...Comparing Competencies of the Associate Versus Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurse The American Association of Nursing (AACN) defines nursing as “the protection, promotion, and organization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations”. (American Nurses Association;) Nurses receive education in the United States by completing a baccalaureate degree (BSN), associate degree (ADN) or diploma program. Graduation from one of these programs allow the nurse to be eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which nursing graduates must pass in order to receive initial licensure (ANA). Once the nurse has achieved licensure, they earn the title of Registered Nurse (RN); little differentiation exists in terms of entry-level practice, so one might wonder why a nursing student would choose a baccalaureate degree program over an associate or diploma program. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the difference in competencies between the ADN and BSN, and how those differences might influence the practice of the nurse. The paper will not discuss the diploma prepared RN because “diploma programs have diminished steadily-to 4% of all basic RN programs in 2006…” (American Nurses Association, 2011) Describing Competency In order to illustrate the difference in competencies...
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...Differences and in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at Associate-Degree versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing The nursing profession has multiple entry levels which are diploma, Associate (ADN) degree and Baccalaureate (BSN) degree (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010). Historically, The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree was established in 1909, whereas the Associate degree was established in 1958 (Hood & Leddy, 2006). BSN students are required to attend 4 years of college education, mostly given at colleges or universities, and on the other hand ADN students are required to attend 3 years of a community college nursing program (AANC, 2011). These variations in the years of education create differences in competences between BSN and ADN. Some variations include critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and ethical reasoning. Both, ADN and BSN prepared nurses sit for the same licensure examination (Taylor, 2008). According to Lane & Kohlenberg (2010), “Baccalaureate education provides nurses with critical thinking for complex patients and opportunities for leadership, professional mobility, and advancement, this does not mean associate degree nurses are unimportant” (p. 220). Associate degree nurses demonstrate the critical role in nursing (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010).They continued by adding that through building onto the fundamentals of Associate degree education, emphasis on research, social and physical sciences, and management of community health;...
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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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...Professional nurses who either obtains their Associates degree or Bachelors degree have significant effect towards patient care. Education plays a vital role for nurses and other health care professionals to encompass their knowledge, skills and care to the patients. The discussion will be focused on the differences between an Associate degree nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN). It will also explain a case scenario of which will demonstrate the differences in methods used in decision-making that may differentiate based on their educational preparation as an Associates and Bachelors degrees. Associate Degree Nursing A nurse who obtains an Associates degree requires a two to three year nursing education of which is usually accomplished through a community college. This nursing program permits for a nurse who graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), in which allows the nursing graduate to receive license to work as a registered nurse. The Associates degree in nursing was first founded in 1952, by Midlred Montag. This program was designed to prepare the nurse at a technical level in order to support the nursing shortage that was occurring during those years. This program was then designed for nurses to work in a community hospital or long-term health care facility. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing A Baccalaureate degree is obtained by attending a four to five year education program of which it might include two years of general education...
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...The Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level in Nursing Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Professional dynamics 125 January 11, 2012 The Differences in Competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level in Nursing In modern society human being, encompass extensively sophisticated requisites provoking advanced techniques of acquisition directly correlating to health care industry. The health care is intensifying in complexity and observing beneficial amendments. The longevity and expectations have heightened thus nurses are obligate to become educated in higher echelon, the professional baccalaureate level, to comprehensively achieve composite necessities. The professional nurse who graduates with a baccalaureate is primed for broader role in numerous facet of health care in addition to global knowledge of functionality of medical system and diverse methods of application. Enabling the application in daily patient care ,the delegation of tasks ,independent decision making ,secure patient discharge , and numerous other aspects provoking an improvement in quality of care . 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. (AACN, 2011). Education...
