...Associate-degree Level VS. Baccalaureate-degree Level in Nursing Lisa L. Ramirez Grand Canyon University: NRS 430-V November 22, 2013 There are many differences in the nursing field between an undergraduate nurse, holding an associate’s degree (ADN) and a graduate nurse, holding a baccalaureate’s degree (BSN). The main focus of this paper is to identify the differences of competency in the nursing practice of nurses holding an ADN vs. a BSN degree in the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care, teaching, and leading. Competency is the ability to do something efficiently and successfully. Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers the BSN program and is based on the curriculum set forth by the College of Nursing. This curriculum is outlined to prepare the student to respond creatively to the continuously changing health care systems throughout the world. “Within this program, professionalism, ethical decision making, accountability, effective communication, and critical thinking are emphasized and is achieved by the application of liberal arts, science, health and nursing theories” (GCU). The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life and achievement of potential, according to the community college of Piedmont. According to an article from...
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...Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN Sheri Lancaster August 23, 2014 Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN There has been much discussion recently about the need to require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree for entry-level nurses. Many hospitals have moved to this ideology and have already began to give a hiring preference to those nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree and many have hired Associate degreed nurses with the requirement that they will obtain their baccalaureate degree within so many years of employment date. This paper will discuss the differences between a nurse holding an associates degree and a baccalaureate degree, as well as, present a patient care situation describing how patient care decisions difference based upon the nurse’s educational level. History of ADN and BSN Programs It was during the post World War II years that Mildred Montage developed an associate degree level of nursing education in response to the shortage of nursing (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). She developed the associate degree-nursing program with the intent that these nurses would work under the supervision of baccalaureate level nurses who were at the time considered professional nurses. The Associate program is a two-year program that focuses on the fundamentals of nursing and teaching bedside clinical skills. The baccalaureate degree program has been in existence since 1909 and was developed as a five-year program (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). It...
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...that the "minimum preparation for beginning professional nursing practice should be baccalaureate degree education in nursing" (as cited in American Nurses Association, n.d.), and this statement is consistently reaffirmed by the organization in 1978 and 1985 (American Nurses Association, n.d.). Opponents to this position argue, that graduates of Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs have been shown that they have the same skill levels (Smith, 2002). Is this true? In brief, no. Their basic technical skills upon graduation are the same, but their competencies vary significantly (Gondeck, 2011). At the forefront, it should be understood that an ADN is not comparable to a generic Associates degree obtained from a Community College or similar venue. It is "a cut above" the standard associates degree. I have had people inquire about becoming a nurse, and I ensure they are aware that comprehension in nursing classes is different from other college classes where you can read the chapter summary and be happy with a "C". In nursing courses, a student must have read and understood all the assigned readings. If you don't, no big deal, right? Wrong! It could be someone's life down the road. Our instructors drilled that into us throughout our ADN classes. The instructors knew that more was on the line than a student's feelings. Individuals who have earned an ADN have put in the blood, sweat and tears that is equivalent...
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...Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN) Donna Rodriguez Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS 430V Jayme Goodner September 28, 2013 Educational Preparation of Registered Nurses: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN) The purpose of this paper is to discuss the educational preparation of the Associate Degree nurse (ADN) versus the Baccalaureate prepared Nurse (BSN). This will be accomplished by first exploring the differences in competencies between nurses based on degree level and with the use of a patient care example to describe the difference in the nursing approach based on formal educational preparation. Currently there are two paths to obtaining a registered nursing certification the ADN versus the BSN. The reasons for the development of the ADN nursing programs were simple. It was a matter of supply and demand, and a necessary solution to a problem. In the year of 1951, after the war a huge nursing shortage existed. It was at that time that a nurse educator named Mildred Montag made a proposition to prepare nurse technicians in 2-year associate degree community colleges. A 5-year study of ADN graduates noted preparation was successful, as the nurses passed their exams for licensure and demonstrated the ability to practice nursing with competence (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The typical ADN degree is comprised of an average of 70 credit hours; 30 are in nursing with 10 credit hours...
