...The Differences Among Us: ADN vs. BSN The Differences Among Us: ADN vs. BSN Having worked with hundreds of registered nurses throughout my ten year career, it is not usually very easy to determine if the nurse next to me graduated with an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Whether working with a charge nurse, staff nurse or even a case manager, the differences are minor, and only upon further inspection realized. Both types of nurses are qualified and excel at their jobs, but the BSN nurse has the extra training and critical thinking skills needed, not only for their current station in life, but also their future and growth in the field. First I will be discussing why there are so many more ADN nurses in relation to BSN nurses. Secondly, a discussion of why there is a major push towards BSN prepared nurses. Last, a look into the differences I have noticed in my own nursing career between the ADN nurse and the BSN nurse. Not long ago, the primary degree in nursing was a hospital diploma. This was the standard way to becoming a nurse. As recently as the mid-1980’s, half of the country’s registered nurses had started that way. By that time though, community colleges and the associate’s degree of nursing was beginning to take over (Perez-Pena, 2012, para. 4). Although many four year programs existed, this was the quickest and easiest way for a student to obtain a nursing degree. This quicker program appealed especially to the workforce that were going back to school...
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...Since the beginning of nursing, there has always been different ways of preparing ones self for the field. Although the American Nurses Association decided that the BSN is the “entry point into professional nursing practice” (Cresia & Friberg, 2011) in 1965, there are still 3 “equal” ways of becoming a nurse. The three ways of becoming a registered nurse today are associate degree programs, diploma programs, and baccalaureate programs. Upon completion of all of these programs, the nurse will sit for the licensure exam, NCLEX. They all lead to the same path, a registered nurse. The first nursing program in the United States was the hospital based diploma program, which was established in 1873 in Boston, and in 1909 the first baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) program was established. The associate degree in nursing program (ADN) became available in 1952, by Mildred Montag. Her intent with this program was to help the nursing shortage, because the ADN is shorter in length, and these nurses would work under baccalaureate prepared nurses. (Cresia & Friberg (2011) It is often argued that having a nurse who has completed a baccalaureate program, versus a nurse who has a diploma or two-year degree, will result in safer care and better patient outcomes. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the National Sample Survey in 2008 said the majority of currently employed registered nurses hold a baccalaureate degree, and the least amount hold a diploma (AACN...
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...Preparation Competencies One could argue that a nurse with a baccalaureate degree (BSN) holds a higher level of competency than a nurse with an associate’s degree (ADN). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) believes that. Acquiring a bachelor’s degree helps the nurse “strengthen her platform to make better decisions, plans and evaluations of patient outcomes.” (Hood, 2006) Studies show that hospitals with nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level show enhanced knowledge, which lower death rates, have less chance of medication errors and more positive outcomes in their patients. Higher education indicates the nurse is more prepared in critical thinking with a better understanding of psychosocial concerns. Courses offered at the baccalaureate nursing programs that are not offered at the associate’s level are courses specializing in cultural, spiritual, and community health, along with management, delegation and nursing research. The nurse not only relies upon her training but also understands what and why something is happening. Research shows those hospitals that invest in higher educated nurses have proved to have invested their money wisely. A study published by Olga Yakusheva from the University of Michigan, showed patient’s mortality rates dropped by 10.9% with baccalaureate prepared nurses. The study also showed that if hospitals increase their nursing staff of BSN nurses by 80%, the hospitals would save money ultimately because there would be lower...
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...resulted in fewer adverse reactions in patient (Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce. (2009). Nurse Leaders, higher institutions of learning, and employers are raising the awareness for nurses to continue their education in order to create better patient outcomes. Two Year ASN Degree An associate’s of science degree in nursing is a two year program. The duration of the program concentrates on clinical rotation which prepares the nurse for hands on bed side experience in a clinical setting. Core content focuses on a variety of topics but focuses on clinical rotation to introduce the nurse to bed side practice. An ASN degree offers a cheaper tuition for the student if cost is a factor in deciphering between pursuing an ASN or BSN in nursing. Areas of employment can include can include hospitals, long term care...
