...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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...The Difference between an ADN nurse and a BSN nurse Amber R Morales Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V April 24, 2015 Nurses are prepared in many ways, from the associates Degree (ADN), to a baccalaureate degree(BSN) and beyond to masters and doctoral. Just like with humans, nurses come in different shapes and sizes per se, but all with one main focus of providing the highest level of care to our patients and their family. All nurses take the same national exam, NCLEX-RN, which test for “minimum technical competency for a safe entry” into the nursing environment (Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce, 2015). The NCLEX-RN is a national certification, but each states board of nursing provides licensing. Daily the healthcare system is changing, therefor nursing is continuously changing. As hospitals try to achieve different levels of ranking or status, the nursing field will have to make needed changes to meet the requirements as well. Hospitals are putting into effect the needed requirements of their nursing staff to become more knowledgeable in their care, provide the highest level of care, and constantly ensuring patient safety. This paper will focus on the differences in approach, explain the roles and skills made by the associates-degree prepared registered nurse (RN) versus a baccalaureate-degree prepared RN. Initially RN’s did not receive licensure in the medical field or proper training, but Mildred Montag “revolutionized nursing education.” Due to...
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...ADN v. BSN Jett Jordan-Woodbury Grand Canyon University RN-BSN NRS 430v: Professional Dynamics Linda Permoda May 11, 2012 Difference in Competencies Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor Degree Nurse While an Associate Degree Nurse, also known as an ADN, and Bachelor of Science in nursing nurse, also known as a BSN, are given the same preliminary education relating to patient treatment, there are notable differences in their professional and educational preparation, as well as their competencies. These two degrees have different levels of patient interaction and contact, as well as job expectations. ADN and BSN programs focus on different aspects and angles of education and job focus that all ultimately lead to taking optimal care of the patient. This paper compares the differences between those two areas and how important it is for these two degrees to work together as a team to provide the best possible outcome for all patients and nurses involved. This paper will touch on the differences between the educational levels and focuses, the clinical competencies, and the job expectations of the ADN and the BSN. Educational Competencies and Job Expectations The educational levels of the ADN and the BSN differ drastically, they can last anywhere from two to four years in length and focus on many different aspects of the nursing profession, but they all are geared toward the same outcome, optimal care of the patient. In the two year ADN program, the RN is focused...
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...bachelor’s degree for all entry-level nurses. How much more professional and effective are the BSN nurses versus ADN or diploma based trained nurses? This leads me to ask the question: Is the use of Baccalaureate Degree Nurses any more effective than the use of Associate Degree Nurses? Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education. (Kubsch, & Hansen, 2008). This study was done to determine if BSN nurses possess greater professionalism than ADN nurses do. The purpose of this research study was to answer two main questions. “Do differences in the perception of professional values exist among practicing RNs? If so, is the difference related to educational background or is it due to other factors?” (Kubsch, & Hansen, 2008). Nurses in hospital settings were interviewed and surveyed. Three programs were looked at. The BSN, associate degree and hospital-based diploma programs. “A total of 590 RN’s who were working at a mid-sized Mid-western hospital and 130 nurses enrolled in an RN-BSN program were invited by e-mail to participate in the study” (Kubsch, & Hansen, 2008). The survey was done solely online. There were a total of 198 surveys completed electronically. The average age of the nurses who completed the survey was 41-50 years of age. More than three fourths of the 94% worked in a hospital setting. The research confirmed the highest level of professionalism was derived from the BSN nurses. The lowest came from the ADN group. The diploma based programs fell mainly in the...
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...Competency Differences between the ASN and BSN RN GCU Professional Dynamics May 25, 2014 There is an ongoing debate whether associate-degree level curricula prepare the nursing student proficiently for a successful entry-level career in nursing. In fact, many studies have been conducted to determine the differentiation of competencies between an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) and a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN). Before I discuss about some of the literature findings, I would like to provide one Pennsylvania’s Nursing School ASN objectives which are for the student to gain nursing knowledge, develop clinical skills, and reaffirm care and compassion. Whereas, the BSN program objectives are to enhance nursing knowledge through advancing the student’s critical thinking skills, communication skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional education. (PCHS, 2014) As the reader can see, there is a direct correlation between education received and what the learner can be expected to demonstrate in their nursing career. In this paper, I hope to identify the differences of competencies between both degrees and describe how nursing care approach may differ. The American Association of College in Nursing (AACN) has provided a fact sheet on “The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice”, within in the document, it focuses on studies that report BSN prepared RN’s experience lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes compared...
