...Running head: COMPARISON OF COMPETENCIES Comparison of Competencies: Associate versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Rachel Beissel Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics November 20, 2011 Comparison of Competencies: Associate versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurses There are currently three different degree programs for Registered Nurses in the United States. The first degree plan is a diploma nursing degree, which is a 3 year program that focuses on nursing tasks in a hospital setting. It is noted that the diploma nursing program provides the most clock hours of clinical instruction (Hood, 2010, pg. 15). The second degree plan is the associate degree in nursing; this degree focuses on a combination of didactic and clinical skills over a 2 year period. The last degree is the baccalaureate degree in nursing which is a higher level of education in nursing; this includes additional courses in nursing research and community health projects. This paper will give an overview of the differences between the competencies of the associate degree plan versus the baccalaureate trained nurse in the patient care setting. Associate Degree in Nursing The associate degree was originally created to help with the nursing shortage after World War II. The first associate degree nursing program was started by Dr. Mildred Montag in 1952 (Potter & Perry, 2009, pg. 3). The associate degree in nursing is an attractive alternative for many people who decide to go to school to become...
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...Angel Lopez 02/11/2014 Difference Between Associate Degree Versus Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Abstract In this paper will analyze the difference in competency of education between nurses prepared with an Associate degree or a Baccalaureate degree in Nursing. A comparison in scholastic preparation of both degrees. Will discuss the recent increase of demand of Baccalaureate degree graduates over the Associate degree as a new hire in the medical setting. We will also focus on magnet status hospitals and those trying to achieve magnet status and how they have promoted a change in hiring of this two degrees. The American Nursing Association view of Baccalaureate Degree in comparison to Associate degree. We will also address research that has recently be published that displayed baccalaureate patient outcomes and patient safety in writing and statistical data. Patient care situation will be analyze decision making approach relating Associate degree versus Baccalaureate degree in nursing. First we must address the similarities they both are able to be called and hold the title of Nurse, they both are able to seat to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. They both work in similar settings ambulatory and inpatient medical facilities to name the most prevalent. The main difference in competency and preparation lies in education and training the Associate Degree Nurse in most cases is a two year technical nurse who graduates from a community...
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...Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences 56 (2012) 636 – 642 International Conference on Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (ICTLHE 2012) in conjunction with RCEE & RHED 2012 The Study of Learning Styles among Mechanical Engineering Students from Different Institutions in Malaysia Yit Yan Koh, Yaw Long Chua * Inti International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, Nilai, 71800, Malaysia Abstract Learning style is viewed as a method of education that is particular to personal study experiences to achieve the best learning results, which is some cases, the deep learning experiences. To date, researchers have recognized at least 21 components, where normal individuals would have 6 to 14 strongly preferred learning styles. The understanding of these learning styles will help the lecturers in their design of the delivery of lecture to suit students’ learning styles to achieve deep learning among students. This research aims to look into the differences in learning styles among Mechanical Engineering students from different institutions and levels. In accordance to this, this paper will report the analyses of the types of learning styles among engineering students. © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of of Engineering Education, © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of CentreCentre of Engineering Education...
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...Research Critique: Continuing Education for Nurses Research Critique: Continuing Education for Nurses There are many degree levels of practicing nurses such as diploma, associates, and baccalaureates. According to Altmann nursing field should engage in lifelong learning process and be primarily composed of baccalaureate degree (2012). Currently only half of the nursing field have a baccalaureate degree or higher. The research article “Nurses’ attitudes toward continuing formal education: A comparison by level of education and geography” (Altmann,2012) takes a close look into nurses reasons for continuing or not continuing education and why it’s important for nurses to continue their education. The concepts of the study are nurses that continue their education level improve patient outcomes but it looks deeper into what drives the nurse to engage in education. The factors that contribute like cost, not encouraged and needed by employers, or things like career advancement, better patient care, and personal goals. The theoretical framework for this research is the theory of planned behavior. This theory looks at the bridge between a person’s attitude and behavior. Understanding a person’s attitude can predict their behavior. Planned behavior can be described as “behavior is determined by the intentions of individuals--their explicit plans or motivations to commit a specific act” (Moss, 2008). Nurses who have positive attitudes toward furthering education will purse it and...
