...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 continuing...
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...nurses. The topic the author is writing on is educational preparation and will further discuss the competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN) levels and identify patient care situation where the approach to decision making or skill differs between the two levels. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish nurses who holds BSN to the ADN. The author’s position here is that there are differences between ADN and BSN graduates in terms of education, training and competencies (Cherry & Jacob, 2010, p. 60-62). The BSN degree is different from the ADN in several ways. The BSN was established before the ADN. In 1909 the University of Minnesota started the first BSN program in nursing in the United States. It was not until the after the second world war that this program gained momentum. Due to a growing shortage of RNs and social, political and educational reforms in society in the 1950s, the ADN emerged as another program in nursing education for community colleges. This program became very popular (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 25-26). The BSN started as 5years program. However, most BSN programs today are now 4 years in length. There are different programs for the BSN. There is the ADN to BSN and the generic, both trying to meet the same goal. I addition to the course work is associate degree program, BSN program does not only limit to nursing care, but covers in details the physical, social science, nursing research...
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...Running head: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BSN AND ADN PRACTICE 1 The Difference Between BSN and ADN Practice Lauren DiMuro Southern Vermont College What is the difference between BSN practice and ADN practice? This is a question that every nursing student should ask and research as both BSN and ADN nurses can sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam. There are multiple answer to this question, however the short answer is that nurse with a BSN degree has more opportunities to work in a variety of health care settings that offer an extensive array of opportunities for professional growth. (Moore, 2009) BSN student learn skills at a higher level that are required for exceptional practice. (Huston 7) The difference between the ADN nurse and the BSN nurse is not limited to the opportunities allotted but spans out to the education. The BSN nurse completes a curriculum that has a different focus than that of the ADN curriculum. The BSN curriculum emphasizes evidence based practice, leadership, critical thinking, and public/community health. (Moore, 2009) As part of this curriculum you receive crucial training in key areas like communication, leadership, and critical thinking- enhanced knowledge that will become ever more valuable in the complex and changing future of health care delivery. (Simons, 2012) BSN nurses can be and are not limited to...
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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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...The Difference in Competencies: BSN v. ADN/Diploma When deciding to go to nursing school, it is not just a decision on what school to attend, it is also a decision on what degree to obtain. A two-year ADN program, a three-year diploma program, or a four year bachelor’s program are the current options to choose from. All will give the education needed to pass the licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. All will provide the title of RN once the licensing exam is passed. All will have clinical rotations that will prepare the student for their first day on the job, and provides the student with the many options that nursing has to offer. With all of these similarities between the different nursing degrees, there is one major difference between a nurse graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a nurse graduating with an Associates Degree of Nursing. That difference is opportunity. Although graduating with an ADN or Diploma of nursing will create many career openings, those opportunities are not what could be expected if you graduate with a BSN. With many hospitals attempting to obtain magnet status, many job options are open only to those who hold a BSN. In addition, a BSN is necessary to obtain a job in nurse education and administration (Why a BSN, n.d.). Those with their BSN have more room for career advancement and are in greater demand than their ADN/Diploma counterparts. Many new nurses fail to look at the big picture of career growth. They may wonder why...
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...Overview of Difference in Competencies between ADN and BSN Overview of Difference in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing Overview of Difference in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing The common goal of the nursing community worldwide is to make sure that quality care is given for all patient population. While doing this, it also wants to maintain the credentials, code of ethics, standards, competencies, and continuing education. Both ADN and BSN nurses give care in a holistic method for individuals who are healthy and sick and are from all ages and cultures. An individual’s physical, emotional, psychological, intellectual, social and spiritual needs will be considered by the nurses while giving care to that person. The profession of nursing is a combination of physical science, social science, nursing theory and technology in caring for individuals. Showing empathy towards patients’ needs is one of the great qualities for which nurses are well known. Some of the core nursing competencies include nursing knowledge, patient-centered care, professionalism, ethics, leadership & communication. ADN and BSN programs help nurses to gain expertise in specific areas of practice. In the quality of patient care provided by ADN and BSN prepared nurses, there is no difference. But...
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...Running Head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established...
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...Competency differences between BSN and ADN GCU Professional Dynamics NSG-430 1 Tricia Aud February 04, Competency differences between BSN and ADN are many, the BSN is more prepared than ADN to be a nurse, as they are more efficient and effective. Although the ADN can do many of the same jobs, access patients, pass medications and start intravenous lines, the BSN is more academically well rounded thus making them more qualified to be leaders, educators and managers in the work environment. The argument is weather the educational level of a nurse affects their decision making and leadership skills. In an article my Marcia Masters (1989) she explains that decision making is an inherent task to the role of today’s nurse. The nursing environment is both demanding and complex. After the development of the technical nurse by Margret Montag (1951), due to the shortage of nurses after WWII, there has been an ongoing controversy. She believed in a new kind of nurse, one that would be prepared to start after a two year program. Although good intentioned, some believe the ADN not to be as adept at decisions making and critical thinking as the BSN. Some ADN programs do have curriculum for leadership/ management as part of their courses or incorporated in another course. De Chow (1977) points out, “when the ADN programs were conceived, they were not meant to prepare graduates for administrative tasks and positions.” Along with taking the same educational board exam the ADN also takes...
