...The Importance of Higher Education in Nursing Kristy Snyder Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V July 6, 2014 Nursing, like many professions, requires formal training and education, but it is the level of education in the nursing profession that sets on exceptional nurse apart from others. Safer patient outcomes and reduction in patient mortality and secondary insults of illness has decreased with an increase of staffing Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) nurses over a staff consisting mainly of Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) nurses. This paper focuses on the educational differences and competencies between nurses with an ADN and BSN respectively and the experience and skill sets that form the clinical decisions made by these nurses and how their decisions affect patient care and outcome. Mildred Montage was a nurse educator in the 1950’s and was the leading advocate and creator of the ADN in reaction to the stark shortage of nurses in the years preceding World War II (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p.14-15). This degree was designed to decrease the shortage of nurses and the adequate level of clinical nursing skills and successful pass rate of graduates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) were all taken into accountability for measuring the success of the ADN programs. An associate degree nurse is defined as a nurse attending a community college, up to three years but no less than two years, with training in clinical skills. A nurse graduating...
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...Benefits of a Baccalaureate Education in Nursing Benefits of a Baccalaureate Education in Nursing Nurses that complete nursing school at a baccalaureate degree level will be more prepared and have higher competency levels than nurses graduating from an ADN program. Grand Canyon University follows the guidelines from the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) for the curriculum regarding the nursing education, including the RN-BSN program. (Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy, 2011) The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) fact sheet (Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce, October 2012) talks about how baccalaureate nurses have more positive outcomes than an associate degree nurse. This refers to not only lower mortality rates but other factors such as medication errors. This shows that a BSN thinks outside of the box and treats the patient as a whole The focus of a patient, while hospitalized, is that they just want to get better. They want to know who brings their medication and who makes their bed. They don’t get to see the educational background of each nurse that cares for them. To them a nurse is a nurse. What the focus of a baccalaureate nurse caring for them is to treat the patient as a whole, not just the person who gives medications. Associate degree programs have been around since 1952. The ADN focus is concerned with the technical aspects of nursing. The focus is meeting the needs of the person through...
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...Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Jenny Curie Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Tara Harris February 10, 2013 DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 2 Competency is defined as the quality of being competent. To be competent one must possess required skill, knowledge, qualification, or capacity. The profession of nursing requires a skillset and knowledge base that is specific to its kind. There are many options in one’s educational journey to obtain a nursing degree. Nursing is the largest health care profession in our society today with three million registered nurses nationwide (AACN, Nursing Workforce). Along with the growing profession and the ever growing need for quality health care the debate over what qualifies a nurse to be skillful and competent in her profession and what type of education is required is at the for front. What are the differences in competency between a nurse with an associates degree and one holding a baccalaureate degree? Of the three million registered nurses nationwide 50% of those hold a baccalaureate degree while 36.1% have an associates degree, and 13% a diploma (AACN, Nursing Workforce). The quality in which we provide patient care and the need for those in this field to obtain higher levels of education is being discussed. The NCLEX exam taken to become a licensed nurse in any given state only tests for the minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice (FACT SHEET). ...
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... The Differences Between Baccalaureates Versus Associate Degree The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, believes that education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of the nurse clinician, as it does for all health care providers. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees are well-prepared to meet the demands placed on today's nurse. BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Nurse executives, federal agencies, the military, leading nursing organizations, health care foundations, magnet hospitals, and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate-prepared nurses bring to the practice setting. AACN encourages employers to foster practice environments that embrace lifelong learning and offer incentives for registered nurses (RNs) seeking to advance their education to the baccalaureate and higher degree levels. We also encourage BSN graduates to seek out employers who value their level of education and distinct competencies. Different Approaches to Nursing...
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...Running head: THE CONTRIBUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN NURSING 1 The Contribution of Higher Education In Nursing Grand Canyon University: NRS- 430 V Professional Dynamics THE CONTRIBUTION OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN NURSING 2 Nursing in today’s day and age is a profession that is both rewarding and demanding. With increased pressure on hospitals to provide clinically sound medical care while functioning as a business, nurses are at the forefront of providing patient safety in a business environment. America depends on both two and four year institutions of higher education to prepare nurses, who will be working side by side in the healthcare environment. As a result of nursing job growth and projected retirement rates, it is estimated that America will need one million additional Registered Nurses by 2018 (Fulcher, Mullin, 2011). With strong evidence that a Baccalaureate degree in nursing improves patient outcomes, the IOM recommends 80% of nurses have a BSN by the year 2020. Evidence clearly suggests a relationship between a baccalaureate education and improved patient outcomes (Sarver, Cichra & Cline, 2015). One difference that may contribute to competency differences between ADN and BSN programs is number of credit hours obtained while in school. BSN programs require 120 credit hours whereas ADN programs require 71.5 (Fulcher, Mullin, 2011). Thus, the amount of hours spent learning is greatly reduced in an ADN program. One can infer that more school...
