...Running ahead: Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate Degree Level 1 Associates Degree Nursing Education vs. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Education: Differences in Clinical Practice Suja Kuruvilla Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professor Lorraine Hoover September 2, 2012 Health care is a field that is changing dramatically. Many practicing nurses have various degrees in nursing like Associate Degree, Diploma, Baccalaureate and Master’s degree. Due to the varying levels of education and training, differences exist between the nurses prepared with an Associate degree (ADN) when compared to those nurses who have trained in a Baccalaureate degree (BSN). Though nurses getting these degrees have their differences in preparation, nurses earning these degrees have adequate theoretical and clinical learning experiences. The license qualifying examination for many states- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) - does not differentiate between ADN and BSN degree prepared nurses and allows nurses with both degrees to take the licensing examination after completion of the degree regardless of the educational background of the applicant. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared with an ADN compared to those prepared with a BSN include the quality of training and duration...
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...Health care is a field that is changing dramatically. Many practicing nurses have various degrees in nursing like Associate Degree, Diploma, Baccalaureate and Master’s degree. Due to the varying levels of education and training, differences exist between the nurses prepared with an Associate degree (ADN) when compared to those nurses who have trained in a Baccalaureate degree (BSN). Though nurses getting these degrees have their differences in preparation, nurses earning these degrees have adequate theoretical and clinical learning experiences. The license qualifying examination for many states- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) - does not differentiate between ADN and BSN degree prepared nurses and allows nurses with both degrees to take the licensing examination after completion of the degree regardless of the educational background of the applicant. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared with an ADN compared to those prepared with a BSN include the quality of training and duration of the course. From research shown in many well published studies and from my own practice, I feel that such differences in training create various approaches to patient management in similar clinical situations and hence do have a variable effect on patient outcomes. Nurses with an ADN or a BSN have distinctive differences in their preparation to get their degree. Nurses with an ADN obtain their degree through attending community colleges, nursing schools, or other...
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...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 degrees they are...
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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 for every...
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...RNs who have an associate degree or diploma are more likely to make errors during clinical practice. Nurses who hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees have a stronger foundation in which to build better communication, leadership, critical thinking and problem solving skills. The high demands placed on today's nurses really challenge all of these skills on a daily basis. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees have a better understanding of the importance to be proficient in these skills. In a study of RN-to-BSN degree graduates from 1995 to 1998 (Phillips, Palmer, Zimmerman, & Mayfield, 2002), these students demonstrated higher competency in nursing practice, communication, leadership, professional integration, and research/evaluation. The added classes enhances the student’s view for a wide scope of practice which will aid the nurse in comprehending the many issues that plague patients and impact health care. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can help a nurse be more confident in his/her ability no matter the patient care setting. Numerous research studies have demonstrated that the ADN and BSN nurses are not different in skill competency when they graduate, but over time, the BSN nurses show greater critical thinking skills, better problem solving, and the development of clinical judgment. For many years, studies have shown through nursing research that education can and does make a difference in clinical practice. Nurses who obtain...
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...Nursing Competencies Between the Associate Level Prepared Nurse and Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurse - Including a Patient Case Scenario Elizabeth A. Borowiak NRS 430V-0109 09/07/2014 ADN vs. BSN – The Big Debate The ADN/BSN debate has been going on for decades. This conflict could possibly negatively affect nurses, our profession and ultimately the patients we serve. There will always be nurses who will excel in the field independent of their educational preparation. Patient’s conditions and the healthcare environment are becoming more complex and having a better-educated workforce helps to improve patient outcomes, but how? What are the differences between a nurse who has her ADN degree versus an RN with a BSN degree? Are there advantages of being a BSN prepared nurse? Nurses today have a difficult time choosing between the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). One might ask, “Why should a nurse take the BSN route when they can take the ADN route and still be a Registered Nurse (RN) in less time and cost” (Moore, 2009). Yes, you can still be an RN, but studies show the ADN prepared nurse will approach clinical situations differently than that of a BSN prepared nurse. The skills differ in many ways, and the BSN prepared nurse is better for patient outcomes. The Associate Degree program teaches nurses the fundamentals and basics of nursing. “The ADN focuses on bedside nursing and technical aspects of the job” (Moore...
