...Educational Preparation The difference between an Associate's degree education (ADN) and a Bachelor's degree education (BSN) has been a topic of discussion between nurses for years. Completion of either an ADN program or a BSN program will result in the same outcome, a Registered Nurse Licensure (RN). There are some nurses that would argue that there is no need to obtain a BSN degree unless the nurse is planning to work in a management position. Then, there are some nurses that would argue that in the very near future a BSN degree will be required in order to work in an acute care environment. Choosing one over the other depends on financial factors, the length of time to be spent in an educational program, and long-term career goals (Morrow, 2008). All of the arguments may have their validities, but in this paper this writer will describe the differences in competencies between nurses with an ADN education and a BSN education. There are two primary goals of any nursing program whether it is an ADN program or a BSN program. The first goal is to endow their nursing students with the appropriate tools to provide safe and competent care to patients. The second is to prepare their students to complete and pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX provides computer adaptive testing that measures minimal competence for safe professional nursing practice. Exam content includes health promotion, pharmacotherapeutics...
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...Disparities in Competencies between BSN and ADN, RN Nurses [pic] In the United States only registered nurses (RNs) are allowed to legally offer nursing services. The RNs have to be certified by the “National Council Licensure” after successfully completing the (NCLEX) “National Council Licensure Examination”. RNs are drawn from both successful Bachelors of Nursing Degree students (BSN) and the Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) students. [pic] Despite, the differences in their respective programs of preparation, the two categories of RNs have to undergo the same mentorship and their entry level income is pretty much similar and close. However, there are notable differences not only in their professional, educational preparation, but also in their competencies. ADN programs are basically short (usually taking two years) in comparison to the BSN programs which take up to four years (Whall & Fitzpatrick, 1989). [pic] The ADN program was developed during the World War II as a means to produce more nurses to meet the rising demand prompted by the war. The ADN scheme was meant to provide concise curriculum on nursing which emphasizes the acquisition of clinical skills that would make the nurse highly task oriented in the clinical set up (Moorhead & Cowen, 2006). Critics now argue that this program can be blamed for low quality delivery. It primarily focuses on hands on skills. [pic] As such the ADN program does not offer the theoretical and scientific background required for...
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...Running Head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established...
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...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 be discussed in detail (Cresaia & Friberg, 2010). First, we will discuss the ADN. Associates Degree (ADN) The ADN requires two years of study in nursing theory and skills. The ADN provides education for entry level of care in a hospital setting (Cresaia & Friberg, 2010). The advantages of an ADN are the strong clinical skills, a shortened period of time for completion, and...
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...Running Head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VERSUS DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VERSUS BSN DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN BSN VERSUS ADN The purpose of this work is to explore the differences in competencies between Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Registered nurses are only legally allowed to practice on patients and clients, these nurses have to be certified and issued licenses by a licensure council after successfully completing and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). These nurses are either Bachelors of nurses or ADN nursing students. ADN nursing program was first introduced during the World War 11 when there was high demand of clinically skill oriented nurses to meet the rising demand the war prompted. ADN program usually take two years to complete and can be done in city or community colleges in comparison to the BSN program which is done in the university and takes about four years to complete. (Moorhead &Cowen, 2006). ADN program emphasize on the acquisition of clinical skills and does not offer the theoretical and scientific knowledge required for the nursing profession, making the program lack competency of scientific theory and ways of providing health services. BSN program, is very different because it requires four years to complete and it focuses on the whole view of nursing field and it enables the student a wide range of diverse populations...
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... Regardless of the general recommendation proposing to move nursing schools from hospitals to universities throughout the first half of the 20th century, it was not till 1950s when hospitals finally agreed to this significant change. Nonetheless, the baccalaureate nursing programs (BSN) did not generate enough nurses to eliminate the post-war nursing shortage. Fortunately in 1951, a well-know nurse and educator Mildred Montag suggested and shaped a new associate degree-nursing program (ADN) to overcome the nursing shortage (Creasia, 2011). The two-year ADN program was designed to be only a temporary solution to a pressing problem; however, the ADN program remained and is producing many new nurses every year. The emphasis of my work is to compare the current ADN and BSN program and highlight the main differences between an ADN and BSN nurse. Moreover, I will use a patient scenario to demonstrate how nurses with an ADN and BSN degree are prepared to provide a competent and safe nursing care to their patients. Two Main Pathways of Becoming RN An ADN program takes two years to complete and is usually offered by community colleges. The curriculum for this nursing program includes both classroom time as well as clinical time in healthcare settings. This program prepares nursing students to pass not only the mandatory coursework but also the NCLEX-RN exam in order to be licensed as RN. A BSN program is an undergraduate degree offered by many colleges and universities. This...