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...Educational Program Comparison Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS430V Educational Program Comparison The nursing profession continues to evolve as we speak. Many changes in history have contributed to this ever moving profession. The educational differences between the baccalaureate prepared nurse and the diploma/associates prepared nurse will be briefly discussed. Associate degree nurses and the diploma nurse are educationally prepared to staff hospitals according to Cresaia, Conceptual Foundation. Educational requirements include the basic sciences and technical skills necessary to succeed in this arena. (Cresaia, p. 11) While these nurses continue to advance into the work force in great numbers, the nursing profession is evolving and requiring more educationally prepared nurses to move into leadership, teaching and advance practice roles. The suggestion by the IOM is to move nursing into a higher educationally prepared practicing work force and increase the baccalaureate prepared nurse by 2020 to 80 percent of the workforce. This increase in educational requirements, stems from several studies identifying the baccalaureate prepared nurse has increased the positive patient outcomes including the lowering of the mortality rate. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Fact sheet includes studies demonstrating this fact. One of the more interesting studies by two separate researchers demonstrated that the increase of the working population...
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...Nursing nurse (BSN) helps to begin understanding the differences they incur. An Associate’s degree program can be completed in 2 years and the focus is on the technical aspects of nursing, at the community college level (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p.18-19). This nurse is usually more task oriented or technical. The Baccalaureate degree RN is a four-year program at a college or university level. The focus is towards more independent thinking within a community as a whole (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p. 19). This nurse concentrates on evidence-based practices. There has been discussion and debate over the mentioned differences and desires since 1965. More recently, In the October 2012 issue of Medical Care, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study concluded that better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. McHugh, MD et al. (2012) Both degrees take the same exam with the board of nursing. Clinical competencies between the ADN and the BSN are the same with mastery of the skills developed over time with practice. However, a major difference in education is that a BSN degree includes more nursing theory, nursing informatics, and nursing research (“ADN vs. BSN” 2012). This...
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...Nursing nurse (BSN) helps to begin understanding the differences they incur. An Associate’s degree program can be completed in 2 years and the focus is on the technical aspects of nursing, at the community college level (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p.18-19). This nurse is usually more task oriented or technical. The Baccalaureate degree RN is a four-year program at a college or university level. The focus is towards more independent thinking within a community as a whole (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p. 19). This nurse concentrates on evidence-based practices. There has been discussion and debate over the mentioned differences and desires since 1965. More recently, In the October 2012 issue of Medical Care, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study concluded that better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. McHugh, MD et al. (2012) Both degrees take the same exam with the board of nursing. Clinical competencies between the ADN and the BSN are the same with mastery of the skills developed over time with practice. However, a major difference in education is that a BSN degree includes more nursing theory, nursing informatics, and nursing research (“ADN vs. BSN” 2012). This...
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...Differences between Nurses Educated at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Nursing Christy Lilly Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-O501 March 27, 2015 Differences between Nurses Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Education can be a factor in determining a person’s success and well-being. Does the difference in RN education play a role in well-being of those they care for? I will explain some educational differences between an Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate of Science Nurse (BSN). Also, I will share a clinical case scenario to demonstrate the differences in approach, experience and skills effect clinical decisions made by a BSN and an ADN nurse. Associate Degree Nursing Education The ADN requires two or three years of college, whether at a community college or junior college. The graduate earns an Associates of Science in Nursing and is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The idea of the ADN was founded by Mildred Montag in 1952 due to the nursing shortage post World War II. Montag proposed a two-year program in junior or community colleges. Her intent was the ADN would be more educated than the untrained nurse, otherwise known as a practical nurse. The ADN would qualify to test for RN licensure and enter practice working under the supervision of a BSN nurse. Montag’s proposed framework and model was not executed completely. Instead...
