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Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses

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Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses

April 7, 2014

Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” Nelson Mandela

The profession of nursing has always been an evolving and demanding job. With each year the responsibilities of nurses grow and the demands for higher education increases. There are several ways to obtain a nursing license in the United States: a diploma program, associates program, and a baccalaureate degree. Even though the associate degree is a popular route to gain access to the NCLEX there has been much research revolving around the preparedness of associate degree nurses verse baccalaureate degree nurses.
Both associates in nursing and baccalaureate in nursing give a student the sought after nursing license, however research shows there is a vast difference between the ASN and the BSN. The ASN programs are found primarily at community colleges and the curriculum is about 2 years in length. The ASN suffices all subjects related to the NCLEX and prepares students to pass to obtain their licensure. The BSN program is a four -year program that usually takes place in the 4 year colleges. They too are prepared to take the NCLEX, however they are required to gain knowledge deeper in the subject than the ASN. “The review of literature which was presented tends to support the ideology that baccalaureate degree prepared nurses are more proficient in the use of research, leadership, theoretical, conceptual and psychological assessment skills”(Giger &Davidhizzar, 1990). Other nursing related subjects such as science, research, and leadership are required to master when chasing a BSN. These addition classes allow a nurse to further develop their career by participating in evidence-based practice and participating in roles such as clinical management. In addition to education,

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