...Associate’s Degree versus Bachelor’s Degree There are several differences regarding competencies between nurses that have been educationally prepared at the associate degree level versus nurses that have been prepared at the baccalaureate degree level including a difference in learning leadership skills, a difference in teaching how a nurse utilizes critical thinking, and also, determines how autonomous a nurse will be while practicing. While these differences show certain distinctions in each level of education, there are other things that factor in, such as each individual nurses experience in the field and any previous experience in leadership roles. There are many other differences that distinguish each degree level also. Leadership skills are one of the variations in education that determine whether a nurse is studying in an associate’s program or a bachelor’s program. A bachelor’s program prepares a student for “beginning leadership positions in a variety of settings” (Creasia, J., & Friberg, E., 2011). An associate’s degree program may cover the basics of leadership skills, but a bachelor’s program will teach and prepare the student to begin an entry level leadership position as soon as they become a registered nurse. One example of a situation in which a nurse with a bachelor’s degree might differ when in a patient care situation is that, because of the additional leadership training, they may be able to advance to a charge nurse position quicker than a nurse who...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES OF A 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...
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...Diploma vs. Associates vs. Bachelor Degree Nurses Louanne Adkins RN Grand Canyon University: Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptua... June 6, 2015 I have seen and experienced a wide variety of differences among the 3 types of degrees available, diploma vs. associates vs. bachelors. Myself, as a three year diploma nurse, I believe that I encountered more of a “hands on approach” to clinical skills versus the “book smart” bachelor approach versus the combination program of the associate’s degree. My diploma program started day one with patient interaction, from vital signs to baths. I discovered the bachelors program was mainly book work until the fourth year, at which time clinicals were initiated. The current trend and future of nursing is having a bachelor’s degree. I believe that this is due to the greater exposure to management skills on a daily basis that nurses now face. Previously there was a direct line from the doctors, who made the decisions, to the nurses that did as they were instructed. As the nursing processed evolved, nurses were empowered and started becoming a patient advocate, this came as a direct route of the education nurses received. Nurses have come to earn the respect of their coworkers and doctors that they have worked with. I had the experience of starting my first job out of nursing school on a med-surg floor on second shift with two other new grads. One was an associate degree grad while the other...
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...Associate-Degree Level versus Baccalaureate-Degree Level According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the improvement in quality of education for health professionals is necessary to continue to meet the needs of the health care delivery system. (“Health Professions,” 2003). Nursing has evolved throughout the centuries; from the male-dominated religious caregivers dated as far back as 250 B.C., to the registration of nursing created by Elizabeth Grace Neil in 1901. Moreover, the continuous rapid advances and demand in health care has prompted alternatives in educational programs. Mildred Montag, the founder of the 2 year Associates degree, created this program to combat scarcity in nursing during World War II. (Creasia and Friberg, 2011, p.15). Countless research and investigation has been conducted to analyze the differences between nurses' competencies prepared at the Associate-degree level to the Baccalaureate-degree level in dealing with the outcome of patient care. Differences in Curriculum The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a 2-year program that focuses on clinical experiences and technical competence. On the other hand, the Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4-year program that focuses on preparing professional nurses for acute care, community-based treatment, and the inception of leadership and administrative positions. The BSN level integrates with the infrastructure of knowledge that was built during training at the ASN level in preparation...
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...An ADN nurse is defined as a nurse with two years of schooling focusing on general studies and clinical nursing in a community college setting. Upon graduation the student is qualified to take a national licensure exam to become a registered nurse (RN). In 1952 Mildred Montag created the ADN program due to the rising demand of nurses after the war. This program was offered to increase nurses in the workplace. The programs’ success was determined by satisfactory clinical nursing skills and passing a national exam (Creasia & Friberg, 2010, p.26). A BSN nurse can be defined as a nurse with four years of nurse training. This consists of two years of general studies, followed by a two year nursing program. Upon graduation in order to become a RN students must pass a national exam. According to Creasia and Friberg (2010), the BSN program was founded after World War II. The program was not popular at first and they struggled to find qualified instructors. Now many of the instructors who teach are well respected in the nursing field (Creasia & Friberg, 2010, p.25). The BSN program includes all the courses taught in associate degree programs. However, according to Creasia and Friberg, “liberal education, quality and patient safety, evidence-based practice, information management, health care policy and finance, communication/collaboration, clinical prevention/population health, and professional values” (Creasia & Friberg, 2010, p.25) are taught more in depth. According to Grand Canyon...
