...Differences in Bedside Competency Between ADN and BSN Nurses Tonya L Henson Grand Canyon University NRS-430V May 10, 2010 Currently in the United States there are three types of Registered Nurses. Diploma nurses obtain their education through a hospital based program. Associate Degree nurses usually receive their degree in a two year or community college setting. A Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is a four year academic degree. The debate over minimum education requirements for nurses has been going on for decades and there still seems to be no general consensus. The subject of entry level education requirements is one that is very divisive to many nurses. Internet searches bring up thousands of blogs, message board postings, position statements and statistics related to this issue. In this paper the focus will be on ADN and BSN nurses. Associate degree programs are designed to train students to provide entry level care in a hospital setting. The ADN is an attractive option for many due to shortened program time and the reduced tuition rate. Baccalaureate nursing programs have additional classes in humanities, the sciences and expanded nursing coursework. The additional classes in community health nursing, nursing management and research are designed to provide the BSN prepared nurse for a broader scope of practice. This enables the BSN prepared nurse to move away from direct bedside care in a hospital setting. The BSN degree also serves as a bridge to those...
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...CURRICULUM REVISION A CONCEPTUAL MODEL to Support Curriculum Review, Revision, and Design in an Associate Degree Nursing Program B E T T Y W. D AV I S P A R T I C I PAT I O N IN CURRICULUM DESIGN of program outcomes has been identified as a core competency for nurse educators A N D E VA L UAT I O N (Billings & Halstead, 2009; Southern Regional Education Board, 2002). Facing declining NCLEX-RN® pass rates, faculty at an associate degree nursing program at a public community college in Mississippi responded to the National League for Nursing ([NLN] 2005b) call to transform nursing education by undertaking an intensive critique of its curriculum and program outcomes. Based on this analysis, a conceptual framework was created to guide curriculum revision, development, and implementation. The framework provides structure for ongoing and systematic curriculum review and revision. A review of the literature revealed the need to move from a teaching-centered to a learning-centered approach to teaching. Learning-centered institutional design is reflective of a number of principles: the need to bring about substantive change in participants; the full engagement of learners and the mindset that students bear primary responsibility for personal choices; multiple learning options to appeal to students’ preferred learning styles; the enhancement of collaboration; educators as learning facilitators; and measurement of success through the documented improvement...
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...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 to...
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...Title: The differences between nurses prepared at the ADN versus the BSN level Shelley Mae Candelaria, ADN, RN Grand Canyon University: NUR430 June 11, 2015 Abstract In nursing, one can obtain one or more of three degrees in the nursing field. Two of the more sought after degrees are Associates Degree of Nursing and Baccalaureate Degree of Nursing. These two degrees have many similarities but in the same respect are exceedingly different. Research suggests a vast difference in the competencies regarding nurses with an ADN versus BSN. Title: The differences between nurses prepared at the ADN versus the BSN level Associates Degree of Nursing The ADN came in to play after the World War II when professional nurses, nurses that held a BSN, were in a large shortage. In the year 1948, Dr. Montag from Adelphi School of Nursing advocated to decrease the amount of education a potential nurse had to obtain, from 4-5 year program to a short 2 year program, in hopes these vocational nurses would assist in helping the shortage and she later assisted in the founding of the associates degree program. According to the Adelphi College of Nursing and Public Health the, “Associate degree education for nursing began as part of an experimental project at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York in the 1950s. In her doctoral dissertation, Dr. Montag proposed educating a technical nurse for two years to assist the professional nurse, whom she envisioned as having a baccalaureate degree”...
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...Running head: THE DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES OF AN ADN AND A BSN 1 The Difference in Competencies of a Nurse with an ADN versus a Nurse with a BSN Stacey M. Kestler Grand Canyon University THE DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES OF AN ADN AND A BSN 2 Abstract According to American Association of Colleges of Nursing fact sheet: Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce, there are 2.8 million registered nurses currently active and practicing, of these 55% hold a bachelor’s degree, and by 2020 they estimate that number will increase to 80%. This is important because what will happen to the nurses that currently have an ADN or are about to enter into the ADN program? What is the difference between a nurse with an ADN and a nurse with a BSN, and is one better than the other? Nurses make the decisions to get their ADN or BSN for many different reasons, but there are many journals and articles in publication that statically show that having a BSN is safer for patients. In the October 2014 issue of Medical Care, it published that having a 10% increase in the proportion of bachelor educated nurses decreased mortality rates by 10.9%. In the May 2014 issue of The Lancet, it published that European hospitals with a higher number of BSN nurses showed that patients were more likely to live after facing complications due to surgery. In conclusion Nancy Burgess states in her article ADN versus BSN Nursing Degree…Which will it be?, that...