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...Running head: COMPARISON BETWEEN ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND Comparison between Associate degree and Baccalaureate degree Candace Haggard GCU Comparison between Associate degree and Baccalaureate degree Nursing education traces its history from the humble beginnings incorporating “on the job” training to a modern era of PhD program at today’s research universities. Currently, there are three levels of education found in entry level nurses: diploma nurses, associate’s degree in nursing, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Often there is confusion as to why nursing students will put forth the extra effort to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As the discussion unfolds, it will become apparent that the nurse trained at the associate degree level tends to practice at a technical level, whereas the nurse educated with a Bachelor of Science degree practices at a professional level. Nurses may have different competencies depending on whether they were educated through an Associate Degree in Nursing Program or a Bachelor of Science Program (Hood & Leddy, 2003). ADN graduates practice within the guidelines of eight core components and competencies identified by the National Council of Associate Degree Nursing Competencies Task Force. These core components are: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration, and managing care. These core components help with clinical decision making...
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...work experience or innate organizational and leadership skills? Most current educators, leaders and professional nursing organizations say the primary differentiator between a technical nurse and a professional nurse is the level of education. The Nursing Diploma and two-year Associates-Degree Nurses (ADN) are considered “technical” while a nurse with a four-year Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is considered “professional”. The distinction of differentiating nursing capabilities based on education arose after the creation of the two-year ADN programs at junior colleges. After World War II there was a sudden growth in junior colleges to support the demand for technical training and education of returning veterans. At the same time there were accelerated advances in medical sciences and facilities and a supporting demand for more nurses. Creative educators, led by Dr. Mildred Montag, starting in the early 1950’s created the two-year ADN curriculum to help meet the growing demand for nurses. “Dr, Montag’s doctoral research, not only as the spark that began the Associate Degree Nursing movement, but also the research base that proved her ideas could work in the real world and established Associate Degree Nursing as the only nursing program that was research proven over time.” However, some educators took liberties and experimented with the ADN curriculum as they worked to provide the best mix of clinical and classroom education. In 1965, the American Nurses...
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...Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses Versus Associate-Degree Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V January 31, 2016 Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses Versus Associate-Degree According to the American Nurses Association (2010), “a competency is an expected level of performance, knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment” (p. 12). Does the amount of education matter in regards to an associate-degree level nurse (ADN) verses a baccalaureate-degree level nurse (BSN) when it comes to a nurse’s competence? The purpose of this paper will review and compare competencies between nurses studying at the level of ADN versus BSN and describe a patient care scenario where the decision-making process would differ between degree levels. Nursing Education According to the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), there are three (3) different levels of education for registered nurses that are offered. These include, a 3-year diploma (offered in hospitals), 3-year associate degree from a community college and the 4-year baccalaureate degree which can be obtained through universities or senior level colleges (AACN, 2014). In order to become a registered nurse, specific amounts of education is needed to receive a degree. Education is imperative. Once graduated from one of the three programs, the same National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) will be given. This exam tests minimal competencies to enter the nursing profession and there is no comparison in the passing rate (AACN, 2014)...
