...Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Level Name University Introduction Nursing profession has many levels of education from more than forty years like, the diploma nurses, technical nurses, professional nurses, master level degree nurses and doctorate degree nurses. In 1965 the committee on nursing education of the American Nurses Association (ANA) published a position paper which addressed the different levels of education for registered professional nurses. Different Approaches to Nursing Education There are three different approaches to nursing education: I. 3-year diploma program, administered at hospitals. II. 3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges. III. 4-year baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities. Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass the entire curriculum in associate degree and diploma programs, and also vide in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing management, nursing research, public and community health, and the humanities. The Baccalaureate nursing programs enhances the student’s professional development, develops the new nurse for a more liberal scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and determine health care delivery. Throughout the last decennium, policymakers and practice leaders have recognized that education makes a difference...
Words: 1239 - Pages: 5
...DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES Professional Dynamics DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES In an effort to meet the needs and challenges triggered by the 21st century demand in healthcare, there have been constant calls across the nursing spectrum and beyond to standardize the entry level position into nursing practice. These calls stem from the fact that several research studies have concluded that hospitals with greater number of baccalaureate prepared nurses as an entry- level position have observed considerable benefits as a result. These benefits are associated with the practical differences in competencies exhibited by baccalaureate prepared nurses and experienced by the hospitals (magnet hospitals) that hire greater number of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepared nurses. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the fact that the graduates of all entry-level nursing programs sit for the same licensing examination does not mean that all entry-level nurses are equally prepared for practice. Empirical evidence has supported this assertion. In a study conducted to examine the effects of hospital care environment on patient mortality and nurse outcomes, Aitken, Clarke, Sloane, Lake, & Cheney (2008) postulated that care environment, better staffing and a well-educated nursing workforce contributes immensely to a decrease in mortality rate. In the afore mentioned study, the researchers observed that every 10% increase in the proportion...
Words: 1045 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 1003 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 944 - Pages: 4
...Daniel J. Dato-on Nancy McGushin Profession Dynamics February 1, 2015 Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate degree level versus Baccalaureate-degree level in Nursing In the military, there are levels of rank each personnel is designated according to the education he/she has achieved and the merits that were accomplished. A sergeant would look up to a lieutenant and would follow commands from a superior in rank officer solely due to the training and experience the leader had attained. Also in nursing there are levels or so to say “ranking” that differentiates a nurse with an ADN diploma compared to a nurse with a Baccalaureate degree. In this presentation, I will point out the main differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate degree level against the nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level. The nursing philosophy of every nursing school whether ADN, BSN, MSN, up to the Ph.D. in Nursing has a common goal of educating nurses in the holistic care. The nursing philosophy of Grand Canyon’s University is: Educating nurses within a dedicated and supportive community of Christian nurse scholars, the nursing programs prepare graduates to provide excellent, holistic care while encouraging a passion for achievement, a lifelong curiosity of knowledge, and the pursuit of advanced professional degrees. (2011 GCU) Associate...
Words: 543 - Pages: 3
...Differences in competencies between the associate degree and baccalaureate degree nurse A Registered nurse is one who has completed at least an Associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor’s degree in nursing and who has been successful in passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Even though the associate degree and bachelor’s degree nurse share similar roles, differences in competencies do exist between these two nursing roles. An associate degree level nurse is one that studied for two years in a community college setting, and whose training focuses mainly on nursing theory and skills. “The graduate of an associate nursing degree program is prepared to provide and coordinate safe, quality holistic patient-centered care as an entry-level professional nurse in a variety of health care settings” (Amarillo College Nursing Division, 2010). The associate degree nurse is prepared to administer care in structured healthcare settings such as community hospitals and long term healthcare facilities. The associate degree nurse not only functions within the nurse’s legal scope of practice but also adheres to the policies and procedures of the healthcare institution. The associate degree nurse functions as an entry-level professional and assists in promoting, restoring and maintaining the health of patients and families. The nurse utilizes a systematic approach and clinical reasoning to provide patient centered care. The nurse provides safe and quality care...
