...Running Head: Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Levels Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Levels Elizabeth N. Asuagbor Grand Canyon University October 12, 2014 Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Levels In today’s rapidly changing health care environment, the nursing role is becoming less traditional and increasingly more diverse (Creasia, & Friberg, 2011). Health care organizations continue to make changes to keep up with the changing environment. An area of focus is the need for competent nurses with emphasis for Baccalaureate prepared nurses. This need continue to increase and has gained the support of American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AAACN). A BSN in nursing has been highly valued by organization and groups such as the U.S. Military and the Coalition for Advancement of the Nursing Profession (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010). With the increasing need for Baccalaureate nurses, the question remains then, are there any differences in competencies between Baccalaureate nurses and Associate Degree nurses? This essay will focus on some of the differences between the various degrees. The preparation and training between BSN nurses and ADN nurses differ in some aspects. In BSN programs, training is focused on the how with more emphasis on the why. The difference in the length of time with regards to schooling cannot be overlooked. The...
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...Educational Preparation Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Level Is a nurse a nurse? Many nurses seem to do the same things at a glance. They may perform procedures similarly but is the thought process equal? Defining an Associate Degree in Nursing nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing nurse (BSN) helps to begin understanding the differences they incur. An Associate’s degree program can be completed in 2 years and the focus is on the technical aspects of nursing, at the community college level (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p.18-19). This nurse is usually more task oriented or technical. The Baccalaureate degree RN is a four-year program at a college or university level. The focus is towards more independent thinking within a community as a whole (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p. 19). This nurse concentrates on evidence-based practices. There has been discussion and debate over the mentioned differences and desires since 1965. More recently, In the October 2012 issue of Medical Care, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study concluded that better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. McHugh, MD et al. (2012) Both degrees...
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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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...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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...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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...the following: 1. Discuss the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. 2. Identify a patient care situation in which you describe how nursing care or approaches to decision-making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse (BSN versus a diploma or ADN degree). Refer to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Fact Sheet: Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce as a resource. Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, Within the nursing profession, education is an essential component to the training and preparedness of nurses. This is also true with all healthcare providers as education provides the necessary tools and resources for personnel to complete tasks. The following paper will discuss the differences between an Associate degree in nursing and a Baccalaureate degree in nursing including each degrees’ implications in competencies. Additionally, to further explore these differences, a case scenario will be provided to demonstrate differences in decision making between each level of education. Associates Degree A nurse receiving his or her associate’s degree implies that they have undergone a minimum of two years of training and education. This can be achieved at most colleges including community colleges. Additionally, in order to graduate from an Associate’s degree in nursing, the individual must...
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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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...Education can make difference in one’s life by providing the respect and well career advancement for their future. People often call uneducated person illiterate; without an education a person waste his whole life. Education is a form of learning, usually transferred from one generation to other. It is provided through teaching, training, or research. One chooses his or her career to earn what they want. Every career is different, and they are different in their competencies. Nursing education is another career people choose to go for; they also have different competencies. Licensed vocational nurse has different competencies than associate degree nursing; and Baccalaureate degree different than associate degree nursing. In this paper, we are going to discuss the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. Competencies Differences The associate program is usually 2-3 years long and it is usually offered at the community colleges. The associate degree nursing students usually learn the knowledge, and skills. These skills are required to care for individuals and families during illness and recovery after medical treatment. ADN nurses practice a more restricted level of nursing care such as skilled nursing and long term care facilities, corrections and clinics. The associate nurse teaching is more focused on direct hands such as hospitals and community care. “The associate degree nursing programs...
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...Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 11, 2014 The differences in competencies between the Registered Nurse who is completing the ADN versus the BSN are many. In this country there are two types of Registered Nurses: the Registered Nurse who graduates from an Associate Degree program and the Registered Nurse who graduates from the Baccalaureate Degree program. Both types of RNs take the National Council Licensure Examination also known as the NCLEX-RN. The results of the NCLEX-RN examination determines if the nurse has the technical competency to practice nursing. What the exam does not determine is the difference between graduates who have different levels of education. Although the passing rate for the exam is the same among the two groups of nurses, it is not proof that there are no differences between the two groups. The length of the ADN program is two years, while the BSN program is four years. The ADN is the shorter, faster path to obtaining RN licensure. Both types of Registered Nurses have the same license. Although both types of RNs may go through similar clinical training and have a similar income, there are differences in their educational and professional training as well as in their level of competency. The associate degree program’s emphasis is on clinical skills that are required to work in a hospital or clinic setting. The RN is trained to be task oriented. Education and competency are confined to hands on patient care. The baccalaureate...
