...The main paths to becoming a Registered Nurse and the core differences in competencies between nurses with the associate-degree versus the baccalaureate degree Svetlana Jones Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics November 26, 2014 The Origin of Nursing Education Programs Regardless of the general recommendation proposing to move nursing schools from hospitals to universities throughout the first half of the 20th century, it was not till 1950s when hospitals finally agreed to this significant change. Nonetheless, the baccalaureate nursing programs (BSN) did not generate enough nurses to eliminate the post-war nursing shortage. Fortunately in 1951, a well-know nurse and educator Mildred Montag suggested and shaped a new associate degree-nursing program (ADN) to overcome the nursing shortage (Creasia, 2011). The two-year ADN program was designed to be only a temporary solution to a pressing problem; however, the ADN program remained and is producing many new nurses every year. The emphasis of my work is to compare the current ADN and BSN program and highlight the main differences between an ADN and BSN nurse. Moreover, I will use a patient scenario to demonstrate how nurses with an ADN and BSN degree are prepared to provide a competent and safe nursing care to their patients. Two Main Pathways of Becoming RN An ADN program takes two years to complete and is usually offered by community colleges. The curriculum for this nursing...
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...The Differences Between ADN and BSN Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS-430v 5/01/16 For those not working in the healthcare field, the profession of nursing can cause a lot of confusion. There are multiple different certifications or degrees that get lumped into many peoples’ idea of nursing. For example, there are certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), associate-level nurses (ADNs), baccalaureate-level nurses (BSNs), masters-level nurses (MSNs), doctorate level nurses (PhDs) and (APRNs) and many different types of specialty certifications. All of these different levels of nursing require varying levels of schooling and certification. For the purposes of this paper the discussion will focus on the differences in competency levels between ADNs and BSNs. Schooling One big difference between the associates nurse and the bachelors nurse is the length of time to get the degree. To get an associate’s degree, the schooling is usually done through a junior college or community college and completed within 2-3 years. On the other hand, the BSN is done through a traditional university and completed within 4 years. This difference in the length of time has made the ADN very popular because you get to start working and making money much more quickly. Also the ADN is much cheaper since you are in school for less time. The BSN has all of the same courses as an ADN, however, the education goes much more in depth. The additions of nursing management...
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...Differences in competencies between ADN and BSN nurses Registered nurses comprise the largest sector in the health care field. 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses conducted by the Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) says that nursing is one of the nation's biggest health Care Profession and it comprises more than 3 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. It is a dynamic profession and learning is important for nurses to update their knowledge with Increased complexity of the healthcare needs of today and into the future. Debate regarding the minimum educational requirement for the nurses has been going over years with still no definite answer. Nurse with RN license may be educated to the level of BSN (Bachelor degree of nursing) or ADN (associate degree in nursing). This paper will focus on the differences in the competencies between BSN AND ADN nurses. ADN ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is the 2-3 year Associate degree level, which can be obtained at a community college or junior college. The associate degree level of nursing was originated when there was a shortage for nurses during Second World War. Primarily AND nurses were known as technical personnel’s by working under the professional nurses’ supervision and by assisting them. Eventually associate degree level of nursing became more popular and is considered as an attractive path for those who want a shortened, less expensive way to become...
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...Competency Differences between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree Level (ADN) or Baccalaureate-Degree Level (BSN) level Competency Differences between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree Level (ADN) or Baccalaureate-Degree Level (BSN) level It has always been said that the higher level of education one can obtain, the better. Currently for Registered Nurses there are many programs out there that encourage furthering education and enrolling back in school to obtain a Baccalaureate-Degree in Nursing (BSN). Both nurses, whichever program they are enrolled to, are educated through nursing programs that require them and prepare them to take the same National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). We will be able to see some differences in competency based on educational level and background based on research and evidenced-based practice. Nurses throughout the United States are being encouraged to enroll back into school to achieve a higher level of education. You can see RN-BSN programs; BSN-MSN, LVN-ADN or LVN-BSN program information anywhere from website advertisements, e-mails, commercials, and magazines. There is no doubt that education is important and that based on the job one is looking to fulfill, certain levels of a degree or certification are required. ADN and BSN nurses, although both RNs, do hold certain traits of differences based on their education level. A nurse with an Associate’s Degree is taught more how to treat the patient medically. They most...
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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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...Title: differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Patient Care Scenario Barbara Doherty Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-O102 September 21, 2014 Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Patient Care Scenario “BSN- prepared nurse have a positive impact on lowering mortality rate.” (Tourangeau et. al. , 2007 p.6). As the health care industry is constantly evolving at a fast pace, education is with no doubt one of the most influential aspect that nurses have to conquer to be able to give the best patient care. This paper will argue with solid evidence-based research the differences in educational preparation between a Baccalaureate degree nurse, BSN, and an associate degree nurse, ADN. Different approaches in decision making and patient care will be explained, using a clinical situation, amongst a BSN nurse and ADN nurse showing that BSN nurses make better decisions concerning patient care. Associate Degree Nursing and Baccalaureate Degree Nursing There are three possibilities to become a registered nurse and those are: a 3- year diploma, a 3-year associate degree, which is the equivalent of an ADN degree, and a 4-year baccalaureate degree which is the equivalent of a BSN degree. The ADN program was created by Mildred Montag due to scarcity on nurses. Mildred created a new type of nurse as she explained it...