Words: 1012 - Pages: 5
...Competency Differences of ADN and BSN Nursing is a self-motivated and multifaceted discipline, one that requires skilled, knowledgeable, and self-sufficient practitioners. The roots of nursing are firmly based on service to other individuals, groups, and communities. ADN Program Associate degree nursing programs are intended to be two years in length based to prepare practical bedside nurses for secondary care settings, such as community hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Associate degree nurse is prepared .to function at the intermediate level, not in leadership and management position. The professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration, and managing care are the eight center competencies of ADN. By using clinical and thinking skills ADN graduate is responsible for caring for others while keeping the values of nursing profession for better outcomes. The inclusion of public health nursing as a part of curriculum is main difference between nursing in baccalaureate and diploma programs. BSN Program The Baccalaureate graduates are prepared in order think reasonably, evaluate critically, and communicate effectively with clients and other health care professionals. Baccalaureate programs are four academic years in length, and the nursing major is typically concentrated at the upper division level. There are vital components to prepare the baccalaureate graduate as generalist...
Words: 1003 - Pages: 5
...Difference in Competencies between Associate and Baccalaureate Nurses Introduction The need for competent bedside nurses has drastically increased and so will it be in the near future. The level of basic education that a nurse should have has always been an issue of debate and controversy. Primary focus of this paper will be to point out the difference in competency of nurses educated in an ADN level to those educated in BSN level. Nursing is a profession where skill and knowledge has to work hand in hand to promote and deliver optimum level of care, skill alone acquired by years of experience cannot be an answer for this question .But a combination of expert knowledge, decision making, planning, research and leadership which is an integral part of the basic curriculum of a BSN program is extremely necessary. ADN nurses usually have 2-3 year education in community college setup and are focused to provide individualized care to their patients based on their diagnosis. But on the other hand BSN nurses undergo 4 year degree program where they get more training in the field of science, nursing management research and leadership. .(“When care”,2002,para.20) The more the year of their education the lesser the error in their field of clinical practice and procedure violations. Weather it is a ADN or BSN ,both can get a license to work as RN,provided they pass NCLEXRN.Study suggest that a BSN focuses on psychosocial complexity and therapeutic use of self to know patients...
Words: 930 - Pages: 4
...DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES OF ADN AND BSN LEVEL NURSES Laisa Johny Grand Canyon University: NRS- 12/16/11 430V Professional Dynamics 05-Dec-2011(0102) Differences in Competencies of Associate degree and Baccalaureate degree level nursing Education level of nurses makes differences in their nursing practice. Many surveys and researches have done to verify the quality of care providing to the patients by the nurses with associate degree and baccalaureate degree. “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”(American association of colleges of nursing, fact sheet, 2011) EDUCATION LEVELS OF NUSING We have the opportunities to choose different levels of nursing education. That includes diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, masters’ degree and nurse practitioner. As we educated more high levels, we are able to provide quality services to our people with our advanced knowledge. ASSOSCIATE DEGREE OF NURSING This education program mainly focus on technical skills than theoretical knowledge and with this student can become a registered nurse by passing the board exam. Many people like this because this allows a person to work early and earn money. BACCALAUREATE DEGREE OF NURSING This a 4 year course in United States, learn theories and technical skills, make students capable to provide quality care to the patients. Many institutions...
Words: 808 - Pages: 4
...Running head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCES ADN VERSES BSN Competency Differences Between The Associate Degree Nurse and The Baccalaureate Degree Nurse Kris Scott Grand Canyon University Nursing 430 Professional Dynamics June 8, 2014 The purpose of this paper is to discuss the differences in competencies and decision making skills of nurses that are prepared at an Associate Degree level (ADN) verses those prepared at a Baccalaureate Degree level (BSN). . Competency Differences Between The Associate Degree Nurse and The Baccalaureate Degree Nurse The typical ADN program is usually 2-3 years, whereas the BSN program is 4 years. While both programs competently make use of technical skills and provide general nursing care, the “baccalaureate programs emphasize evidence-based clinical practice and leadership through coursework that includes research, statistics, population-based care, nursing management, and the humanities.” (Haverkamp & Ball, 2013) Long debated is the entry level educational requirements for the nursing profession; evidence has proven that higher education levels ultimately leads to safer and more efficient care. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) reviewed and discussed 8 different studies that linked higher education to safer care. These studies showed a “decrease in mortality rates” as well as “fewer medication errors” (AACN Fact sheet, 2013). These...