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...NRS-430v October 11, 2015 The differences Between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses ADN vs. BSN, what is the difference? As My career as a RN began I saw little difference between myself and my new grad BSN degreed counterparts. We both attended an accredited school of nursing and passed the NCLEX which allowed us to hold a license issued by the stat to practice as a registered nurse. Starting out as new grads we had similar technical skills and knowledge of patient care and disease process. So what is the difference? At first I thought very little aside from perhaps how much we had paid for our education and our shiny new RN license. So I asked myself why are there two degree programs that prepare nurses for the same practical skills and why would someone decide to spend thousands more on their education? Several factors came into play when the AND programs was first developed in 1951 by Mildred Montag. A nursing shortage sparked an increased interest in developing a more efficient way of education nurses in colleges and universities. The focus of an ADN program is technical in nature and relies heavily on teaching skill competency. The capacities in which ADN degreed nurses work in and the roles that they fill were not originally intended by Montag and many today believe that this contributes to decreased patient safety and poor outcomes (Ashkenas, 1973). While ADN and BSN prepared nurses are both similarly competent in practical...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES ADN VS BSN The Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate Degree Level vs. the Baccalaureate Degree Level. A competent nurse has the knowledge and skills needed to perform well in her work environment. There has been much discussion over how the level of competency is affected by a nurse’s educational preparation. Before the influence of Florence Nightingale there was no formal education for nurses and their work and social status was considered very low. Now partly because of the work of our nursing pioneers nurses are respected and educated professionals. In the United States there are currently three recognized routes to becoming a Registered Nurse. There are Diploma Schools which are hospital based and rely on the apprentice model, the Associate Degree, started by Mildred Montag in response to a post World War II nursing shortage and the Baccalaureate degree. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Fact Sheet: Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce:” The fact that new nurses pass the licensing exam at the same rate does not mean that all entry-level nurses are equally prepared for practice. The NCLEX tests for minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice.” The test does not differentiate between the ADN and BSN educational backgrounds. The ADN graduates from a two year program most often in a Community College...
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...Differences in Competencies between ADN and BSN There are differing of opinions as well as research pertaining to the differences in competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses. In recent years facilities have begun requiring nurses to have a BSN or higher to qualify for employment. Facilities wishing to apply for Magnet status must have plans in place to achieve the IOM recommendation of having 80% baccalaureate prepared RN by 2020 (Yakusheva). Let’s take a look at the differences and you can decide for yourself. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing requires 2 years to complete. The program focuses on several components such as: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, care interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration and care management (Faison). ADN graduates will be well prepared to function in multiple health care settings, including community practice sites by spending time in classroom lectures and participating in clinicals with testing on a routine basis (Mahaffey). One’s education will not stop at this point, even if the RN does not seek out a higher nursing degree. The ADN will continue to build on his/her learning by participating in valuable on the job training, completing continuing education units as required by the Board of Nursing, and most of all, experience. Though the ADN is deemed competent to perform patient care, the choice not to pursue a higher level of nursing accreditation...
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...ADN versus BSN: The Battle of Degrees Stephanie N Davis NRS-430V Professional Dynamics Instructor: Chris Bartholomew October 9th 2015 This paper is intended to discuss the differences in competencies between nursing at the associates-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Over the years this has been a controversial and complex issue within the nursing workforce. With both academic options to choose from, education preparation standards are changing in hospitals, making way for a stronger and more diverse nursing staff. The pressure to meet the challenge to raise the educational training of diploma and associate degree prepared RNs to the baccalaureate degree level has resulted in advanced RN-to-BSN programs delivered in fast-tracked programs using both online and class options. It will also be my goal to incorporate a patient care situation that describes a difference in nursing care approaches as it relates to the educational preparation of BSN versus a diploma or ADN degree nurse. I will attempt to give an example of a patient care situation in which nursing care approaches differs between that of an ADN versus BSN nurse based on their educational preparation. ADN Program The American Nurses Association defines a competency as “an expected level of performance that integrates knowledge skills, ability and judgment”. When the question is raised about the competency difference between that of an ADN and BSN nurse, it seems to come down to length of time...
