Premium Essay

Differences in Competencies Between Associate and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

In:

Submitted By babrin
Words 1167
Pages 5
Differences in Competencies Between Associate and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

Babrin Guisha

Grand Canyon University: NRS 430

October 7, 2012

From the beginning, nursing has been the way of caring for sick individual, who are unable to care for themselves. The concept has not changed till today, but event surrounding it has changed tremendously in regards to civilization, modernization and technological advancement. This knowledge of nursing profession evolved around education, community health nursing, and research. Today, more is required from the nurses before you can practice as a professional nurse to the benefits of the patient, family and community at large. Therefore this has force many nurses to go back to school to attain more knowledge in other to fit into today’s world of nursing and to be able to give excellent and qualitative care to their patient, family and society. According to the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), “Quality patient care hinges on having a well educated nursing workforce” (2011).

There are two types of nursing degrees, an Associate Nursing Degree and a Baccalaureate degree level in nursing. The ADN is a two year program that is task and skill oriented. This type of education received does not prepare them for nursing research and this degree has limited interaction with community health and minimal knowledge of patho-physiology of disease. On the other hand, BSN is a four year program that offer more education in developing the skills on critical thinking, excellent communication skill, decision making, problem solving, logical thinking, analysis of data, excellent knowledge of patho-physiology, community health, quality control, and knowledge in thought process about a patient’s care in other word, it has given them the guide to have good knowledge of the

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Differences in Competencies Between an Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

...opportunity. The more educational experience you have, the more doors are open for you, just like many doors are open to nurses with a BSN, than nurses with a diploma or an associate degree. An associate degree nurse is a nurse with three years nursing training which are usually offered at community/junior colleges. After graduating from the program the associate nurse is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN). The program was offered to reduce the nursing shortages at hospital. Associate degree nurse program was formed by Mildred Montag (a nurse educator) in 1956 due to severe shortage of nurses after World War 11. Baccalaureate degree nurses are nurses with four years of nursing training that are offered at summer colleges and universities. The graduates of this program are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and become a Registered Nurse. The BSN program includes all the courses taught in an associate or diploma degree program, but the courses go more in depth in physical sciences, social sciences, and nursing management. The educational background a nurse receives from the Baccalaureate degree while in school helps the nurse to understand religious, cultural and social matters related to patient care and safety. The degree also helps to better understand social-cultural, economic and potential concerns that may have emotional and psychological impact on the patient’s wellbeing. It not only...

Words: 974 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Differences and in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at Associate-Degree Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing

...Differences and in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at Associate-Degree versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing The nursing profession has multiple entry levels which are diploma, Associate (ADN) degree and Baccalaureate (BSN) degree (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010). Historically, The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree was established in 1909, whereas the Associate degree was established in 1958 (Hood & Leddy, 2006). BSN students are required to attend 4 years of college education, mostly given at colleges or universities, and on the other hand ADN students are required to attend 3 years of a community college nursing program (AANC, 2011). These variations in the years of education create differences in competences between BSN and ADN. Some variations include critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and ethical reasoning. Both, ADN and BSN prepared nurses sit for the same licensure examination (Taylor, 2008). According to Lane & Kohlenberg (2010), “Baccalaureate education provides nurses with critical thinking for complex patients and opportunities for leadership, professional mobility, and advancement, this does not mean associate degree nurses are unimportant” (p. 220). Associate degree nurses demonstrate the critical role in nursing (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010).They continued by adding that through building onto the fundamentals of Associate degree education, emphasis on research, social and physical sciences, and management of community health;...

Words: 829 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate Degree Level in Nursing

...The Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level in Nursing Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Professional dynamics 125 January 11, 2012 The Differences in Competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level in Nursing In modern society human being, encompass extensively sophisticated requisites provoking advanced techniques of acquisition directly correlating to health care industry. The health care is intensifying in complexity and observing beneficial amendments. The longevity and expectations have heightened thus nurses are obligate to become educated in higher echelon, the professional baccalaureate level, to comprehensively achieve composite necessities. The professional nurse who graduates with a baccalaureate is primed for broader role in numerous facet of health care in addition to global knowledge of functionality of medical system and diverse methods of application. Enabling the application in daily patient care ,the delegation of tasks ,independent decision making ,secure patient discharge , and numerous other aspects provoking an improvement in quality of 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. (AACN, 2011). Education...

Words: 1739 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing.

...Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Gillian Gimby Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V August 11, 2013 Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Nursing has been constantly evolving in every direction of the health care field. In the beginning of nursing it was built and expanded on many frameworks of education/models. In becoming a registered nurse there are many stage: general educations, prerequisites, nursing school of Associate or Baccalaureate degree, Master of Nursing in multiple fields and Doctoral degree. When becoming a registered nurse there consideration of what type of degree. Within this essay I will be viewing the differences between Associate-degree level (ADN) and Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing (BSN). Definition As defined by Wikipedia the definition of Associate -degree nurse is: “is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. This type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or similar nursing schools. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse”. (Associate of Science in Nursing) As defined by Wikipedia the definition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing: “is an American and Canadian four-year...

