...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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...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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...Running Head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 1 Educational Preparation: Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at Associates-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Jenny Curie Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Tara Harris February 10, 2013 DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 2 Competency is defined as the quality of being competent. To be competent one must possess required skill, knowledge, qualification, or capacity. The profession of nursing requires a skillset and knowledge base that is specific to its kind. There are many options in one’s educational journey to obtain a nursing degree. Nursing is the largest health care profession in our society today with three million registered nurses nationwide (AACN, Nursing Workforce). Along with the growing profession and the ever growing need for quality health care the debate over what qualifies a nurse to be skillful and competent in her profession and what type of education is required is at the for front. What are the differences in competency between a nurse with an associates degree and one holding a baccalaureate degree? Of the three million registered nurses nationwide 50% of those hold a baccalaureate degree while 36.1% have an associates degree, and 13% a diploma (AACN, Nursing Workforce). The quality in which we provide patient care and the need for those in this field to obtain higher levels of education...
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...ASSOCIATE VS. BACCALAUREATE NURSES 1 Title: The Difference Between Competencies between an Associate's Level and a Baccalaureate Level Nurse- A Patient care Scenario Name: Susan M. Kreienbrink Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V July 26th, 2014 ASSOCIATE VS. BACCALAUREATE NURSES 2 It’s interesting how the educational requirements for nurses have changed over the years. Just over a 150 years ago you didn’t even need a formal education to be a nurse, in fact, there was none to be had. Now professional nursing organizations are pushing for 80% of nurses to have a bachelor's degree by 2020 (Chard, 2013). This paper will discuss the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate’s degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level. Using a clinical case scenario, it will also describe how nursing care and the approach to decision making may differ based on the educational preparedness of the nurse. Associate Degree Nursing An associates degree in nursing can be acquired in two years with about a years worth of prerequisites. As associate’s degree in nursing (ASN) prepares nurses to deliver direct patient care within the scope of their practise. It is a relatively quick way to become a nurse and was founded by Mildred Montage in 1956, due to the severity of nursing shortage in the post war years. This program was offered to reduce the nursing shortage and the success of the program was measured in terms of the satisfactory level of clinical nursing...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES Differences in Competencies between B.S.N and A.D.N Prepared Nurses Veronica Ruiz Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Professional Dynamics May 29, 2012 Abstract This paper will discuss the differences in competencies between Associate Degree nurses (A.D) and baccalaureate prepared nurses (BSN). While both degrees qualify the participant to sit for the licensing exam, NCLEX-RN, and enter the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse, the educational path that brought them to that point is very different. There are different opportunities available according to which degree the participant pursues. This paper will also discuss the differences in how an AD prepared nurse and BSN prepared nurse might approach a patient care situation. Differences in competencies between A.D.N and BSN prepared nurses In today’s nursing world more is expected from a nurse than just following doctor’s orders and staring IV’s. The nurse must be able to make critical decisions about a patient’s care, to question the doctor if orders seem inappropriate and to help the patient through, sometimes, difficult life-changing decisions. These skills take an education that is broad based, one that includes critical thinking and exposure to many different people throughout processes and culture and societal norms (A.D.N vs. BSN, nursing link). Nurses can pursue either an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. So, what is the difference in how these...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES OF A BACCALAUREATE AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE Comparison of competencies between Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Prepared Nurses Kim Krapf Grand Canyon University NRS 430v October 11, 2013 The big question every nursing student asks is why a baccalaureate degree? How does this make me more valuable than a nurse receiving an associate’s degree? Does this make me a better nurse and why? These questions are posed all the time and the debate between both degrees continues. This paper will show the differences in both degree’s, point out how it is important to keep up with the competitive edge in healthcare, why it is so driven by education, and how the different levels of degrees impacts patient care. Both baccalaureate prepared RN’s and associate prepared RN’s is that both take the NCLEX exam, which is looking for a minimum safe competency level. The associate degree takes two years and 72 credits to complete. The baccalaureate degree builds on that base and takes four years and 125 credits. The main difference in these two programs is how they are prepared for the scope of practice, and the different levels of education they receive in community health and leadership skills. (Moore, 2009) Students who enter the associates degree in nursing (ADN) program focus on the pathophysiology of the disease process and how it affects the patient. The primary focus is on building competencies surrounding direct patient care. ADN...
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...pathways to become a registered nurse. The three pathways include; the baccalaureate degree program, associate degree program, and the diploma program. All of these pathways allow the student to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. What is the difference between the programs and student outcomes if all the students end up with the same licensure? The difference is the technical nurse versus the professional nurse. This paper will focus on the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. "The existence of multiple pathways contributes to a confusing landscape of nursing education and creates challenges for aspiring nurses as they try to choose the most appropriate type of program in which to enter the profession" (book reference). The associate and baccalaureate programs are available to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in nursing, but the two programs prepare two different types of nurses. The associate degree level nurse is more focused on task oriented practice and are more technical driven and clinically competent. On the other hand, the baccalaureate degree level nurse is more professional and use evidence based practice and advanced critical thinking skills. Also, the baccalaureate degree level nurse is prepared to be in a leadership and management role versus the associate degree level nurse who is more geared towards bedside care. “Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass...
