...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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...Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 11, 2014 The differences in competencies between the Registered Nurse who is completing the ADN versus the BSN are many. In this country there are two types of Registered Nurses: the Registered Nurse who graduates from an Associate Degree program and the Registered Nurse who graduates from the Baccalaureate Degree program. Both types of RNs take the National Council Licensure Examination also known as the NCLEX-RN. The results of the NCLEX-RN examination determines if the nurse has the technical competency to practice nursing. What the exam does not determine is the difference between graduates who have different levels of education. Although the passing rate for the exam is the same among the two groups of nurses, it is not proof that there are no differences between the two groups. The length of the ADN program is two years, while the BSN program is four years. The ADN is the shorter, faster path to obtaining RN licensure. Both types of Registered Nurses have the same license. Although both types of RNs may go through similar clinical training and have a similar income, there are differences in their educational and professional training as well as in their level of competency. The associate degree program’s emphasis is on clinical skills that are required to work in a hospital or clinic setting. The RN is trained to be task oriented. Education and competency are confined to hands on patient care. The baccalaureate...
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...Differences in Competency Between Associate Degree Prepared Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurses Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics July 2013 Differences in Competency Between Associate Degree Prepared Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurses Achieving a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), makes an individual eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once either candidate successfully passes he or she is granted a Registered Nurse (RN) license and can gain employment in the workforce. With licensure as a RN come the core values that each nurse accepts while practicing nursing (Creasia J. & Friberg E., 2011). Both degrees hold the RN to the same level of accountability. These programs show varied curriculums, which produce differences in the outcome of the competencies that each RN exhibits. A BSN program is offered by a four-year college or university. The focus is on theory, collaboration, and evidence based practice, while encompassing and embracing the entire nursing picture. Within the BSN program, students discover perspectives about human diversity and promotion of spiritual and healthy wellbeing, as well as digging deeper into the ethical, political, historical, and social influences that have shaped and continue to shape the world of nursing (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). The number of BSN program options...
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...Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses A Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses There are many differences in the competencies between associate and baccalaureate level nurses. Associate level nursing programs tend to concentrate on the more technical aspects of nursing which allows students once they graduate to provide appropriate care to patients and families, especially during times of illness. They may practice on a more restricted level, making their nursing skills limited to more direct patient care in nursing homes and hospitals. Baccalaureate nursing programs improve on these skills by teaching more critical thinking to allow a more thorough approach to caring for their patients. RN-to-BSN programs allow ADN nurses that have grown confident in their hands-on skills and want to gain more critical thinking skills the ability to build on their education and "prepare...for a broader scope of practice" (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2014). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes multiple research studies linking fewer medication errors, lower mortality rates and more positive patient outcomes to nursing education received at the baccalaureate level (2014). BSN programs also help teach the leadership needed for nursing supervision and prepare their nurses for graduate studies. Critical thinking competency is key to the future of...
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...Running Head : DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN BSN VERSES ADN. Educational Preparation Shyni Joseph Grand Canyon University 02/17/2013 Nursing is one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States. Quality patient care hinges on having a well educated nursing workforce in the interest of improving patient safety and providing enhanced nursing care. Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. Education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. The overall outlook of healthcare professions has dramatically changed in the past few decades. In nursing, competencies define the duties and skills required for nursing positions and establish the educational requirements needed to qualify for each nursing title. In its October 2010 report on The Future of Nursing, the institute of Medicine states” an increase in the percentage of nurses with BSN is imperative as the scope of what the public needs from nurses grows, expectations surrounding quality heightens, and the settings where nurses are needed proliferate and become more complex.”In a study released in May 2008 issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration, Dr Linda Aiken and her colleagues confirmed the findings from their landmark 2003 study which shows a strong link between RN education level and patient outcomes, The researchers found that every 10% increase...
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...Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Grand Canyon: Professional Dynamics NRS-430V January 4, 2013 Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Nursing education in the United States offers many levels of competency falling under the licensed title of registered nurse (RN). These levels offered in a continuum, begin with nursing as a vocation in the form of licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) followed by an associate degree (ADN), baccalaureate of science degree (BSN), masters of science degree (MSN) and doctorate. All have curriculums that build upon the previous designation in hopes of creating a highly sophisticated nursing profession geared toward handling an evolving healthcare system of diverse populations, technical advances and outcomes. This paper will focus on comparing the competencies between the ADN versus BSN education in order to highlight the need to pursue a BSN level of education. Research conducted by Poster et al. (2005) notes differing curriculum for each type of nursing program produces a difference in entry-level postgraduate competencies within clinical behavior, judgments and knowledge base. These differences according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2005) are largely in the “research, theory, public and community health, management, and humanities (AACN, 2005). The associate degree education was a response to...