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...Running head: Differences in competencies Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level John Edgar May 15, 2011 Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level As a registered nurse the individual has an opportunity to work with other healthcare professionals in an effort to provide quality of care to the clients they are responsible for in a variety of different settings. In an effort to provide quality of care it is important to verify that the care is delivered safely and in a manner that promotes the patients over all well-being. The question that is being asked by many in the healthcare community is whether or not the patient is best served by having the care delivered by an associate-degree nurse (ADN) or a nurse that has a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This paper will review a few of the differences in competencies for nurses that are prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. There are three levels of education that will qualify an individual to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The associate’s degree in nursing consists of two years of concentrated study focused on clinical skills in the community college setting. The diploma nursing program offers three years of nursing education focused on learning nursing skills in a hospital-based setting. In diploma nursing...
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...Competency Differences between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree Level (ADN) or Baccalaureate-Degree Level (BSN) level Competency Differences between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree Level (ADN) or Baccalaureate-Degree Level (BSN) level It has always been said that the higher level of education one can obtain, the better. Currently for Registered Nurses there are many programs out there that encourage furthering education and enrolling back in school to obtain a Baccalaureate-Degree in Nursing (BSN). Both nurses, whichever program they are enrolled to, are educated through nursing programs that require them and prepare them to take the same National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). We will be able to see some differences in competency based on educational level and background based on research and evidenced-based practice. Nurses throughout the United States are being encouraged to enroll back into school to achieve a higher level of education. You can see RN-BSN programs; BSN-MSN, LVN-ADN or LVN-BSN program information anywhere from website advertisements, e-mails, commercials, and magazines. There is no doubt that education is important and that based on the job one is looking to fulfill, certain levels of a degree or certification are required. ADN and BSN nurses, although both RNs, do hold certain traits of differences based on their education level. A nurse with an Associate’s Degree is taught more how to treat the patient medically. They most...
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...Differences in competencies: Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Profession Dynamics Section 0106 September 30, 2012 Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing There are three educational pathways to becoming a Registered nurse. These include baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma programs (Friberg et al, 2011). It has been proven in various studies that nurses with a higher level of education provide better quality patient care versus the associate level nurse (Rosseter, 2012). There are several differences in competencies between a associate and baccalaureate nurse that include mortality rates, leadership skills, critical thinking skills, health care promotion, clinical skills, and case management (Rosseter, 2012). Baccalaureate Program The American Association of Colleges of Nursing believes that a Baccalaureate degree has a significant impact on a nurse’s level of competency and knowledge base (Rosseter, 2012). The Baccalaureate program is a four year degree and the nursing courses are at the upper division level (Friber et al., 2011). Courses include health informatics, healthcare economics, leadership, research, and health policies (ANA, 2012). The components of the classes such as at Grand Canyon University (GCU) are liberal education, patient safety, evidence-based practice, management of information, health care policies, communication and collaboration, and professional...
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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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...Running Head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established...
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...Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V November 18th 2012 Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Who is more competent and can be referred to as the professional nurse? There are three entry-level educational programs available for nurses: The Diploma, Associate, and the Baccalaureate degree programs. All three nursing programs leads to registered nurse licensure and entry positions as nurses. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level (ADN) versus nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level in nursing can never be over emphasized. There seems to be various rising controversies in the nursing profession regarding which of these degree levels in nursing is a better choice as an entry level into the profession of nursing taking into consideration how nursing care may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse. Issues related to technical nursing versus professional nursing titles and roles and differentiated roles have been divisive for the nursing profession. In 1892, The national League for nursing (NLN) approved the document Position Statement on Nursing Roles-Scope and preparation, which stated that “professional nursing practice requires the minimum of a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing”. “Preparation for technical nursing practice requires an associate degree or a diploma in...
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