...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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...The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 5, 2012 Abstract Both ADN and BSN nurse needs to take licensing examinations to start working as a registered nurse in the United States. Associate degrees require two years of studying in a community college. However a bachelor’s degree requires four years of academic studying in a college. The first topic of the paper is whether not the risk taking propensities of the nurses changed between ADN and BSN nurses. A second topic of this paper is whether there is a different sort of management role between ADN nurses and BSN nurses. Lastly the quality of work between the Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) will be examined to see if the competency of the ADN and BSN differs. The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses History of Nursing According to Joan L Creasia and Elizabeth Friberg, the first baccalaureate degree of nursing in the U.S.A was started in the University of Minnesota in 1909. Until the 1950’s the program usually consisted of two years of general education and then three years of nursing education. These nurses who graduated in 5 years could either begin as a general nurse who works in the hospital and is a part of patient care or they can join the management side of patient care and become managers of hospitals. For the BSN they would have to study liberal arts, patient quality...
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...Nursing Competencies: ADN versus BSN Suzi Roberts Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Brittney Grabill May 2, 2015 Nursing Competencies: ADN versus BSN According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nursing is “the largest health care profession, with 3.1 million registered nationwide.” The AACN states on their website, in 1980, 22 percent held the bachelor’s degree and 18 percent held an associate’s degree (American Associate of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2015). By the 2008, the number holding bachelor’s degree increased to 36.8 percent and the number for an associate’s degree increased to 36.1 (AACN, 2015). In the paper, I will discuss what it takes to obtain both degrees, the advantages, disadvantages and the different competencies of the Associates Degree in Nurse (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN). In the last few years, the hospital I have worked for has really encouraged those with an ADN degree to obtain their BSN. Representatives from different colleges have made visits to the hospital to get nurses to enroll in their ADN to BSN online programs. Our hospital, like many other across the nation, suffer from a nursing shortage. There are 2 universities within an hour in driving distance with BSN programs. Where I live, we are very fortunate to have an ADN program at our local community college, which is right across the street from the only hospital in town. When thinking about becoming a nurse, the...
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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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...Zoom In Zoom Out Page 1 of 3 Running Head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCES, ASN VS. BSN NURSES Competency Differences, ASN vs. BSN Nurses By, Genethia Guerrero Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics (0102) Kimberly Stout March 6, 2011 Abstract Competency Differences, ASN vs. BSN Nurses A nurse is a healthcare professional, who in collaboration with other members of a health care team is responsible for the treatment, safety, and recovery of acutely or chronically ill individuals. Nurses are also accountable for the health promotion and maintenance of families, communities, populations, and the treatment of life-threatening emergencies in a wide range of health care settings. Nurses perform a range of clinical and non-clinical functions necessary to the delivery of health care and may also be involved in medical and nursing research. This paper will reflect the differences in the necessary competencies for nurses prepared at the associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate of science (BSN) level. Both the ADN and BSN level, allow the individual to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). After successfully completing the NCLEX, both the ADN and BSN nurse are knowledgeable enough to complete physical assessments, intravenous, and drug administration. Both are also knowledgeable of medical equipment. ADN’s and BSN’s are competent to demonstrate life-saving practices, like airway management, cardiac monitoring oxygen delivery, drains, and...
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...ADN VS BSN PATRINA HAYES GCU ADN VS BSN The nursing field is a rapidly growing profession that requires many different levels of degrees. Registered nurses can have levels of education ranging from a Associates to Doctorate degree. This paper will give a better understanding to the difference between the Associates degree in nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN). The ADN program was established in 1951 due to a nursing shortage in the post war years (Haase, 1990) Since then, the curriculum has changed from teacher or subject oriented to bedside and basic critical thinking skill. The ADN program is a two year program not including the required general education classes. The BSN program is a four year program including prerequisites. The BSN program emphasizes in critical thinking, leadership skills and a professional role away from the bedside. Both programs include their core curriculum of Adult Health, Maternal and Newborn nursing and Pediatrics. BSN Program includes nursing research and nursing informatics. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing(AACN) believes nurse with their BSN degree are more prepared for today’s workforce due to their well-developed critical thinking skills, leadership and ability to practice in different settings The ADN student focuses on providing bedside care to patients with acute and chronic health needs with policy and procedures reflecting current standard of care. The obvious differences between the programs are...
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...Associate-degree Level VS. Baccalaureate-degree Level in Nursing Lisa L. Ramirez Grand Canyon University: NRS 430-V November 22, 2013 There are many differences in the nursing field between an undergraduate nurse, holding an associate’s degree (ADN) and a graduate nurse, holding a baccalaureate’s degree (BSN). The main focus of this paper is to identify the differences of competency in the nursing practice of nurses holding an ADN vs. a BSN degree in the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care, teaching, and leading. Competency is the ability to do something efficiently and successfully. Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers the BSN program and is based on the curriculum set forth by the College of Nursing. This curriculum is outlined to prepare the student to respond creatively to the continuously changing health care systems throughout the world. “Within this program, professionalism, ethical decision making, accountability, effective communication, and critical thinking are emphasized and is achieved by the application of liberal arts, science, health and nursing theories” (GCU). The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life and achievement of potential, according to the community college of Piedmont. According to an article from...