Words: 999 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Discussing the Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing

...While the Registered Nurse, be it ADN or BSN, provides similar care as regards skill level, medicine administration, and composition of care plans, the LVN is more limited in scope. The LVN is not permitted to hang or push IV medications, perform admission assessments, write nursing care plans, or flush PICC/Central lines. Differences between ADN and BSN are often more subtle as regards both learning and application. Bachelor level nurses typically demonstrate a higher level of competency when dealing with patients of greater comorbidity and acuity as well as a more sophisticated approach to decision making. Medical terminology indicates comorbidity as multiple system diagnosis of disease, such as a patient with both acute renal failure and congestive heart failure. Such an individual presents a unique challenge in that blood pressure control is at risk via both systems. While both ADN and BSN may approach the nephrologist regarding use of a diuretic, the BSN will have a superior understanding regarding risks/side-affects as pertains to each system, ideal length of use, and related laboratory results to communicate to each physician specialist. This difference in ability stems, in part, from additional hours exposing them to extensive pathophysiology, pharmacology, and research involving all aspects of the profession. Acuity reflects patient stability and while list of diagnosis, patient history, and physical may contribute a more intimate knowledge of client needs, the...

Words: 825 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Difference Between Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree Nursing

...Differences in competence between Associate degree and Baccalaureate degree 1 Running head: EDUCATION PREPARATION Education preparation: Differences in competences between nurses prepared at the Associate degree level versus Baccalaureate degree level nursing Awudu Braimah Shaibu Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional dynamics. Date: 10/07/2012 Differences in competencies between Associate and Baccalaureate degree level nursing 2 Associate degree level nursing is a two year nursing program that is being pursued in most of the community colleges in the United States of America. Students pursuing associate degree complete or earn 60 credits in order to graduate from this program. Baccalaureate degree or BSN level nursing is a four year nursing program that is offered in most of the colleges/universities across America. Students pursuing this program required to complete/earn 120 credits in order to be able to complete the program. This paper is going to look at the differences in competencies in these two programs. Research has shown that quality patient care depend on having a well educated...

Words: 1137 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

... 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 program emphasizes nursing practice which...

Words: 813 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Educational Preperation

...The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Amanda J. Perez Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-0105 NRS-430V Professional Dynamics March 10, 2013 The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Although both an associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses may sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam, “nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-level are linked to lower mortality and failure to rescue rates” (AACN, 2012). This is simply one difference between the competencies of a nurse prepared at an associate-degree level versus one prepared at a baccalaureate-degree level. In the mid 1900’s an associate-degree level nurse was thought of as a “technical nurse”, closer to the role of a limited vocational nurse; created to assist the professional baccalaureate-degree level nurses during nursing shortages (GCU, 2013). Since then associate-degree level prepared nurses can very much function and practice on their own, once passing the state board licensing examination. However differences in patient care and nursing approach are evident between associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses. According to Table 2-1 “Comparison of Nursing Education Programs” in Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice, the purpose of an associate- degree level program is to “prepare...

Words: 991 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Education Prep.

...Education can make difference in one’s life by providing the respect and well career advancement for their future. People often call uneducated person illiterate; without an education a person waste his whole life. Education is a form of learning, usually transferred from one generation to other. It is provided through teaching, training, or research. One chooses his or her career to earn what they want. Every career is different, and they are different in their competencies. Nursing education is another career people choose to go for; they also have different competencies. Licensed vocational nurse has different competencies than associate degree nursing; and Baccalaureate degree different than associate degree nursing. In this paper, we are going to discuss the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. Competencies Differences The associate program is usually 2-3 years long and it is usually offered at the community colleges. The associate degree nursing students usually learn the knowledge, and skills. These skills are required to care for individuals and families during illness and recovery after medical treatment. ADN nurses practice a more restricted level of nursing care such as skilled nursing and long term care facilities, corrections and clinics. The associate nurse teaching is more focused on direct hands such as hospitals and community care. “The associate degree nursing programs have...

Words: 958 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Differences in Competencies Between Associate Degree and Bacculaurate Degree

...Differences in competencies between nurses with associate degree verses baccalaureate degree level Is there a difference in the thinking and processing of a nurse with baccalaureate degree and associate degree? According to the researches that were done in the past, there are difference in competencies between Baccalaureate nursing and associate nursing. Performance in nursing care by well educated nursing is higher than one with lesser education. A role of nursing is to help provide healthy and safe environment So that a person can live in an optimal health. Practice of nursing requires good theoretical understanding of health, diseases and their management. It would also need competence in technical skills, critical thinking process organization and time management. How does a nurse get all these qualities? Some of these qualities can be obtained from nursing education and some from experience. What is a competency? “Competencies are outcomes of an educational process, and they also describe the kind of personal abilities most nurse educators are seeking to develop in students, and administrators are seeking to select for and develop on the job” (Alverno College Faculty, 1976; Alverno CollegeNursingFaculty, 1985; Mentkowski & Doherty, 1984). According to this definition competencies are attained by education and experience. Faculty is responsible to evaluate the competency of a nursing student. Competencies can be tested by giving a scenario and see how the nursing...