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...Running head: ASSOCIATE DEGREE NURSE VS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Associate Degree Nurse vs Bachelor of Science Nurse Associate Degree Nurse vs Bachelor of Science Nurse The nursing profession is unlike other health care professions. It has multiple education levels of entry into the nursing field. Many states have recently started to propose legislation to make registered nurses obtain their bachelor of science in nursing within ten years of becoming licensed registered nurses. This proposed legislation is aware of the associate degree nurses level of education and offers solutions for continued pursuit of furthering their education to the bachelor of science nurse. It is believed with the combination of the associate degree nurse furthering her education to a baccalaureate education, nursing will become a stronger profession and thus improve patient care outcomes and quality of care.(Lane, 2010) North Dakota became the first state to require the bachelor of science be obtained within the first tens years of obtaining the registered license. For many years the nursing leaders have discussed the idea of advancing the nurses education to the bachelor of science degree. North Dakota, New York and New Jersey were the first states to propose legislation for this to occur. North Dakota overturned their legislation and New York and New Jersey did not pass this legislation. According to the ANA many states have passed legislation to mandate required continuing...
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...Degree. However the ever changing landscape of the nursing field has shown the demand for a higher level of preparedness from the Registered Nurse to readily adapt. The fairly recent standard being implemented, almost nationwide is the demand of all nurses to obtain their Bachelorette Degree. The Associates Degree program lasting usually around two years is a streamlined program geared towards preparing the student to function as a nurse and past the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX. The Bachelor Degree nurse still has to past the NCLEX examination to practice as nurse, but the typical four year degree includes key differences usually omitted from its counterpart the Associates Degree program. Most Associates Degree prepared nurses can provide patient care directly. The major difference that a Bachelor Degree program provides is that the nurse can understand the science and nursing process of that patient care provided at a higher level basis of knowledge. The Bachelor program typically further promotes nursing history...
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...more beneficial than a four- year bachelor degree. Primarily focusing on students who have thought of going into law, however, were conflicted due to criticism around, tuition and employment upon graduating. The article conveys with data gathered by various reliable sources suggesting earning a degree in law is a better financial decision than ending with a four -year bachelor degree. Along with data gathered from government agencies supporting higher earnings with a law degree, an 18- year study also suggested lower unemployment rates and disability rates for law degree holders therefore, suggesting a law degree is more beneficial than a four- year bachelor degree. In support of the article, statistics from government agencies such as U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau support their claim that law degrees have value over bachelor degrees. Displaying examples of earnings premium even at its lowest with a law degree VS a four -year bachelor degree. Even gathering data from people with law degrees that do not practice law suggest a higher earnings premium. Gathering data from three separate reliable sources the authors were able to support the article with facts. Since the article is aimed at hopeful law students or conflicted students the input of various government agencies solidifies earning a law degree can be beneficial, even if you choose not to practice law. While deciding whether or not to continue after a bachelor degree can be frustrating the article...
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...Associate Degree Program vs Bachelor’s Degree Program for Nursing Associate Degree Program vs Bachelor’s Degree Program for Nursing To become a registered nurse, one must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX exam. There are different routes one may take to become a registered nurse. These routes include a diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree program. The diploma program was the core of nurse educating until the 1960’s. The typical diploma program lasts three years. This program focuses on clinical experience and direct patient care. Over the years, the diploma programs have decreased. In 2010, there was only 54 accredited diploma programs. Since diploma programs are not as common as associate degree programs or bachelor’s degree programs, this paper will compare the ADN and BSN programs and explain why having a bachelor degree in nursing is a benefit to not only the nurse, but also the hospital and the patient. Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree Programs Associate degree programs typically last two years, but the student is required to take other courses to fulfill graduation requirements. According to Creasia & Friberg (2011),”the ADN program prepares the nurse for direct patient care for secondary care settings, such as community hospitals and long term care facilities”. Many people choose an ADN program because community colleges are less expensive than going to a university. Community colleges can also be more accessible...
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...BSN vs. ADN in Nursing Anita Scheiman Grand Canyon University NRS-430V November 1, 2013 BSN vs. ADN in Nursing Through my research for this paper I have found that RNs who have an associate degree or diploma are more likely to make errors during clinical practice. Nurses who hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees have a stronger foundation in which to build better communication, leadership, critical thinking and problem solving skills. The high demands placed on today's nurses really challenge all of these skills on a daily basis. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees have a better understanding of the importance to be proficient in these skills. In a study of RN-to-BSN degree graduates from 1995 to 1998 (Phillips, Palmer, Zimmerman, & Mayfield, 2002), these students demonstrated higher competency in nursing practice, communication, leadership, professional integration, and research/evaluation. The added classes enhances the student’s view for a wide scope of practice which will aid the nurse in comprehending the many issues that plague patients and impact health care. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree can help a nurse be more confident in his/her ability no matter the patient care setting. Numerous research studies have demonstrated that the ADN and BSN nurses are not different in skill competency when they graduate, but over time, the BSN nurses show greater critical thinking skills, better problem solving, and the development...