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...The Difference between BSN and ADN The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree can be acquired in 2 years at a university, community college, vocational school or even some hospitals. An ASN educational program readies nurses to deliver direct patient treatment or carry out other qualified nursing duties and responsibilities inside the field of health care. This 2-year degree can be the groundwork for more advanced nursing academic options like a bachelor’s or master’s in nursing. It is a relatively fast way to get into the nursing field and start earning income. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree typically takes 4 years to complete at the numerous universities and colleges that offer these programs. The BSN readies nurses to perform in most medical environments. While the job environments for RN’s with BSN degrees may be almost identical to that of RN’s with an ASN degree, those who completed BSN programs have additional preparation and training for clinical jobs that could include management, fiscal duties, medical personnel scheduling, administration, leadership and research roles (ASN vs RSN,. 2024). The main difference is the length of time and the amount of credits required to complete the program. An ADN typically takes 2 years to complete while a BSN will take 4 years to complete (including the time spent taking the prerequisites to enter the program.) There are also accelerated BSN programs (18-21 months) for students who have already obtained a...
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...ADN Vs BSN ADN's vs. BSN's, the difference Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Leigh Ann Tovar November 25, 2012 ADN's vs. BSN's, the difference Does the fact that a nurse has completed the boards really mean they are equal to all those working with them in the field? Does a BSN really mean better or just someone who spent some more money to get a nicer title? As a patient in a hospital prior to getting my RN I can say that I never looked at the abbreviations after the title on someone. If it said RN then I knew they were a RN and that’s all I thought I cared about. I assumed that the care and knowledge that was being provided to me would be the same across the board, unless I just got a lazy nurse. Going through nursing school first as a LPN and then as a RN has given me a broad picture at the many variances in nurses out there. I can remember times as a patient when I was a LPN and seeing the care that was being provided to me and just shocked at the overall lack of care provided, the sloppiness of the skills being performed, and the overall lack of standard precautions. As I completed school and began to work beside other RN’s I can see the differences, but now I look at it from a different perspective as well. I am looking at those abbreviations behind the RN. I find that I am not alone here. “The public's perception of the nurse is the individual who comes to their home to deliver care or who answers their call light in the acute care setting. While most are unaware...
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...The Age Old Debate: ADN vs BSN, a comparison Seth Ronning Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics Kimberly Hammerton September 4, 2013 The Age Old Debate: ADN vs BSN, a comparison In battles of good versus evil through out history, good almost always triumphs in the end. For example the New York Yankees have won a total of twenty seven World Series Championships compared to the Boston Red Sox who have won a meager seven World Series. Another example would be Darth Vader returning from the dark side to vanquish the evil Emperor by means of hurling the villain over a rail to unseen depths and certain death. In the case of Bachelors level nursing compared to Associates level nursing however, there really is no good versus evil to compare. There is no dark versus light there is just a different level of attained educational degree. The question is what does the difference in education level provide in the level of competency of each nurse. The aim of this paper is to discuss what is the definition of competency in nursing and how is it measured, what are the advantages in nursing care for associates and bachelors degree care, and how do the differences in educational level affect overall patient outcomes. What is competency in nursing? The American Nurses Association, or ANA, defines competency by stating, “competency is an expected level of performance that results from an integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment” (ANA 2004). A nurses’ ability...
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...ADN vs. BSN : Difference in Competencies Between Associate-Degree Nurses Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Toby John Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V 11/24/13 The profession of nursing in the healthcare setting focuses on the care of individuals, families, and communities so that they may acquire, preserve, or recover optimum quality of life and health. There are many differences in competencies based on the department or specialty the nurse will be working in, such as managed care, neonatal, or educational basis. This paper will explore some of the differences in competencies between nurses with an associates degree (ADN) and nurses with a baccalaureate degree (BSN). "Competencies are defined as the knowledge and skills required to perform in a specific job." (Hardy,1999). In nursing, competencies define the duties and skills required for many positions and establish the educational requirements needed to qualify for each nursing position. According to a study done in 1988 by Texas Higher Education Community Board, "Competencies across the spectrum of nursing education varies in complexity, depth, and breadth." (Potter 2006). Competencies of an ADN include, knowledgeable and principled behaviors, effectively working with others in providing healthcare, applying knowledge from theory to clinical settings, and to practice with a secure and caring demeanor. A baccalaureate degree nurse has the same competencies as an ADN as well as critical...