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...Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Gillian Gimby Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V August 11, 2013 Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Nursing has been constantly evolving in every direction of the health care field. In the beginning of nursing it was built and expanded on many frameworks of education/models. In becoming a registered nurse there are many stage: general educations, prerequisites, nursing school of Associate or Baccalaureate degree, Master of Nursing in multiple fields and Doctoral degree. When becoming a registered nurse there consideration of what type of degree. Within this essay I will be viewing the differences between Associate-degree level (ADN) and Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing (BSN). Definition As defined by Wikipedia the definition of Associate -degree nurse is: “is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. This type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or similar nursing schools. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse”. (Associate of Science in Nursing) As defined by Wikipedia the definition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing: “is an American and Canadian four-year...
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...Benefits of a Baccalaureate Education in Nursing Benefits of a Baccalaureate Education in Nursing Nurses that complete nursing school at a baccalaureate degree level will be more prepared and have higher competency levels than nurses graduating from an ADN program. Grand Canyon University follows the guidelines from the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) for the curriculum regarding the nursing education, including the RN-BSN program. (Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy, 2011) The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) fact sheet (Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce, October 2012) talks about how baccalaureate nurses have more positive outcomes than an associate degree nurse. This refers to not only lower mortality rates but other factors such as medication errors. This shows that a BSN thinks outside of the box and treats the patient as a whole The focus of a patient, while hospitalized, is that they just want to get better. They want to know who brings their medication and who makes their bed. They don’t get to see the educational background of each nurse that cares for them. To them a nurse is a nurse. What the focus of a baccalaureate nurse caring for them is to treat the patient as a whole, not just the person who gives medications. Associate degree programs have been around since 1952. The ADN focus is concerned with the technical aspects of nursing. The focus is meeting the needs of the person through...
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...Welcome to Word 5 tips for a simpler way to work Welcome to Word 5 tips for a simpler way to work 1. Use live layout and alignment guides Click the image below and drag it around the page. With images that have text wrapping, the text moves around the picture so you get a live preview of the new layout. Try to line the image up with the top of this paragraph to see how the alignment guides can help you position it on the page. Click the Layout Options button next to the image to change how it interacts with the text. Learn more at office.com 2. Collaborate in Simple Markup View The new Simple Markup revision view presents a clean, uncomplicated view of your document, but you still see markers where changes and comments have been made. Click on the vertical bar on the left side of the text to see changes. Or click the comment icon on the right to check out comments about this text. Learn more at office.com 3. Insert Online Pictures and Video Add and play online videos inside your Word documents. Add your pictures from online photo services without having to save them first to your computer. Click Insert > Online Video to add a video to this document. 4. Enjoy the Read Use the new Read Mode for a beautiful, distraction-free reading experience. Click View > Read Mode to check it out. While you’re there, try double clicking on a picture to get a closer view. Click outside the image to return to reading. 5. Edit PDF content in Word Open...
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...While the Registered Nurse, be it ADN or BSN, provides similar care as regards skill level, medicine administration, and composition of care plans, the LVN is more limited in scope. The LVN is not permitted to hang or push IV medications, perform admission assessments, write nursing care plans, or flush PICC/Central lines. Differences between ADN and BSN are often more subtle as regards both learning and application. Bachelor level nurses typically demonstrate a higher level of competency when dealing with patients of greater comorbidity and acuity as well as a more sophisticated approach to decision making. Medical terminology indicates comorbidity as multiple system diagnosis of disease, such as a patient with both acute renal failure and congestive heart failure. Such an individual presents a unique challenge in that blood pressure control is at risk via both systems. While both ADN and BSN may approach the nephrologist regarding use of a diuretic, the BSN will have a superior understanding regarding risks/side-affects as pertains to each system, ideal length of use, and related laboratory results to communicate to each physician specialist. This difference in ability stems, in part, from additional hours exposing them to extensive pathophysiology, pharmacology, and research involving all aspects of the profession. Acuity reflects patient stability and while list of diagnosis, patient history, and physical may contribute a more intimate knowledge of client needs, the...
