Running head: COMPETENCY DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN BSN AND ADN

Competency Distinctions Between Bachelor Degree Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing
Grand Canyon University

The purpose of this paper is to discuss education differences in profession of nursing between Associate Degree Nursing and Bachelor Degree Nursing and to compare competency between the two. Competency is an individual’s actual performance in particular situation, described how well individual integrates knowledge, attitudes, skills and behavior in delivering care according to expectations (Gurvis & Gray, 1995; Nolan, 1998). The nursing profession starts when Florence Nightingale established the Nightingale School for Nursing in 1860 in London (Creasia & Friberg, 2010, p. 4). Since that time nursing profession has grown around the world. In the United States of America only RN’s are legally allowed to offer nursing services. RN’s have to be certified by National Council Licensure after passing the NCLEX exam, the test for minimal technical competency for save entry into nursing practice (Rosseter, 2011, p 4). We have two categories of nurses – Associate Degree Nurses and Bachelor Degree Nurses. Associate Degree nursing program was developed during World War 2 at the time of shortage of nurses prompted by the war. Today Associate degree nursing demands two years of formal education that covers general courses (Orsolini – Hain & Waters, p. 267). ADN can be obtain in Community Colleges. It prepares nurses to work in clinical settings and provides minimal skills needed to become a nurse. This is taught by following the nursing process and providing safe hands on practice. They are not thought about research, not prepared in management and leadership skills They possess minimal knowledge on use of advances in technology. This program became very popular because is shorter and