...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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...ADN Prepared Nurses Vs. BSN Prepared Nurses Darcie Byrd RN Grand Canyon University My first day of my first class in nursing school my instructor began his lecture by telling his students that a career in nursing is a career in lifelong learning. Throughout the course he encouraged us all to continue our education beyond the ADN program. He was open and blunt in his opinions about the need for higher degree prepared nurses. Along with many other students I rolled my eyes and decided the difference between and ADN and a BSN degree was not great enough to push me beyond my associate degree in nursing. I thought, a nurse is a nurse, and experience in the field rather than education in a classroom would make me a better nurse. I was partly right in that experience had taught me that furthering my education and earning my BSN would make me a better nurse. My first job as an RN I was fortunate enough to work alongside both ADN and BSN prepared nurses. Both had similar experience, were good at their jobs and both immediately earned my respect. The BSN nurse however, was the obvious leader. At the time it was difficult to describe but her interactions with patients, their families, other staff and management was superior and proved that her education had made her a more competent nurse and a leader in her field. There are currently two avenues for education in registered nursing. Associate degree of nursing allows for nurses to begin...
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...A Comparative View of the Associate and the Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse A Comparative View of the Associate and the Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse Universities began establishing baccalaureate-level nursing programs in the 1950’s, awarding graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In 1951, Mildred Montag proposed the innovative idea of a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at the community college level to remedy the severe nursing shortage following World War II. Nursing faculty regarded ADN nurses as competent in basic nursing practice as they demonstrated the ability to pass state nursing licensing examinations. This commenced the national ADN educational movement followed by public confusion regarding the credentialing requirements and competencies of a professional nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Over the past 40 years, the entry-level education and qualifications for nursing have been widely debated by the medical community (Institute of Medicine, 2011, p. 169). This essay serves to provide a comparative view of registered nurses prepared at the associate and baccalaureate levels, detailing the specific competencies of each. According to the Institute of Medicine, the ADN “prepares nurses to provide direct patient care and practice within the legal scope of professional nursing responsibilities in a variety of health care settings” (2011, p. 44). This includes the utilization of critical thinking in patient assessment and...
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...Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses “BSN in 10” bills either pending or under legislation in some states, will require nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in 10 years. Even more hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking Magnet status seem to be encouraging Associate Degree nurses to return to school or obtain a BSN before applying for employment. Nursing is a profession that involves skills and knowledge to provide optimum level of care. ADN versus BSN has been an issue of controversy for years. The primary focus of this paper will be discussing the differences in competencies of nurses educated in an ADN level to those educated in a BSN level. These differences include varying curriculum requirements, education content and patient outcomes. The first difference in ADN and BSN is the amount of education. The associate degree in nursing includes two years in the nursing program and can be obtained at a community or junior college. However, there are prerequisite courses required for entry into the nursing program, so ADN programs can be at least 3 years in length. Today, earning an ADN takes almost as long as earning a BSN (Orsolini-Hain & Waters, 2009). In contrast, baccalaureate degree in nursing includes four academic years of college at a four year university. Both degrees take the same NCLEX board exam for licensing and both degrees enter into the same position as a registered nurse, with similar wages and benefits. The second difference in ADN and BSN...
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...The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 5, 2012 Abstract Both ADN and BSN nurse needs to take licensing examinations to start working as a registered nurse in the United States. Associate degrees require two years of studying in a community college. However a bachelor’s degree requires four years of academic studying in a college. The first topic of the paper is whether not the risk taking propensities of the nurses changed between ADN and BSN nurses. A second topic of this paper is whether there is a different sort of management role between ADN nurses and BSN nurses. Lastly the quality of work between the Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) will be examined to see if the competency of the ADN and BSN differs. The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses History of Nursing According to Joan L Creasia and Elizabeth Friberg, the first baccalaureate degree of nursing in the U.S.A was started in the University of Minnesota in 1909. Until the 1950’s the program usually consisted of two years of general education and then three years of nursing education. These nurses who graduated in 5 years could either begin as a general nurse who works in the hospital and is a part of patient care or they can join the management side of patient care and become managers of hospitals. For the BSN they would have to study liberal arts, patient quality...
