...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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...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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...Running head: Competency Comparison Competency Comparison Between ADN and BSN Prepared Nurses Lynda Brace Grand Canyon University: NUR-430V November 20, 2011 Competency Comparison Between ADN and BSN Prepared Nurses There are different pathways of obtaining entry level into the field of nursing. Levels of education vary depending of which route is chosen. Ultimately, no matter what route is undertaken, the Board of Registered administers only one licensing exam (NCLEX-RN). Two of the most common pathways are the Associates Degree (ADN) and the Baccalaureate (BSN) prepared programs. This paper will focus on the competency comparisons between the ADN and BSN prepared nurses. ADN programs were developed post WWII in response to the shortages of trained nurses. New hospitals were emerging and care was being transferred from home based to hospital based. The demand of nurses was far greater than the programs that were available to educate. According to Creasia & Friberg (2011, p.26) ADN programs, developed by Mildred Montag, were to prepare technical nurses who would work under the guidance of a professionally prepared nurse (BSN). This was to assist in the elimination of the nursing shortage in effect at the time. They were not to be hospital focused rather college based. By taking the control away from hospitals, they would be able available to a wider more diverse population. ADN programs are usually two years in length. The first year emphasis is placed...
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...required qualification for an entry level for nursing profession has always been a topic of debate. The main purpose of this paper is to compare the level of proficiency between nurses educated at a baccalaureate degree level to that of an associate degree level. To provide efficient care for their clients nurses have to be equally skilled and knowledgeable. Experience can increase skill level, which alone is not enough, but a blend of proficient knowledge, leadership, research, decision making ability and planning is extremely important too. Baccalaureate degree program encompasses all these in its core curriculum which enables nurses to meet their professional expectations. Comparison Associate degree nursing (ADN) is usually a 2 year program taken at a community college level mainly focusing on basic nursing practices but on the other hand baccalaureate degree nursing (BSN) a four year course which focuses on in depth study of nursing practices along with research, management and leadership (Rosseter, 2014). ADN nurses and BSN nurses are both eligible to work as registered nurses once they pass their licensure exam (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Higher the level of education, lesser the number of clinical errors and better the number of client outcomes. Studies suggest that ADN primarily focuses on diagnosis and the treatment plan; on the other hand BSN focuses on psychosocial complexity and therapeutic use of self to know patients and families and has more insight in developing...
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...Educational Preparation This paper will outline the differences in competencies between Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor in Science of Nursing (BSN) prepared nurses. Then identify a patient care situation describing how nursing care or approaches to decision making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse. The Free online Dictionary (2013) depicts competency as “The quality of being competent or capable of performing an allotted function.” Here is a comparison of two different pathways to becoming a Registered Nurse: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor in Science of Nursing (BSN) programs. Born out of the nursing shortage in 1952, the Associate Degree nurse came in to fruition thanks to Mildred Montag. The Associate Degree program for Registered Nurses is two-three years length. This program does hold academic credit based on clinical and general studies preparing these students to be able to function as “technical” bedside nurses. At the end of the ADN program students are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN (Creasia & Reid, 2011). The Bachelors of Science program is four years in length and actually regarded by the American Nurse association as the original entry level requirement to becoming a Registered Nurse (Smith, 2009). This program originated in 1909. The BSN program is based on evidence based practice, Community nursing, and prepares these nurses for leadership roles whereas the ADN programs do not function to prepare nurses...
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...Running head: EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION PAPER Educational Preparation Jill Blackman Grand Canyon University: NRS430 December 8, 2011 Educational Preparation Nursing is a distinctive healthcare profession that has several different paths that can be taken to become a nurse. One can be considered a nurse with as little as one year of preparation. However, the public does not take this into consideration when they hear the word “nurse”. The Associate’s Degree Nurse (ADN) and the Bachelor’s Degree Nurse (BSN) both take the same exam for licensure. Entry level nursing positions from both programs typically start at the same pay rate. The Associates’ Degree nurse is considered by many to enter at the technical level. The bachelor’s nurse is considered the professional nurse. Most employers prefer to have BSN nurses. They value them for their higher level of education and can utilize their expertise in more ways. Some employers only accept BSN nurses, such as the military, public health and the public school system. Although ADN and BSN provide safe patient care, only the BSN can truly provide holist patient care. Differences in Education The associate’s degree in Nursing emerged as a result of the nursing shortage. Programs that teach ADN nurses are easily accessible in most areas. The cost is minimal compared to other programs. Currently ADN programs require 60-112 credit hours to meet the requirements for graduation (Seago & Spetz, 2002). Typically it...
