Associate versus baccalaureate degree in nursing
Dawne McCammon
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
NRS - 430V
Melissa Adams
January 26, 2014
Associate versus baccalaureate degree in nursing According to the JAMA Network, registered nurses in the United States are able to receive their basic education in a ADN and BSN program in colleges and universities... Although there are a variety of educational programs preparing RNs, some studies have suggested that baccalaureate-prepared nurses are more likely to demonstrate professional behaviors important to patient safety such as problem solving, performance of complex functions, and effective communication. ("Educational Levels," n.d) A large number of situations have been reported in the research studies reviewed. No major differences are noted between the cognitive abilities of students in baccalaureate and associate degree programs. (Davis-Martin, 1990, p. 2) Associate degree nurses are able to perform well in technical roles for which they have been prepared, as well as in some leadership roles for which they were not originally prepared. I am a prime example of that associate degree nurse who has been performing in leadership roles over the years this is due to on the job training and attending management courses. Baccalaureate nursing practice incorporates the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care, teaching, and leading. (, 2) As a result of the many changes in health care along with the changing needs of patients, it is necessary for nurses to advance to higher levels of education. Having many years of experience seems to not carry as much value as does the level of education in the nursing world. When I graduated almost 34 years ago from nursing school, the positions held by ADN nurses were more of a charge nurse role. Most