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...Educational Preparation of BSN And ADN Paper. Benice C Ejiogu Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V 8/19/2012 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION 2 Educational Preparation of BSN and ADN The differences in competencies between Nurses prepared at the associate –degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level should not be over emphasized due to the fact that their educational preparation differs in different ways. ADN students has 3-year associate degree program, which comprises of both theoretical and clinical experiences. While BSN has a total of 4-year baccalaureate- degree program ,both theories and practical inclusive. McIntosh, T., Duske, S., Anderson, M., & Hill, P. (2008). These nurses has many qualities in common, but their competency level differs in different ways. Competency is defined as the integration of skills and knowledge required to perform a role in a particular setting (McConnell, 2001). Competency can also be defined as an individual’s actual performance in a particular situation, described by how well the individual integrates knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors in delivering care according to expectations (Gurvis & Grey, 1995; Nolan, 1998). BSN and ADN have significant...
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...the AD level versus the BSN level in nursing Identify a patient care situation in which you describe how nursing care of approaches to decisioin making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse (BSN versus a ADN) Competent bedside nurses, regardless of degree, are in high demand. To become a licensed registered nurse, all nurses must pass the NCLEX licensing exam, and graduate from an accredited school of nursing. The debate continues as to whether an ADN degree is adequate, or whether nurses need more advanced training with the BSN degree. This paper will discuss the differences between these two degrees. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/adn-facts AACN recognizes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the minimum educational requirement for what the organization holds to be professional-level nursing practice. AACN's support for the BSN does not mean that we seek to bar ADN graduates from practicing nursing to the full extent of their skills and abilities. AACN maintains this position while recognizing the role ADN-prepared nurses play in the delivery of health care. AACN has a long history of supporting RN-to-Baccalaureate education. From 1986-1988, AACN conducted a study funded by the Division of Nursing, HRSA. The purpose of the study was to provide national data about RN-to-Baccalaureate education both from the institutional and student perspectives. Slightly more than 1,000 RN-to-BSN senior students were randomly...
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...different pathways for one who becomes a registered nurse through the education. This paper will discuss the differences in competency between associate degree nurses (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurses (BSN). A clinical case scenario also gives the example that the difference of nursing care in making decision or approaches based on the various education level, ADN versus BSN. Associated Degree Nursing Mildred Montag (a nurse educator) was the first one who designed the associate degree in nursing (ADN) in 1952 to solve the severity of the nursing shortage. Ever since then, nurse profession had been recognized by diverse population. Therefore, an associate degree nurse can be defined as a nurse who gets fundamental and basics of nursing training in community college in two to three years and eligible to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after the program. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing The baccalaureate nursing program has been established in the United States for over a century but developed slowly until the Second World War. The program had entered the vision of the public and more and more students enrolled into it. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p.25) However, the definition of baccalaureate degree nurse is that a nurse with four to five years of training in the science and principle of nursing who sits for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination to become a RN and prepare for practice after graduated entry-level nursing programs . In...
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...Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Grand Canyon: Professional Dynamics NRS-430V January 4, 2013 Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Nursing education in the United States offers many levels of competency falling under the licensed title of registered nurse (RN). These levels offered in a continuum, begin with nursing as a vocation in the form of licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) followed by an associate degree (ADN), baccalaureate of science degree (BSN), masters of science degree (MSN) and doctorate. All have curriculums that build upon the previous designation in hopes of creating a highly sophisticated nursing profession geared toward handling an evolving healthcare system of diverse populations, technical advances and outcomes. This paper will focus on comparing the competencies between the ADN versus BSN education in order to highlight the need to pursue a BSN level of education. Research conducted by Poster et al. (2005) notes differing curriculum for each type of nursing program produces a difference in entry-level postgraduate competencies within clinical behavior, judgments and knowledge base. These differences according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2005) are largely in the “research, theory, public and community health, management, and humanities (AACN, 2005). The associate degree education was a response to...
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...Nursing Competencies: ADN versus BSN Suzi Roberts Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Brittney Grabill May 2, 2015 Nursing Competencies: ADN versus BSN According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), nursing is “the largest health care profession, with 3.1 million registered nationwide.” The AACN states on their website, in 1980, 22 percent held the bachelor’s degree and 18 percent held an associate’s degree (American Associate of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2015). By the 2008, the number holding bachelor’s degree increased to 36.8 percent and the number for an associate’s degree increased to 36.1 (AACN, 2015). In the paper, I will discuss what it takes to obtain both degrees, the advantages, disadvantages and the different competencies of the Associates Degree in Nurse (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN). In the last few years, the hospital I have worked for has really encouraged those with an ADN degree to obtain their BSN. Representatives from different colleges have made visits to the hospital to get nurses to enroll in their ADN to BSN online programs. Our hospital, like many other across the nation, suffer from a nursing shortage. There are 2 universities within an hour in driving distance with BSN programs. Where I live, we are very fortunate to have an ADN program at our local community college, which is right across the street from the only hospital in town. When thinking about becoming a nurse, the...