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...Differences between ADN and BSN educated nurses. Florence nightingale’s influence on nursing practice and the way her model of nursing education was adopted in the nineteenth century triggered the beginning of enormous change in nursing as a profession. According to Creasia and Friberg ( 5th edition), nursing has evolved over the course of more than 150 years since inception of the first nightingale school. Since then, nursing continues to encounter numerous and complex challenges like nursing shortages, increase in communicable diseases, increase in auto immune infection, increase in aging population just to mention a few. Currently, in the US, one can become a registered nurse by several means. These are through attaining a hospital bases diploma, a 2-3 year associate degree or a 4 year baccalaureate degree. Nursing students in these different programs are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), passing the NCLEX only assures that the nurse has the minimum technical competency required to safely practice nursing. The Associate Degree program is shorter and more technical skill focused; the course does not include the classes on theory and science of nursing as a profession that are part of BSN programs. It is also cheaper and affordable, thus allowing an individual to start working early. The BSN empowers the future nurse with greater critical thinking and broader patient...
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...Differences in Competency between ADN and BSN Nurses Angela G. Strickland Grand Canyon University NRS-430V August 15, 2012 Differences in Competency between ADN and BSN Nurses Presently if a person chooses to be a registered nurse they can follow three different pathways; diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree. Diploma nurses obtain their education through a hospital based program. Associate degree programs are similar to baccalaureate degree programs except not as in-depth because of this they are more fast-paced. The Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is a four year academic degree that depending on which school and program can be very pricey. All three of these pathways will qualify the nurse to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The NCLEX only tests for the minimum competency in order to work as a safe nurse. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) “The NCLEX-RN is only one indicator of competency, and it does not measure performance over time or test for all of the knowledge and skills developed through a BSN program” (Rosseter, 2012). In this paper only the competency of the ADN and BSN nurses will be discussed. A large percentage of nurses take the associate degree pathway, it is an attractive option because of the shortened amount of time it takes to graduate and begin work as a registered nurse, plus it takes half the amount of money. The associate degree programs were developed in order to...
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...procedures, techniques, and policies to create a more effective healthcare system. The policy aims to transform practice, education, and leadership. (Committee Summary) One of the core notes of the Affordable care acts is that “Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training.” (Committee Transformation) According the American Nurses Association nursing is defined as “the protection, promotion, and optimization 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. (ANA, n.d.)” All nurses no matter what degree try to live up to the ANA standard. ADN nurses are more than capable of providing care. The key point in recent studies is that BSN nurses provide better care. ADN nurses are most likely able to accomplish tasks just as well as BSN nurses. However, BSN nurses question decisions, rationalize treatments, and strive to provide care for the patient as a whole. The level of competency is clearly disparate. Due to the BSN nurse’s higher education he or she is able to make decisions regarding the doctor’s judgments that could eventually save a life. The BSN nurse will have the dexterity to...
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...ASSOCIATES vs. THE BACCALAUREATE PREPARED NURSE 1 Educational Preparation Doris N. Nwoko Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Author Note Discussion on the differences in competencies between an associate degree prepared nurse versus the baccalaureate degree prepared nurse Abstract As nursing continues to strive for its rightful recognition in healthcare settings and the world at large, there has been and continues to be scrutiny and questions arising about the nursing profession. Also discussed is how does one differentiate the duties and responsibilities associated with one level from the other after all the term synonymous with both levels is a registered nurse (RN). The ANA definition of nursing is "Nursing is the protection, promotion, and optimization 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" (www.nursingworld.org). The ANA made no reference to the level of preparedness required to achieve the defined scope. On one hand, one might argue that the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) both sat for and passed the same NCLEX-RN examination (www.aacn.nche.edu). On the other, the medical field in general continues to advocate investment in the baccalaureate prepared nurse in its effort to substantially reduce...
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...Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Prepared Nurses Linda Jewell Grand Canyon University Competency Differences between ADN and BSN Prepared Nurses Merriam-Webster defines nurse as: “a person who cares for the sick or infirm; specifically: a licensed health-care professional who practices independently or is supervised by a physician, surgeon, or dentist and who is skilled in promoting and maintaining health”. This definition gives no differentiation between the nurse educated at the Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) level and the nurse educated at the Associate degree of nursing (ADN) level. Many do not realize there is difference between the two. Both nurses subscribe to the same nursing philosophies and teachings but the baccalaureate nurse expands upon those philosophies and teachings to provide a higher standard of care. On a day to day basis, nurses are asked to draw on their training, experiences and education to make decisions about the care of their patients. Many times it is the nurses that suggest treatments and medications to the physicians since they have more one-on-one time with the patients. A BSN educated nurse may think of a treatment or medication based on her course work or even experience on the job that an ADN nurse would not. In many long-term care facilities, the method of treatment of wounds is often left up to the nurse to decide and get approved by the physician. Every nurse has different experiences with what has worked...