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...Difference between associate degree nurse and baccalaureate degree nurse competency hope ward,RN grand canyon university nrs-430v This paper will detail the differences between ADN(associate degree nurse) and BSN(baccalaureate degree nurse). Both are nurses but they are different in the amount of education each degree requires. Associate Degree Nurse ADN nurses are those that attend community colleges for 2 to 3 years. ADN graduates are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). If the AND graduate passes the NCLEX, they are licensed as a registered nurse in the state they live Baccalaureate Degree Nurse BSN nurses attend college for 4 to 5 years. The first 2 years are mainly general education classes. The last 2 to 3 years are nursing classes. BSN graduates are also eligible to the NCLEX. They also are licensed as a registered nurse if they pass the state text. In the post war years both ADN and BSN programs were founded. The ADN program was established to address the nursing shortage. It was a shorter program that concentrated mainly on clinical skills. BSN programs also focused on clinical skills but went on to teach education and administrative skills. BSN programs are mainly taught in universities unlike ADN programs. Some studies have shown that higher qualified and educated nurses such as those with a BSN degree, produce better patient outcomes. A study of Magnet hospitals in Pennsylvania which employed more BSN nurses, had...
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...DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN AND BSN GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY (NRS 430V-PROFESSIONAL DYNAMICS) SEPTEMBER 16, 2012 The nursing profession has come a long way and continues to change. The effects of science and technology on the health care field cannot be over emphasized. New and modern approach to providing health care to patients require nurses to continue to seek knowledge and educate themselves in order to be well equipped to provide effective & safe care to their patients and the ability to make a well rounded and informed decision regarding health care issues as they arise. Education has always been of great importance to the nursing profession. The history of nursing reveals how women from different walks of life were able to put aside their differences, cultures, and beliefs to come together to provide care to casualties of the civil war. Their efforts created awareness for the need of well trained and educated nurses; consequently, training schools for nursing were established (Creasia & Friberg, 4). In this essay, the differences in competencies between Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor Degree Nursing (BSN) will be discussed. Furthermore, the benefits of BSN education to nursing practice and evaluation of how the education received can lead to positive patient outcome will be discussed. Anyone looking to gain entry into the nursing practice has two options to consider. The first is an associate degree...
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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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...The Difference Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Increasing clinical understanding and the rising complexities in the health care technologies today requires that professional nurses be educated and competent to the baccalaureate level. Nurses with their RN can be educated to the level of associates degree or to baccalaureate degree. According to the Grand Canyon University Baccalaureate Curriculum Model, the associates degree level nurse differs from the baccalaureate level nurse in three main competencies; client, nurse, and nursing education. One of the different competencies between associate degree (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree (BSN) is type of client or patients they are prepared to treat and the care setting which they are allowed to work in. “ADN nurses are educated to provide nursing care to persons with similar health alterations in structured setting, whereas BSN-prepared nurses are educated to engage in independent thinking and to provide nursing care to persons with complex and differing health alterations within a variety of settings, including the community” (Hood, 2010, pg. 18). Health care is not only centered as inpatient hospitals but throughout the community as preventive care as well, leaving ADN nurses in a disadvantage. Nurses now a day have to be able to practice across multiple settings. Contrasting the graduates of an ADN program with the graduate of a BSN program; the BSN nurse is prepared to practice in all health...
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...Educational Preparation of BSN And ADN Paper. Benice C Ejiogu Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V 8/19/2012 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION 2 Educational Preparation of BSN and ADN The differences in competencies between Nurses prepared at the associate –degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level should not be over emphasized due to the fact that their educational preparation differs in different ways. ADN students has 3-year associate degree program, which comprises of both theoretical and clinical experiences. While BSN has a total of 4-year baccalaureate- degree program ,both theories and practical inclusive. McIntosh, T., Duske, S., Anderson, M., & Hill, P. (2008). These nurses has many qualities in common, but their competency level differs in different ways. Competency is defined as the integration of skills and knowledge required to perform a role in a particular setting (McConnell, 2001). Competency can also be defined as an individual’s actual performance in a particular situation, described by how well the individual integrates knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors in delivering care according to expectations (Gurvis & Grey, 1995; Nolan, 1998). BSN and ADN have significant...
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...Running Head: COMPETENCY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established...
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...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 of the...
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