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...American Nurses Association (2010), “a competency is an expected level of performance, knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment” (p. 12). Does the amount of education matter in regards to an associate-degree level nurse (ADN) verses a baccalaureate-degree level nurse (BSN) when it comes to a nurse’s competence? The purpose of this paper will review and compare competencies between nurses studying at the level of ADN versus BSN and describe a patient care scenario where the decision-making process would differ between degree levels. Nursing Education According to the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), there are three (3) different levels of education for registered nurses that are offered. These include, a 3-year diploma (offered in hospitals), 3-year associate degree from a community college and the 4-year baccalaureate degree which can be obtained through universities or senior level colleges (AACN, 2014). In order to become a registered nurse, specific amounts of education is needed to receive a degree. Education is imperative. Once graduated from one of the three programs, the same National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) will be given. This exam tests minimal competencies to enter the nursing profession and there is no comparison in the passing rate (AACN, 2014). Associate-Degree Nurses Associate-degree nursing programs include one year of general education and two years of clinical courses which prepare the nurse for working in community hospitals...
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...suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations”. (American Nurses Association;) Nurses receive education in the United States by completing a baccalaureate degree (BSN), associate degree (ADN) or diploma program. Graduation from one of these programs allow the nurse to be eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which nursing graduates must pass in order to receive initial licensure (ANA). Once the nurse has achieved licensure, they earn the title of Registered Nurse (RN); little differentiation exists in terms of entry-level practice, so one might wonder why a nursing student would choose a baccalaureate degree program over an associate or diploma program. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the difference in competencies between the ADN and BSN, and how those differences might influence the practice of the nurse. The paper will not discuss the diploma prepared RN because “diploma programs have diminished steadily-to 4% of all basic RN programs in 2006…” (American Nurses Association, 2011) Describing Competency In order to illustrate the difference in competencies between ADN’ and BSN’s, the term competency must be defined and understood. “Competence is a generic term referring to a person’s overall capacity, while competency refers to specific capabilities…” (Clinton, Murrells, & Robinson, 2005, p. 85) (Clinton, Murrells...
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...Competency Comparison: Associate Degree Nurse Versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurse A registered nurse is a trained nurse that, through formal education, completes their college degree and then proves their competency by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX ). Registered nurses can be educated on three different levels, but this paper will address only two: the associate degree, and the baccalaureate degree nurses. Although there are many similarities in competencies, there are also a number of differences. The associate degree trained nurse (ADN), attends a two year program typically taught at a community college. The main part of the curriculum is preparing for clinical competency, but this degree lacks instruction in theory and science of nursing. The ADN program was developed in response to a shortage of nurses following World War II. Mildred Montag developed the two year ADN program in response to the nursing shortage. Montag defined the ADN as a technical nurse which included skill and some judgment to function at the intermediate level. Leadership and management classes were not part of the curriculum. Baccalaureate degree nurse or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs are taught at four year colleges and universities. Clinical competency is achieved, as in the ADN program, but there is also additional areas of study such as: leadership and management, critical thinking and community health care. In a study by Giger & Davidhizar (1990)...
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...Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses James Brown Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V-0101 July 5, 2013 Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Each potential or practicing nurses, have heard the furious examinations in regard to the benefits of an ADN/ASN vs. BSN. To date, all efforts on discovering which one scores over the other has done nothing more than led to considerable confusion. Each of these nursing degree programs possesses a unique set of benefits. (Scheckel, 2009) Each program is designed to prepare the student to take the National Council Licensure Examination also referred to as the NCLEX. Following successfully completion the NCLEX, graduates are well-informed to accomplish physical evaluations, and to administer medications. Nursing graduates from these degree programs are similarly well-informed of medical equipment and are proficient in life resuscitating procedures, such as wound care, lacerations, drains, cardiovascular oxygen transport. In today’s nursing environment, more and more are expected from nurses which includes more than just following physician’s orders and commencing IVs. (Forster, 2008)Today’s nurse should be able to make vital decisions regarding a patient’s care. (Forster, 2008)There are significant differences between programs that will ultimately influence nursing care and end-results for patients. (Clarke, Donaldson, 2008)This paper will review the differences in the competency...
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...of education. The Nursing Diploma and two-year Associates-Degree Nurses (ADN) are considered “technical” while a nurse with a four-year Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) is considered “professional”. The distinction of differentiating nursing capabilities based on education arose after the creation of the two-year ADN programs at junior colleges. After World War II there was a sudden growth in junior colleges to support the demand for technical training and education of returning veterans. At the same time there were accelerated advances in medical sciences and facilities and a supporting demand for more nurses. Creative educators, led by Dr. Mildred Montag, starting in the early 1950’s created the two-year ADN curriculum to help meet the growing demand for nurses. “Dr, Montag’s doctoral research, not only as the spark that began the Associate Degree Nursing movement, but also the research base that proved her ideas could work in the real world and established Associate Degree Nursing as the only nursing program that was research proven over time.” However, some educators took liberties and experimented with the ADN curriculum as they worked to provide the best mix of clinical and classroom education. In 1965, the American Nurses Association (ANA) published a position paper titled “A Position Paper on Education Preparation for Nurse Practitioners and Assistants to Nurses.” This paper stated; “the education of all those who are licensed to practice nursing should...