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...Running head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency Difference between ADN and BSN Level of Nursing Mari Rennie Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics July 8, 2012 Abstract This paper will show the associate-degree level of nursing being a foundation to a higher level of learning as in the baccalaureate-degree level all the way to the doctorate level, while also distinguishing the appropriate requirements. A patient care scenario will also be included to provide an example of how these two levels would differ in the real world. Competency Difference between ADN and BSN Level of Nursing There are many different levels of nursing that are determined by education. Education has a lengthy history dating back to the 1800s that includes nursing. There are several competencies that differ between the associate-degree levels in nursing versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. The more education that is received the higher level of learning is accomplished, which in turn leads to advancement in career, less chance of errors, a more educated community, a less hostile environment, and better outcomes (Berry, 10/2010). Education Education has always been a vital aspect in life. In the realm of nursing education we have to thank Florence Nightingale for the start of the education movement back in the 1800s. She was very strong in her beliefs and wanted to find a career that would change women’s lives...
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...Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is shorter than the time is takes to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Also, after completing nursing school everyone sits for the same licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. When considering the two degrees’ it’s important to consider training, skill level, patient outcomes, advancements and the future of nursing. Obtaining an ADN only requires two years of school. Lecture and clinical are combined. Most schools that offer an ADN are community colleges or technical schools. There is an application process, and sometimes a waiting list to get accepted. Earning a BSN requires getting accepted into a university and the program lasts four years. Two years of the program are lecture and the other two are clinical in a hospital. Both programs will train the nursing student how to be a bedside nurse, providing direct patient care to patients and their families. However, “there are distinct differences between the 72 ADN credits and 125 BSN credits required in each of the nursing programs' curriculum. The baccalaureate curriculum has a different focus, emphasizing evidenced-based clinical practice and leadership. Additional courses are offered in the baccalaureate curriculum, such as research, statistics, critical thinking, and public health/community health” (Moore, 2009, p. 1). Is there a difference in skill levels between the two different degrees? Some say there are, and others will disagree. A nurse who is trained at the ADN level will come out of...
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...Grand Canyon University Baccalaureate Curriculum Model, the associates degree level nurse differs from the baccalaureate level nurse in three main competencies; client, nurse, and nursing education. One of the different competencies between associate degree (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree (BSN) is type of client or patients they are prepared to treat and the care setting which they are allowed to work in. “ADN nurses are educated to provide nursing care to persons with similar health alterations in structured setting, whereas BSN-prepared nurses are educated to engage in independent thinking and to provide nursing care to persons with complex and differing health alterations within a variety of settings, including the community” (Hood, 2010, pg. 18). Health care is not only centered as inpatient hospitals but throughout the community as preventive care as well, leaving ADN nurses in a disadvantage. Nurses now a day have to be able to practice across multiple settings. Contrasting the graduates of an ADN program with the graduate of a BSN program; the BSN nurse is prepared to practice in all health care settings; ER, critical care, public health, community health, and mental health. Another difference in competency between the ADN and BSN is the type of expertise and skillfulness each nurse develops. Some skills like communicating and assessing are shared between ADN and BSN nurses. Others are not like spiritual perspective, liberal/critical thinking, and leading/managing...
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...BSN is better than ADN really? Grand Canyon University Grand Canyon University NRS 430V November 3, 2013 Education Preparation Paper With the focus on economical, Political, and technological advances, the healthcare is moving at a rapid pace in today’s world. To meet the consumers educational healthcare needs they are looking for the safest and most effective care they can receive. There are differences in collegiate competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree (ADN) level versus those with a bachelorette degree (BSN). Scope of practice and state regulations are the same for either nurse. However, how the nurse cares for or approaches decision-making tends differ between the two entities. Allowing nurses to be academically prepared in the workplace and to offer the community professional knowledge needed to care for their families and loved ones with preventive care and improve patient outcomes (Sexton, Hunt, Cox, Teasley, & Carrol, 2008, p. 105) Differences in Competencies Associate Degree programs are offered at community colleges around the country. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides and efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The number of ADN programs around the country has steadily increased since being introduced in 1958 with about 1000 programs across the country (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and...
