MARYANN ONWENU
Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics NURS 430V
April 5, 2014

Since the evolution of nursing, through its modernization by Florence Nightingale, the quest to obtain a higher and more competencies in the practice of nursing is endless. The distinction between the Baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN) and the Associate degree nurse (ADN) is the focus of this paper, using clinical case scenario to explain the clinical expertise, and decisions in educational experience of the BSN and ADN Nurse.
Associate Degree Nursing The emergence of ADN program started in 1951 by Mildred Montag during the drastic shortage of nurses due to World War II. She proffered the development of a 2-year nurse program to prepare nurse technicians. After 5 years of graduating scholars, who have proven their academic and clinical competency by passing the state nursing licensing/licensure exams (NCLEX). As a result of this successful passing rate, the ADN program came into being, all through community colleges. According to Rines, 1977 from 1952 to 1974, the number of ADN programs in the country doubled every 4 years. During one period, new programs opened at the rate of one per week (Rines 1977).
The ADN scope of knowledge is narrowly channeled to hands-on patient care. Using the nursing process to deal with every patient situation, limiting them to the use of evidenced-based experiences and to use critical thinking beyond their scope, and need in prompting decision-making, as opposed to the BSN nurse. Nowadays most ADN nurses are finding it difficult to secure job in the hospital setting; because of their limited evidence based clinical experience. With the new legislation in Pennsylvania the RN-plus-10, gives AD nurses who are currently working in hospitals, at least 10 years to acquire their BSN degree.

Baccalaureate Degree Nursing