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...Differences in Competences between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V- Professional Dynamics June 7, 2015 Differences in Competencies between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level There have been many comparisons between the different levels of nursing education, mainly between the Associate degree level vs. the Baccalaureate level. Having a Bachelor’s degree nor an Associate degree will not necessarily make a better nurse, however, there are differences in their course of study that will differentiate them from one another and how they approach patient care. This paper will differentiate the competencies between the Associate degree prepared nurse vs. the Baccalaureate degree nurse. In 1951, Mildred Montag, a nurse educator, started the Associate Degree program to reduce the nursing shortage after the war. The program’s success was measured by the students’ ability to pass the nursing licensure exam (Creasia, Friberg, 2011). The Associate Degree program is today’s most popular route to become a Registered Nurse. It can be taken in a community or junior colleges as a two-year program and once the students graduate, they are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), to become a registered nurse. Baccalaureate degree nursing was also founded after the war (Creasia, Friberg, 2011). It is a nursing program that requires a four-year education at colleges and universities. Graduates...
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...and management of care. To continue to play a pivotal role nursing must elevate its practice to meet the needs of an ever changing health care delivery system. Advances in nursing practice will aide in changing and making health care more affordable, safe and effective. This paper will discuss how nursing, as a profession, can rise to the occasion through elevation of education, primary care practice, and leadership as outlined in the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report: The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. This paper will also discuss how the author will alter personal practice to meet the goals of the IOM report. Education Advancement The Need for Advancement Since its inauguration nursing education has progressed and reformed to meet the needs of the client and the health care delivery system of the time. Issues in health care have influenced the role of education in preparing nurses to deliver safe and effective care and advocate for their patients. Nursing shortages have prompted multiple levels of education for entry level nurses. There are three pathways that have existed for nurses to become an RN. The Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN), the associate degree in nursing (ADN), and the diploma in nursing. There is also another undergraduate level of nursing for prospective nurses to pursue, the licensed practical/vocational diploma in nursing (LPN/LVN). The LPN/LVN play a crucial role in long term care and nursing homes. The most popular pathway...
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...BACCALAUREATE AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE Comparison of competencies between Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Prepared Nurses Kim Krapf Grand Canyon University NRS 430v October 11, 2013 The big question every nursing student asks is why a baccalaureate degree? How does this make me more valuable than a nurse receiving an associate’s degree? Does this make me a better nurse and why? These questions are posed all the time and the debate between both degrees continues. This paper will show the differences in both degree’s, point out how it is important to keep up with the competitive edge in healthcare, why it is so driven by education, and how the different levels of degrees impacts patient care. Both baccalaureate prepared RN’s and associate prepared RN’s is that both take the NCLEX exam, which is looking for a minimum safe competency level. The associate degree takes two years and 72 credits to complete. The baccalaureate degree builds on that base and takes four years and 125 credits. The main difference in these two programs is how they are prepared for the scope of practice, and the different levels of education they receive in community health and leadership skills. (Moore, 2009) Students who enter the associates degree in nursing (ADN) program focus on the pathophysiology of the disease process and how it affects the patient. The primary focus is on building competencies surrounding direct patient care. ADN practice is limited to the hospitals, long...
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...Running Head: ADN or BSN A Comparison of Competencies of Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses Patricia Smith Grand Canyon University Nrus 430 V 11/9/14 Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree? Does it really make a difference when it comes to delivering quality nursing care? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the differences between Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) ) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) and how higher education is crucial to better patient outcomes, the future of Healthcare and the advancement of Nurses. Research shows there is definitely a difference between an Associate degree educated Nurse and a Nurse educated at the Baccalaureate degree level. BSN’s demonstrate greater proficiency in clinical skills and clinical judgment, critical thinking and leadership skills. (www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education Associate degree Nursing programs usually take two years to complete. The course consists of general education, and clinical nursing courses. The students receive the minimal requirements for education in order to sit for the NCLEX and to obtain Nursing Licensure. They are taught the basics of Nursing and are technically trained (they know how), but lack the knowledge base as to why they are doing what they are doing, They work under the supervision of Registered Professional Nurses in Long term Care settings and Community Hospitals. (Creasia 26). Given that...
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