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...Higher Education in Nursing Should be a Requirement Jessy Kunnathupothiyil Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics NRS430V July 06, 2013 Higher Education in Nursing Should be a Requirement When people get sick, they are sensitive about the quality of care they receive. Today everybody looks for advanced health care from highly educated health care professionals. Is there any reality behind it? Could it be the high- education that enables nurses to provide high quality patient care? Although general nursing program provides basic education for nurses, higher education will equip the nursing professionals with skills, knowledge and competence to provide quality care to patients. Advantages of Baccalaureate-Degree Level In Nursing First of all, college level education will aid the nursing professionals to creatively and constructively respond to rapid changes in health care systems in the modern technological world. The purpose of higher education in Baccalaureate level is to empower the nursing staff to provide excellent holistic care to all as well as inculcate in them a strong desire for knowledge and to aspire for advanced degrees in this profession. Moreover, higher education will open new horizon for nursing professionals beyond bedside care to administration, research and management. Nursing is a combination of science and art. While basic training will encourage nurses to care for patients compassionately irrespective of age, creed, color, sex, life...
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...The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing Gurdarshan Gill Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Tracy Chesney July 27, 2013 The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing Nursing has been regarded as the most trustworthy profession year after year in the United States (Laidman, 2012). Prior to the modern era of Nursing that began with Florence Nightingale, there was no specific profession of Nursing. (Grand Canyon University, 2011, para. 4) Nursing is an evolving profession and its demand for educational requirements is increasing. In the past, nurses held hospital-based diplomas or associate degrees in Nursing. Now the expectation for education of nurses has been increased which is shown by hospitals only hiring bachelor degree nurses. The comparison between associate degree nurses and bachelor degree nurses remains a constant discussion in healthcare. Do bachelor degree nurses provide a higher quality of care to their patients and are they better equipped to do so with their two year extended length of study? Associate degree programs are 2 years in length and have a heavy focus on technical and hands-on bedside training. This type of training is sufficient for nurses in areas such as secondary care settings and was brought about due to the nursing shortage in the 1950’s. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 27) This type of training is to the point and is...
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...settings from hospitals and private practices, to nursing homes and the military, just to name a few. The career has a high level of projected job growth and demand, which means jobs will always be available for those who wish to pursue a career in nursing. When becoming an RN, there is promise for job advancement and promotion, especially when a baccalaureate degree is obtained. Today, many people are taking this step to further their education and degree. In fact, the number of employed nurses with a bachelor’s degree is higher than ever. In 1980, about 55 percent of nurses held only a hospital diploma, along with 18 percent holding an associate’s and 22 percent having a bachelor’s degree. By 2008, 36.8 percent of nurses had obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing and another 36.1 percent had an associate’s degree (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). The apparent rise in education levels is a clear indication of the increasing importance of education and training that is being stressed in the healthcare workforce, as well as in society in general. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has even suggested that “at least two-thirds of the basic nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing” (NACNEP, 2008). Given all of this, it is evident that acquiring a more advanced nursing degree could be beneficial in several aspects. Obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing is not only looked more highly upon but has been shown...
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... A Comparison of Competencies of Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses Patricia Smith Grand Canyon University Nrus 430 V 11/9/14 Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree? Does it really make a difference when it comes to delivering quality nursing care? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the differences between Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) ) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) and how higher education is crucial to better patient outcomes, the future of Healthcare and the advancement of Nurses. Research shows there is definitely a difference between an Associate degree educated Nurse and a Nurse educated at the Baccalaureate degree level. BSN’s demonstrate greater proficiency in clinical skills and clinical judgment, critical thinking and leadership skills. (www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education Associate degree Nursing programs usually take two years to complete. The course consists of general education, and clinical nursing courses. The students receive the minimal requirements for education in order to sit for the NCLEX and to obtain Nursing Licensure. They are taught the basics of Nursing and are technically trained (they know how), but lack the knowledge base as to why they are doing what they are doing, They work under the supervision of Registered Professional Nurses in Long term Care settings and Community Hospitals. (Creasia 26). Given that these Nurses do have Associates...
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...THE FUTURE OF NURSING Future of Nursing Future of Nursing The education that was taught to nurses up and well into the 20th century is no longer valid for dealing with all the health care issues in the 21st century. The American population is growing older and more diverse with cultural, social-economics, race, ethnicity, and religions. There is a larger shift in the nation’s health care needs for the 21st century. Health care issues today have many chronic conditions such as, arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases, many mental health issues, and increasing obesity levels in the old as well as in the young. The registered nurse with a higher education will be able to function in unpredictable and complex situations. The registered nurse with a baccalaureate is able to demonstrate flexibility and critical thinking. The old, tired way nurses have been educated will be replaced with advanced learning in community-based, multidisciplinary patient care delivery system of the future. Nurses will no longer be in the back seat due to lesser education, but will be seated side-by-side with other heath care disciplines making educated decisions, quality improvements, and have great system thinking skills. The higher educated nurse will have great team leadership skills. Nursing education was primarily taught for health care challenges of the early 20th century. Education for nurses leading into the 20th century was the basics of keeping patients...
