...The Age 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...
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...Competency Differences of ADN and BSN Graduates Virginia Tanner Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V January 10, 2016 Controversy over the entry level educational requirements to the nursing profession has been on-going since the inception of the two-year degree program by Mildred Montag in 1952. This educational model was meant to be a temporary solution to a critical nursing shortage post WWII but became a mainstay of nursing education to present day. Therefore, the debate between various state educational programs, nursing organizations, and other interest groups has continued for over half a century without formal resolution (Mahaffey, E. 2002). Additionally the reality that both associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate degree (BSN) prepared nurses gain the title of RN by passing the same board examination only increases the confusion surrounding these two program levels of nursing education. Examination of these different educational preparation pathways in the level of nurses’ competencies requires discussion for the nursing profession to evolve while continuing to utilize both ADN and BSN prepared nurses. The primary educational focus for an ADN is hands-on bedside care of patients. The BSN educational focus encompasses the ADN model along with public and community health care, and leadership development within the nursing field. The different degree levels is advantageous because ADN programs provide a population source for BSN programs. Associate program graduates...
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...Educational Preparedness: The Differences Between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nursing Competencies Starting as a profession that was reserved for the bottommost members of the social order, nursing has risen to the stature of an exceedingly regarded profession. There is an intertwining connection between the increasing regard for the nursing profession and the quality of education required of nurses. In the early nineteenth century there was no formal education required or provided for nurses and the profession was considered one for the “undesirables” (Canyon Connect Timeline, 2013). Since the establishment of nursing schools, graduate nurses, and a registry for educated nurses, the nursing profession has become one of the most respected professions of all. Currently in the United States, to become a registered nurse, one must complete one of three different types of formal education followed by the completion of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) with a score of passing. These three types of formal education are baccalaureate-degree nursing (BSN), associate-degree nursing (ADN), and the diploma in nursing. Curriculum standards for all three types of formal education are set and regulated by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Although curriculums vary between the three, the standards set are equivalent for all, requiring education and training of elementary nursing...
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...Educational Preparation The difference between an Associate's degree education (ADN) and a Bachelor's degree education (BSN) has been a topic of discussion between nurses for years. Completion of either an ADN program or a BSN program will result in the same outcome, a Registered Nurse Licensure (RN). There are some nurses that would argue that there is no need to obtain a BSN degree unless the nurse is planning to work in a management position. Then, there are some nurses that would argue that in the very near future a BSN degree will be required in order to work in an acute care environment. Choosing one over the other depends on financial factors, the length of time to be spent in an educational program, and long-term career goals (Morrow, 2008). All of the arguments may have their validities, but in this paper this writer will describe the differences in competencies between nurses with an ADN education and a BSN education. There are two primary goals of any nursing program whether it is an ADN program or a BSN program. The first goal is to endow their nursing students with the appropriate tools to provide safe and competent care to patients. The second is to prepare their students to complete and pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX provides computer adaptive testing that measures minimal competence for safe professional nursing practice. Exam content includes health promotion, pharmacotherapeutics...
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...Who is the Better Nurse? Christa A. Hosley Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V August 9, 2014 Who is the Better Nurse? What is the definition of competence? Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary describes competence as the ability to do something well or the quality or state of being functionally adequate. This paper will describe competency differences between the two year degree nurse, otherwise know as the (ADN), and the four year degree nurse, otherwise known as the (BSN). An Intensive Care Unit patient care situation will be described, making you aware of the different approaches to nursing care and decision making based on educational levels of the nurse. What is the future of the nursing profession? We must first, take a look at the history of nursing. Several centuries ago, nursing was not seen as a profession, rather a job for the less dersired. (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). These men and women helped the sick, poor, and abandoned individual, nursing them back to health. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was responsible for the first Diploma School of Nursing at St. Thomas Hospital in London, England, to educated nurses on better practices with improved sanitation and environments. (Friberg & Creasia 2010). Due to a major nurse shortage after World War II, Mildred Montag founded the first ADN nursing program in 1956. (Friberg & Creasia 2010). There are now multiple educational options for students. A graduate of an accredited nursing program...