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...Baccalaureate-degree in nursing (BSN). With these two choices available, which path should one take? The ADN program is a 2 year program offered at local community colleges, with prerequisites that usually take 1-2 more years of education. These programs are successful in producing a graduate that is able to pass state licensing exams known as the National council licensure examination (NCLEX) that tests for minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice. (AACN, 2014). They teach the fundamentals of nursing and nursing skills. The ADN programs are less expensive and can get you into the workforce relatively quickly. Many nurses begin with the ADN route because of time limitations or money, and then go back to school for their BSN. BSN programs are offered at the University level and usually require 4-5 years of education. The cost is significantly more and there are fewer programs available. The curriculum of the program includes basic fundamentals of nursing, additionally incorporating research concepts, theory, leadership, management, and public health. It also prepares the student to take and pass the NCLEX exam. When considering which educational route to take one should know that quality patient care relies on having a highly educated nursing workforce. Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the BSN level (AACN, 2014). Both programs...
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...Competencies and Patient Care; ADN vs. BSN Kristina Aguilar Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics in Nursing NRS-430V-O101 Chris Bartholomew April 22, 2016 Competencies and Patient Care; ADN vs. BSN Introduction It could be hard for some people to understand the differences between the competencies of a Registered Nurse. They may ask, “Isn’t a Nurse, just a Nurse?” The answer is actually, “well, yes…. but not really.” There are 3 different avenues one can take to obtain a nursing degree. Students can choose between a 3 year hospital based diploma program, a 2 year Associates Degree, or a 4 year Baccalaureate Degree. According to the National League of Nursing, “nearly 60% of all graduates come from community colleges” with an ADN degree. In the 2007-2008 school year alone there was 106,095 ADN graduates, compared to only 38,724 BSN graduates. ("Nursing Education Research," 2010) Despite this extreme growth, with an increase in chronic health conditions and emerging technology, the Institute of Medicine now recommends “that 80% of all RN’s obtain a Bachelors degree by 2020. ("Institute of Medicine," 2011). These nurses are educated at a level to provide better quality patient care, with better outcomes. ADN vs. BSN Although graduates from both programs are required to take the same NCLEX exam to obtain their license, there are quite a few differences in the competencies that each program provides. In 1951, Mildred Montag developed the 2 years...
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...Adn vs Bsn: Differences Rachel McAdams Phoenix University September 2, 2010 Adn vs Bsn: Differences may be a Matter of Degree In the late 1850s Florence Nightingale started her own school to train nurses and developed standards by which nurses performed their duties. She may never have envisioned that one day there would be different educational tracks resulting in multiple degrees and disciplines in nursing, each having their own set of criteria for excellence. Associate degree nurse (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN) are the two most common entry level nursing positions. An ADN can be obtained in two or three years whereas the BSN takes four years of education to complete due to additional courses. Differences between the degrees begin with education and mature as the nurse gains experience. Raines and Taglaireni’s (2008) article states ADN and BSN nurses attend the same basic liberal arts and general education courses such as English, literature, history, math, humanities, and arts. Both have basic nursing courses, the same technical skill sets are taught, and nurses must pass the same National Council Licensing Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN©) which measures minimum technical competency for entry-level nursing practice. Colleges will differ in the exact requirements for each degree but the community college ADN program consists of approximately 75 course credits of which 38 are science and liberal arts prerequisites, and 37 credits are in the...
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