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...Running head: ADN vs. BSN ADN vs. BSN ADN vs. BSN When I read the assignment for this paper, I thought the answers were clear cut and easy. As I was researching for the paper, I found that I was becoming extremely defensive in the cases where studies were attempting to prove Associate-Degree Registered Nurses were not as competent as Baccalaureate-Degree Registered Nurses. I felt personally attacked. When I asked myself why I was taking this course to further my education and proceed towards obtaining a Baccalaureate-Degree, the answers became clear and obvious once again. In researching the differences in competencies of nurses prepared at the associate-degree level verses the baccalaureate-degree in the nursing field there was little evidence to show a significant difference in initial practice. Both ADN and BSN nursing graduates are required to pass the same National Licensure Council Examination (NCLEX). BSN and ADN nurses initially practice at a similar level. (Davis-Martin & Skalak, 1992, p. 27). In the both ADN and BSN nursing programs students are prepared with courses in ethics, nursing process, critical thinking, accountability, and basic understanding of cultural diversity among the nursing curriculum. Yet there are some basic preparation differences. BSN prepared nurses are required to take courses in liberal arts and humanities which create a well diverse or well-rounded student. The BSN program also requires courses in community health, and more...
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...Running Head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 1 Educational Preparation: Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at Associates-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Jenny Curie Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Tara Harris February 10, 2013 DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 2 Competency is defined as the quality of being competent. To be competent one must possess required skill, knowledge, qualification, or capacity. The profession of nursing requires a skillset and knowledge base that is specific to its kind. There are many options in one’s educational journey to obtain a nursing degree. Nursing is the largest health care profession in our society today with three million registered nurses nationwide (AACN, Nursing Workforce). Along with the growing profession and the ever growing need for quality health care the debate over what qualifies a nurse to be skillful and competent in her profession and what type of education is required is at the for front. What are the differences in competency between a nurse with an associates degree and one holding a baccalaureate degree? Of the three million registered nurses nationwide 50% of those hold a baccalaureate degree while 36.1% have an associates degree, and 13% a diploma (AACN, Nursing Workforce). The quality in which we provide patient care and the need for those in this field to obtain higher levels of education...
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...Canyon University: Professional Dynamics December 6, 2015 BSN vs. ADN The discussion of rather an associate’s or bachelor’s degree should be the required educational experience of future nurses is one that will not end until one or the other is completely phased out. Some healthcare facilities have already begun the process of requiring their nurses to have a BSN versus an ADN upon hiring. A major difference between the two degrees is that a BSN readily prepares an individual for more advanced positions than an ADN, such as nurse manager. The BSN also has more preparation for entrance into an advanced degree program, such as nurse practitioner. It has reached a point where nurses are being put in positions to advocate for large groups of individuals, be involved in the politics of healthcare, and serve as a representative for nurses everywhere; however, there are only few nurses taking on these grand roles. Lack of preparation, knowledge, and ceasing further education is to blame. Obtaining a BSN as expressed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2015) “enhances both clinical competency and care delivery”. This presents another difference between the two degrees. Another difference between the ADN and BSN is that the clinical experience for both the patient and nurse is observingly different. A study done to explore the clinical differences between a nurse with an ADN vs a nurse with a BSN expressed that many times the nurse’s critical thinking skills...
