...Increasing RN-BSN Enrollment Fall B 2011 Increasing RN-BSN Enrollments: Facilitating Articulation through Curriculum Reform Introduction Expanding opportunities, raising potentials, and providing an “edge” have been the prevailing theme in several studies in this article that investigates the motivations of RNs to receive their BSN (Spencer, 2008). Increasing RN-BSN enrollments: facilitating articulation through curriculum reform is an article published in the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing in the July, 2008 issue, written by Janine Spencer. The writer presents an overview of the associate degree and the diploma nurse to obtain a baccalaureate in nursing. The article presents studies that support this view and the advantages of obtaining a BSN degree in nursing. SUMMARY In the profession of nursing there are currently three pathways in which a nurse can obtain licensure: the diploma, the associate degree, and the baccalaureate degree (Spencer, 2008). The article further explains professional nursing organizations views, and discusses key points, in which a baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) degree should be the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing practice. These organizations also support flexible admission criteria for the diploma nurse and the associate degree nurses hoping to encourage these nurses to complete a BSN degree in nursing (Spencer, 2008). The advantage of the nurse to obtain a baccalaureate education...
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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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...type of degree is awarded by community colleges or hospital based nursing schools in US. To graduate as ADN nurse, one has to study 2 years and earn 72 credit hours. The core curriculum based on adult health, community health, maternal, newborn, pediatric and geriatric nursing. After completing the course, to work as Registered Nurse (RN), one has to pass basic requirements such as NCLEX RN test and other continuing education depending upon the nursing board. There are some advantages of ADN programs, that is, they are less expensive, low time consuming and easy way to entry level nursing jobs. ADN degree is based on practical bed side nursing like patient teaching, communicating, provider of care and manager of care. But scope of ADN nurses are limited to certifications. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Baccalaureate Degree Nursing also known as Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Science in other countries. It is an academic degree in the science and principles of nursing, awarded by an accredited tertiary education provider such as Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). BSN degree programs were started in 1909 and University of Minnesota was the first university to offer...
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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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...Preparation Now that I have completed my Registered Nursing (RN) degree, and am working as a new grad nurse, I am venturing into the future with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Some people ask me “why do you bother getting your BSN?” This is a question I have considered myself over the past year, and now I am back in school, I realize the benefits to further education are enormous. Nursing link website states “in today’s nursing world, more is expected from a nurse than following doctor’s orders and starting IVs.” (Forster, 2008, para. 4) It continues to report that we as nurses must be able to “make critical decisions about a patient’s care, to question the doctor if orders seem inappropriate and to help the patient through, sometimes, difficult life-changing decisions.” One can only develop these skills with a broad based education, one that includes “critical thinking, and exposure to many different people, though process, and cultural and social norms.” Therefore BSN programs offer more education aimed at developing such necessary skills. (Forster, 2008, para. 4) This paper will discus such benefits in obtaining a BSN degree in further detail; by comparing the differences in competencies between nurses based on their degree level, the use of patient care situation describing differences in approach to nursing care based of formal education in nursing, and the overall benefits and advantages of higher education for nursing practice. Interestingly enough...
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...to American Nurses Association, nurses who have completed any qualified two-year degree nursing program offered by any community or private colleges and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) are considered Associate Degree Nurse (ADN). ADNs are only prepared to meet the standard defined by the nurse’s scope of practice in order to practice nursing at an entry-level. ("How to Become a Nurse," n.d.) Baccalaureate nurses are those who have gone though a four-year program and received a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN). Besides possessing the basic skills required to enter practice, BSNs are also academically prepared so that they are more capable of pursuit higher education after graduation (Nurse Practitioner or Doctorate in Nursing). Furthermore, they are taught to be more conscious about the nursing profession, and to become an active leader in management and community. BSNs also have the capability to show greater critical thinking skills, more advance clinical judgment...