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...Running head: EXPLORED DIFFERENCES OF ADN PREPARED NURSES VS. BSN Explored Differences of ADN Prepared Nurses vs. BSN Prepared Nurses Michelle Jester Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics Nursing 430V Sylvia Robertson April 26, 2012 Explored Differences of ADN Prepared Nurses vs. BSN Prepared Nurses In this paper I would like to explore the differences between Associate Degree Prepared nurses and Baccalaureate prepared nurses. I will discuss the education and training of both types of nurses. I will also discuss how they function in different practice settings, envisioned and actual current functioning. The educational preparation of both types of nurses will be explored in determining how each type would approach a complex patient care situation and the type of nursing care they would provide. Prior to the 1950’s nurses in the United States were either prepared for beginning nursing careers in hospital based hands on learning Diploma Programs or in colleges in Bachelors of Science Degree, (BSN) programs. At that time in society there became a need for more nurses to provide care. The need for more registered continues until this day. Based on that need a program to train nurses was developed and called the Associate Degree in Nursing, (ADN).(Cresia & Friberg, n.d.) The BSN programs in colleges include in their education of nurses two years of general education courses in math, science, sociology, etc. Then two years are spent learning...
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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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...Educational Preparation of Registered Nurses: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN) Donna Rodriguez Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS 430V Jayme Goodner September 28, 2013 Educational Preparation of Registered Nurses: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN) The purpose of this paper is to discuss the educational preparation of the Associate Degree nurse (ADN) versus the Baccalaureate prepared Nurse (BSN). This will be accomplished by first exploring the differences in competencies between nurses based on degree level and with the use of a patient care example to describe the difference in the nursing approach based on formal educational preparation. Currently there are two paths to obtaining a registered nursing certification the ADN versus the BSN. The reasons for the development of the ADN nursing programs were simple. It was a matter of supply and demand, and a necessary solution to a problem. In the year of 1951, after the war a huge nursing shortage existed. It was at that time that a nurse educator named Mildred Montag made a proposition to prepare nurse technicians in 2-year associate degree community colleges. A 5-year study of ADN graduates noted preparation was successful, as the nurses passed their exams for licensure and demonstrated the ability to practice nursing with competence (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The typical ADN degree is comprised of an average of 70 credit...
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...Running head: ADN vs. BSN ADN vs. BSN ADN vs. BSN When I read the assignment for this paper, I thought the answers were clear cut and easy. As I was researching for the paper, I found that I was becoming extremely defensive in the cases where studies were attempting to prove Associate-Degree Registered Nurses were not as competent as Baccalaureate-Degree Registered Nurses. I felt personally attacked. When I asked myself why I was taking this course to further my education and proceed towards obtaining a Baccalaureate-Degree, the answers became clear and obvious once again. In researching the differences in competencies of nurses prepared at the associate-degree level verses the baccalaureate-degree in the nursing field there was little evidence to show a significant difference in initial practice. Both ADN and BSN nursing graduates are required to pass the same National Licensure Council Examination (NCLEX). BSN and ADN nurses initially practice at a similar level. (Davis-Martin & Skalak, 1992, p. 27). In the both ADN and BSN nursing programs students are prepared with courses in ethics, nursing process, critical thinking, accountability, and basic understanding of cultural diversity among the nursing curriculum. Yet there are some basic preparation differences. BSN prepared nurses are required to take courses in liberal arts and humanities which create a well diverse or well-rounded student. The BSN program also requires courses in community health, and more...
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...Canyon University: Professional Dynamics December 6, 2015 BSN vs. ADN The discussion of rather an associate’s or bachelor’s degree should be the required educational experience of future nurses is one that will not end until one or the other is completely phased out. Some healthcare facilities have already begun the process of requiring their nurses to have a BSN versus an ADN upon hiring. A major difference between the two degrees is that a BSN readily prepares an individual for more advanced positions than an ADN, such as nurse manager. The BSN also has more preparation for entrance into an advanced degree program, such as nurse practitioner. It has reached a point where nurses are being put in positions to advocate for large groups of individuals, be involved in the politics of healthcare, and serve as a representative for nurses everywhere; however, there are only few nurses taking on these grand roles. Lack of preparation, knowledge, and ceasing further education is to blame. Obtaining a BSN as expressed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2015) “enhances both clinical competency and care delivery”. This presents another difference between the two degrees. Another difference between the ADN and BSN is that the clinical experience for both the patient and nurse is observingly different. A study done to explore the clinical differences between a nurse with an ADN vs a nurse with a BSN expressed that many times the nurse’s critical thinking skills...
