...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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...Nurses with BSN degrees are prepared to meet the demands placed on the nurse. Three different directions a student can select as a become a registered nurse. Two year community college program, diploma program, and university program to be completed in four years. The degree earned by taking this path is the bachelors of science degree in nursing, BSN. The diploma nurse and ADN generally practice in the same way. (Rosseter, 2014) Nursing is defined as: “a person who is trained to care for sick or injured people and who usually works in a hospital or doctor’s office.” (webster, 2014) The definition is vague and really does not establish a difference between the BSN and the ADN. The BSN and ADN are both trained with the same basic skills they need to plan and care for patients in the hospital, clinic, or doctors’ office. The noticeable difference is that the BSN program focuses on theory and research. Evidenced-based practice and leadership are also relevant in the BSN program. If a student would rather start with the associate and diploma degree, they should be prepared to concentrate the “hands on” approach. The associate degree pushes more towards the practical aspects of nursing. At completion, the student will have the knowledge to deliver care to the families of the patient as well as the patient. This care continues after the acute illness and is ongoing during the restoration to good health. The ADN programs have fewer credits to earn. They are...
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...recognizing that education makes a difference and are looking to hire nurses with higher education (Trautman 2015). Most employers want to hire nurses who can implement the latest research and evidence into practice, providing sensitive and quality care. An associate degree in nursing is a nursing degree that is usually awarded and obtained from the community college which typically takes two to three years to complete. In the 1970’s the associate degree in nursing (ADN) program helped to control and minimize the shortage of nurses there by encouraging facilities to educate their nurses in the community college. In 1951 nurse educator Mildred Montag proposed a new program to prepare nurse technicians in two year associate degree in the community colleges (Creasia and Friberg 2011). Graduates of the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) program must pass a national licensing examination, known as the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), in order to obtain a nursing license. A baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) is a very rigorous form of training to become a registered nurse. This is when nurse attends a college with four to five years nursing training to become a registered nurse. Upon graduation the nurse can take their NCLEX to get their nursing license....
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...Running head: ADN vs. BSN ADN vs. BSN ADN vs. BSN When I read the assignment for this paper, I thought the answers were clear cut and easy. As I was researching for the paper, I found that I was becoming extremely defensive in the cases where studies were attempting to prove Associate-Degree Registered Nurses were not as competent as Baccalaureate-Degree Registered Nurses. I felt personally attacked. When I asked myself why I was taking this course to further my education and proceed towards obtaining a Baccalaureate-Degree, the answers became clear and obvious once again. In researching the differences in competencies of nurses prepared at the associate-degree level verses the baccalaureate-degree in the nursing field there was little evidence to show a significant difference in initial practice. Both ADN and BSN nursing graduates are required to pass the same National Licensure Council Examination (NCLEX). BSN and ADN nurses initially practice at a similar level. (Davis-Martin & Skalak, 1992, p. 27). In the both ADN and BSN nursing programs students are prepared with courses in ethics, nursing process, critical thinking, accountability, and basic understanding of cultural diversity among the nursing curriculum. Yet there are some basic preparation differences. BSN prepared nurses are required to take courses in liberal arts and humanities which create a well diverse or well-rounded student. The BSN program also requires courses in community health, and more...
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...Bachelor Degree of Nursing Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V October 7, 2012 Competency Differences between ADN and BSN The debate between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor Degree of Nursing (BSN) has been a major topic of discussion in the world of nursing. In this paper I will break down and lay out the distinguishing factors such as education and competency levels between the two degrees. Included in this paper will also be a scenario that gives some insight into the thinking process of patient care, while incorporating the educational framework used in the decisions being made to give the patient the best and most efficient nursing care. This paper will allow the readers to have some understanding on the decision making process that goes on in the patient care world. The nursing world is made up of a vast amount of different subfields such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetist, and a sum of research nursing. All of these levels of nursing are attainable as long as the nurse has the right education credentials. To take part in the above stated fields a nurse must acquire her bachelor degree in nursing. The first Baccalaureate nursing program was established in the United States at the University of Minnesota in 1909 (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The time frame for the BSN program is four years. It’s longer than that of the ADN program by two years, but in these two years the nurse is taking part in enhancing her critical thinking skills...