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...Degree in Nursing Ana Parker Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-O502 July 6, 2016 Education Preparation: Associate versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing Though the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is available to the holders of both an associate’s degree of nursing and a bachelor’s degree of nursing, healthcare is constantly changing and looking for ways to expand and improve. According to NursingLicensure.org, an increasing number of hospitals are now overlooking an associate’s degree in nursing, and instead choosing to hire nurses with a bachelor degree or higher education (“The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program,” n.d.). However, it remains to be seen if an emphasis on higher education will significantly benefit the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the differences in competencies between an associate degree nursing program and a bachelor degree nursing program, then determine which is the preferable degree to require throughout the healthcare systems. Associate versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing: Difference in Competencies Associate degree nursing programs require considerably less knowledge based learning, and includes more clinically structured education. Associate degree nursing programs last approximately two years and consist of half general education courses, as well as half nursing based courses that focus mainly on patient centered care. Commonly, associate degree nursing programs cover basic nursing including...
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...PREPRATION Nursing History, Theory and Conceptual Model NRS-430V Grand Canyon University 25th Oct 2013 Abstract Much research has been done in comparing the work between ADN and BSN. Multiple research has shown significant differences in patient outcomes. Patient outcomes are substantially better in hospitals or institutions where the majority of staff have a BSN or higher education. Based on research, there is a movement by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to increase the percentage of BSN or higher educated nurses in workforce. The BSN prepared nurses are assets to hospitals because studies have shown that a high percentage of BSN prepared nurses directly correlates to lower hospital mortality, surgical patient mortality, lower rescue failure, and better patient outcomes, and etc. Findings A study by Dr. Linda Aiken and her colleagues published in the 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association, found direct positive relation to better patient outcomes due to higher educated nursing work force. A Nursing Research done in 2005 by Dr. Carole Estabrooks at the University of Alberta concluded that mortality rate was adversely affected by higher ratio of nurses. A study published in medical care in 2012 also discovered that in surgical patient’s mortality rate was 14% lower in Magnet hospitals. This report’s author determined that these improved results were due to hospital investing in hiring more nursing staff with higher education...
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...Baccalaureate degree 1 Running head: EDUCATION PREPARATION Education preparation: Differences in competences between nurses prepared at the Associate degree level versus Baccalaureate degree level nursing Awudu Braimah Shaibu Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional dynamics. Date: 10/07/2012 Differences in competencies between Associate and Baccalaureate degree level nursing 2 Associate degree level nursing is a two year nursing program that is being pursued in most of the community colleges in the United States of America. Students pursuing associate degree complete or earn 60 credits in order to graduate from this program. Baccalaureate degree or BSN level nursing is a four year nursing program that is offered in most of the colleges/universities across America. Students pursuing this program required to complete/earn 120 credits in order to be able to complete the program. This paper is going to look at the differences in competencies in these two programs. Research has shown that quality patient care depend on having a well educated nursing workforce (AACN, April, 12). The main differences...
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...Professional Development of Nursing Professionals SILVIA C. MIHAILA Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V December 4, 2015 Professional Development of Nursing Professionals The nursing profession will face significant changes in the near future. There is an urge to reconsider changes in the healthcare system to better outcome for patients and nursing professionals. Over the years patients needs become more complex with a great desire for more skilled, trained, and highly educated nurses to provide higher quality of care. The report of Institute of Medicine (IOM) together with Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that started in 2008 and finish in 2010 elaborates on the impact and benefits patients and particularly patient care would have if these changes would occur. To achieve the suggested recommendations by IOM and RWJF, and to meet the future changes in healthcare, nurses must transform their education, nursing practice, and leadership roles. The Impact of IOM report on nursing education As a result of our aging population and more critical patient conditions, care shifted from acute to more chronic condition. Nurses are required to be reeducated to an expanding role, understanding care management system and quality improvement methods to deliver a high standard of care for the patients. “There is a strong trend for higher educational attainment with the coming generation of older adults…a factor associated with improved health and lower disability” (ANA, 2013). In...
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...CONTACT: Robert J. Rosseter, 202-463-6930, x231 rrosseter@aacn.nche.edu Fact Sheet: Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce 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. This 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. Snapshot of Today’s Nursing Workforce According to the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses conducted by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), nursing is the nation's largest health care profession with more than 3 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. Of all licensed RNs, 2.6 million or 84.8% are employed in nursing. The sample survey also shows that 50.0% of the RN workforce holds a baccalaureate or graduate degree while 36.1% earned an associate degree and 13.9% a diploma in nursing. Graduates of entry-level nursing programs (baccalaureate degree, associate degree and diploma) sit for the NCLEX-RN© licensing examination. The fact...
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