Associate degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level of nursing
According to the Bureau of labor statistics ,the occupation of Registered Nurses is the largest in the healthcare sector, and the job opportunities are expected to increase faster through 2018. A Bachelors of Science in Nursing [BSN] and Associate degree in Nursing [ADN] both make candidates eligible for becoming RNs. Associate degree in nursing programs of study are two to three year programs of study offered by technical, community and junior colleges . BSN programs on the other hand are four year courses offered by colleges and universities . In some Universities students are given the option of taking their State Board exam to receive their ADN while continuing their BSN, this allows them to work while they complete their education. For both programs students are trained in class and outside in clinical settings for hands on experience. While the ADN program focuses on giving students the entry-level skills they need to take care of patients, the BSN is much broader incorporating education ,management and leadership skills. The BSN program also gives students the communication skills they need and empowers them in decision making. Nursing is becoming more comprehensive, with the improved technology and availability of information to the general population , nurses have to continually educate themselves to keep abreast. BSN programs prepare candidates for much broader aspect of healthcare; these include home care, travel care and handling emergencies. Having an emphasis on educating the patient is a major goal to maintain health and prevent repeated hospitalizations. ADN recipients have to enroll in a BSN program to gain more knowledge . There are some advantages to obtaining an Associate degree in that one can obtain a job in a clinical setting and complete the RN to BSN program with the help of tuition re-imbursement , or loan forgiveness. However most times ADN holders are very comfortable with their earnings that it becomes a burden to go back to school, it takes a lot of motivation the more you sit back.
A BSN degree is more desirable in the current job market. Eleven years ago when I completed my ADN there was no problem getting a job at entry -level , I had just completed my final exams when I got a job through a hospital fellowship. A lot of ADN new graduates have a hard time getting in the hospitals for entry-level positions, most employers prefer a BSN RN degree , and with most hospitals trying to gain a magnet status furthering ones education is the answer. However for people who want to enter the nursing profession and improve themselves financially the ADN is beneficial. Because of their broader range of skills BSNs are preferred for comprehensive healthcare responsibilities especially in hospital settings, these include ; patient care, supervision of nurses and assistants and educating patients, collaborating with doctors other departments and their families. In long term care ADN RNs are still holding managerial and supervisory positions, supervising LPNs and nursing assistants and resident care co-ordination ,however this is changing too since a lot of facilities are taking in RNs, LPNs are going back for further studies. For educators and care planning even in long term care BSN holders are preferred. ADN nurses may be limited in advancing in their careers for lack of broader skills compared to BSN holders. If one is looking to teach ,become an administrator or be a consultant, most often this requires at least a bachelors degree. I have worked in a facility for nine years ,I have seen a few Directors of Nursing come and go ,every time the state surveyors come they comment, 'you should be the DON the next time we come here, why don't you pursue it?' I have wanted to do this but I felt that ,there was no time to raise a family work full-time and go to school, the hospital that hired me gives tuition re-imbursement, the hospital itself has an RN-BSN program but I will have to wait another two years to start . Being back in the hospital setting has motivated me to further my education , my other biggest motivation is to be a good role model for my family, showing them to use the opportunities availed to them. With a BSN degree I believe this will open up more doors for me to pursue being an educator and wound cosultant, which is my first love in nursing. I also believe that education has a strong impact on the way we do our work so to help my patients better I resolve to improve patients outcomes by getting a better education. References: Differences between Associate and Bachelors degree in nursing retrieved from; www.Degreesearch.org Bureau of Labor statics: Registered Nurses
Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy
Nursing Spectrum January 2013 pg. 26
American Association of Colleges of Nursing fact sheet: Creating a more highly qualified Nursing Workforce
Grand Canyon Student Tutorial
http://www.gcu.edu/degree-programs/registered-nurse-to-bachelor-science