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...Woodmore Grand Canyon University: NRS-430 April 10,2016 Nursing is a profession where you can obtain an education and get hands on training at either a two-year college or four-year college. Each degree leads graduate nurses to sit for boards which is known as the NCLEX. When a graduate nurse has successfully pass the NCLEX then they are officially a Registered Nurse. The difference in nursing is the degree each nurse pursued while attending school. The longer you attend school the higher degree of nursing you will achieve. The biggest percentage of nurses today consist of the Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) and The Bachelor of Science Degree of Nursing (BSN). According to the American Community Survey 37 percent of nurses obtained an Associate Degree while 44 percent of nurses obtain a Baccalaureate Degree (In Friberg & In Creasia, 2016 pg.28-29). The Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program taught at several community colleges, as well as private institutes all over the U.S. The severity of the nursing shortage back after world war two had the world in desperate need of nurses. Mildred Montag, a nurse educator back in 1951 proposed a program to prepare nurse technicians with a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (In Friberg & In Creasia,2016 pg.13). The program covers many nursing courses but it is not as exclusive in theory and research. After doing a study over the years, the ADN program proved to be effective when graduate nurses were able...
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...ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 1 ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 2 Random Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Although testing for one’s RN license is universal, the training background of an ADN versus a BSN nurse are very different. This has brought us to the discussion of the differences between an ADN and a BSN level nurse. As the needs of the patient population is changing, the demand for a more educated, skilled, resourceful practitioner is required (Smith, 2009). Personal Experience Example of how an ADN versus BSN nurse would treat a CHF patient. A specific patient case I reviewed, was readmitted to a hospital again within thirty days with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The ADN trained nurse could administer drugs, perform daily weights, ensure that the patient followed a cardiac diet, but was strictly task oriented (The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program, 2013). The BSN trained nurse, would base the care provided using a more integrated system (Why the Push for BSN Nurses?, 2012). The focus of the BSN trained nurse would encompass more teaching, measuring compliance of instructions that were given, and ensure core measures would be met prior to discharge. The follow up care would include determining if the patient had access to meds, home health, understood the need to maintain dietary restrictions, and instruct the patient on keeping a daily weight log to ensure that weight trends would be monitored and recorded. ADN...
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...The Difference between BSN and ADN The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree can be acquired in 2 years at a university, community college, vocational school or even some hospitals. An ASN educational program readies nurses to deliver direct patient treatment or carry out other qualified nursing duties and responsibilities inside the field of health care. This 2-year degree can be the groundwork for more advanced nursing academic options like a bachelor’s or master’s in nursing. It is a relatively fast way to get into the nursing field and start earning income. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree typically takes 4 years to complete at the numerous universities and colleges that offer these programs. The BSN readies nurses to perform in most medical environments. While the job environments for RN’s with BSN degrees may be almost identical to that of RN’s with an ASN degree, those who completed BSN programs have additional preparation and training for clinical jobs that could include management, fiscal duties, medical personnel scheduling, administration, leadership and research roles (ASN vs RSN,. 2024). The main difference is the length of time and the amount of credits required to complete the program. An ADN typically takes 2 years to complete while a BSN will take 4 years to complete (including the time spent taking the prerequisites to enter the program.) There are also accelerated BSN programs (18-21 months) for students who have already obtained a...
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...The Age Old Debate: ADN vs BSN, a comparison Seth Ronning Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics Kimberly Hammerton September 4, 2013 The Age Old Debate: ADN vs BSN, a comparison In battles of good versus evil through out history, good almost always triumphs in the end. For example the New York Yankees have won a total of twenty seven World Series Championships compared to the Boston Red Sox who have won a meager seven World Series. Another example would be Darth Vader returning from the dark side to vanquish the evil Emperor by means of hurling the villain over a rail to unseen depths and certain death. In the case of Bachelors level nursing compared to Associates level nursing however, there really is no good versus evil to compare. There is no dark versus light there is just a different level of attained educational degree. The question is what does the difference in education level provide in the level of competency of each nurse. The aim of this paper is to discuss what is the definition of competency in nursing and how is it measured, what are the advantages in nursing care for associates and bachelors degree care, and how do the differences in educational level affect overall patient outcomes. What is competency in nursing? The American Nurses Association, or ANA, defines competency by stating, “competency is an expected level of performance that results from an integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment” (ANA 2004). A nurses’ ability...