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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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...research supports that patients receive higher level of quality care with fewer adverse outcomes for patients [ (Friese, 2008) ]. A nurse is not just a nurse anymore. This paper will explain the differences in the competencies between nursing degrees including the differences between the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN), and Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN). The differences will be exposed with patient care situations and the different approach based on the level of nursing degree. Associate Degree Nursing There are many differences between the ADN nurse and BSN nurse, but only a few similarities. The major correlation between the two degrees is they both sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination is exam is taken upon completion of your nursing program (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). The ADN nurse attends school for two years and takes significantly fewer credit hours and is generally less expensive [ (Link, 2010) ]. In both ADN and BSN programs the core curriculum is somewhat the same. The ADN nurse focuses more on learning technical clinical skills and learns more hands on approach to deal with patients and their families. The ADN nurse is trained to be a more task oriented nurse [ (Dianne S. Moore, 2009) ]. There are multiple job opportunities for a nurse with an Associates’ degree. The ADN nurse is usually limited to bed side nursing mostly in nursing homes, doctor’s offices and hospitals. Most associate degree nurses hold entry level...
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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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...BSN is better than ADN really? Grand Canyon University Grand Canyon University NRS 430V November 3, 2013 Education Preparation Paper With the focus on economical, Political, and technological advances, the healthcare is moving at a rapid pace in today’s world. To meet the consumers educational healthcare needs they are looking for the safest and most effective care they can receive. There are differences in collegiate competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree (ADN) level versus those with a bachelorette degree (BSN). Scope of practice and state regulations are the same for either nurse. However, how the nurse cares for or approaches decision-making tends differ between the two entities. Allowing nurses to be academically prepared in the workplace and to offer the community professional knowledge needed to care for their families and loved ones with preventive care and improve patient outcomes (Sexton, Hunt, Cox, Teasley, & Carrol, 2008, p. 105) Differences in Competencies Associate Degree programs are offered at community colleges around the country. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides and efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The number of ADN programs around the country has steadily increased since being introduced in 1958 with about 1000 programs across the country (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and...
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...Differences in Competences between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V- Professional Dynamics June 7, 2015 Differences in Competencies between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level There have been many comparisons between the different levels of nursing education, mainly between the Associate degree level vs. the Baccalaureate level. Having a Bachelor’s degree nor an Associate degree will not necessarily make a better nurse, however, there are differences in their course of study that will differentiate them from one another and how they approach patient care. This paper will differentiate the competencies between the Associate degree prepared nurse vs. the Baccalaureate degree nurse. In 1951, Mildred Montag, a nurse educator, started the Associate Degree program to reduce the nursing shortage after the war. The program’s success was measured by the students’ ability to pass the nursing licensure exam (Creasia, Friberg, 2011). The Associate Degree program is today’s most popular route to become a Registered Nurse. It can be taken in a community or junior colleges as a two-year program and once the students graduate, they are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), to become a registered nurse. Baccalaureate degree nursing was also founded after the war (Creasia, Friberg, 2011). It is a nursing program that requires a four-year education at colleges and universities. Graduates...
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...Associate Degree Program vs Bachelor’s Degree Program for Nursing Associate Degree Program vs Bachelor’s Degree Program for Nursing To become a registered nurse, one must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX exam. There are different routes one may take to become a registered nurse. These routes include a diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree program. The diploma program was the core of nurse educating until the 1960’s. The typical diploma program lasts three years. This program focuses on clinical experience and direct patient care. Over the years, the diploma programs have decreased. In 2010, there was only 54 accredited diploma programs. Since diploma programs are not as common as associate degree programs or bachelor’s degree programs, this paper will compare the ADN and BSN programs and explain why having a bachelor degree in nursing is a benefit to not only the nurse, but also the hospital and the patient. Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree Programs Associate degree programs typically last two years, but the student is required to take other courses to fulfill graduation requirements. According to Creasia & Friberg (2011),”the ADN program prepares the nurse for direct patient care for secondary care settings, such as community hospitals and long term care facilities”. Many people choose an ADN program because community colleges are less expensive than going to a university. Community colleges can also be more accessible...
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...Running head: EXPLORED DIFFERENCES OF ADN PREPARED NURSES VS. BSN Explored Differences of ADN Prepared Nurses vs. BSN Prepared Nurses Michelle Jester Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics Nursing 430V Sylvia Robertson April 26, 2012 Explored Differences of ADN Prepared Nurses vs. BSN Prepared Nurses In this paper I would like to explore the differences between Associate Degree Prepared nurses and Baccalaureate prepared nurses. I will discuss the education and training of both types of nurses. I will also discuss how they function in different practice settings, envisioned and actual current functioning. The educational preparation of both types of nurses will be explored in determining how each type would approach a complex patient care situation and the type of nursing care they would provide. Prior to the 1950’s nurses in the United States were either prepared for beginning nursing careers in hospital based hands on learning Diploma Programs or in colleges in Bachelors of Science Degree, (BSN) programs. At that time in society there became a need for more nurses to provide care. The need for more registered continues until this day. Based on that need a program to train nurses was developed and called the Associate Degree in Nursing, (ADN).(Cresia & Friberg, n.d.) The BSN programs in colleges include in their education of nurses two years of general education courses in math, science, sociology, etc. Then two years are spent learning...
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...Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN Sheri Lancaster August 23, 2014 Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN There has been much discussion recently about the need to require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree for entry-level nurses. Many hospitals have moved to this ideology and have already began to give a hiring preference to those nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree and many have hired Associate degreed nurses with the requirement that they will obtain their baccalaureate degree within so many years of employment date. This paper will discuss the differences between a nurse holding an associates degree and a baccalaureate degree, as well as, present a patient care situation describing how patient care decisions difference based upon the nurse’s educational level. History of ADN and BSN Programs It was during the post World War II years that Mildred Montage developed an associate degree level of nursing education in response to the shortage of nursing (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). She developed the associate degree-nursing program with the intent that these nurses would work under the supervision of baccalaureate level nurses who were at the time considered professional nurses. The Associate program is a two-year program that focuses on the fundamentals of nursing and teaching bedside clinical skills. The baccalaureate degree program has been in existence since 1909 and was developed as a five-year program (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). It...
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