...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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...Preparation 1. Discuss the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Victoria Grant November 8, 2015 A well educated professionals are usually needed to enter the nursing profession because of the complexity of the nursing profession today. There are usually three route for the entry level into the nursing profession. Associate degree in nursing (ADN), a diploma or a baculearate in nursing (BSN). Regardless all three have to take the NCLEX exams and pass to be practicing as an RN. Even though they all have the same passing rate they do not equate to the BSN program. Although the entry level for nursing has always being the baccalaureate degree, the shortage of nursing has allowed ADN graduates to be hired at the entry level. There are differences in competencies between the three. On that note the ADN and the BSN degrees and there competencies will be discussed. The Associate Degree Nurse and its competencies The Associate is a two year degree usually in a community college which was started because there was shortage in nursing in the 1950s. It requires courses in arts and sciences and more integrated approach nursing content and clinical learning. They were trained to help filled the demand of nurses at that time to give bed side nursing. These ADN or technical RNs as they were called were to work with BSN professional RNs as a team...
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...healthcare has evolved and nursing practice has become broader requiring the need for baccalaureate degree in nursing as the minimal standard for Registered Nurse (RN) license. Although also accepted, the associate’s degree in nursing is granted at the technical level rather than at the professional level. (ANA, 1965). In this paper I would like to discuss the differences in competencies between nurses that have been prepared at a BSN vs ADN level of nursing. In addition I would like to discuss a situation in which patient-care shows approaches and decision-making and care based on educational preparation of a BSN RN versus a diploma or ADN degree nurse. Many studies have been done in Nursing Education. The research is based on today's Nursing preparedness. There are three different pathways to reach a Registered Nurse degree. All three pathways 1) Diploma nursing, 2) An associate's degree in nursing, and 3) A bachelor's degree in nursing are required to pass the NCLEX licensing examination. The NCLEX stands for National Council licensure examination. This test is geared for the minimal entry level of competency that is required. Associates Degree Nursing: To achieve this degree from start to completion usually takes 2 to 3 years within the community college or some technical school where the students at the end of their graduation may challenge the NCLEX-RN examination. The associate degree in nursing was first started in the 1960s in the United States at the community college level...
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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 Degrees: Associate Degree of Nursing and Bachelor Degree of Nursing Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V October 7, 2012 Competency Differences between ADN and BSN The debate between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor Degree of Nursing (BSN) has been a major topic of discussion in the world of nursing. In this paper I will break down and lay out the distinguishing factors such as education and competency levels between the two degrees. Included in this paper will also be a scenario that gives some insight into the thinking process of patient care, while incorporating the educational framework used in the decisions being made to give the patient the best and most efficient nursing care. This paper will allow the readers to have some understanding on the decision making process that goes on in the patient care world. The nursing world is made up of a vast amount of different subfields such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetist, and a sum of research nursing. All of these levels of nursing are attainable as long as the nurse has the right education credentials. To take part in the above stated fields a nurse must acquire her bachelor degree in nursing. The first Baccalaureate nursing program was established in the United States at the University of Minnesota in 1909 (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The time frame for the BSN program is four years. It’s longer than that of the ADN program by two years, but in these...
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...Competencies between Associate-Degree Level Nurses and Baccalaureate-Degree Level Nurses By: Candace Williams Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V March 13th, 2011 The Great Nursing Debate: Differentiating Competencies between Baccalaureate-Degree Level Nurses and Associate Degree Level Nurses Since the 1960’s, there has been much debate as to what the required entry level education should be for the Registered Nurse (RN). While there are many different levels of education that an RN can obtain, the most common two types of practicing nurses are the Associate-Degree nurse (ADN) and Baccalaureate-Degree nurse (BSN). While both of these types of nurses perform the same bedside patient care, there are several differences in their educational training and competencies. In response to the passage of the Comprehensive Nurse Training Act of 1964, the American Nurses Association (ANA) publicized a position paper calling for the minimum requirement of the entry level nursing be a baccalaureate degree. The ANA began researching nursing education and scope of responsibilities and concerns were raised about the hospital-based diploma programs amidst the growing complexity of the healthcare system. The ANA noted specific changes in nursing practice that included "major theoretical formulations, scientific discoveries, technological innovations, and the development of radical new treatments" (ANA, 1965, p. 107). This paper examines the competency differences between the ADN prepared...