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...nursing degree; a diploma program, associate degree and baccalaureate degree. A diploma program can be obtained generally through hospitals and was modeled after Florence Nightingale. Diploma programs are on average two to three years in length. Many diploma schools have closed as a result of increased costs along with the great number of collegiate options such as technical schools and universities. The associate degree education was a result of the hard work put forth by Mildred Montag and the associate degree in nursing (ADN) began in 1952 in response to the nursing shortage. The baccalaureate in nursing program (BSN) was created at the University of Minnesota as a notion to get nursing into advanced education as a recognized system. Associate degree nurses are required to take prerequisites along with core nursing classes. This route is generally between two to three years in length and taught at technical and community schools. These nurses are taught primarily technical skills with the addition of more clinical experience. The degree can limit an ADN nurse to working in long term care facilities, doctor’s offices, hospital and clinics providing direct patient care (Moore, 2009). There are roughly 72 credits needed for the completion of the ADN program. The ADN program offers minimal advancement in the workforce such as leadership and educator positions. A baccalaureate nursing degree encompasses all of the course work taught in associate and diploma schools...
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...obtain a college degree. It’s a goal one must have in order to make a new beginning and to be able to combat life’s challenging issues, to hope and strive for a better future. The college opportunities compared to the past 20 years have increased tremendously since online distance learning has become an important gateway for education, especially for those who don’t have the time and convenience to attend a traditional college. According to Collegeboard, “The typical bachelor’s degree recipient can expect to earn about 73 percent more over a 40-year working life than the typical high school graduate earns over the same time period “. It’s almost impossible to get job in an economy that is in recession without a college education. I have attempted multiple times to apply for a new job without success. Employers are demanding more of job candidates than ever before. The college degree is becoming the new high school diploma, the new minimum requirement. In fact it shows that, “data from the government proves that higher education degree completion is important for job seekers; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2009 the unemployment rate was more than twice as high for persons without a high school diploma than for persons with an Associate’s degree. That gap widens to three times in comparison to persons who a hold a Bachelor’s degree”. After doing some more research of the labor market it became obvious to me that my high school diploma in the twenty-first...
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...Running head: ANALYZING THE DEGREE OF COMPETENCIES Analyzing the Degree of Competencies for Nurses Prepared at an Associate’s Level and a Bachelor’s Level Mario V Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics NRS 430V Analyzing the Degree of Competencies for Nurses Prepared at an Associate’s Level and a Bachelor’s Level Nursing care today can be affected by the degree of education a nurse possesses. Licensures for nurses are diploma, associate’s and bachelor’s. Competencies vary depending on the degree obtained. The demand for nurses in healthcare has blossomed over the last twenty years. Unfortunately the amount of nurses with a higher degree of education only amounts to 50% and those with an associate’s 36.1% and 13.9% for diploma nurses. Research has showed registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree and higher have decreased the mortality rate and resulted in fewer adverse reactions in patient (Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce. (2009). Nurse Leaders, higher institutions of learning, and employers are raising the awareness for nurses to continue their education in order to create better patient outcomes. Two Year ASN Degree An associate’s of science degree in nursing is a two year program. The duration of the program concentrates on clinical rotation which prepares...
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...sacrifices are made to obtain a college degree, but the ends justify the means. Personally for me, a college degree takes my $20k a year salary and turns it into a $60-72k salary. It means going from part time management to full time, barely getting by to having more than enough, and from lacking the feeling of self worth to obtaining an over abundance of self confidence. In many instances a college education is a life style change. Although there are exceptions, people with college degrees earn more over their lifetimes than people with only high school diplomas. “For example, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average college graduate will earn $2.1 million over his or her lifetime, compared to $1.2 million for the average high school graduate. Plus, if you earn an advanced degree, your lifetime income will be even higher. A person with a master's degree will earn an average of $2.5 million; a doctoral degree, $3.4 million; and a professional degree, $4.4 million.” A completed undergraduate or graduate degree will not only help you get a job, it has been statistically proven on average to boost pay. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that “persons with a high school degree make, on average, $626 weekly. In comparison, persons with an Associate’s degree make $761, workers with a Bachelor’s degree make $1,025 and those with a Master’s degree take in $1,257 a week.” According to these numbers, a person with an Associate’s degree is likely to earn nearly $7,000 more per...