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...I often wondered what the difference was between a BSN and an ADN or even what a competency would be. We take the same NCLEX test. Based on our experience, we would probably work at the same pay. I happen to be an ADN with few options, working in large hospitals is not one of them. So I did a little research and discovered that my town is filled with magnet hospitals an award given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center signifying to the public that this hospital gives quality service. According to nursecredentialing.org, 80% of nurses must a BSN by 2020. So, for me the difference between a BSN and an ADN is that I won’t get the job. I had an all about the money conspiracy theory. I knew it had to be more to it than my crazy theory. I read statistical material. I’m sure it was truthful. Right now, it’s just a bunch of numbers on a page. I want to understand why a new grad BSN trumps my six years of experience as an ADN. Continuing my research, my eyes began to open. BSN programs offer more in depth theoretical concepts, community and public health issues according to nurselink.com. According to the GCU website, I will learn self-leadership by learning how to use the facility and participate in the GCU community. I will be a good communicator. I will sharpen my analytical and problem solving skills. I will know and have appreciation for diverse groups of people. In my present class I’m learning nursing practice companies and theoretical models. Ok, fine I thought. Then...
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...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.- American association of colleges of nursing In October 2010, the Institute of Medicine released its landmark report on The Future of Nursing, initiated by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which called for increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% and doubling the population of nurses with doctorates. The expert committee charged with preparing the evidence-based recommendations contained in this report state that to respond “to the demands of an evolving health care system and meet the changing needs of patients, nurses must achieve higher levels of education.”- AACN In March 2005, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) released a statement calling for all for registered nurses to be educated in baccalaureate programs in an effort to adequately prepare clinicians for their challenging and complex roles. AONE’s statement, titled Practice and Education Partnership for the Future, represents the view of nursing’s practice leaders and a desire to create a more highly educated nursing workforce in the interest of improving patient safety and providing enhanced nursing care. –AACN * Nurses with bachelors degree have better outcomes and lower mortality...
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...Running Head: ADN or BSN 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...
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...Competency Differences Between ADN vs BSN in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics Competency Differences For ADN vs BSN in Nursing Are all registered nurses created equal and the same? To simply put it, no they are not. A registered nurse may be prepared at the diploma level, associate-degree level, baccalaureate-degree level, master degree level, and some possess a doctoral degree. The focus of this paper will be directed at the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree (ADN) level and nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level. Graduates from either degree must pass an examination as put forth by the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to become a licensed registered nurse. The NCLEX exam is the same for both degrees even though their prepared education is different. Three major differences in nursing competencies include education, nursing judgment, and professional identity. The following paragraphs will review and discuss how nursing care or approaches to decision making may differ upon the educational background of a registered nurse. First and foremost, “baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities” ("Impact of Education," 2014, para. 4). The additional...
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...the progression in nursing was the start of the Associate degree of nursing program. The nurses who finish this program are known as ADN’s. Since the ADN program was initiated there have been many debates on the differences between ADN’s and Bachelor degree nurses (BSN’s). Where does this topic stand today? What does the future hold for the ADN’s? History of the ADN Nursing shortage has been a challenge in nursing through out time. In 1951 Mildred Montag developed a two year associate degree program for nurses. The purpose of this program was to help with the nursing shortage. Studies were done five years after of the start of this program and showed it to be successful because these nurses demonstrated clinical competency. Today the ADN program still exists. ADN’s are expected to take and pass the same state licensure exam as BSN’s. When passed, the same license is issued to the ADN as the BSN. Both can apply and be considered for entry level nursing positions. This has led to much confusion in the eyes of the public and in the world of nursing. What is the difference between ADN’s and BSN’s? Educational Differences The associate degree program is a two year degree program and is typically offered through a technical school. The focus is mainly on clinical bedside nursing and skills. The Montoya Page 2 BSN, Bachelor of Science in nursing is a four year degree...
