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Running head: COMPARISON OF COMPETENCIES

Comparison of Competencies: Associate versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurses
Rachel Beissel
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics
November 20, 2011

Comparison of Competencies: Associate versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurses There are currently three different degree programs for Registered Nurses in the United States. The first degree plan is a diploma nursing degree, which is a 3 year program that focuses on nursing tasks in a hospital setting. It is noted that the diploma nursing program provides the most clock hours of clinical instruction (Hood, 2010, pg. 15). The second degree plan is the associate degree in nursing; this degree focuses on a combination of didactic and clinical skills over a 2 year period. The last degree is the baccalaureate degree in nursing which is a higher level of education in nursing; this includes additional courses in nursing research and community health projects. This paper will give an overview of the differences between the competencies of the associate degree plan versus the baccalaureate trained nurse in the patient care setting.
Associate Degree in Nursing The associate degree was originally created to help with the nursing shortage after World War II. The first associate degree nursing program was started by Dr. Mildred Montag in 1952 (Potter & Perry, 2009, pg. 3). The associate degree in nursing is an attractive alternative for many people who decide to go to school to become a nurse. In recent years the ability to obtain a degree in a shorter amount of time and at a lesser cost than a 4 year university has become more advantageous to prospective students. With the evolve of the ADN Registered Nurse to the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing fast track programs offered, the nurse has the ability to work and support themselves while finishing their long term degree

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