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...Preparation of a Nurse: BSN vs ADN NRS-430V-O102 August 4, 2013 Educational Preparation of a Nurse: BSN vs ADN Nurses have several different options regarding their education. Since the 1950’s collages have offered entry level baccalaureate nursing programs to entry level students (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Nursing shortages began to rise postwar years and this lead into the development of 2-year associate degree nursing programs. Mildred Montag proposed these programs and after a 5 year study of graduates from an associates program, the program was deemed successful. Funding for the program was secured in 1964 and community colleges began opening AD programs at an astonishing rate (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The associate degree programs made it more accessible for men, women with families, older graduates, and other atypical students to attend the program. Nursing shortages were minimized in 1970s and 1980s due to the addition of the AND programs, and today associate nursing programs are the major entry point into nursing (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). In 2008 the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) conducted a survey that revealed nursing is the nation’s largest health care profession with more than 3 million registered nurses nationwide. 50% of the RNs in the workforce hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree while 36.1% hold an associate degree (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). On paper a BSN nurse and an ADN nurse look very similar...
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...Cindy Johnson Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-V 03-26-15 Differences in Associate Degree prepared Nurse and Baccalaureate prepared Nurse Competencies. The rise in morbidity and mortality rates among hospitalized patients in the United States heightens concerns about professional competency. Nurses and other healthcare professionals are under increased pressure to provide safe, effective patient 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. This paper will compare the differences between an Associate degree prepared nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate degree prepared nurse (BSN). Education Differences An ADN or associate degree nurse is as a nurse with two to three years training, usually at a community college or technical school. The curriculum usually consists of fundamentals, the basics of nursing and clinicals. A BSN or baccalaureate prepared nurse is a nurse with four or five years of training usually at a University. With the BSN, a nurse will have to think outside the box, use credible research, theory, leadership skills, all of which will make the nurse a better critical thinker, and in turn her patients will be safer. Both ADN and BSN will be qualified to take the NCLEX exam upon graduation from either community college or a university and become RNs. ADNs get primarily fundamental education in school consisting...
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...The Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Frances Frederick-Whiteman Grand Canyon University NRS-430V-0500 January 31, 2016 As one progresses through life, they are given many opportunities to become distinguished among others. This opportunity is given to all, but only few will uptake them, and even fewer are able to see through with the opportunity at hand. This situation in itself can be used to identify the differences in competences between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level. When receiving an education in nursing care, you are taught guideline procedures to handle a situation at hand. However, while practicing nursing care, you may need to deviate from the educational process taught to handle the situation. For example, during your educational process, you may have been taught to handle a fallen patient in a certain manner. However, because of the many complications that the patient may have, you may have to alter the way in which you must handle the patient. Students and educational administrators involved in nursing education are responsible for providing appropriate development and use of nursing knowledge. Nurses can receive...
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...BSN Nurse VS ADN Nurse XXX XXXX XXX XXX XXXX Oct. 4, 2013 BSN nurse VS ADN nurse In this following paper I will demonstrate the difference in competencies between nurses at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. “There are three routes to becoming a register nurse: a 3-year diploma program typically administered in hospitals; a 3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges; and the 4-year baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities.” ("Impact of education on nursing practice," 2012, p. 1) “Nursing is a dynamic profession and lifelong learning is essential for nurses to stay current with the increased complexity of the healthcare needs of today and into the future. In other words, the needs of our patients are changing, as we must change in order to better serve that need. BSN degree nurses are better prepared to meet patient needs. The main difference in study between an AND and BSN is the emphasis on additional education in leadership and management, wellness, and community nursing. BSN prepared nurses possess greater knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction as well as illness and disease management and are prepared to assist individuals, groups, and communities to prevent disease and achieve optimum levels of wellness. As nurses expand their role and move further into providing more community based primary care delivery the need for BSN prepared nurses is apparent.”(Ellis...
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...Title: Difference in Competences between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Nursing- Patient Case Scenario Difference in Competences between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Nursing history has proven the necessity of education in practice. Even though all nursing license or diploma have the same target of protection, promotion human being well-being and illness prevention, there are many different levels of tasks that different degree of nurses can proceed. Differences in Competencies between Associate Degree Nurse vs Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Education is the key factor for the growth and development of nursing. With associate degree, students have been prepared with all knowledge and skills to work in the real world. Information about diseases, treatments, diagnosis, signs and symptoms along with interventions are applied to the plan of care and communicated among the team. Within 3 years, an associate degrees program will prepare hands-on nurses to be ready for the real world of nursing. However, a 4 years of baccalaureate nursing program will encompass the associate program plus a broader scope of practice such as nursing research, management, public and community health, humanities and sciences. It opens up a bridge to get to master degree for a more in-depth nursing knowledge. All the additional courses of baccalaureate nursing program provide nurses ways to empower the roles of assessing, critical thinking...
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...Running head: EDUCATION PREPARATION DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES OF NURSING DEGREES: ASSOCIATES VS. BACCALAUREATES Patel, Hetal Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Professional Dynamics January 25, 2012 There are many differences in the competencies between nurses prepared at the associate’s degree level versus the baccalaureate level in nursing. The differences in competencies has be seen in the leadership ladder for advancement in the profession of nursing, the ability to provide care, the coordination of patient care, and the membership of an educated interdisciplinary health care team. In my matriculation into Grand Canyon University’s RN-BSN program, I previously researched this topic extensively. In 1965, the American Nurses Association (ANA) took a courageous position in publishing a first position paper asking for the baccalaureate degree to be the minimal level of education for the professional nursing ( A position paper 1965). This was the first documented attempt to change the level of education of nurses from a technical based education to a scientific based education. The position that the ANA held had many of the following obstacles to overcome, the interference of government funding of programs, nurses to see beyond just the technical based profession and the perception of nursing as a caregiver. The ladder of leadership after obtaining an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the certifications that can be obtain through their professional organizations...
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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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