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...ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 1 ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 2 Random Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Although testing for one’s RN license is universal, the training background of an ADN versus a BSN nurse are very different. This has brought us to the discussion of the differences between an ADN and a BSN level nurse. As the needs of the patient population is changing, the demand for a more educated, skilled, resourceful practitioner is required (Smith, 2009). Personal Experience Example of how an ADN versus BSN nurse would treat a CHF patient. A specific patient case I reviewed, was readmitted to a hospital again within thirty days with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The ADN trained nurse could administer drugs, perform daily weights, ensure that the patient followed a cardiac diet, but was strictly task oriented (The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program, 2013). The BSN trained nurse, would base the care provided using a more integrated system (Why the Push for BSN Nurses?, 2012). The focus of the BSN trained nurse would encompass more teaching, measuring compliance of instructions that were given, and ensure core measures would be met prior to discharge. The follow up care would include determining if the patient had access to meds, home health, understood the need to maintain dietary restrictions, and instruct the patient on keeping a daily weight log to ensure that weight trends would be monitored and recorded. ADN...
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...graduate nurses to sit for boards which is known as the NCLEX. When a graduate nurse has successfully pass the NCLEX then they are officially a Registered Nurse. The difference in nursing is the degree each nurse pursued while attending school. The longer you attend school the higher degree of nursing you will achieve. The biggest percentage of nurses today consist of the Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) and The Bachelor of Science Degree of Nursing (BSN). According to the American Community Survey 37 percent of nurses obtained an Associate Degree while 44 percent of nurses obtain a Baccalaureate Degree (In Friberg & In Creasia, 2016 pg.28-29). The Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program taught at several community colleges, as well as private institutes all over the U.S. The severity of the nursing shortage back after world war two had the world in desperate need of nurses. Mildred Montag, a nurse educator back in 1951 proposed a program to prepare nurse technicians with a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (In Friberg & In Creasia,2016 pg.13). The program covers many nursing courses but it is not as exclusive in theory and research. After doing a study over the years, the ADN program proved to be effective when graduate nurses were able to pass state boards for licensure and demonstrated an adequate level of competency in the clinical setting. The cost of the program is much less affordable and the mean salary for an ADN prepared nurse is about...
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...Running Head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 1 Educational Preparation: Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at Associates-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Jenny Curie Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Tara Harris February 10, 2013 DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 2 Competency is defined as the quality of being competent. To be competent one must possess required skill, knowledge, qualification, or capacity. The profession of nursing requires a skillset and knowledge base that is specific to its kind. There are many options in one’s educational journey to obtain a nursing degree. Nursing is the largest health care profession in our society today with three million registered nurses nationwide (AACN, Nursing Workforce). Along with the growing profession and the ever growing need for quality health care the debate over what qualifies a nurse to be skillful and competent in her profession and what type of education is required is at the for front. What are the differences in competency between a nurse with an associates degree and one holding a baccalaureate degree? Of the three million registered nurses nationwide 50% of those hold a baccalaureate degree while 36.1% have an associates degree, and 13% a diploma (AACN, Nursing Workforce). The quality in which we provide patient care and the need for those in this field to obtain higher levels of education...
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...ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 1 ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 2 Random Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Although testing for one’s RN license is universal, the training background of an ADN versus a BSN nurse are very different. This has brought us to the discussion of the differences between an ADN and a BSN level nurse. As the needs of the patient population is changing, the demand for a more educated, skilled, resourceful practitioner is required (Smith, 2009). Personal Experience Example of how an ADN versus BSN nurse would treat a CHF patient. A specific patient case I reviewed, was readmitted to a hospital again within thirty days with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The ADN trained nurse could administer drugs, perform daily weights, ensure that the patient followed a cardiac diet, but was strictly task oriented (The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program, 2013). The BSN trained nurse, would base the care provided using a more integrated system (Why the Push for BSN Nurses?, 2012). The focus of the BSN trained nurse would encompass more teaching, measuring compliance of instructions that were given, and ensure core measures would be met prior to discharge. The follow up care would include determining if the patient had access to meds, home health, understood the need to maintain dietary restrictions, and instruct the patient on keeping a daily weight log to ensure that weight trends would be monitored and recorded. ADN...
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...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 to...
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