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Differences Between Adn and Bsn Graduates

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Competency Differences of ADN and BSN Graduates Virginia Tanner
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V
January 10, 2016

Controversy over the entry level educational requirements to the nursing profession has been on-going since the inception of the two-year degree program by Mildred Montag in 1952. This educational model was meant to be a temporary solution to a critical nursing shortage post WWII but became a mainstay of nursing education to present day. Therefore, the debate between various state educational programs, nursing organizations, and other interest groups has continued for over half a century without formal resolution (Mahaffey, E. 2002). Additionally the reality that both associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate degree (BSN) prepared nurses gain the title of RN by passing the same board examination only increases the confusion surrounding these two program levels of nursing education. Examination of these different educational preparation pathways in the level of nurses’ competencies requires discussion for the nursing profession to evolve while continuing to utilize both ADN and BSN prepared nurses.
The primary educational focus for an ADN is hands-on bedside care of patients. The BSN educational focus encompasses the ADN model along with public and community health care, and leadership development within the nursing field. The different degree levels is advantageous because ADN programs provide a population source for BSN programs. Associate program graduates continuing their education to complete additional nursing related degrees are increasing (Mahaffey, E. 2002).
In order to discuss similarities and differences in ADN and BSN educational model competencies, this term must be defined. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) defines competence as “the application of knowledge and the interpersonal, decision-making psychomotor

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