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...Competencies Among Associates Degree Nurses (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) Kristel Garan, RN Grand Canyon University: Nursing 430V April 13, 2014 Competencies Among ADNs and BSNs Does the educational level of a registered nurse (RN) have an impact on patient outcomes and safety? Yes, in fact the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) prepared RN has been linked to lower mortality rates, medication errors, decubitus ulcers, and shorter lengths of stay (Blegen, Goode, Park, Vaughn, & Spetz, 2013). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN] (2013), there are approximately 2.8 million RNs actively practicing, of which 55% currently hold a BSN degree. In the United States, both graduates of ADN and BSN degree should pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses licensing examination (Rich & Nugent, 2009). However, this does not mean that every nursing graduate is equally prepared for practice. It has been emphasized that the entry-level licensing exam measures only minimum technical competency for safe nursing practice (AACN, 2013). Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary (n.d.) defines competence as “the ability to do something well”. Since it has been demonstrated that the BSN prepared RN is more “prudent” in yielding safer patient outcomes, it is critical to examine the differences in competencies among ADN versus BSN prepared nurses, as well highlight these differences by examining a developed...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN AND BSN IN NURSING Differences in competencies between ADN and BSN in nursing Alex F. Button Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics July 9, 2011 Difference in Competencies Between ADN and BSN in Nursing Nursing is a fast growing profession, which started out very slow. Nursing defines as a profession that provides caring and nurse people that cannot function daily activities i.e. for the sick and poor in health of all ages, races and gender. Women cared for the sick in their family and this is where the first form of nursing started. Florence Nightingale is well known for the work she has done during the Crimean War in 1853 to 1856 which she and other women where able to save life of wounded soldiers because of her experience she knew the importance of trained nurses which marked the foundation of today’s nursing along with her and many other nurses theories that help create a better nursing profession (Creasia, 2011, p. 3). As the years went by nursing is no longer a poor women’s job but all gender and race with high paying, benefit job that still in demand. And as years went by education of nurses went up higher and each higher level a nurse is required to provide that is equivalent to their education level. Associate-Degree Nursing According to nursingdegreeguide.org, after the war there was a huge nurses shortage, and nurses weren’t well trained to handle important things...
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...Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses James Brown Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V-0101 July 5, 2013 Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Each potential or practicing nurses, have heard the furious examinations in regard to the benefits of an ADN/ASN vs. BSN. To date, all efforts on discovering which one scores over the other has done nothing more than led to considerable confusion. Each of these nursing degree programs possesses a unique set of benefits. (Scheckel, 2009) Each program is designed to prepare the student to take the National Council Licensure Examination also referred to as the NCLEX. Following successfully completion the NCLEX, graduates are well-informed to accomplish physical evaluations, and to administer medications. Nursing graduates from these degree programs are similarly well-informed of medical equipment and are proficient in life resuscitating procedures, such as wound care, lacerations, drains, cardiovascular oxygen transport. In today’s nursing environment, more and more are expected from nurses which includes more than just following physician’s orders and commencing IVs. (Forster, 2008)Today’s nurse should be able to make vital decisions regarding a patient’s care. (Forster, 2008)There are significant differences between programs that will ultimately influence nursing care and end-results for patients. (Clarke, Donaldson, 2008)This paper will review the differences in the competency...
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...ADN vs. BSN : Difference in Competencies Between Associate-Degree Nurses Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Toby John Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V 11/24/13 The profession of nursing in the healthcare setting focuses on the care of individuals, families, and communities so that they may acquire, preserve, or recover optimum quality of life and health. There are many differences in competencies based on the department or specialty the nurse will be working in, such as managed care, neonatal, or educational basis. This paper will explore some of the differences in competencies between nurses with an associates degree (ADN) and nurses with a baccalaureate degree (BSN). "Competencies are defined as the knowledge and skills required to perform in a specific job." (Hardy,1999). In nursing, competencies define the duties and skills required for many positions and establish the educational requirements needed to qualify for each nursing position. According to a study done in 1988 by Texas Higher Education Community Board, "Competencies across the spectrum of nursing education varies in complexity, depth, and breadth." (Potter 2006). Competencies of an ADN include, knowledgeable and principled behaviors, effectively working with others in providing healthcare, applying knowledge from theory to clinical settings, and to practice with a secure and caring demeanor. A baccalaureate degree nurse has the same competencies as an ADN as well as critical...
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...Differences in Competencies between Associate 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...
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...How do competencies vary between ADN and BSN? March 25, 2015 How do competencies vary between ADN and BSN? I am very proud of my accomplishment of obtaining my license as a Registered Nurse as this was my lifelong dream. I chose a very common route to achieve this, through a community college. This program offered a low cost and rather short timeframe to reach my goal of becoming a RN. The ADN program was rumored to be one of the best in Wisconsin so I chose it, with plans of pursuing my BSN right after I graduated. Unfortunately, like most get their ADN, this just doesn’t happen. A person gets a nursing job and deals with work, life and family stressors, who needs to go back to school for a BSN? A BSN does not generally pay better, the job description is the same for both degrees, why would one possible waste their time? During my first class at the community college, the students were told that the ADN graduates generally performed higher on their NCLEX exams than did the BSN graduates. Another point taught was that this ADN degree was more desirable to perspective employers because ADN’s had greater clinical skills and got hired faster. This information seemed to be true, I was hired at a desirable facility and so began my career as an ADN. My career was going great, I was living my dream, having everything I always wanted. Then policies changed, nurses could no longer hold management positions unless they returned to school to earn their BSN. Some...