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...Differences between Nurses Educated at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Nursing Christy Lilly Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-O501 March 27, 2015 Differences between Nurses Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Education can be a factor in determining a person’s success and well-being. Does the difference in RN education play a role in well-being of those they care for? I will explain some educational differences between an Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate of Science Nurse (BSN). Also, I will share a clinical case scenario to demonstrate the differences in approach, experience and skills effect clinical decisions made by a BSN and an ADN nurse. Associate Degree Nursing Education The ADN requires two or three years of college, whether at a community college or junior college. The graduate earns an Associates of Science in Nursing and is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The idea of the ADN was founded by Mildred Montag in 1952 due to the nursing shortage post World War II. Montag proposed a two-year program in junior or community colleges. Her intent was the ADN would be more educated than the untrained nurse, otherwise known as a practical nurse. The ADN would qualify to test for RN licensure and enter practice working under the supervision of a BSN nurse. Montag’s proposed framework and model was not executed completely. Instead...
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...ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 1 ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 2 Random Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Although testing for one’s RN license is universal, the training background of an ADN versus a BSN nurse are very different. This has brought us to the discussion of the differences between an ADN and a BSN level nurse. As the needs of the patient population is changing, the demand for a more educated, skilled, resourceful practitioner is required (Smith, 2009). Personal Experience Example of how an ADN versus BSN nurse would treat a CHF patient. A specific patient case I reviewed, was readmitted to a hospital again within thirty days with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The ADN trained nurse could administer drugs, perform daily weights, ensure that the patient followed a cardiac diet, but was strictly task oriented (The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program, 2013). The BSN trained nurse, would base the care provided using a more integrated system (Why the Push for BSN Nurses?, 2012). The focus of the BSN trained nurse would encompass more teaching, measuring compliance of instructions that were given, and ensure core measures would be met prior to discharge. The follow up care would include determining if the patient had access to meds, home health, understood the need to maintain dietary restrictions, and instruct the patient on keeping a daily weight log to ensure that weight trends would be monitored and recorded. ADN...
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...ADN VS BSN PATRINA HAYES GCU ADN VS BSN The nursing field is a rapidly growing profession that requires many different levels of degrees. Registered nurses can have levels of education ranging from a Associates to Doctorate degree. This paper will give a better understanding to the difference between the Associates degree in nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN). The ADN program was established in 1951 due to a nursing shortage in the post war years (Haase, 1990) Since then, the curriculum has changed from teacher or subject oriented to bedside and basic critical thinking skill. The ADN program is a two year program not including the required general education classes. The BSN program is a four year program including prerequisites. The BSN program emphasizes in critical thinking, leadership skills and a professional role away from the bedside. Both programs include their core curriculum of Adult Health, Maternal and Newborn nursing and Pediatrics. BSN Program includes nursing research and nursing informatics. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing(AACN) believes nurse with their BSN degree are more prepared for today’s workforce due to their well-developed critical thinking skills, leadership and ability to practice in different settings The ADN student focuses on providing bedside care to patients with acute and chronic health needs with policy and procedures reflecting current standard of care. The obvious differences between the programs are...
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...Competency Differences Between ADN vs BSN in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics Competency Differences For ADN vs BSN in Nursing Are all registered nurses created equal and the same? To simply put it, no they are not. A registered nurse may be prepared at the diploma level, associate-degree level, baccalaureate-degree level, master degree level, and some possess a doctoral degree. The focus of this paper will be directed at the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree (ADN) level and nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level. Graduates from either degree must pass an examination as put forth by the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to become a licensed registered nurse. The NCLEX exam is the same for both degrees even though their prepared education is different. Three major differences in nursing competencies include education, nursing judgment, and professional identity. The following paragraphs will review and discuss how nursing care or approaches to decision making may differ upon the educational background of a registered nurse. First and foremost, “baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities” ("Impact of Education," 2014, para. 4). The additional...
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