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...Differences in Competencies Between ADN’s and BSN’s Janice M. Montoya Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics January 14, 2012 Montoya Page 1 Introduction Nursing is a profession that is ever changing. Early historian nurses are accountable for many of the changes and progression that we see today. We as well are equally responsible for this progression of the nursing profession. One example of 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...
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...Contrast in competences between ADN and BSN Nurses To be a professional nurse, one has to complete numerous college classes. Nursing focuses on personalized care behaviors, functions, and processes that have physical, psychocultural, and social significance or meaning. The goal of nursing is to help, support, facilitate, or enable individuals or groups to regain or maintain their health in a way that also puts their culture into consideration and also helps people face handicaps or death (Friberg, 109). . Some nurses choose to earn only an associate degree while others choose to get their baccalaureate degree in nursing. Regardless of the route they take both the ADN and the BSN nurse, after completing their college requirements have to pass a standardized licensure exam, The N-CLEX RN to be certified by the “National Council Licensure” to be allowed by their state to practice as a professional nurse. There are huge differences in competences between the ADN nurse and the BSN nurse. The ADN nurse completes her/his education in a two to three year college setting while a BSN nurse completes their education in a four year university. Although both programs provide the prospective nurse the required knowledge to pass the N-CLEX “which tests for minimum technical competencies for safe entry into basic nursing practice” (Rosseter, 2012, p1), research has shown that the nurse prepared at the baccalaureate level provides the nurse with “more advanced analytical and creative capabilities...
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...Differences in Competencies, ADN v. BSN Jett Jordan-Woodbury Grand Canyon University RN-BSN NRS 430v: Professional Dynamics Linda Permoda May 11, 2012 Difference in Competencies Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor Degree Nurse While an Associate Degree Nurse, also known as an ADN, and Bachelor of Science in nursing nurse, also known as a BSN, are given the same preliminary education relating to patient treatment, there are notable differences in their professional and educational preparation, as well as their competencies. These two degrees have different levels of patient interaction and contact, as well as job expectations. ADN and BSN programs focus on different aspects and angles of education and job focus that all ultimately lead to taking optimal care of the patient. This paper compares the differences between those two areas and how important it is for these two degrees to work together as a team to provide the best possible outcome for all patients and nurses involved. This paper will touch on the differences between the educational levels and focuses, the clinical competencies, and the job expectations of the ADN and the BSN. Educational Competencies and Job Expectations The educational levels of the ADN and the BSN differ drastically, they can last anywhere from two to four years in length and focus on many different aspects of the nursing profession, but they all are geared toward the same outcome, optimal care of the patient. In the two year...
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...Differentiating Competencies between Associate-Degree Level Nurses and Baccalaureate-Degree Level Nurses By: Candace Williams Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V March 13th, 2011 The Great Nursing Debate: Differentiating Competencies between Baccalaureate-Degree Level Nurses and Associate Degree Level Nurses Since the 1960’s, there has been much debate as to what the required entry level education should be for the Registered Nurse (RN). While there are many different levels of education that an RN can obtain, the most common two types of practicing nurses are the Associate-Degree nurse (ADN) and Baccalaureate-Degree nurse (BSN). While both of these types of nurses perform the same bedside patient care, there are several differences in their educational training and competencies. In response to the passage of the Comprehensive Nurse Training Act of 1964, the American Nurses Association (ANA) publicized a position paper calling for the minimum requirement of the entry level nursing be a baccalaureate degree. The ANA began researching nursing education and scope of responsibilities and concerns were raised about the hospital-based diploma programs amidst the growing complexity of the healthcare system. The ANA noted specific changes in nursing practice that included "major theoretical formulations, scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and the development of radical new treatments" (ANA, 1965, p. 107). This paper examines the competency differences between the ADN...
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...Differences in Competencies Between ADN’s and BSN’s Janice M. Montoya Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics January 14, 2012 Montoya Page 1 Introduction Nursing is a profession that is ever changing. Early historian nurses are accountable for many of the changes and progression that we see today. We as well are equally responsible for this progression of the nursing profession. One example of 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...
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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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