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...and the Associates Degree in Nursing, you must first be able to understand the definition, description and the competencies of each Degree. 1. Definition of the Diploma Nurse A Diploma Nurse is someone who completes a nursing curriculum associated with a hospital or medical facility than traditional colleges. The Diploma Nurse program is a three-year program. ("Diploma vs. BSN," 2010, p. 1) 2. Definition of the Associates Degree in Nursing An Associate’s Degree in Nursing is a two to three year degree. Requirements are a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Often these nursing degrees are conferred at community colleges. There are many 4 year colleges and universities that offer the associates degree programs as well. (Seehorn, “n.d.”, p. 1) 3. Definition of the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) A Baccalaureate Degree in nursing is described as a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing that combines theory and clinical nursing courses and is granted by an accredited school. This degree is a 4 year degree which requires a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. ("Bachelor Degree," “n.d.”, Para. 1) There are many levels of nursing degrees out there today and there are different competencies between them. The Nursing state licensure began in 1903. The importance of this date protects the public and helps nurses to define the role and scope of nursing practice. At one time all nurses in the U.S. were diploma pre-pared. The nursing Diploma began...
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...Educational Preparedness ADN vs. BSN Grand Canyon University Tracy Chesney, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE 25th of November 2012 Educational Preparedness Introduction Nursing is ongoing and lifelong, for the nurse and the patient. It is not limited to the time spent in the hospital, but follows the nurse and patient for life. The importance of the way the nurse delivers this care to the patient can make all the difference to the patients stay at the hospital. In the writer’s opinion education preparedness can change the way a nurse delivers patient care. ADN vs. BSN According to The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “there are three routes to becoming a registered nurse: a 3-year diploma program typically administered in hospitals; a 3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges; and the 4-year baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities,” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). Compare and Contrast According to Hinds Community College, an “Associate Degree of Nursing is a two year program that prepares the graduate, as a generalist, capable of providing competent, accountable client care in diverse settings. Major areas of emphasis encompass the following core components of nursing practice: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration and managing care,” (Hinds Community College, 2012). Baccalaureate nursing (BSN)...
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...Running head: Associate vs. Bachelor Nurses Associate vs. Bachelor Nurses: Which is Better? Adams State College: NRS-430v April 8, 2010 Associate vs. Bachelor Nurses: Which is Better? Over 20 years of experience in the nursing workforce has included working with LPN/LVN, Diploma RN, ADN and BSN prepared nurses. Many of these nurses have had numerous years of real life experience, while others have been recent graduates. The BSN prepared nurse typically provides a higher level of safety, experience, and holistic care to patients in comparison to the ADN prepared nurse. BSN prepared nurses will be key to implementing changes in healthcare. For example, working in a Labor and Delivery unit can be full of joy and terror. During labor, many complications can arise for both the mother and baby. One such complication is uterine rupture, which requires quick action on the part of the healthcare team. In observing nursing care provided by both an associate prepared nurse and a bachelor prepared nurse making decisions during this emergency demonstrated key differences. The ADN nurse went through a mental checklist, reviewing the fetal monitoring strip, narrowing down the causes of the incident, reassuring the patient while preparing for the stat C-section. The BSN nurse also performed these tasks, but involved the patient’s family/support system in the educational process and collaborated with the provider for the optimal outcome. Florence Nightingale was passionate...
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...consideration of what type of degree. Within this essay I will be viewing the differences between Associate-degree level (ADN) and Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing (BSN). Definition As defined by Wikipedia the definition of Associate -degree nurse is: “is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. This type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or similar nursing schools. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse”. (Associate of Science in Nursing) As defined by Wikipedia the definition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing: “is an American and Canadian four-year academic degree in the science and principles of nursing, granted by a tertiary education university or similarly accredited school”. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Resemblances As described in Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge of Processional Nursing Practice, Associate degree nursing programs are designed to be 2 years in length and consist of a balance between general education...
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...Running head: FURTHER NURSING EDUCATION TO INCREASE NURSING CARE Further Nursing Education to Increase Nursing Care Outcomes Marianne Green Grand Canyon University Further Nursing Education to Increase Nursing Care Outcomes Twenty five years ago, nursing instructors were telling their students that not far in the future they would have to obtain their Bachelor degree if they wanted to practice nursing. Associate degree nurses would be a career of the past. Today, the Associate degree nurse still practices and provides hospitals and clinics with quality and proficient patient care. Bachelor degree nurses are still in short supply. However, many nurses that hold their Associate degree in nursing are returning to college to advance their education and career. Obtaining their Bachelor degree in nursing will help today’s nurse as they strive to deliver the highest quality patient care in a safe environment. The opportunities for advancement in their job setting are more likely to occur as their educational background expands. (Forster, RN, May 27, 2008, p. 1) Last week I had a possible patient neglect situation. We had four children’s dental surgeries scheduled on Thursday. Two of the four children were from the same family. These two little girls had the most horrific odor about them and were filthy. I notified the dentist and at the time he was not concerned about the welfare of the children. Their teeth were literally rotten. As a result most of their primary...
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