Words: 1023 - Pages: 5
...Competency 1. Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior Example #1 Improved writing skills My written communication skills have improved greatly since I started college four years ago, as a freshman. I have gain more confidence in writing essay and other assignments. I no longer have a since of complete dread when it comes to essay. Example #2 Example #3 Competency 2. Engage in Diversity and Differences My Sophomore Field Period at the Olean BOCES as a summer school teacher aid taught me a great about working with individuals who are diverse and have differences. I engaged with students who had different abilities. My main responsibility was working one on one with an individual who had Down Syndrome. This experience was the first time I worked with individuals with different ability, I went in as a learner and engaged with students and teachers to better understand how having an ability impacted their life experiences. I learned to communicate differently for I was understand by the individual who I was working one on one with understand me....
Words: 590 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 1021 - Pages: 5
...DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN NURSES WITH ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND BACCALAUREATE DEGREES Kelly Matthews Grand Canyon University: RN to BSN NRS 430 V – PROFESSIOANL DYNAMICS 06/14/12 Abstract This is an attempt to analyze the differences in competencies between the nurses with Associate Degree (ADN) and Bachelor’s degree (BSN) in Nursing. The contemporary nursing career demands critical thinking, effective communication skills and comprehensive knowledge. To be equipped with these attributes, a Nurse must pursue at least the BSN degree program. The salient points considered for this analysis and finding are: • A comparison of curricula of both programs. • Increasing requirement of Educators, Researchers and Administrators in Nursing. • Patient safety, quality of care, sync with technological advancements. • A patient care situation. DIFFRENCES IN COMPETENCIES OF NURSES WITH ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND BACCALAUREATE DEGREE Education is an infinite process. Everyday, new developments emerge and new deceases and remedies discovered. The overall outlook of healthcare professions has dramatically changed in the past few decades. Nursing plays a very critical and important part in efficient care and patient safety. Nurses work shoulder to shoulder with physicians in treatment planning and management. Legal and ethical responsibility of the care provided is also increasingly shared by the Nurses. Nursing profession thus calls for better qualified and well groomed...
Words: 1153 - Pages: 5
...complications and problems in care and in the best position to initiate actions that will minimize negative outcome for patients.(Aiken et al 2003). For one to become a registered nurse there are three pathways to follow and these are Diploma- a 3year hospital based program, Associate degree- a 2year degree obtainable from community colleges, and Baccalaureate degree program from 4year colleges and universities. All three of these pathways will qualify the nurse to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). As stated in the journal of American Association of colleges of Nursing (AACN) “The NCLEX-RN is only one indicator of competency and does not measure performance over time or test for all the knowledge and skills developed through BSN program (Rossetter 2012). However, we will focus more on the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus baccalaureate degree level in nursing and identify a patient care situation in which nursing care or approaches to decision making may differ based upon educational preparation. The associate degree program (ADN) which was founded by Mildred Montag due to severe shortage of nurses was designed to prepare technical bedside nurses for secondary care settings such as community hospitals and long term...
Words: 1143 - Pages: 5
...The Differences in Competency between ADN and BSN level in nursing There are three different education approaches to becoming an RN. In each course of study, the student is eligible to take the NCLEX exam to become an RN. The NCLEX tests for the minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice. The associate degree of nursing is a two year program offered at a community college, a diploma program is attained at a hospital and is a three year program, and the Baccalaureate of Science Nursing degree is achieved at the university in 4 years. In this paper, I will compare the competency levels between Associate Degree/Diploma Nursing and Baccalaureate of Science of Nursing. Nursing education began in the 1800’s in a hospital in Germany. Florence Nightingale, who is the founder of contemporary nursing, gained a small amount of formal training there. The Associate Degree of nursing program began in 1951 when Mildred Montag, a nurse educator, proposed a new 2 year associate degree program, to be taught at community colleges for entry level nurse technicians. It was created to produce a large number nurses in a short period of time. The ADN focuses on more of the technical aspects of nursing which include caring for patients, critical thinking skills while being clinically competent. These skills are utilized using ethical decisions and following professional standards set forth by the Board of Nursing. The Bachelor of Science degree in nursing focuses...
Words: 777 - Pages: 4