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...started with Florence Nightingale who laid the foundation of professional nursing with the diploma program. Today, there are three different pathways to become a registered nurse. The three pathways include; the baccalaureate degree program, associate degree program, and the diploma program. All of these pathways allow the student to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. What is the difference between the programs and student outcomes if all the students end up with the same licensure? The difference is the technical nurse versus the professional nurse. This paper will focus on the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. "The existence of multiple pathways contributes to a confusing landscape of nursing education and creates challenges for aspiring nurses as they try to choose the most appropriate type of program in which to enter the profession" (book reference). The associate and baccalaureate programs are available to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in nursing, but the two programs prepare two different types of nurses. The associate degree level nurse is more focused on task oriented practice and are more technical driven and clinically competent. On the other hand, the baccalaureate degree level nurse is more professional and use evidence based practice and advanced critical thinking skills. Also, the baccalaureate degree level nurse is prepared to be in a leadership...
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...a higher educational stand point. During the information on education they are pushing toward having the working nurse be at an 80% of the work force have their baclorets degree by 2020. While reading the article it continually talks about how the nurse with the bachelors degree is better prepared to take care of the patient. That the bachelor nurse critical thinking skills are more decide and sharp. The IOM also believes that “a nurse should practice to her fullest extent of her education and training” (IOM Pg. 85) the article also talks about how the nurse should be more of a partner with physicians and other health care workers. The IOM would impact nursing education by pushing for all nurses to have the bachelors degree. They also feel that the nurse who received a diploma or an associate degree in nursing are not as divers in nursing as the nurse who has the bachelors degree. They talk about the money that the government puts out for the diploma school should be better spent on the bachelors programs. They promote a nurse to get her education any way possible but you can tell that they favor a nurse going for her bachelors first and not going for the associate or the LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) degree first. There are many bridge programs out there. I fell that they should not put down all the different routes there are to get your degree. Not every nurse has the income to go to school for their bachelor degree right off the bat. The Impact that IOM is trying to portray...
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...Competencies between nurses prepared at Associate Degree level vs. Baccalaureate Degree level Susan Chacko Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430 V December 09, 2012 “Trained nurse has become one of the great blessings of humanity, taking a place beside the physician and the priest”, these words were spoken by William Osler and it is true because as the modern medicine becomes more and more sophisticated day by day there is a higher need and demand of professional who are trained and have advance knowledge about the field, thus a baccalaureate-degree in nursing is absolutely crucial and necessary for nurses who are directly involved in the care and progress of the patient. Baccalaureate-degree in nursing opens up a wide array of new opportunity and are prepared to work in any healthcare environment as compared to someone who only has an associate-degree as they are limited to provide the patients with a higher level of care and assistance. So we are going to look at several differences and more importantly the benefits of acquiring a BSN rather than an associate-degree in nursing. With more than 36.1 million people admitted to hospitals each year in U.S with different problems there is a growing need for nurses who are well trained, have exception knowledge and communication skills who can provide proper care and needed assistance to the patient, and although RN’s are well equipped to handle any situation, nurses with a bachelors have an upper hand...
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...education preparation argues that baccalaureate-degree level nurses are better prepared to provide safe, competent care than associate-degree level, and diploma-degree level nurses. Nursing is an ever evolving practice. Throughout the history of nursing, practices have changed, medicine has advanced, and the need for higher education among clinicians has increased. There has been ongoing research related to nursing practice, comparing the care provided by both baccalaureate-degree level nurses and associate-degree and diploma-degree level nurses to analyze the safety, and level of care that is being provided. Research has provided evidence that nurses with baccalaureate degree have fewer errors with medication administration, have a lower rate of mortality, and have also proved a better overall outcome (Rosseter, 2012). Baccalaureate-degree nurses have an advantage over associate-degree and diploma-degree nurses related to their advanced educational preparation. Nurses who have graduated with an associate’s degree or with a bachelor’s degree have both studied: the fundamentals of nursing; pathophysiology; pharmacology; the history of nursing; nursing across the lifespan, and physical and mental health. Both courses of study have also included: math, psychology, sociology, and multiple science courses. The difference between the four year Bachelors of Science in nursing BSN, and the two year associate-degree nurse ADN, is the in-depth training that the BSN learns and the ADN...
