Differences in Competencies between ADN and BSN

There are differing of opinions as well as research pertaining to the differences in competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses. In recent years facilities have begun requiring nurses to have a BSN or higher to qualify for employment. Facilities wishing to apply for Magnet status must have plans in place to achieve the IOM recommendation of having 80% baccalaureate prepared RN by 2020 (Yakusheva). Let’s take a look at the differences and you can decide for yourself. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing requires 2 years to complete. The program focuses on several components such as: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, care interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration and care management (Faison). ADN graduates will be well prepared to function in multiple health care settings, including community practice sites by spending time in classroom lectures and participating in clinicals with testing on a routine basis (Mahaffey). One’s education will not stop at this point, even if the RN does not seek out a higher nursing degree. The ADN will continue to build on his/her learning by participating in valuable on the job training, completing continuing education units as required by the Board of Nursing, and most of all, experience. Though the ADN is deemed competent to perform patient care, the choice not to pursue a higher level of nursing accreditation will greatly impact opportunities to move away from bedside nursing and climb the ladder. Earning a Baccalaureate Degree in nursing will continue to build on the components taught in the ADN program with an emphasis on critical thinking, leadership, and nurse research and take 4 years to complete. The baccalaureate prepared nurse will then be required to sit for the same NCLEX-RN as the