...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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...offered, as well as yearly competencies required. Not only do these improve and make patient care safe and effective, but they also reward workers with prestige, recognition, appreciation and financial gain. There is no doubt that good educational preparation immensely affects nurses’ competencies in rendering quality patient care. The benefit of acquiring the latest trends and knowledge in healthcare delivery through advancement in education is without any question. The two levels of Nursing education currently are Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing which are offered in Community Colleges and Universities, respectively. Nurses who completed either of these programs take the same nursing qualifying examination to practice nursing in each respective state. Moore (2009) stated that the most basic difference between the two nursing programs is that the ADN has 72 credits units while the BSN has 125 credit units which include subjects in research and statistics. What about their difference in the clinical practice as staff nurse? Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Level the Nursing education of today has two educational levels: the associate level of nursing education which is considered the technical level of nursing. This is a two year educational program offered in the community colleges and the curriculum focuses on the clinical-technical skills of nursing care. The baccalaureate level of nursing education is considered...
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...1 Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Based on Degree Level Differences in competencies between nurses based on degree level are accurate and supported with detail, while demonstrating deeper understanding by incorporating prior learning. Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Prepared Nurse To work as a registered nurse, all the nurses have to undergo NCLEX-RN state board exam irrespective of the courses they have done. Another fact being that all these programs provide the basic knowledge and skill in effective patient care ADN nurses are more task-oriented employed in a workplace with not so complex patient scenario. They work under the basic nursing protocols. It is one of the preferred career path as it is the less expensive and short path of becoming a Registered nurse. The nurses with Baccalaureate are more skilled with good leadership qualities for effective patient care affecting less mortality. They take care of both the physical and mental well-being of a patient. They are more in to service than in to opportunities. They are with good leadership abilities and skills primarily focused on analyzing and resolving to critical patient care needs. They are efficient theoretically as well as practically enabling them to be part of multidisciplinary teams. Within the undergraduate subdivision, there are two preparatory levels of nursing education: Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). patient-centered care and compassion...
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...2015 This paper is intended to discuss the differences in competencies between nursing at the associates-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Over the years this has been a controversial and complex issue within the nursing workforce. With both academic options to choose from, education preparation standards are changing in hospitals, making way for a stronger and more diverse nursing staff. The pressure to meet the challenge to raise the educational training of diploma and associate degree prepared RNs to the baccalaureate degree level has resulted in advanced RN-to-BSN programs delivered in fast-tracked programs using both online and class options. It will also be my goal to incorporate a patient care situation that describes a difference in nursing care approaches as it relates to the educational preparation of BSN versus a diploma or ADN degree nurse. I will attempt to give an example of a patient care situation in which nursing care approaches differs between that of an ADN versus BSN nurse based on their educational preparation. ADN Program The American Nurses Association defines a competency as “an expected level of performance that integrates knowledge skills, ability and judgment”. When the question is raised about the competency difference between that of an ADN and BSN nurse, it seems to come down to length of time, amount of credits and scope of practice preparation. The ADN curriculum prepares the nurse for the basics and fundamentals of nursing...
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...Running head: EDUCATION PREPARATION PAPER Education Preparation Paper Dimple Patel Grand Canyon University: NRS 430v August 19, 2012 Education Preparation Paper Teaching someone how to drive a car for the first time can be challenging because the driver has no knowledge about the rules of the roads and laws, but as the driver learns the rules and practices, then they become a safer driver (Hill, 2010). Similarly are the different levels of nursing. The new driver can be compared to the associate degree nurse (ADN) and as knowledge is mastered, the nurse continues to a baccalaureate degree (BSN) and then to an advanced practice degree (APN). The progression of academic experience promotes higher levels of patient care (Spencer, 2008). The purpose of this paper is to use scholarly research to discuss the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the ADN level verses the BSN level, using a patient care situation to describe differences in approach to nursing care. First we will define the difference in competencies between an ADN, BSN, and APN. Differences in Competencies Educational levels in nursing hold different competencies. All nurses must pass a state board exam, regardless of their educational level, to enter the profession. There are four levels of nursing which include the ADN, BSN, APN, and clinical nurse leader (CNL). Although the CNL will not be discussed, the ADN, BSN, and APN will...
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...Running head: EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION 1 Differentiating Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Rebecca B. Roe Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics February 15, 2013 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Differentiating Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Significant efforts are currently being designed to form partnerships between executives, 2 academia, and professional organizations to ensure nursing curricula and core competencies meet the needs of the complex and constantly changing health-care system, and those efforts will support a seamless path to advanced nursing degrees (AONE, 2005). The common goal for nursing is the promotion of academic progression between all entry levels, and support a more diverse and well educated nursing workforce that will adequately reflect and care for our changing demographic (AACN, 2012). The recently published NLN Education Competency Model (2010) provides a comprehensive overview of core nursing competencies at all levels of nursing education, listing expected proficiencies in each level attained. While debate continues for the BSN to be the accepted entry to practice, the shortage of nurses and lack of nursing instructors will dictate the need for the provision of trained nurses who can meet the needs of a more complex health-care system, and will continue a path of lifelong learning to fill important advanced nursing roles. The 2010 Affordable Care Act provides exciting and challenging opportunities...
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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...
