...Running head: EDUCATION PREPARATION DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES OF NURSING DEGREES: ASSOCIATES VS. BACCALAUREATES Patel, Hetal Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Professional Dynamics January 25, 2012 There are many differences in the competencies between nurses prepared at the associate’s degree level versus the baccalaureate level in nursing. The differences in competencies has be seen in the leadership ladder for advancement in the profession of nursing, the ability to provide care, the coordination of patient care, and the membership of an educated interdisciplinary health care team. In my matriculation into Grand Canyon University’s RN-BSN program, I previously researched this topic extensively. In 1965, the American Nurses Association (ANA) took a courageous position in publishing a first position paper asking for the baccalaureate degree to be the minimal level of education for the professional nursing ( A position paper 1965). This was the first documented attempt to change the level of education of nurses from a technical based education to a scientific based education. The position that the ANA held had many of the following obstacles to overcome, the interference of government funding of programs, nurses to see beyond just the technical based profession and the perception of nursing as a caregiver. The ladder of leadership after obtaining an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the certifications that can be obtain through their professional organizations...
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...Baccalaureate program is knowledge, theory and research based. It emphasizes the entire field of nursing. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree- level verses the baccalaureate-degree level could be seen in their leadership roles, critical thinking skills, ability to work independently, communication skills, knowledge, problem-solving, assessment, providing care, teaching health promotion, disease prevention, early detection of health deterioration/deviations, prompt and adequate treatment of the human response to acute and chronic illness and compassionate care to those experiencing death. Associate degree RN’s cannot become managers or supervisors, due to their limited education and knowledge. They lack the skill and experience that are required. A baccalaureate degree RN has the opportunity for advancement in their career. They could become nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners and managers. They have knowledge and leadership skills to inspire others to promote patient-centered care, evidence-based care, and outcome-driven care. Critical thinking is used for clinical decision making and it is developed through experience and knowledge. Nurses with Associate degree level are not able to think critically while baccalaureate degree nurses are able to think critically because of years of nursing education and knowledge. BSN...
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...defines a competency as “an expected level of performance that integrates knowledge skills, ability and judgment”. In these terms, the competency among ADN and BSN looks same, but there are some differences in various levels. In simple terms ADN is a “technical” nurse and BSN is a “professional” nurse. This difference is because ADN is trained mostly on clinical skills, while BSN training is focused on leadership, nursing research, management as well as clinical skills. Currently in United States Associated degree nurses usually receive this in 2 years on a community college settings. The Associate degree programs are designed to train students to provide entry level care in hospital settings. A large present of nurses take the associate degree pathway because of the shortened amount of time to begin work as a registered nurse and it is less expensive, compare to BSN program. The ADN demonstrate the competences in various aspect of patient care. This includes prevention, promotion, rehabilitations, maintenance and restoration of health of individuals of all age. Most of the competences the ADN applied to his or her work from the daily work experiences. Once graduated from school the ADN has to go through a period of orientation. Up on starting the carrier ADN is able to do the assessment by gathering information. The ADN collect patients medical and surgical history. Also does the head to toe assessment. They are competent to assess the pain level, risk of fall, possible...
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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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...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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...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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...The Difference between BSN and ADN The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree can be acquired in 2 years at a university, community college, vocational school or even some hospitals. An ASN educational program readies nurses to deliver direct patient treatment or carry out other qualified nursing duties and responsibilities inside the field of health care. This 2-year degree can be the groundwork for more advanced nursing academic options like a bachelor’s or master’s in nursing. It is a relatively fast way to get into the nursing field and start earning income. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree typically takes 4 years to complete at the numerous universities and colleges that offer these programs. The BSN readies nurses to perform in most medical environments. While the job environments for RN’s with BSN degrees may be almost identical to that of RN’s with an ASN degree, those who completed BSN programs have additional preparation and training for clinical jobs that could include management, fiscal duties, medical personnel scheduling, administration, leadership and research roles (ASN vs RSN,. 2024). The main difference is the length of time and the amount of credits required to complete the program. An ADN typically takes 2 years to complete while a BSN will take 4 years to complete (including the time spent taking the prerequisites to enter the program.) There are also accelerated BSN programs (18-21 months) for students who have already obtained a...
