...Differences in competencies between ADN and BSN nurses Registered nurses comprise the largest sector in the health care field. 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses conducted by the Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) says that nursing is one of the nation's biggest health Care Profession and it comprises more than 3 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. It is a dynamic profession and learning is important for nurses to update their knowledge with Increased complexity of the healthcare needs of today and into the future. Debate regarding the minimum educational requirement for the nurses has been going over years with still no definite answer. Nurse with RN license may be educated to the level of BSN (Bachelor degree of nursing) or ADN (associate degree in nursing). This paper will focus on the differences in the competencies between BSN AND ADN nurses. ADN ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is the 2-3 year Associate degree level, which can be obtained at a community college or junior college. The associate degree level of nursing was originated when there was a shortage for nurses during Second World War. Primarily AND nurses were known as technical personnel’s by working under the professional nurses’ supervision and by assisting them. Eventually associate degree level of nursing became more popular and is considered as an attractive path for those who want a shortened, less expensive way to become...
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...Differences between an associate level nurse and a baccalaureate level nurse Dulce Cervantes Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS 43v Kelly Davis October 24, 2012 Differences between an associate level nurse and a baccalaureate level nurse There are several different levels of nursing degrees: licensed, associates, bachelors, and masters. In this paper we will explore the differences between the associate level nurse and the bachelor level nurse on a competent level. Licensed nurses work under associate level nurses; Associate level nurses work side by side with bachelor level nurses; Associate level nurse and bachelor level nurse’s work under a master’s level nurse. All levels of nursing the same goal to treat the patient with compassion, respect, and kindness no matter what place they have in society. The difference between an associate’s prepared nurse and a bachelor level nurse is an associate level nurse will perform her duties, know how medications affect the human body and assess the results. A bachelor prepared nurse will also perform her duties; know how medications affect the body as well what continued care may be needed, however bachelor level nurse also has the knowledge and skills needed to manage multiple nurses and patients. Associate Level Nurse In the 1950’s the associate degree in nursing (ADN) became a program option for those desiring to become Registered Nurses (RN). In 1950’s the W. K. Kellogg Foundation funded a pilot project at...
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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 Competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses “BSN in 10” bills either pending or under legislation in some states, will require nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in 10 years. Even more hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking Magnet status seem to be encouraging Associate Degree nurses to return to school or obtain a BSN before applying for employment. Nursing is a profession that involves skills and knowledge to provide optimum level of care. ADN versus BSN has been an issue of controversy for years. The primary focus of this paper will be discussing the differences in competencies of nurses educated in an ADN level to those educated in a BSN level. These differences include varying curriculum requirements, education content and patient outcomes. The first difference in ADN and BSN is the amount of education. The associate degree in nursing includes two years in the nursing program and can be obtained at a community or junior college. However, there are prerequisite courses required for entry into the nursing program, so ADN programs can be at least 3 years in length. Today, earning an ADN takes almost as long as earning a BSN (Orsolini-Hain & Waters, 2009). In contrast, baccalaureate degree in nursing includes four academic years of college at a four year university. Both degrees take the same NCLEX board exam for licensing and both degrees enter into the same position as a registered nurse, with similar wages and benefits...
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...there is an interesting correlation between BSN education and lower mortality rate. Research also shows us that there are less medication errors and greater positive outcomes for the patients. The Nurses holding BSN degree have shown that they have decreased the risk of patient’s death. This topic will focus on the differences between ADN and BSN nursing care, based on the example of treatment a patient receives from both types of nurses. Associate Nurse An Associate degree nurse is a nurse with 2 to 3 years nursing training. Graduate of this program is qualified to take the NCLEX to become a registered nurse. An Associate degree nurse has many roles such as teaching the patient about their conditions, assessing the patient’s condition, care plans, doctors’ orders, treatments, and medication. Some of the responsibilities that ADN nurses have are supervisory of the LVN, LPN, CNA, and other healthcare workers. ADN nurses thrive with more independence along with more complex situations with lots of ill patients. Baccalaureate Nurse A Baccalaureate Nurse is represented as a nurse with 4 to 5 years nursing training. Graduates of this programs are qualified to take the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse. BSN nursing includes the role of assessing, communicating, teaching, leading, critical thinking, providing care, and strong communications between nurses, doctors to go along with great problem solving. BSN nursing practice including health promotion...