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...of Bachelor degree nurse and Associate degree nurse Nursing is a profession that involved within the healthcare system which is concentrated towards the care of individual, family and community. The primary goal of a nurse whether BSN or ADN is the same when it comes to patient care. When we look at nursing history, Mildred Montag started nursing education by the creation of the first ADN program as there was a huge shortage of nurses after the World War 2 and they found it successful.(2011) Hence the nursing profession became more advanced and pushed forward in innovating and accelerator ting the process of change. Today one of the major questions that one can ask is who is better a nurse? nurse with bachelor’s degree or a nurse with associate degree. Although there aren’t many differences between the two; I would say that being a BSN nurse definitely has its perks due to the fact that BSN nurses have much better knowledge of decision making, communication skills and leadership skills that could be beneficial to both the patient and the nurse. Thus, would bring one back to the question Are BSN nurses better than ADN nurses. One of the major differences between BSN and ADN nurses are the amount of time spend at education. A normal ADN degree will only take 2 years; while a BSN degree takes an average student about 4 years or more. BSN deals with theories and research based and focuses on the entire nursing profession; thus helping the nurse to be exposed to different...
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...Preparation Association Degree versus Baccalaureate in Nursing ABSTRACT There is so much debate on whether it is important to get BSN or staying working as ADN. If I look at it with my point of view then nurse is a nurse whether she has AND OR BSN.I am a nurse with ADN who took the nclex test just like the other degree schools take and passed my test the first time. I am working with the nurses some that have BSN and some ADN. I have not seen anything difference that a BSN nurse would do for the patient that ADN nurse would not be able to do. Only difference I probably seen is that pay rate is higher and they get to take management position. Difference between ADN and BSN ADN and BSN nurses both work hard to obtain their degrees during nursing school. Both struggles through three or four years of college to complete pre requirements whether it is BSN or ADN program. ADN and BSN nurses both have to take the nclex exam to obtain a nursing license. It is a great start to achieve an ADN and pass the board exam to get a good job to support the family. One benefit of getting ADN is that one can have great paying while going back to school to finish BSN. There is no restriction on when one can start back going to school to get higher education. Although BSN and ADN nurses both perform the same job skills whether they are working on the medical surgical floor or nursing home setting, there is a big difference between obtaining the degree. Association degree can be obtained from...
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...Educational Preparation Susila Patel Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 11, 2014 The differences in competencies between the Registered Nurse who is completing the ADN versus the BSN are many. In this country there are two types of Registered Nurses: the Registered Nurse who graduates from an Associate Degree program and the Registered Nurse who graduates from the Baccalaureate Degree program. Both types of RNs take the National Council Licensure Examination also known as the NCLEX-RN. The results of the NCLEX-RN examination determines if the nurse has the technical competency to practice nursing. What the exam does not determine is the difference between graduates who have different levels of education. Although the passing rate for the exam is the same among the two groups of nurses, it is not proof that there are no differences between the two groups. The length of the ADN program is two years, while the BSN program is four years. The ADN is the shorter, faster path to obtaining RN licensure. Both types of Registered Nurses have the same license. Although both types of RNs may go through similar clinical training and have a similar income, there are differences in their educational and professional training as well as in their level of competency. The associate degree program’s emphasis is on clinical skills that are required to work in a hospital or clinic setting. The RN is trained to be task oriented. Education and competency are confined to hands...
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...During the past eight months of my registered nurse (RN) career I have come to know that there are so many more opportunities to having a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). A nurse who has completed the BSN program is capable of assessing a situation and using critical thinking skills to give the patient a better outcome verses an RN assessment. Nurses with a BSN are able to adjust the plan of care in situations when the patient’s condition changes and this significantly shows fewer mortality rates even after a patient is discharged from the hospital. Many nursing jobs usually require a BSN degree at the least, such as pediatric nursing, an OR nurse, and nurse practitioners. Having a higher level of education in nursing allows a nurse to educate patients or the public on disease processes as well as becoming a school nurse. With a BSN degree, doors will open to many more exciting and demanding roles. In the BSN program, nurses are taught through theory to enhance critical thinking skills through connections with instructors and professionals. Throughout a nurse’s career, they continue to develop critical thinking skills in the type of job selected. Having a BSN, you are more qualified to watch over a patients hospital stay, whether is it long term, short term, or acute, and adjust care plans to the type of medication and treatment needed according to the patients outcome on a day to day basis. This increases the chance of better outcomes and prevents readmissions for the...
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...Educational 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...
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