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...ADN VS BSN PATRINA HAYES GCU ADN VS BSN The nursing field is a rapidly growing profession that requires many different levels of degrees. Registered nurses can have levels of education ranging from a Associates to Doctorate degree. This paper will give a better understanding to the difference between the Associates degree in nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN). The ADN program was established in 1951 due to a nursing shortage in the post war years (Haase, 1990) Since then, the curriculum has changed from teacher or subject oriented to bedside and basic critical thinking skill. The ADN program is a two year program not including the required general education classes. The BSN program is a four year program including prerequisites. The BSN program emphasizes in critical thinking, leadership skills and a professional role away from the bedside. Both programs include their core curriculum of Adult Health, Maternal and Newborn nursing and Pediatrics. BSN Program includes nursing research and nursing informatics. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing(AACN) believes nurse with their BSN degree are more prepared for today’s workforce due to their well-developed critical thinking skills, leadership and ability to practice in different settings The ADN student focuses on providing bedside care to patients with acute and chronic health needs with policy and procedures reflecting current standard of care. The obvious differences between the programs are...
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...Differences between Nurses Educated at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Nursing Christy Lilly Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-O501 March 27, 2015 Differences between Nurses Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Education can be a factor in determining a person’s success and well-being. Does the difference in RN education play a role in well-being of those they care for? I will explain some educational differences between an Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate of Science Nurse (BSN). Also, I will share a clinical case scenario to demonstrate the differences in approach, experience and skills effect clinical decisions made by a BSN and an ADN nurse. Associate Degree Nursing Education The ADN requires two or three years of college, whether at a community college or junior college. The graduate earns an Associates of Science in Nursing and is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The idea of the ADN was founded by Mildred Montag in 1952 due to the nursing shortage post World War II. Montag proposed a two-year program in junior or community colleges. Her intent was the ADN would be more educated than the untrained nurse, otherwise known as a practical nurse. The ADN would qualify to test for RN licensure and enter practice working under the supervision of a BSN nurse. Montag’s proposed framework and model was not executed completely. Instead...
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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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...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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...Educational Preparation Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Level Is a nurse a nurse? Many nurses seem to do the same things at a glance. They may perform procedures similarly but is the thought process equal? Defining an Associate Degree in Nursing nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing nurse (BSN) helps to begin understanding the differences they incur. An Associate’s degree program can be completed in 2 years and the focus is on the technical aspects of nursing, at the community college level (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p.18-19). This nurse is usually more task oriented or technical. The Baccalaureate degree RN is a four-year program at a college or university level. The focus is towards more independent thinking within a community as a whole (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p. 19). This nurse concentrates on evidence-based practices. There has been discussion and debate over the mentioned differences and desires since 1965. More recently, In the October 2012 issue of Medical Care, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study concluded that better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. McHugh, MD et al. (2012) Both degrees...
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...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...
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...BSN is better than ADN really? Grand Canyon University Grand Canyon University NRS 430V November 3, 2013 Education Preparation Paper With the focus on economical, Political, and technological advances, the healthcare is moving at a rapid pace in today’s world. To meet the consumers educational healthcare needs they are looking for the safest and most effective care they can receive. There are differences in collegiate competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree (ADN) level versus those with a bachelorette degree (BSN). Scope of practice and state regulations are the same for either nurse. However, how the nurse cares for or approaches decision-making tends differ between the two entities. Allowing nurses to be academically prepared in the workplace and to offer the community professional knowledge needed to care for their families and loved ones with preventive care and improve patient outcomes (Sexton, Hunt, Cox, Teasley, & Carrol, 2008, p. 105) Differences in Competencies Associate Degree programs are offered at community colleges around the country. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides and efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The number of ADN programs around the country has steadily increased since being introduced in 1958 with about 1000 programs across the country (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and...
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