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...Educational Program Comparison Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS430V Educational Program Comparison The nursing profession continues to evolve as we speak. Many changes in history have contributed to this ever moving profession. The educational differences between the baccalaureate prepared nurse and the diploma/associates prepared nurse will be briefly discussed. Associate degree nurses and the diploma nurse are educationally prepared to staff hospitals according to Cresaia, Conceptual Foundation. Educational requirements include the basic sciences and technical skills necessary to succeed in this arena. (Cresaia, p. 11) While these nurses continue to advance into the work force in great numbers, the nursing profession is evolving and requiring more educationally prepared nurses to move into leadership, teaching and advance practice roles. The suggestion by the IOM is to move nursing into a higher educationally prepared practicing work force and increase the baccalaureate prepared nurse by 2020 to 80 percent of the workforce. This increase in educational requirements, stems from several studies identifying the baccalaureate prepared nurse has increased the positive patient outcomes including the lowering of the mortality rate. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Fact sheet includes studies demonstrating this fact. One of the more interesting studies by two separate researchers demonstrated that the increase of the working population...
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...Educational Preparation This paper will outline the differences in competencies between Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor in Science of Nursing (BSN) prepared nurses. Then identify a patient care situation describing how nursing care or approaches to decision making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse. The Free online Dictionary (2013) depicts competency as “The quality of being competent or capable of performing an allotted function.” Here is a comparison of two different pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor in Science of Nursing (BSN) programs. Born out of the nursing shortage in 1952, the Associate Degree nurse came in to fruition thanks to Mildred Montag. The Associate Degree program for Registered Nurses is two-three years length. This program does hold academic credit based on clinical and general studies preparing these students to be able to function as “technical” bedside nurses. At the end of the ADN program students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (Creasia & Reid, 2011). The Bachelors of Science program is four years in length and actually regarded by the American Nurse association as the original entry level requirement to becoming a Registered Nurse (Smith, 2009). This program originated in 1909. The BSN program is based on evidence based practice, Community nursing, and prepares these nurses for leadership roles whereas the ADN programs do not function to prepare nurses...
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...ADN vs BSN Skilled or Educated For many centuries there has been a long standing debate regarding which type of nurse possesses greater competency or better prepared, an Associate Degree Nurse ( ASN) or the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing( BSN). Many have argued that the ADN prepared education has more bedside skill but lacks critical thinking.(cite) and leadership ability. On the other hand the BSN education is the most prepared to think critically and work in leadership positions. Much of the research has even explored which degree program has a higher potential for hire. As nursing has created this chaos of distinction, there are some that may argue that it is pure rhetoric and then others that have given statistical evidence to how it effects patients outcomes relating to lower mortality rates, decubitus ulcers and pulmonary embolism(cite). Based on the research and evidence found it would be safe to say that, the impact of having a BSN significantly increases the nurses ability to deliver the best patient care due to the sound ability in making critical decisions, perform in higher administrative and leadership roles and increased marketability. According to most studies the ADN who pursues the BSN will benefit because they will become better able to think critically and function in a capacity of leadership and collaborate more effectively as a professional with the interdesciplinary team. Research toots that there is better patient care and patient outcomes when care...
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...searching for advancement opportunities with my current employer. I have found that the majority of available positions that I am interested in require a degree. Although not all open positions that I’ve applied for have required a degree, a significant number of the applicants had already obtained their degrees, and those were the individuals who were selected for employment. I have come to a point in my life where I realize that in order for me to get the career I want, I will need to obtain my degree. Although my primary reason for returning to school to continue my education is for employment opportunities, being a positive role model and influence for my daughter is equally important. Each day I strive to make decisions that will have a positive impact on my life, as well as hers. I stress the importance and value of education to her constantly. Although I’ve emphasized the importance of education, I feel that obtaining my degree would be confirmation. It is a lot more difficult to return to school after years have passed, but it is still just as important. My main hesitation for returning to school was always the cost of continued education. The fear of assessing the debt outweighed my need and desire to obtain my degree. After progressing in my current employment and researching the benefits of obtaining a degree, I...
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