Words: 807 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Differences in Competencies

...head: Differences in competencies Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level John Edgar May 15, 2011 Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level As a registered nurse the individual has an opportunity to work with other healthcare professionals in an effort to provide quality of care to the clients they are responsible for in a variety of different settings. In an effort to provide quality of care it is important to verify that the care is delivered safely and in a manner that promotes the patients over all well-being. The question that is being asked by many in the healthcare community is whether or not the patient is best served by having the care delivered by an associate-degree nurse (ADN) or a nurse that has a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This paper will review a few of the differences in competencies for nurses that are prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. There are three levels of education that will qualify an individual to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The associate’s degree in nursing consists of two years of concentrated study focused on clinical skills in the community college setting. The diploma nursing program offers three years of nursing education focused on learning nursing skills in a hospital-based setting. In diploma nursing programs...

Words: 1003 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn

...Differences in competencies: Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Profession Dynamics Section 0106 September 30, 2012 Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing There are three educational pathways to becoming a Registered nurse. These include baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma programs (Friberg et al, 2011). It has been proven in various studies that nurses with a higher level of education provide better quality patient care versus the associate level nurse (Rosseter, 2012). There are several differences in competencies between a associate and baccalaureate nurse that include mortality rates, leadership skills, critical thinking skills, health care promotion, clinical skills, and case management (Rosseter, 2012). Baccalaureate Program The American Association of Colleges of Nursing believes that a Baccalaureate degree has a significant impact on a nurse’s level of competency and knowledge base (Rosseter, 2012). The Baccalaureate program is a four year degree and the nursing courses are at the upper division level (Friber et al., 2011). Courses include health informatics, healthcare economics, leadership, research, and health policies (ANA, 2012). The components of the classes such as at Grand Canyon University (GCU) are liberal education, patient safety, evidence-based practice, management of information, health care policies, communication and collaboration, and professional...

Words: 1177 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Differencies in Competencies

...DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN DIPLOMA, ASSOCIATE, AND BACCALAUREATE NURSES 1 Differences in Competencies between Diploma, Associate, and Baccalaureate Nurses Ina M. Cash Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Professional Dynamics DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN DIPLOMA, ASSOCIATE, AND BACCALAUREATE NURSES 2 A nurse with a higher education makes a better nurse? One that is responsible for fewer mistakes and provides lower mortality to patients? Prove it. Nursing is an art. How do you measure art? Your heart must be in it or you would not want to do it for years. You could not tolerate seeing and caring for the worst in the human condition if you did not have a desire to help, more than help, heal your fellow man. There are three nursing programs that are available to the people that want to be a nurse. These programs all offer different entry levels into the profession. A diploma program and the associate degree program are taught for three years, and the baccalaureate degree is taught for four years, (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2013). The nurses that graduate from these programs are not just numbers...

Words: 898 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Clinical Competencies of the Associate Degree Nurse

...Clinical Competencies of the Associate Degree Nurse versus the Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Nursing is one career that has spent decades establishing education requirements and advancements for those in the field to better the population of those licensed to improve patient care and nurse leadership. A registered nurse starts by becoming licensed after completing either a diploma nurse program, a two or three year associate degree program, or a four year baccalaureate program. Nurses may then advance farther into an advanced practice nurse by obtaining a master’s degree in nursing. When deciding on a nursing program, one must consider the difference between an associate degree nurse and a baccalaureate nurse. At the end of the program, all must sit for the same licensing examination known as the NCLEX. The NCLEX however is not valid proof that there are not differences between the degree levels as the test strictly tests for a minimum safe competency for entry into a basic nursing practice (AACN, 2012). It is believed by some that there is no difference between the clinical competencies between associate degree and baccalaureate degree nurses, however research have shown that baccalaureate degree nurses may be better prepared for different circumstances in a patient care setting. Associate degree nursing programs, also referred to as ADN programs emphasize their training on clinical skills rather than the theory component of nursing focusing less on critical thinking and...

Words: 899 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Adn vs Bsn Nurses

...Differences in Competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses “BSN in 10” bills either pending or under legislation in some states, will require nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in 10 years. Even more hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking Magnet status seem to be encouraging Associate Degree nurses to return to school or obtain a BSN before applying for employment. Nursing is a profession that involves skills and knowledge to provide optimum level of care. ADN versus BSN has been an issue of controversy for years. The primary focus of this paper will be discussing the differences in competencies of nurses educated in an ADN level to those educated in a BSN level. These differences include varying curriculum requirements, education content and patient outcomes. The first difference in ADN and BSN is the amount of education. The associate degree in nursing includes two years in the nursing program and can be obtained at a community or junior college. However, there are prerequisite courses required for entry into the nursing program, so ADN programs can be at least 3 years in length. Today, earning an ADN takes almost as long as earning a BSN (Orsolini-Hain & Waters, 2009). In contrast, baccalaureate degree in nursing includes four academic years of college at a four year university. Both degrees take the same NCLEX board exam for licensing and both degrees enter into the same position as a registered nurse, with similar wages and benefits...

Words: 891 - Pages: 4