...Competency Differences Between ADN vs BSN in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics Competency Differences For ADN vs BSN in Nursing Are all registered nurses created equal and the same? To simply put it, no they are not. A registered nurse may be prepared at the diploma level, associate-degree level, baccalaureate-degree level, master degree level, and some possess a doctoral degree. The focus of this paper will be directed at the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree (ADN) level and nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level. Graduates from either degree must pass an examination as put forth by the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to become a licensed registered nurse. The NCLEX exam is the same for both degrees even though their prepared education is different. Three major differences in nursing competencies include education, nursing judgment, and professional identity. The following paragraphs will review and discuss how nursing care or approaches to decision making may differ upon the educational background of a registered nurse. First and foremost, “baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities” ("Impact of Education," 2014, para. 4). The additional...
Words: 956 - Pages: 4
...The Differences Among Us: ADN vs. BSN The Differences Among Us: ADN vs. BSN Having worked with hundreds of registered nurses throughout my ten year career, it is not usually very easy to determine if the nurse next to me graduated with an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Whether working with a charge nurse, staff nurse or even a case manager, the differences are minor, and only upon further inspection realized. Both types of nurses are qualified and excel at their jobs, but the BSN nurse has the extra training and critical thinking skills needed, not only for their current station in life, but also their future and growth in the field. First I will be discussing why there are so many more ADN nurses in relation to BSN nurses. Secondly, a discussion of why there is a major push towards BSN prepared nurses. Last, a look into the differences I have noticed in my own nursing career between the ADN nurse and the BSN nurse. Not long ago, the primary degree in nursing was a hospital diploma. This was the standard way to becoming a nurse. As recently as the mid-1980’s, half of the country’s registered nurses had started that way. By that time though, community colleges and the associate’s degree of nursing was beginning to take over (Perez-Pena, 2012, para. 4). Although many four year programs existed, this was the quickest and easiest way for a student to obtain a nursing degree. This quicker program appealed especially to the workforce that were going back to school...
Words: 1073 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 921 - Pages: 4
... to become a registered nurse (RN). Differences in Competences of ADN VS. BSN Nurse There have been studies that showed that investments in highly qualified and educated nurses produce better patient outcomes. A study of Magnet hospitals in Pennsylvania with higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses revealed that patients in magnet hospitals had lower rate of inpatient death within 30 days and lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals (Mc Hugh et al., 2012).Other studies observed the consequence of nursing practice; skills on cancer patients going through surgery showed that the educational level of a nurse has a vital impact on patient health. The BSN nurses were linked with lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates confirming the view that if a higher proportion of staff nurses have at least a baccalaureate-level education; this would have a positive effect on a patient outcome, and will also reduce their stay in the hospital. ASSOCIATE NURSE VS. BACCALAUREATE NURSE Patient Case Scenario Using a patient case scenario, a known male hypertensive (high blood pressure) patient on medical floor may be reported by a medical assistant to have an elevated blood pressure after consuming 2 cups of coffee and have an argument with a family member. The ADN nursemaid repeat the BP and then proceed to medicate the patient while the BSN nurse may question and assess the patient further, taking into consideration...
Words: 754 - Pages: 4
...ADN VS. BSN: The Differences Anna Hernandez Grand Canyon University ADN VS BSN The Differences New trends in healthcare system are requiring optimal patient outcomes in shorter amount of time period. Patients are requiring more advance care for more complex issues hospitals are now in need of highly skilled, trained professionals to provide this level of care. The quality of patient care and outcome of the patient depends a lot on the level of education of the nurse. Case studies have proven that where positive patient outcomes have been linked to nurses that have a higher level of education Baccalaureate prepared. With that being said one of the main differences between the ADN vs. the BSN is the level of education. There are three educational pathways to become a Registered Nurse 1. Three-year diploma program. 2. Two year Associate Degree program offered at a community college 3. Is a four year program Baccalaureate Degree program. (AACN, 2014, #3) An Associates degree in nursing is earned over a course of two years and the curriculum is more technical and bedside focused (Creasia &Friberg, 2011). The Bachelor of Science in nursing includes the same course work as the ADN. The BSN is more in depth in the treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management and humanities (AACN, 2014, para#4) According to the AACN “ The additional course work enhances the students professional development, prepares...