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...nursing degree, which is a 3 year program that focuses on nursing tasks in a hospital setting. It is noted that the diploma nursing program provides the most clock hours of clinical instruction (Hood, 2010, pg. 15). The second degree plan is the associate degree in nursing; this degree focuses on a combination of didactic and clinical skills over a 2 year period. The last degree is the baccalaureate degree in nursing which is a higher level of education in nursing; this includes additional courses in nursing research and community health projects. This paper will give an overview of the differences between the competencies of the associate degree plan versus the baccalaureate trained nurse in the patient care setting. Associate Degree in Nursing The associate degree was originally created to help with the nursing shortage after World War II. The first associate degree nursing program was started by Dr. Mildred Montag in 1952 (Potter & Perry, 2009, pg. 3). The associate degree in nursing is an attractive alternative for many people who decide to go to school to become a nurse. In recent years the ability to obtain a degree in a shorter amount of time and at a lesser cost than a 4 year university has become more advantageous to prospective students. With the evolve of the ADN Registered Nurse to the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing fast track programs offered, the nurse has the ability to work and support themselves while finishing their long term degree...
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...writing on is educational preparation and will further discuss the competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN) levels and identify patient care situation where the approach to decision making or skill differs between the two levels. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish nurses who holds BSN to the ADN. The author’s position here is that there are differences between ADN and BSN graduates in terms of education, training and competencies (Cherry & Jacob, 2010, p. 60-62). The BSN degree is different from the ADN in several ways. The BSN was established before the ADN. In 1909 the University of Minnesota started the first BSN program in nursing in the United States. It was not until the after the second world war that this program gained momentum. Due to a growing shortage of RNs and social, political and educational reforms in society in the 1950s, the ADN emerged as another program in nursing education for community colleges. This program became very popular (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 25-26). The BSN started as 5years program. However, most BSN programs today are now 4 years in length. There are different programs for the BSN. There is the ADN to BSN and the generic, both trying to meet the same goal. I addition to the course work is associate degree program, BSN program does not only limit to nursing care, but covers in details the physical, social science, nursing research, public and community health...
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...nurses nearing retirement. Also the implementation of the Affordable Act is another reason for an increase in the demand for RNs, as this act expands the role of nurses in primary care and other advanced practice roles. According to the Health Resources and Service Administration, in 2010, the Associate Degree in Nursing( ADN), was the most common degree obtained for entry into the nursing profession, with almost one-half of all new nurses possessing this degree ( HRSA, 2010, p. 2-2). Considering the three ways to get into nursing, Diploma, ADN or BSN, it was quite outstanding to find out that ADN and Diploma graduates together in 2010 comprised 65.8% of all new nurses( HRSA, 2010). Even more puzzling was reading the report from the Institute of Medicine released the same year calling out to increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses to 80% by 2020, in order to respond “to the demands of an evolving health care system and meet the changing needs of patients, nurses must achieve higher levels of education”. (IOM, 2010). SO if all three, ADN , Diploma and BSN take the same NCLEX, what is the difference between an ADN and a BSN nurse?? Competency Differences between ADN and BSN nurses Research studies linking the level of nursing...
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...are important in maintaining better healthcare for our world today. Obtaining a nursing degree can be reached by Bachelor in nursing (BSN), Associate Degree (ADN), or diploma. The type of degree received depends on how many years of schooling the individual completed. Although both types of nurses provide proficient care, comparing the two degrees bachelor prepared nurses have a higher competence level than associate prepared nurses in today’s society. Associate prepared nurses (ADN) receive their degree after completing two years of higher level education. This degree offers a basic knowledge of nursing care for the lifespan of the patient. The ADN will implement nursing care with integrity, responsibility, caring and high quality. Due to the limited amount education received an ADN nurse may have a lower skill set level than a bachelor prepared nurse. Graduates of ADN programs possess a core of nursing knowledge common to all nursing education routes. (Mahaffey, 2002). Even though they receive the required nursing classes they don’t receive the classes that enhance critical thinking which in turn could lower their competency level. Based on information provided the ADN nurse has an adequate but lower competency level than a BSN nurse. Bachelor prepared nurses (BSN) receive an additional two years of education beyond the ADN. Expect courses in leadership and management, community health or population focused nursing, and evidence based practice. These are...
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