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...EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Associate Degree Nurses Versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Madelyn Bearden Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V July 5th, 2014 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Associate Degree Versus Bachelor Degree Nurses Education has played an increasingly important role in the development of the nursing profession throughout the years, and one should be able to use learning in order to move forward in daily practice. This paper will discuss the differences in competencies, education, and practice between Associate Degree Nurses (ADNs) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSNs). This paper will also discuss the roles that skills and clinical versus academic experience play in practice decisions made by both BSN & ADN nurses. Associate Degree Nurses In 1952 Mildred Montag designed the Associate Nursing Program as a response to the critical national nursing shortage after the war. (Creasia, 2011) The shortened length of the program, two years, made it an ideal “collegiate alternative for the preparation of technical nurses” (Creasia, 2011) but Montag’s original intent of having ADNs work under the direction of BSNs became clouded along the way and the inclusion of core general nursing courses and clinical instruction led to the declaration of eligibility for RN licensure exams after graduation for these ADN nurses. The program was piloted...
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...head: COMPETENCIES BETWEEN NURSES Competencies between nurses prepared at the ADN and BSN levels Ennie Chimedza Grand Canyon University: NRS-430v March 10, 2012 Competencies between nurses prepared at the ADN and BSN levels According to the Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (ANA, 2004, p. 7), The American Nurses Association defined nursing as, “The protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the individuals, families, communities, and population.” There are three pathways to becoming a nurse. The first one is a three year diploma in a hospital setting. A two to three years associate degree program is the second option offered through a technical or community school. A four year BSN degree program offered at a college or university is the last pathway. To obtain an RN licensure, both (ADN) and (BSN) programs sit for National Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Although passing (NCLEX) is similar for both programs, this exam only measures minimal clinical competencies and not the total education preparation and skills needed to practice safely whether it is in a clinical, inpatient or outpatient setting. This paper will explore not only their professional, educational preparation, but also the differences in competencies between associate degree and baccalaureate of science nurse degree levels. ...
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...Educational Preparation Esther Ugwu Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V November 9, 2014. Educational preparation In a real life setting, one determines the level of education he wants to get in life. Having this in mind helps prepare the individual to choose a profession that will help over the course of life. To choose this profession, one has to determine what his educational goals are as this will help you follow the necessary path required in the completion of this goals of attaining a higher level of education. I remember growing as a child has had in mind to have a career that I will be happy practicing and also enjoy doing every single task involve in the profession. This actually paved way for me because it made see realize the areas am going to be good at and well know the potentials I possess as an individual. This insight helped me to purse nursing career because I have seen myself possess most of the qualities of a nurse as per the definition of nursing. The definition of nursing by ANA is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and population. Differences in Competencies between AND and BSN Nurses The difference in competencies is that BSN prepared nurses possess high level of education in nursing which allows the opportunity to assume a...
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...The Educational Preparation of The ADN vs BSN Degree in Nursing Nursing consists of many different avenues and specialties that may play a part in what route a student takes when deciding on the educational aspects of pursuing a career in nursing. Some nurses are educated on an Associates degree (ADN) level and some are educated on a Baccalaureate- degree (BSN) level, or higher. I will discuss the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the two different levels. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year degree attainable through a community college, private college, or a hospital based nursing school. This particular degree would mainly set its emphasis on nursing from the technical aspect. On the other hand, a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree, achievable at colleges as well as universities. A nurse with a (BSN) is prepared for professional nursing in its entirety and all of the many healthcare settings. There are numerous variations in the educational training levels of these two degrees. Studies have been done through various individuals and medical groups to see if there is really a difference in the proficiency levels of the holders of these two degrees. Studies were performed that compared the competencies of the ASN versus the BSN nurse graduates (M, 1986). The University of Vermont completed...
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...Educational Preparation Michelle Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics October 27, 2013 Educational Preparation Although there are differences in competencies between nurses prepared at an Associate-degree versus the Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing, they are slight. As I started my nursing career as an Associate-Degree Nurse (ADN), I felt inferior to my colleagues whom possessed their Baccalaureate-degree. That inferiority faded fast, as I saw that what an ADN and BSN did in my particular specialty was just the same. There were more similarities than differences. The similarities in competencies I found were, that both were required to pass the same NCLEX exam that is needed to possess the required license to practice nursing. There are no differences shown is regards to the legal scope of practice between an associate degree–prepared and baccalaureate-degree prepared nurses; for they are earn the same license upon passing testing from state boards. Although the required testing does not attest for differences between graduates of different programs, it does test for the technical competency that’s required for safe entry into basic nursing practice for both degrees. Secondly, by definition, the act of nursing for both is the same, ‘the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in...
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...The Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Frances Frederick-Whiteman Grand Canyon University NRS-430V-0500 January 31, 2016 As one progresses through life, they are given many opportunities to become distinguished among others. This opportunity is given to all, but only few will uptake them, and even fewer are able to see through with the opportunity at hand. This situation in itself can be used to identify the differences in competences between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level. When receiving an education in nursing care, you are taught guideline procedures to handle a situation at hand. However, while practicing nursing care, you may need to deviate from the educational process taught to handle the situation. For example, during your educational process, you may have been taught to handle a fallen patient in a certain manner. However, because of the many complications that the patient may have, you may have to alter the way in which you must handle the patient. Students and educational administrators involved in nursing education are responsible for providing appropriate development and use of nursing knowledge. Nurses can receive...
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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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...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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