Words: 1373 - Pages: 6
...two-thirds of the nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing by 2010. Baccalaureate Nursing Program Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence health care delivery. There are distinct differences between the 72 ADN credits and 125 BSN credits required in each of the nursing programs' curriculum. The baccalaureate curriculum has a different focus, emphasizing evidenced-based clinical practice and leadership. Additional courses are offered in the baccalaureate curriculum, such as research, statistics, critical thinking, and public health/community health. In addition, the additional units prepare the baccalaureate nurse to pursue graduate study, leading to an advanced degree in nursing. Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The additional course work...
Words: 875 - Pages: 4
...ADN VS BSN | Associate Vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses | GCU : NRS-430V Professional Dynamics – Jessica Dane | | Differences between an Associate and a Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse Before I can go on explaining the differences between an associate and a baccalaureate prepared nurse, I have to answer the important question of, what is nursing? Nursing is more than just medicine treating a health problem. Nursing incorporates both medicine and humanity by taking care of a patient in a health sense and a mental sense. There are three degrees available to the public in order for them to become registered nurses. A Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, also called a BSN, undergoes four years of a nursing program in university or college; whereas as in a Associate’s Degree in Nursing, also called an AND, is trained in a community college for two years. A diploma nurse program is a nursing program that is hospital based, extending for about three years. All nurses are a required to take the RN license exam before working as a registered nurse. This test should be taken regardless of the education the nurse received. The formal education of a registered nurse plays a vital role in a health care setting with difficult patient care needs. The nurse training a BSN receives is designed to have more multi focused. The training is taught this way to make the nurse themselves become more efficient in the different areas of health care settings. The primary focuses of the...
Words: 968 - Pages: 4
...BSN versus ADN Echo Browning RN/CWCA Grand Canyon University: NRS 430v February 19, 2012 Abstract For many years, society has debated about the nursing degree. What are the differences? What are the similarities? We have the opportunities to choose different levels of nursing education. Which include: diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, masters’ degree and nurse practitioner. In beginning we need to understand “What is nursing” in general? As defined by the ANA: Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. In my eyes nursing involves the use of critical thinking and clinical judgment to help us understand a client’s response to actual needs. However, the debate still turns to ADN vs BSN. ADN vs BSN: Differences in competencies ADN: Associate Degree Nursing The associate degree level of nursing was developed out of a need to produce nurses in response to a shortage during and following World War II. Therefore, it was proposed as a temporary solution to a shortage but was not intended to replace the professional level of nursing education. Associate degree nursing programs are developed to focus mainly on the clinical skills and are more task oriented. They lack the theory and science behind nursing as a profession...
Words: 383 - Pages: 2
...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...
Words: 1022 - Pages: 5
...injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. In my eyes nursing involves the use of critical thinking and clinical judgment to help us understand a client’s response to actual needs. Both ADN and BSN prepared nurses can provide the similar clinical bedside nursing skills, however, ADN prepared nurses training prepares them for specific patient care diagnoses and situations. BSN prepared nurses training prepares them for a more holistic approach, such as decision making, delegating, and oversight. However, the debate still turns to ADN vs BSN. ADN vs. BSN: Differences in competencies ADN: Associate Degree Nursing Associate degree programs are designed to train students to provide entry level care in a hospital setting. The ADN is an attractive option for many due to shortened program time and the reduced tuition rate. Associate degree nursing programs are developed to focus mainly on the clinical skills and are more task oriented. They lack the theory and science behind nursing as a profession. BSN: Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Baccalaureate nursing programs have additional classes in humanities, the sciences and expanded nursing...
Words: 916 - Pages: 4
...Difference in Competencies of Nurses Prepared by Associate degree vs. Baccalaureate degree Grand Canyon University November 14, 2014 A “nurse is a nurse” right? Wrong! Nurses are prepared at different levels. Each level offers its own advantage that can be taken into the nursing career to serve patients and create individualized care to ensure the best outcomes. However, each degree does not prepare future nurses in the same way. A Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing or BSN is a four to five year degree that prepares graduates to pass the NCLEX examination and become a Registered Nurse. In the 1950’s baccalaureate nursing programs were made accessible to high school graduates throughout the country. This was due to the passing of GI Bill of Rights in 1946 that helped veterans to get vocational training or attend college. Veteran nurses took the opportunity to get college degrees for nursing and administration. Due to the increase in program enrollment the face of nursing education significantly changed. (Creasia, 2007). BSN preparation includes more in-depth insight into the field of nursing in its entirety. During the course of study a BSN student learns of many concepts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the field. These concepts include health promotion and spiritual perspectives. The student also gains understanding on many influences that have an effect on patient care such as legal, ethical, and social. An Associate Degree in Nursing or an ADN...