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...Canyon University: NRS-430V January 31, 2016 Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses Versus Associate-Degree According to the American Nurses Association (2010), “a competency is an expected level of performance, knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment” (p. 12). Does the amount of education matter in regards to an associate-degree level nurse (ADN) verses a baccalaureate-degree level nurse (BSN) when it comes to a nurse’s competence? The purpose of this paper will review and compare competencies between nurses studying at the level of ADN versus BSN and describe a patient care scenario where the decision-making process would differ between degree levels. Nursing Education According to the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), there are three (3) different levels of education for registered nurses that are offered. These include, a 3-year diploma (offered in hospitals), 3-year associate degree from a community college and the 4-year baccalaureate degree which can be obtained through universities or senior level colleges (AACN, 2014). In order to become a registered nurse, specific amounts of education is needed to receive a degree. Education is imperative. Once graduated from one of the three programs, the same National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) will be given. This exam tests minimal competencies to enter the nursing profession and there is no comparison in the passing rate (AACN, 2014). Associate-Degree Nurses Associate-degree nursing programs...
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...Contrast in competences between ADN and BSN Nurses To be a professional nurse, one has to complete numerous college classes. Nursing focuses on personalized care behaviors, functions, and processes that have physical, psychocultural, and social significance or meaning. The goal of nursing is to help, support, facilitate, or enable individuals or groups to regain or maintain their health in a way that also puts their culture into consideration and also helps people face handicaps or death (Friberg, 109). . Some nurses choose to earn only an associate degree while others choose to get their baccalaureate degree in nursing. Regardless of the route they take both the ADN and the BSN nurse, after completing their college requirements have to pass a standardized licensure exam, The N-CLEX RN to be certified by the “National Council Licensure” to be allowed by their state to practice as a professional nurse. There are huge differences in competences between the ADN nurse and the BSN nurse. The ADN nurse completes her/his education in a two to three year college setting while a BSN nurse completes their education in a four year university. Although both programs provide the prospective nurse the required knowledge to pass the N-CLEX “which tests for minimum technical competencies for safe entry into basic nursing practice” (Rosseter, 2012, p1), research has shown that the nurse prepared at the baccalaureate level provides the nurse with “more advanced analytical and creative capabilities...
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...Competency Differences Between ADN and BSN Nurses Rashpal Mangat Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Jayme Goodner September 18, 2013 Competency Differences Between ADN and BSN Nurses The difference in competencies between nurses trained at the associate-degree (ADN) level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing (BSN) is miniscule. The BSN program incorporates most of the curriculum taught in the ADN program, excluding the leadership/ management, public health and critical thinking aspects. In 1951, Mildred Montag introduced a 2-year degree program (ADN), which trained the nurses for “intermediate functions requiring skill and some judgment” (Schank & Stollenwerk, 1988). In Montag’s curriculum, the role of nurse was focused on clinical skills and mostly task oriented. Due to the advanced education, a BSN graduate varies from a ADN graduate, in that they are well equipped to have a broader scope of practice, better comprehension of the culture, economic and public health issues that impact the patients. According to the American Association of College of Nursing (2012), nurses prepared at the BSN level, tend to have lower mortality rates, scarcer medication errors, and encouraging outcomes (Fact Sheet, 2012). In this paper, nursing judgment on patient care situations will be the differentiated between ADN and BSN competencies, which regard to the three major factors only required within BSN education: leadership/management, critical thinking and public health...
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...Comparing Competencies of the Associate Versus Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurse The American Association of Nursing (AACN) defines nursing as “the protection, promotion, and organization 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”. (American Nurses Association;) Nurses receive education in the United States by completing a baccalaureate degree (BSN), associate degree (ADN) or diploma program. Graduation from one of these programs allow the nurse to be eligible to write the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which nursing graduates must pass in order to receive initial licensure (ANA). Once the nurse has achieved licensure, they earn the title of Registered Nurse (RN); little differentiation exists in terms of entry-level practice, so one might wonder why a nursing student would choose a baccalaureate degree program over an associate or diploma program. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the difference in competencies between the ADN and BSN, and how those differences might influence the practice of the nurse. The paper will not discuss the diploma prepared RN because “diploma programs have diminished steadily-to 4% of all basic RN programs in 2006…” (American Nurses Association, 2011) Describing Competency In order to illustrate the difference in competencies...
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