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...Differences and in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at Associate-Degree versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Yolanda Youngblood Grand Canyon University Some will argue that there is Avast difference between nurses that possess a BSN vs those that possess an AND. Nurses with a BSN when compared to nurses with a AND display apparent variances and likenesses when the amount of education in various programs, the years required to obtain a degree, how educational/degree rankings affect delivery of patient’s care and effect, and the various requirements needed for licensing where all analyzed. It is understood that nurses with a BSN and nurses with a AND are held to the same standards, have the same responsibilities and liabilities, and usually work in the same healthcare settings. Nevertheless; a nurse’ professional experience, work setting, and level of education could possibly create a difference in the manner in which said nurse might administer patient care, handle stressful scenarios, and work towards their career trajectory. The direction in which modern technology and the healthcare industry are heading in a nurse’ level of education should be brought to the forefront. There isn’t substantial evidence to prove that nurses with BSNs are better equipped than nurses with ADNs, but there are those in the healthcare sector that are leaning towards requiring nurses to have their BSNs. A BSN is vastly encouraged in the...
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...A Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses A Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses There are many differences in the competencies between associate and baccalaureate level nurses. Associate level nursing programs tend to concentrate on the more technical aspects of nursing which allows students once they graduate to provide appropriate care to patients and families, especially during times of illness. They may practice on a more restricted level, making their nursing skills limited to more direct patient care in nursing homes and hospitals. Baccalaureate nursing programs improve on these skills by teaching more critical thinking to allow a more thorough approach to caring for their patients. RN-to-BSN programs allow ADN nurses that have grown confident in their hands-on skills and want to gain more critical thinking skills the ability to build on their education and "prepare...for a broader scope of practice" (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2014). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes multiple research studies linking fewer medication errors, lower mortality rates and more positive patient outcomes to nursing education received at the baccalaureate level (2014). BSN programs also help teach the leadership needed for nursing supervision and prepare their nurses for graduate studies. Critical thinking competency is key...
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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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...Educational Preparedness: The Differences Between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nursing Competencies Starting as a profession that was reserved for the bottommost members of the social order, nursing has risen to the stature of an exceedingly regarded profession. There is an intertwining connection between the increasing regard for the nursing profession and the quality of education required of nurses. In the early nineteenth century there was no formal education required or provided for nurses and the profession was considered one for the “undesirables” (Canyon Connect Timeline, 2013). Since the establishment of nursing schools, graduate nurses, and a registry for educated nurses, the nursing profession has become one of the most respected professions of all. Currently in the United States, to become a registered nurse, one must complete one of three different types of formal education followed by the completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) with a score of passing. These three types of formal education are baccalaureate-degree nursing (BSN), associate-degree nursing (ADN), and the diploma in nursing. Curriculum standards for all three types of formal education are set and regulated by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Although curriculums vary between the three, the standards set are equivalent for all, requiring education and training of elementary nursing...
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...Nursing Competencies Between the Associate Level Prepared Nurse and Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurse - Including a Patient Case Scenario Elizabeth A. Borowiak NRS 430V-0109 09/07/2014 ADN vs. BSN – The Big Debate The ADN/BSN debate has been going on for decades. This conflict could possibly negatively affect nurses, our profession and ultimately the patients we serve. There will always be nurses who will excel in the field independent of their educational preparation. Patient’s conditions and the healthcare environment are becoming more complex and having a better-educated workforce helps to improve patient outcomes, but how? What are the differences between a nurse who has her ADN degree versus an RN with a BSN degree? Are there advantages of being a BSN prepared nurse? Nurses today have a difficult time choosing between the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). One might ask, “Why should a nurse take the BSN route when they can take the ADN route and still be a Registered Nurse (RN) in less time and cost” (Moore, 2009). Yes, you can still be an RN, but studies show the ADN prepared nurse will approach clinical situations differently than that of a BSN prepared nurse. The skills differ in many ways, and the BSN prepared nurse is better for patient outcomes. The Associate Degree program teaches nurses the fundamentals and basics of nursing. “The ADN focuses on bedside nursing and technical aspects of the job” (Moore...