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...Differences in Competencies between ADN and BSN There are differing of opinions as well as research pertaining to the differences in competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses. In recent years facilities have begun requiring nurses to have a BSN or higher to qualify for employment. Facilities wishing to apply for Magnet status must have plans in place to achieve the IOM recommendation of having 80% baccalaureate prepared RN by 2020 (Yakusheva). Let’s take a look at the differences and you can decide for yourself. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing requires 2 years to complete. The program focuses on several components such as: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, care interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration and care management (Faison). ADN graduates will be well prepared to function in multiple health care settings, including community practice sites by spending time in classroom lectures and participating in clinicals with testing on a routine basis (Mahaffey). One’s education will not stop at this point, even if the RN does not seek out a higher nursing degree. The ADN will continue to build on his/her learning by participating in valuable on the job training, completing continuing education units as required by the Board of Nursing, and most of all, experience. Though the ADN is deemed competent to perform patient care, the choice not to pursue a higher level of nursing accreditation...
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...Differences in Associate Nurse and Baccalaureate Nurses There are three pathways to become a Registered Nurse (RN) the first is a diploma nurse which consist of one to three years training in a hospital these nurses are strongest clinically since the training is usually hospital based. The other two choices are the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN) all of these graduate’s are candidates to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This paper will discuss the differences in the competency levels between the ADN and BSN. The Associate Degree Nursing program provides an efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Graduates are competent in clinical and proficient in technical skills required to practice safely in multiple settings and to fully assume the RN role. Associate Degree Programs began in 1952 at Fairleigh Dickinson University. This type of nurse is usually educated at community colleges and completes training in twenty to twenty-four months after pre-requisites are met. The facts would suggest that ADN has less theory and more clinical training and according to the American Association Nursing-Fact Sheet “Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce” are less likely to notice a critical change in patient condition. The BSN completes their four years of education at the University level training is more focused on patient outcomes and nursing theories. Receiving more theoretical training they are better prepared...
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...Education Differences Between ADN and BSN Sherrie Sanchez Grand Canyon University August 14, 2013 Education difference between ADN and BSN There is an increased focus in nursing to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing prior to entering the field. Many employers are requiring that an entry level nurse have their BSN degree. Employers are seeking out magnet status. In order to obtain this elite status they must have a high ratio of advanced degree nurses with their BSN or higher. The evidence behind having more nurses educated at a higher level is patient centered care. The differences in education between an associate degree nurse and a baccalaureate prepared nurse will be looked at thru this paper. The second item that will be addressed in this paper is how the care for patients differs between the ADN and BSN prepared nurse. Differences in education A person wants to go to school for nursing but are overwhelmed with a decision does this person obtain an associate’s degree in nursing or continue on further for a baccalaureate degree prior to entering the field of chosen study. This dilemma has been debated on for many years. The obvious difference between the two educations is the length of study. Both are able to sit for the same board exam the NCLEX at the end of study and they are both technically skilled for an entry level position. One may think then that there is really no difference in education other then the last three letters behind their name. The baccalaureate...
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...their patients receive. This paper is going to first explain the two main routes of education one can take to become a nurse, the associate’s and bachelor’s degree. Then it is going to show a few examples of competencies that differ in patient care when a patient is cared for by an associate’s degree verses a bachelor’s degree nurse. Then finally this paper is going to give a personal patient care example of care that differed when given by an AND verses a BSN nurse. Associates Degree (ADN) An associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) is a two year academic degree awarded by a community college. This degree usually requires at least one year of prerequisites prior to entering the nursing program. The ADN was first introduced in 1956 by Mildred Montag to help alleviate the nursing shortage after World War II (GCU, 2014). Ms. Montag envisioned a new level of nurse from the current apprentice nurse that was trained at a hospital and the BSN nurse that was trained at a four year university. Ms. Montag created a degree program that would allow nurses to be trained at a faster pace and also attract students that did not fit into the hospital trained setting or who did not have time for a four year degree. The first ADN programs helped attract the older students and those who were married, widowed or separated because hospital programs did not allow older or married students (Mahaffey PhD, 2002). Bachelor’s Degree (BSN) A Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is a four year academic degree...
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...The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 5, 2012 Abstract Both ADN and BSN nurse needs to take licensing examinations to start working as a registered nurse in the United States. Associate degrees require two years of studying in a community college. However a bachelor’s degree requires four years of academic studying in a college. The first topic of the paper is whether not the risk taking propensities of the nurses changed between ADN and BSN nurses. A second topic of this paper is whether there is a different sort of management role between ADN nurses and BSN nurses. Lastly the quality of work between the Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) will be examined to see if the competency of the ADN and BSN differs. The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses History of Nursing According to Joan L Creasia and Elizabeth Friberg, the first baccalaureate degree of nursing in the U.S.A was started in the University of Minnesota in 1909. Until the 1950’s the program usually consisted of two years of general education and then three years of nursing education. These nurses who graduated in 5 years could either begin as a general nurse who works in the hospital and is a part of patient care or they can join the management side of patient care and become managers of hospitals. For the BSN they would have to study liberal arts, patient quality...
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