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...Differences Between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Lisa Thayer Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics May 12, 2013 Differences Between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Registered nurses who are prepared with a baccalaureate degree are more highly qualified in clinical competency and delivery of care compared with registered nurses who have an associate’s degree. There is very compelling research that shows an association between better patient outcomes and baccalaureate prepared nursing care in the hospital setting. Competencies Clinical competency is the ability to use the knowledge and skills attained to effectively perform as a nurse. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing states that “…education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery” (Rosseter). A higher degree of education should bring greater clinical competency. There are very evident differences between associate-degree nurses (ADN) and baccalaureate-degree nurses (BSN) with regard to schooling. Most associate degree programs require 2 to 3 years of study, while a baccalaureate degree programs requires 4 years of study. Both ADN and BSN nurses must pass the same exam to earn their Registered Nurse license, however, there are major differences in the program curriculum between these two approaches to attaining the RN license. ADN programs focus on learning the technical skills for providing patient care. Baccalaureate...
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...Differences in Competencies, ADN v. BSN Jett Jordan-Woodbury Grand Canyon University RN-BSN NRS 430v: Professional Dynamics Linda Permoda May 11, 2012 Difference in Competencies Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor Degree Nurse While an Associate Degree Nurse, also known as an ADN, and Bachelor of Science in nursing nurse, also known as a BSN, are given the same preliminary education relating to patient treatment, there are notable differences in their professional and educational preparation, as well as their competencies. These two degrees have different levels of patient interaction and contact, as well as job expectations. ADN and BSN programs focus on different aspects and angles of education and job focus that all ultimately lead to taking optimal care of the patient. This paper compares the differences between those two areas and how important it is for these two degrees to work together as a team to provide the best possible outcome for all patients and nurses involved. This paper will touch on the differences between the educational levels and focuses, the clinical competencies, and the job expectations of the ADN and the BSN. Educational Competencies and Job Expectations The educational levels of the ADN and the BSN differ drastically, they can last anywhere from two to four years in length and focus on many different aspects of the nursing profession, but they all are geared toward the same outcome, optimal care of the patient. In the two year...
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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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...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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...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 RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Grand Canyon: Professional Dynamics NRS-430V January 4, 2013 Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Nursing education in the United States offers many levels of competency falling under the licensed title of registered nurse (RN). These levels offered in a continuum, begin with nursing as a vocation in the form of licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) followed by an associate degree (ADN), baccalaureate of science degree (BSN), masters of science degree (MSN) and doctorate. All have curriculums that build upon the previous designation in hopes of creating a highly sophisticated nursing profession geared toward handling an evolving healthcare system of diverse populations, technical advances and outcomes. This paper will focus on comparing the competencies between the ADN versus BSN education in order to highlight the need to pursue a BSN level of education. Research conducted by Poster et al. (2005) notes differing curriculum for each type of nursing program produces a difference in entry-level postgraduate competencies within clinical behavior, judgments and knowledge base. These differences according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2005) are largely in the “research, theory, public and community health, management, and humanities (AACN, 2005). The associate degree education was a response to...
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...Competency Differences between the ASN and BSN RN GCU Professional Dynamics May 25, 2014 There is an ongoing debate whether associate-degree level curricula prepare the nursing student proficiently for a successful entry-level career in nursing. In fact, many studies have been conducted to determine the differentiation of competencies between an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) and a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN). Before I discuss about some of the literature findings, I would like to provide one Pennsylvania’s Nursing School ASN objectives which are for the student to gain nursing knowledge, develop clinical skills, and reaffirm care and compassion. Whereas, the BSN program objectives are to enhance nursing knowledge through advancing the student’s critical thinking skills, communication skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional education. (PCHS, 2014) As the reader can see, there is a direct correlation between education received and what the learner can be expected to demonstrate in their nursing career. In this paper, I hope to identify the differences of competencies between both degrees and describe how nursing care approach may differ. The American Association of College in Nursing (AACN) has provided a fact sheet on “The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice”, within in the document, it focuses on studies that report BSN prepared RN’s experience lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes compared...
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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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...Title: Difference in Competency Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level Nursing is a job, a career and profession. With the historical development, nursing shaped its own progress under the influence of education. Well educated nursing workforce is related to care quality and patient safety. Associate degree and baccalaureate degree are different pathways for one who becomes a registered nurse through the education. This paper will discuss the differences in competency between associate degree nurses (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurses (BSN). A clinical case scenario also gives the example that the difference of nursing care in making decision or approaches based on the various education level, ADN versus BSN. Associated Degree Nursing Mildred Montag (a nurse educator) was the first one who designed the associate degree in nursing (ADN) in 1952 to solve the severity of the nursing shortage. Ever since then, nurse profession had been recognized by diverse population. Therefore, an associate degree nurse can be defined as a nurse who gets fundamental and basics of nursing training in community college in two to three years and eligible to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after the program. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing The baccalaureate nursing program has been established in the United States for over a century but developed slowly until the Second World War. The program had entered the...
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