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...Between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Lisa Thayer Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics May 12, 2013 Differences Between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Registered nurses who are prepared with a baccalaureate degree are more highly qualified in clinical competency and delivery of care compared with registered nurses who have an associate’s degree. There is very compelling research that shows an association between better patient outcomes and baccalaureate prepared nursing care in the hospital setting. Competencies Clinical competency is the ability to use the knowledge and skills attained to effectively perform as a nurse. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing states that “…education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery” (Rosseter). A higher degree of education should bring greater clinical competency. There are very evident differences between associate-degree nurses (ADN) and baccalaureate-degree nurses (BSN) with regard to schooling. Most associate degree programs require 2 to 3 years of study, while a baccalaureate degree programs requires 4 years of study. Both ADN and BSN nurses must pass the same exam to earn their Registered Nurse license, however, there are major differences in the program curriculum between these two approaches to attaining the RN license. ADN programs focus on learning the technical skills for providing patient care. Baccalaureate programs, unlike most...
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...The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Amanda J. Perez Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-0105 NRS-430V Professional Dynamics March 10, 2013 The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Although both an associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses may sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam, “nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-level are linked to lower mortality and failure to rescue rates” (AACN, 2012). This is simply one difference between the competencies of a nurse prepared at an associate-degree level versus one prepared at a baccalaureate-degree level. In the mid 1900’s an associate-degree level nurse was thought of as a “technical nurse”, closer to the role of a limited vocational nurse; created to assist the professional baccalaureate-degree level nurses during nursing shortages (GCU, 2013). Since then associate-degree level prepared nurses can very much function and practice on their own, once passing the state board licensing examination. However differences in patient care and nursing approach are evident between associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses. According to Table 2-1 “Comparison of Nursing Education Programs” in Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice, the purpose of an associate- degree level program is to “prepare...
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...1 Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Based on Degree Level Differences in competencies between nurses based on degree level are accurate and supported with detail, while demonstrating deeper understanding by incorporating prior learning. Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Prepared Nurse To work as a registered nurse, all the nurses have to undergo NCLEX-RN state board exam irrespective of the courses they have done. Another fact being that all these programs provide the basic knowledge and skill in effective patient care ADN nurses are more task-oriented employed in a workplace with not so complex patient scenario. They work under the basic nursing protocols. It is one of the preferred career path as it is the less expensive and short path of becoming a Registered nurse. The nurses with Baccalaureate are more skilled with good leadership qualities for effective patient care affecting less mortality. They take care of both the physical and mental well-being of a patient. They are more in to service than in to opportunities. They are with good leadership abilities and skills primarily focused on analyzing and resolving to critical patient care needs. They are efficient theoretically as well as practically enabling them to be part of multidisciplinary teams. Within the undergraduate subdivision, there are two preparatory levels of nursing education: Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). patient-centered care and compassion...
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...Nurse Preparedness: ADN vs BSN Grand Canyon University June 7, 2015 Nurse Preparedness: ADN vs BSN In the early 1980’s though 2000 a shortage within the nursing field came to peak within the healthcare industry. For over 50 years the associate’s degree had significantly addressed the needs of nurses and nursing staff. However, with the rapid technological advancement of medical diagnosis and treatment, the competencies between nurses with an associate’s degree and a baccalaureate degree became the focus of the healthcare industry. With a demand for higher educational hospitals, a link between patient care and the education levels of nursing staff; the question was, are the competency levels adequate for the nurse with an associate’s degree? Though in writings, there have been no real major differences that are noted between the cognitive abilities of nursing students within baccalaureate degree programs and associate degree programs. Baccalaureate nurses are generally perceived as being better prepared for a wide range of nursing competencies and are seen as performing in the professional role for which they have been prepared during their education. Associate degree nurses are seen as performing well in the technical role for which they have been prepared in their education. In general, nurses were seen as performing in the roles for which they had been educationally prepared (Davis-Martin, 1990). I read an article in the Journal of Advanced...
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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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