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Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Based on Degree Levels.

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Running Head: Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Levels

Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Levels
Elizabeth N. Asuagbor
Grand Canyon University
October 12, 2014

Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Levels
In today’s rapidly changing health care environment, the nursing role is becoming less traditional and increasingly more diverse (Creasia, & Friberg, 2011). Health care organizations continue to make changes to keep up with the changing environment. An area of focus is the need for competent nurses with emphasis for Baccalaureate prepared nurses. This need continue to increase and has gained the support of American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AAACN). A BSN in nursing has been highly valued by organization and groups such as the U.S. Military and the Coalition for Advancement of the Nursing Profession (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010). With the increasing need for Baccalaureate nurses, the question remains then, are there any differences in competencies between Baccalaureate nurses and Associate Degree nurses? This essay will focus on some of the differences between the various degrees.
The preparation and training between BSN nurses and ADN nurses differ in some aspects. In BSN programs, training is focused on the how with more emphasis on the why. The difference in the length of time with regards to schooling cannot be overlooked. The more education one has, the more competent they are expected to be if the education acquired is applied. According to Debrew (2010), the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) includes liberal education as a desired outcome for Bachelor of Science in nursing graduates. Liberal education is thought to provide the professional nurse with skills needed to practice nursing. These skills

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