Words: 1190 - Pages: 5
...Educational Preparation of a Nurse: BSN vs ADN NRS-430V-O102 August 4, 2013 Educational Preparation of a Nurse: BSN vs ADN Nurses have several different options regarding their education. Since the 1950’s collages have offered entry level baccalaureate nursing programs to entry level students (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Nursing shortages began to rise postwar years and this lead into the development of 2-year associate degree nursing programs. Mildred Montag proposed these programs and after a 5 year study of graduates from an associates program, the program was deemed successful. Funding for the program was secured in 1964 and community colleges began opening AD programs at an astonishing rate (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The associate degree programs made it more accessible for men, women with families, older graduates, and other atypical students to attend the program. Nursing shortages were minimized in 1970s and 1980s due to the addition of the AND programs, and today associate nursing programs are the major entry point into nursing (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). In 2008 the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) conducted a survey that revealed nursing is the nation’s largest health care profession with more than 3 million registered nurses nationwide. 50% of the RNs in the workforce hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree while 36.1% hold an associate degree (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). On paper a BSN nurse and an ADN nurse look...
Words: 915 - Pages: 4
...Adn vs Bsn: Differences Rachel McAdams Phoenix University September 2, 2010 Adn vs Bsn: Differences may be a Matter of Degree In the late 1850s Florence Nightingale started her own school to train nurses and developed standards by which nurses performed their duties. She may never have envisioned that one day there would be different educational tracks resulting in multiple degrees and disciplines in nursing, each having their own set of criteria for excellence. Associate degree nurse (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN) are the two most common entry level nursing positions. An ADN can be obtained in two or three years whereas the BSN takes four years of education to complete due to additional courses. Differences between the degrees begin with education and mature as the nurse gains experience. Raines and Taglaireni’s (2008) article states ADN and BSN nurses attend the same basic liberal arts and general education courses such as English, literature, history, math, humanities, and arts. Both have basic nursing courses, the same technical skill sets are taught, and nurses must pass the same National Council Licensing Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN©) which measures minimum technical competency for entry-level nursing practice. Colleges will differ in the exact requirements for each degree but the community college ADN program consists of approximately 75 course credits of which 38 are science and liberal arts prerequisites, and 37 credits are in the...
Words: 1256 - Pages: 6
...Over the last decade, healthcare has evolved and nursing practice has become broader requiring the need for baccalaureate degree in nursing as the minimal standard for Registered Nurse (RN) license. Although also accepted, the associate’s degree in nursing is granted at the technical level rather than at the professional level. (ANA, 1965). In this paper I would like to discuss the differences in competencies between nurses that have been prepared at a BSN vs ADN level of nursing. In addition I would like to discuss a situation in which patient-care shows approaches and decision-making and care based on educational preparation of a BSN RN versus a diploma or ADN degree nurse. Many studies have been done in Nursing Education. The research is based on today's Nursing preparedness. There are three different pathways to reach a Registered Nurse degree. All three pathways 1) Diploma nursing, 2) An associate's degree in nursing, and 3) A bachelor's degree in nursing are required to pass the NCLEX licensing examination. The NCLEX stands for National Council licensure examination. This test is geared for the minimal entry level of competency that is required. Associates Degree Nursing: To achieve this degree from start to completion usually takes 2 to 3 years within the community college or some technical school where the students at the end of their graduation may challenge the NCLEX-RN examination. The associate degree in nursing was first started in the 1960s in the United States...
Words: 870 - Pages: 4
...How Does Having a BSN VS an ADN Degree Change The Outcome of Patient Care? Teresa Mock Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V January 31st, 2016 When a person goes to the hospital, they expect to get the best care possible by all medical staff. When a nurse goes into a patient’s room, they do not ask the nurse what school they went to or if they received an ADN or BSN degree, they just expect that nurse to be competent in their job. The NCLEX-RN exam is based on minimal competency and does distinguish between graduate levels. Therefore, all nurses graduating from a nursing program and getting ready to take the exam are equal at that time. Regardless of whether a nurse graduates with their associates or bachelor’s degree, when they are hired at a hospital or health care facility, the extensive training gets them prepared to deliver safe effective patient care. Although receiving a BSN degree a person will achieve better assessment skills, critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, graduating with an associates does not make a nurse less competent. All nursing programs teach how to assess, plan, implement, diagnose, teach, and evaluate, the skills it takes to be a nurse. In a hospital setting, acute care units have critically ill patient, which makes them unpredictable and challenging, therefore the nurses need have sharp critical thinking skills, perform quality patient care, and maintain positive outcomes. Patient load makes it difficult for any nurse to...
Words: 941 - Pages: 4