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...Advantages of Higher Education in Nursing Professional Dynamics April 19, 2013 Advantages of Higher Education in Nursing: ADN vs. BSN In the early 1900's Susan B. Anthony suggested that a "day will come when nurses will be university prepared." That statement describes ongoing controversy by many states and nursing boards that want to change nursing requirements to Bachelors rather than Associate Degree training for todays and tomorrows Registered Nurses. The institute of medicine's report on The Future of Nursing, calls for increasing the numbers of baccalaureate prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% 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 (Rosseter, 2012). Today's healthcare system has come a long way from where it all began. When nursing started training was minimal and almost anyone who wanted to could practice as a nurse. Times changed and the BSN degree was the main method of getting RN licensure. After WWII there was short supply of nurses nationwide so a "fast track" route to getting RN licensure was created, the ADN program. Montag's intent when this program was created was that nurses with associate degrees would work under direction of registered professional nurses who were prepared at the baccalaureate level (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Due to the short length of programs they grew in popularity and soon became the primary method...
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...in Nursing [BSN] and Associate degree in Nursing [ADN] both make candidates eligible for becoming RNs. Associate degree in nursing programs of study are two to three year programs of study offered by technical, community and junior colleges . BSN programs on the other hand are four year courses offered by colleges and universities . In some Universities students are given the option of taking their State Board exam to receive their ADN while continuing their BSN, this allows them to work while they complete their education. For both programs students are trained in class and outside in clinical settings for hands on experience. While the ADN program focuses on giving students the entry-level skills they need to take care of patients, the BSN is much broader incorporating education ,management and leadership skills. The BSN program also gives students the communication skills they need and empowers them in decision making. Nursing is becoming more comprehensive, with the improved technology and availability of information to the general population , nurses have to continually educate themselves to keep abreast. BSN programs prepare candidates for much broader aspect of healthcare; these include home care, travel care and handling emergencies. Having an emphasis on educating the patient is a major goal to maintain health and prevent repeated hospitalizations. ADN recipients have to enroll in a BSN program to gain more knowledge . There are some advantages to obtaining...
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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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...B S Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V 10 July 2011 There are two ways to become a registered nurse: a fast track two year associate degree course or a comprehensive four year baccalaureate course. A graduate of both courses makes the student qualified to take the NCLEX-RN and get an RN license. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2010) believes that “education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of nurses”. The healthcare environment and the nursing world today are constantly changing. The economy is getting worse and competition is getting fiercer. As a result there is an escalating demand for better-quality and efficient patient care providers and independent decision making nurses. The registered nurse today is expected to do much more than just follow physician’s orders, administer medications on time and wound dressing changes. The nurse nowadays must be able to make important judgment decisions, must be able to politely query a doctor when orders seem not appropriate and help patients and family members make difficult decisions that will affect their lives. The associate degree RN and the bachelor’s degree RN have the same RN license, but the baccalaureate degree nurse studied more subjects in the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health and the humanities. These additional courses further enhances the RN’s professional development and provides the nurse with a holistic...
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...Nursing Competencies Between the Associate Level Prepared Nurse and Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurse - Including a Patient Case Scenario Elizabeth A. Borowiak NRS 430V-0109 09/07/2014 ADN vs. BSN – The Big Debate The ADN/BSN debate has been going on for decades. This conflict could possibly negatively affect nurses, our profession and ultimately the patients we serve. There will always be nurses who will excel in the field independent of their educational preparation. Patient’s conditions and the healthcare environment are becoming more complex and having a better-educated workforce helps to improve patient outcomes, but how? What are the differences between a nurse who has her ADN degree versus an RN with a BSN degree? Are there advantages of being a BSN prepared nurse? Nurses today have a difficult time choosing between the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). One might ask, “Why should a nurse take the BSN route when they can take the ADN route and still be a Registered Nurse (RN) in less time and cost” (Moore, 2009). Yes, you can still be an RN, but studies show the ADN prepared nurse will approach clinical situations differently than that of a BSN prepared nurse. The skills differ in many ways, and the BSN prepared nurse is better for patient outcomes. The Associate Degree program teaches nurses the fundamentals and basics of nursing. “The ADN focuses on bedside nursing and technical aspects of the job” (Moore...