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...The Difference Between ADN versus BSN Prepared Nurses Grand Canyon University The Difference Between ADN versus BSN Prepared Nurses In the United States of America nurses are allowed to practice as Registered Nurses upon completion of an Associate degree program in nursing and a passing score on the NCLEX boards. From there they have many choices for job opportunities: some of which include hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They practice alongside physicians prepared at the doctorate level, pharmacists prepared at the bachelors, masters, or doctorate level, and speech pathologists prepared at the masters level (2008, Taylor). While these are requirements for their colleagues, nurses are given a great deal of responsibility with regards to patient care, but allowed the choice of an Associates versus a Bachelors of Nursing. While an ADN prepares a nurse for practicing in a care setting, a BSN furthers those skills and allows for improved critical thinking, improved work performance, and improved leadership skills (2003 Leonard). Improved Critical Thinking A Bachelors of Nursing allows for focus on critical thinking in a manner that an ADN cannot because the focus of an ADN is primarily pathophysiology and its application to everyday nursing (2009, Orsolini-Hain & Waters, V.). The ADN degree promotes more task-oriented nurses, focused on the smaller pieces of the puzzle, versus the whole of the picture and the whole of the patient. BSN nurses are able...
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...Differences in Bedside Competency Between ADN and BSN Nurses Tonya L Henson Grand Canyon University NRS-430V May 10, 2010 Currently in the United States there are three types of Registered Nurses. Diploma nurses obtain their education through a hospital based program. Associate Degree nurses usually receive their degree in a two year or community college setting. A Bachelor of Science degree in nursing is a four year academic degree. The debate over minimum education requirements for nurses has been going on for decades and there still seems to be no general consensus. The subject of entry level education requirements is one that is very divisive to many nurses. Internet searches bring up thousands of blogs, message board postings, position statements and statistics related to this issue. In this paper the focus will be on ADN and BSN nurses. Associate degree programs are designed to train students to provide entry level care in a hospital setting. The ADN is an attractive option for many due to shortened program time and the reduced tuition rate. Baccalaureate nursing programs have additional classes in humanities, the sciences and expanded nursing coursework. The additional classes in community health nursing, nursing management and research are designed to provide the BSN prepared nurse for a broader scope of practice. This enables the BSN prepared nurse to move away from direct bedside care in a hospital setting. The BSN degree also serves as a bridge to those...
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...Differences in Competences Between the BSN and ADN prepared Nurses Thokozani B. Armstrong Grand Canyon University NRS-430v Jane January 27, 2013 TDifferences in Competences Between the BSN and ADN Prepared Nurses. he eThe endeavor to maintain properly trained and educated nurses dates back to the 20th th century with the inception of the Diploma program and the Baccalaureate thereafter. In their undifferentiated roles to affect positive outcomes in the multilevel entry nursing professional practice, the Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) prepared nurse is more prepared than the Associate Degree (AD) and Diploma in Nursing prepared nurses in professional competency, therefore thecompetency. The purpose of this paper is to examine the professional competencies as evident in education, evidence-based practice (EBP), critical thinking and communication. Multi-level entry and undifferentiated roles are discussed as they have a significant connection to the nursing professional competency. Undifferentiated roles Undifferentiated roles BSN, AD and Diploma prepared nurses hold the same licensure, received upon passing the minimum required technical skills for entry to the nursing practice. The test is conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). ...
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...The Differences in Competencies between the ADN and BSN Prepared Nurse Patricia Walker Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V April 27, 2013 There are many changes being made in health care today. Among these changes is the initiative for all associate degree and diploma degree registered nurses to further their education, go back to school and earn their BSN degree. Proponents of this initiative believe that there should be one level of entrance into the nursing profession. Diploma and ADN nursing programs focus on teaching the nursing skills and technical competence to provide basic bedside patient care. The baccalaureate degree program focuses on the history of nursing, and the theories that guide nursing as a profession. Though, each program of entry into the profession of registered nurse adequately prepares the student to administer safe, basic nursing care, the programs differ, in that the baccalaureate degree program expands on the basic knowledge of nursing. It teaches students a deeper understanding into the history of nursing, how it came about, who was expected to be a nurse and why. The leaders in the advancement of nursing history are studied along with their contributions into the nursing time line. The different theory models of nursing are learned and the philosophy of each model is discussed. This leads to a deeper understanding of the many roles that nurses have in our society today. Graduates of entry level nursing programs (baccalaureate...
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