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...Nursing Steven Justo Abstract The leaders of nursing throughout history have shaped not only the practice of the nursing, but also entrance to the profession via, Diploma, Associates Degree and Bachelors Degree programs. While multiple avenues exist to gain entry into the nursing profession as a Registered Nurse (RN), not all nurses are equally prepared for a professional career in nursing. An aging Baby Boomer generation entering into retirement relying more heavily on the healthcare system, will create a greater demand not only for Registered Nurses with Bachelors Degrees, but furthermore for those RNs with advanced post-graduate degree education to be able to manage an ever changing and challenged healthcare landscape. Educational Preparation The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences between Diploma, Associates Degree, and Bachelors Degree prepared nurses who take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN’s) Nursing Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam. While all three types of nurses are authorized to take and pass the NCLEX board exams for licensure, not all RNs are equally prepared to handle and manage the complex and ever changing healthcare landscape and in particular regards to preparedness of practice of the professional nurse. Differences in Competencies Diminishing Diploma Programs Established in 1873, Massachusetts General Hospital initiated the very first formal nursing educational program in the United States (Friberg...
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...This matter of entrance into the nursing practice has been a cause of turmoil within the nursing profession. Nursing preparation has developed into a diverse array of programs due to the influence of several factors. Currently, prospective students can choose between different kinds of educational programs for nursing. Nursing education has developed into three main types of fundamental programs: Diploma, Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2010) all nursing programs must be approved for graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). As stated by The American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN] (2012) “The NCLEX tests for minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice” (AACN, 2012). In compliance with imposed state regulation, all nursing programs provide the essential training for performing the duties required as a registered nurse. This paper will discuss the differences in competencies and decision-making skills of the registered nurse (RN) dependent upon their educational preparation. The main distinction amongst Diploma, ADN and BSN programs has been duration of study. The nursing diploma curriculums are the eldest type of nursing education that exists in the country. “Diploma programs are typically 2 to 3 years in length” (Creasia & Reid, 2011, p. 24). It is based in a hospital and exists...
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...Competency differences between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate degree Nurses Antoinette Njombua Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V-0103 September 5, 2015 Competency differences between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate degree Nurses. To become a practicing nurse, graduates must first acquire the knowledge and educational blue print necessary to participate in and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. There are various educational pathways and schools for nurses to complete these requirements. There are vocational Programs, the Associate degree program, and the Baccalaureate programs. Though all are eligible to take the same NCLEX-RN exam to attain licensure for practice as registered nurses, they all practice at different levels of competencies and scopes. Although the cognitive abilities between the associate degree and the baccalaureate degree nurses are similar, the difference between these two practicing nurses is mostly related to the level of preparedness and their role functioning standards. The achievement of BSN by practicing nurses serves to enhance nursing care particularly on individuals, families and community like the ADN, but also extends their expertise to community health, leadership, research and evidence based practice. Although the differences in the abilities may not be evident in the beginning of their nursing practice, it becomes pronounced as these nurses gain experience in clinical areas. On like the associates level, the “BSN education...
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...Nurse Preparedness: ADN vs BSN Grand Canyon University June 7, 2015 Nurse Preparedness: ADN vs BSN In the early 1980’s though 2000 a shortage within the nursing field came to peak within the healthcare industry. For over 50 years the associate’s degree had significantly addressed the needs of nurses and nursing staff. However, with the rapid technological advancement of medical diagnosis and treatment, the competencies between nurses with an associate’s degree and a baccalaureate degree became the focus of the healthcare industry. With a demand for higher educational hospitals, a link between patient care and the education levels of nursing staff; the question was, are the competency levels adequate for the nurse with an associate’s degree? Though in writings, there have been no real major differences that are noted between the cognitive abilities of nursing students within baccalaureate degree programs and associate degree programs. Baccalaureate nurses are generally perceived as being better prepared for a wide range of nursing competencies and are seen as performing in the professional role for which they have been prepared during their education. Associate degree nurses are seen as performing well in the technical role for which they have been prepared in their education. In general, nurses were seen as performing in the roles for which they had been educationally prepared (Davis-Martin, 1990). I read an article in the Journal of Advanced...