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...Educational Preparation of the Baccalaureate degree Nurse Shelly Crawford Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Leigh Ann Tovar March 16, 2013 Educational Preparation of the Baccalaureate degree Nurse To truly understand the differences between the Baccalaureate of Science in nursing degree verses the Diploma nurse and the Associates Degree in Nursing, you must first be able to understand the definition, description and the competencies of each Degree. 1. Definition of the Diploma Nurse A Diploma Nurse is someone who completes a nursing curriculum associated with a hospital or medical facility than traditional colleges. The Diploma Nurse program is a three-year program. ("Diploma vs. BSN," 2010, p. 1) 2. Definition of the Associates Degree in Nursing An Associate’s Degree in Nursing is a two to three year degree. Requirements are a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Often these nursing degrees are conferred at community colleges. There are many 4 year colleges and universities that offer the associates degree programs as well. (Seehorn, “n.d.”, p. 1) 3. Definition of the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) A Baccalaureate Degree in nursing is described as a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing that combines theory and clinical nursing courses and is granted by an accredited school. This degree is a 4 year degree which requires a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. ("Bachelor Degree," “n.d.”, Para. 1) There...
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...Running Head : DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN BSN VERSES ADN. Educational Preparation Shyni Joseph Grand Canyon University 02/17/2013 Nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. Quality patient care hinges on having a well educated nursing workforce in the interest of improving patient safety and providing enhanced nursing 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. Education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. The overall outlook of healthcare professions has dramatically changed in the past few decades. In nursing, competencies define the duties and skills required for nursing positions and establish the educational requirements needed to qualify for each nursing title. In its October 2010 report on The Future of Nursing, the institute of Medicine states” an increase in the percentage of nurses with BSN is imperative as the scope of what the public needs from nurses grows, expectations surrounding quality heightens, and the settings where nurses are needed proliferate and become more complex.”In a study released in May 2008 issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration, Dr Linda Aiken and her colleagues confirmed the findings from their landmark 2003 study which shows a strong link between RN education level and patient outcomes, The researchers found that every 10% increase...
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...Competency Differences between Baccalaureate nurses and Associate degree nurses The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP), policy advisors to Congress and the Secretary for Health and Human Services on nursing issues, has urged that at least two-thirds of the nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing by 2010. Baccalaureate Nursing Program 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. The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence health care delivery. There are distinct differences between the 72 ADN credits and 125 BSN credits required in each of the nursing programs' curriculum. The baccalaureate curriculum has a different focus, emphasizing evidenced-based clinical practice and leadership. Additional courses are offered in the baccalaureate curriculum, such as research, statistics, critical thinking, and public health/community health. In addition, the additional units prepare the baccalaureate nurse to pursue graduate study, leading to an advanced degree in nursing. Baccalaureate...
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...Difference Between Associate- Degree Level Nurses and Bachelor- Degree Nurses There is always a question about which program is better; Is it the associate’s degree in nursing program provided by community colleges or the baccalaureate of science in nursing program provided by colleges and universities? One similarity is for sure that nurses from both programs can take the NCLEX-RN exam. Before I started college I was debating whether I should go to school for an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, but because I just had a baby and the university is one hour away from our home, I decided to go ahead and enter the registered nursing program in our community college. I know that there is a lot of differences between nurses that are prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing that is why I set a goal that someday I will go back to school for my Bachelor’s degree. This paper will be explaining the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing by comparing their education, patient care and opportunities. This paper will also give some examples about a patient care situation in which how nursing care approaches to decision making may differ based upon the educational preparation of a BSN versus ADN. Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Nurses Differences with Education An associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) program...
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...Differences In Competencies between ADN and BSN NRS-430v July 14, 2013 Differences in Competencies between ADN and BSN Over the past few decades, many drastic changes occurred in U.S health care delivery. Our current healthcare trends demand nurses to take more active role in the health care decisions in hospital setting, long term care setting and in community healthcare setting. Since “nursing is based upon a body of knowledge that is always changing with new discoveries and innovation” Potter and Perry (2005), nursing profession is compelled to grow from being just a traditional bedside nurse. IOM’s future of nursing report which is released in 2010 calls nurses to be “more highly educated, diverse nursing workforce”. There are two educational routes for becoming a professional registered nurse in U.S. One of the educational routes is be Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and another one is obtaining Bachelors in Nursing (BSN) or Bachelors of Science in Nursing. Although, both degrees enable nurses to get licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse, there are differences among Associate level prepared nurses and Baccalaureate level prepared nurses. In order to meet the requirements and demands of our changing health care system, nurses have to be least Baccalaureate level prepared. First of all, Associate degree program is a two year program that is usually offered by community college or junior college. Upon graduation, ADN student’s earn70 credits. The BSN...
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