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...mandating of Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) to obtain their Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three years Hospitals are currently preferring to hiring those with a BSN's as opposed to those that have ADN's. Future Nurses and nursing students are on the forefront of the proposed legislation that mandates RN's to receive a Bachelor's degree within 3 years of licensure. Nursing schools that offer ADN may see a decrease in enrollment due to those pursuing a career in nursing will apply to a school that offers a BSN program. Nursing Schools will be affected and may have to offer accelerated RN-BSN programs, which may or all together eliminate the ADN program. Hospitals and Healthcare facilities will be directly affected because; they might have to terminate employees that are non-compliant to the new mandated law of having a BSN in three years. Stakeholders The stakeholders of this topic that are affected by this proposal are current and future nurses, nursing students, nursing schools, hospitals and healthcare facilities. " Stakeholders at the federal and state levels have an opportunity to address the nursing shortage by moving to enact legislation and launch programs to increase nursing education and provide funding" (Raines C. and Tagllireni 2008). Governments Role and Legislative Substantiation The government’s role will be to approve and implement the legislation of mandating a BSN within three years of licensure. The government could receive support directly from...
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...Education of the Modern Day Nurse Minimum education requirements for the registered nurse (RN) have been in question for many years and are still the subject for research and debate. The most common programs are the associate degree, diploma, and bachelor’s degree programs. Associate degree nurses (ADN) and diploma nurses make up the majority of nurses graduating today due to the timely and cost effective manner of obtaining their RN in approximately three years. The ADN comes out of a program adequately prepared to practice nursing safely and competently at the entry level position but they do not encompass further education and knowledge that higher degree nurses acquire. Baccalaureate prepared nurses (BSN) are prepared with similar training as the ADN and diploma nurse but they have much more extensive education and training. The BSN possesses a broader, well rounded perspective of nursing history and theory which will help them to excel at their role as an RN. While the ADN and diploma programs produce nurses that are fully capable of practicing at a basic level of nursing, the competencies of the BSN are more widespread and extensive, and therefore produce a nurse better prepared to take on the changes and challenges in an evolving healthcare system. Different Nursing Programs Continuing education for nurses has been offered since the practice was introduced many years ago. As is/was the case now and back then, enrollment in undergraduate and postgraduate...
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...all times in the great BSN versus ADN entry level debate among nursing academia is the Aiken study. This one research study was the major catalyst for the Institute of Medicine (IOM) calling for a ratio of 60% BSN and 40% ADN/ diploma in the North Carolina nursing workforce. Study Design: quantitative, observational study with cross-section design Objective: To examine whether the proportion of hospital RNs educated at the baccalaureate level or higher is associated with risk-adjusted mortality and failure to rescue (deaths in surgical patients with serious complications). Purpose: "We tested whether hospitals with higher proportions of direct-care RNs educated at the baccalaureate level or above have lower risk-adjusted mortality rates and lower rates of failure to rescue (deaths in patients with serious complications). We also examined whether the educational backgrounds of hospital RNs are a predictor of patient mortality beyond factors such as nurse staffing and experience. These findings offer insights into the potential benefits of a more highly educated nurse workforce." Conclusion: In hospitals with higher proportions of nurses educated at the baccalaureate level or higher, surgical patients experienced lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates. "Our findings indicate that surgical patients cared for in hospitals in which higher proportions of direct-care RNs held bachelor's degrees experienced a substantial survival advantage over those treated in hospitals...
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...between a BSN and an ADN There are three different paths to entry into a career as a Registered Nurse. Hospital based diploma programs where started in 1873 and were the first formal education for nursing. Baccalaureate nursing programs began in the 1950’s. However , these programs weren’t able to train enough new nurses to meet the needs after World War II so entry level 2 year associate degree programs where created and after a 5 year study of the competency level of these nurses they were employed as graduate nurses. ADN programs prepare more nursing graduates today than BSN and diploma programs combined. The three types of entry level nursing program have helped meet nursing shortages and also opened the profession to nontraditional students. It has also created confusion among the public as well as the professions as to the exact educational requirements of a professional nurse (Creasia, J. L., & Friberg, E.E. 2011). A survey showed that Baccalaureate or Master’s prepared nurses make up approximately 50% of the workforce with Associates prepared and Diploma prepared nurses making up approximately 36.1% and 13.9% of the work force respectively. All graduates of entry- level nursing programs are required to take the NCLEX-RN examination to obtain licensure as an RN. However, according to the AACN, even though graduates from the different programs enjoy the same pass rate on the examination this does not mean that these programs are equal since the NCLEX-RN only tests...
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