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...Educational Preparedness in Nursing Nikole J. Martel, RN Grand Canyon University: Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptual Model NRS-430V 3 May 2015 Introduction Nursing education has been at the center of debate for many years. Differences between Associate degree nurses and Baccalaureate degree nurses are at the center of the educational debate. While studies have shown that an increase in Baccalaureate educated nurses decreases patient deaths, rates of readmission, and improves overall patient outcomes, many nurses still opt for the Associates degree path first. This paper will examine the differences between nurses prepared at the Associate degree level vs. nurses prepared at the Baccalaureate degree level. Associate Degree Nurse The Associate degree nurse (ADN) is a nurse who has gone to school for two years. Many types of schools offer these programs, including community colleges and trade schools. After completion of the program, graduates are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX which if passed, allows the student to practice as a Registered Nurse. These programs increase the amount of nurses coming into the field of nursing. Many nurses chose this route due to being able to graduate in less time and incur less costs to receive their education. In 1958 Dr. Mildred Montag, a leader in nursing education sought to reduce the shortage of nurses by creating a two year program at the community college level...
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...Educational Preparedness Michelle Pierson, RN Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS 430V Celeste Ottney June 29, 2012 Educational Preparedness Patient safety and patient outcomes have long been a source of examination. Many studies exist relating patient outcomes and patient safety to registered nurse staffing, but there are few studies that directly compare those outcomes to the level of nursing education. In 2003 the education levels or nurses became more specified during a study in the Journal of American Medicine; prior to that all registered nurses, regardless of associates degree or bachelor’s degree were often placed into the “RN” category and LPN/LVN was the other category specifying nurses with a certificate. (Ridley, 2008) The result of this study was found that hospitals in the Unites States that employed at least ten percent more bachelor degree nurses decreased patient mortality rates by five percent.(Aiken, Clarke, Cheung, & Sliber, 2003). This study began a long controversy which exists today between associates degree nurses (ADN) and bachelors degree nurses (BSN) educated nurses with many ADN nursing programs arguing that their graduates pass the NCLEX at or above the rate of many BSN programs. In 2012 the Nevada State Board of Nursing reported that the associate’s degree school with the largest graduating class had a pass rate of 93.24% of their 74 students, whereas the largest graduating bachelor’s school graduated 96.97% of...
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...Title: The Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Name: Jason Nordstrom Grand Canyon University, Phoenix Arizona: NRS-430V-0500 November 07th, 2012 Introduction: Recent studies have shown that nursing practices and quality of overall patient care, have a direct link to the quality and level of nursing education. Today’s nursing education must be able to meet the demands, challenges and needs of a modern healthcare. According to the (AACN) Facts Sheets: It approaches today’s nursing workforce with researches, relating education to outcomes, and also outline the capacity and preparedness of four year college, as means of improving the level of education in the United States. The definition, history and competencies of BSN and ADN degrees are discussed below: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): An associate degree in nursing, on average requires from two to three years of formal education. ADN predominately prepares nurses for bedside patient care, in a healthcare facilities such as hospitals and long-term care. It is usually offered by community and junior colleges, and some nursing schools. Students with an ADN, meet academic requirement for NCLEX-RN exam, and are eligible for license as R.N. The ADN was started by Dr. Mildred Montag in 1951, as WWII was ending. This was an important and necessary step, in order...
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...as Clara Barton, Dorothea Dix, & Florence Nightingale as well as organizations such as the American Nurses Association and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, to name a very few, have all contributed to what the admirable field of nursing is today. As there are is relentless drive to improve healthcare, the new question arises as whether or not an there is a difference in the overall quality of care in acquiring an associate's degree in nursing versus a bachelor's degree in nursing. The obvious idea to conclude is that more years of education equates to more preparedness and better a better quality of nursing. According to many organizations, statistics, and research, evidence points that that the quality of care is greater in one that has achieved a BSN as opposed to an ADN. The American Association of College of Nursing's one of many goals is to establish a standard of nursing for the betterment of healthcare and the community. "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. The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients...
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...Educational Preparation: A Comparison Between Baccalaureate and Associate Level Nursing Maridel Cruz Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics February 13, 2016 Educational Preparation: A Comparison Between Baccalaureate and Associate Level Nursing Achieving a higher level of education in the nation’s nursing population is a topic that the healthcare industry is currently putting a strong focus on. It used to be that having a nursing workforce composed mostly of associate-degree nurses was sufficient enough to care for the country’s patient population. However, in the past few years more hospitals and nursing employers are moving toward hiring nurses who are prepared at the baccalaureate level to keep up with the increasing complexity of care that is essential to positive patient prognosis. The importance of this change is supported by multitudes of studies and research dedicated to identifying the improvements of patient outcomes, cost efficiency of facilities, and the difference in competencies of nurses prepared at the associate-degree level and those of a baccalaureate level. According to the research shown by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Fact Sheet, “lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels” (Rosseter, 2015). For this reason, it is of great importance to hospitals, nurses, and other patient care facilities that employ them to make elevating...
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