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...Running Head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN AND BSN Differences in competencies between ADN and BSN NRS- 430 V Grand Canyon University Michael Jones December/02/2012 DIFFERENCIES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN AND BSN Nursing professions is undergoing rapid changes and are inevitable. Nurses should be able to adapt and practice these changes in order to provide quality health care to the society. Nurses are the vital part of the evolving health care arena, since our profession is getting more complex and demanding it is our responsibly to be competent in the profession for the better outcome. As there are differences in curriculum, there are visible differences in competencies. Both programs provide essential education for the students in order to practice whereas baccalaureate program is broad base which also includes teaching in critical thinking, leadership and management (Differentiated Essential Competencies ,2010). Nurses who possess baccalaureate degree have the capability to meet the complex and unpredictable needs of the divers population even in an unstructured environment. Studies show that there are decreased rate in medication errors, death rates when patients are cared by baccalaureate degree nurses (AACN, 2011). Majority of the task and responsibilities remains same for both the associate degree nurses and baccalaureate nurses. The associate degree nurses are very proficient in bedside nursing as they acquire knowledge through hands-on...
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... The Associates Degree trained nurse (ADN), attends a two year program typically taught at a community college. The main part of the curriculum is preparing for clinical competency, but typically lacks instruction in theory and the science of nursing. The ADN level nurse was developed in response to a shortage of nurses following World War II. Mildred Montag developed the two year ADN program in response to the nursing shortage. Montag's defined the ADN as a technical nurse which included skill and some judgment to function at the intermediate level. Leadership and management were not part of the curriculum. Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) programs are taught at four year colleges and universities. Clinical competency is achieved, as in the ADN program, but also additional areas of study such as: leadership and management, critical thinking and community health care. In a study by Giger and Davidhizar (1990), BSN nurses significantly outscore ADN nurses in the professional category. They are were more concerned with research, teaching and community assessment, whereas the ADN nurse was more concerned with the technical aspects of nursing care (Giger and Davidhizar, 1990). Critical thinking disposition skills of senior programs revealed that BSN students scored significantly higher on critical thinking. (Shin, 1998). Although, most people have some critical thinking skills, it is a skill that must be developed. In the BSN...
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...Educational Preparation ADN vs BSN Maria Valdez Grand Canyon University Annette Saint Educational Preparation ADN vs BSN We, as students, in the United States of America have the remarkably wonderful opportunity to have many educational avenues to pursue. As a nursing student we have the ability to enter into different programs. You have the 3-year diploma program, which is administered in the hospital setting, the Associate Degree 2-year (ADN) which is acquired at a Community College or the four-year Baccalaureate Degree (BSN) which is awarded at a University. Regardless of what pathway is chosen by the graduate you still have to sit and take the same boards also known as the NCLEX-RN Licensing Examination. Baccalaureate nursing graduates have all the education of a diploma and an associate degree nurse but have a more in depth understanding of nursing research, nursing leadership, including management, humanities, and public health nursing (April 2009). This extra education gives a comprehensive understanding on many social, cultural, economic and political issues (2009). In 1965 there was a 3-yr study done by the American Nurses Association (ANA). It issued “A Position Paper on Education Preparation for Nurse Practioners and Assistants to Nurses.” The main point that was made is the “the education of all of those who are licensed to practice nursing should take place in institutions of higher education” (2009). Nursing Education is being associated with...
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...nurses ensure that patients obtain the highest quality of care and execute many of the routine functions of patient treatment. Associate degree nursing (ADN) education developed from Mildred Montag's research and differentiated practice vision in 1952. From the first set of graduates, Montag's differentiated practice vision did not take hold. Lack of differentiation of nurses' role and functions in practice based on education preparation continues today (Mathias, 2009). An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) emphases on the technical standpoints of nursing, rather than the theoretical and academic aspects of nursing usually covered in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. ADN students will have to accomplish some fundamental prerequisites before taking nursing curriculum, such as courses in writing, social science, history, etc. Nursing-specific module will likely enfold such topics as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, family health, pediatric and geriatric medicine, pharmacology, psychology and mental health. State Boards of Nursing in each state regulate which programs are customary for that state. Upon achievement of a state certified curriculum of study, the nursing candidate will need to pass the NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination. Fortuitously, most of the two-year courses for an ADN are geared en route for helping graduates to pass the NCLEX. With the existing high exigency for nurses, employment for someone with an associate degree...
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