplished by first exploring the differences in competencies between nurses based on degree level and with the use of a patient care example to describe the difference in the nursing approach based on formal educational preparation. Currently there are two paths to obtaining a registered nursing certification the ADN versus the BSN. The reasons for the development of the ADN nursing programs were simple. It was a matter of supply and demand, and a necessary solution to a problem. In the year of 1951, after the war a huge nursing shortage existed. It was at that time that a nurse educator named Mildred Montag made a proposition to prepare nurse technicians in 2-year associate degree community colleges. A 5-year study of ADN graduates noted preparation was successful, as the nurses passed their exams for licensure and demonstrated the ability to practice nursing with competence (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The typical ADN degree is comprised of an average of 70 credit hours; 30 are in nursing with 10 credit hours combined for both complex problems in adults and leadership in nursing. However, in the changing complex climate of health care today, is this enough? Is the ADN preparation created 62 years ago still adequate today? These questions highlight major contrasts between this and BSN programs. In 1935, the Association of Colligate Schools of

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