...Differences in Competences between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V- Professional Dynamics June 7, 2015 Differences in Competencies between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level There have been many comparisons between the different levels of nursing education, mainly between the Associate degree level vs. the Baccalaureate level. Having a Bachelor’s degree nor an Associate degree will not necessarily make a better nurse, however, there are differences in their course of study that will differentiate them from one another and how they approach patient care. This paper will differentiate the competencies between the Associate degree prepared nurse vs. the Baccalaureate degree nurse. In 1951, Mildred Montag, a nurse educator, started the Associate Degree program to reduce the nursing shortage after the war. The program’s success was measured by the students’ ability to pass the nursing licensure exam (Creasia, Friberg, 2011). The Associate Degree program is today’s most popular route to become a Registered Nurse. It can be taken in a community or junior colleges as a two-year program and once the students graduate, they are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), to become a registered nurse. Baccalaureate degree nursing was also founded after the war (Creasia, Friberg, 2011). It is a nursing program that requires a four-year education at colleges and universities. Graduates...
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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 Preparation of the Baccalaureate degree Nurse Shelly Crawford Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Leigh Ann Tovar March 16, 2013 Educational Preparation of the Baccalaureate degree Nurse To truly understand the differences between the Baccalaureate of Science in nursing degree verses the Diploma nurse and the Associates Degree in Nursing, you must first be able to understand the definition, description and the competencies of each Degree. 1. Definition of the Diploma Nurse A Diploma Nurse is someone who completes a nursing curriculum associated with a hospital or medical facility than traditional colleges. The Diploma Nurse program is a three-year program. ("Diploma vs. BSN," 2010, p. 1) 2. Definition of the Associates Degree in Nursing An Associate’s Degree in Nursing is a two to three year degree. Requirements are a minimum of 60 semester credit hours. Often these nursing degrees are conferred at community colleges. There are many 4 year colleges and universities that offer the associates degree programs as well. (Seehorn, “n.d.”, p. 1) 3. Definition of the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) A Baccalaureate Degree in nursing is described as a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing that combines theory and clinical nursing courses and is granted by an accredited school. This degree is a 4 year degree which requires a minimum of 120 semester credit hours. ("Bachelor Degree," “n.d.”, Para. 1) There are...
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...Competency Differences Between ADN vs BSN in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics Competency Differences For ADN vs BSN in Nursing Are all registered nurses created equal and the same? To simply put it, no they are not. A registered nurse may be prepared at the diploma level, associate-degree level, baccalaureate-degree level, master degree level, and some possess a doctoral degree. The focus of this paper will be directed at the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree (ADN) level and nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level. Graduates from either degree must pass an examination as put forth by the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) in order to become a licensed registered nurse. The NCLEX exam is the same for both degrees even though their prepared education is different. Three major differences in nursing competencies include education, nursing judgment, and professional identity. The following paragraphs will review and discuss how nursing care or approaches to decision making may differ upon the educational background of a registered nurse. First and foremost, “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” ("Impact of Education," 2014, para. 4). The additional...
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...The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 5, 2012 Abstract Both ADN and BSN nurse needs to take licensing examinations to start working as a registered nurse in the United States. Associate degrees require two years of studying in a community college. However a bachelor’s degree requires four years of academic studying in a college. The first topic of the paper is whether not the risk taking propensities of the nurses changed between ADN and BSN nurses. A second topic of this paper is whether there is a different sort of management role between ADN nurses and BSN nurses. Lastly the quality of work between the Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) will be examined to see if the competency of the ADN and BSN differs. The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses History of Nursing According to Joan L Creasia and Elizabeth Friberg, the first baccalaureate degree of nursing in the U.S.A was started in the University of Minnesota in 1909. Until the 1950’s the program usually consisted of two years of general education and then three years of nursing education. These nurses who graduated in 5 years could either begin as a general nurse who works in the hospital and is a part of patient care or they can join the management side of patient care and become managers of hospitals. For the BSN they would have to study liberal arts, patient quality...
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...DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES Differences in Competencies between B.S.N and A.D.N Prepared Nurses Veronica Ruiz Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Professional Dynamics May 29, 2012 Abstract This paper will discuss the differences in competencies between Associate Degree nurses (A.D) and baccalaureate prepared nurses (BSN). While both degrees qualify the participant to sit for the licensing exam, NCLEX-RN, and enter the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse, the educational path that brought them to that point is very different. There are different opportunities available according to which degree the participant pursues. This paper will also discuss the differences in how an AD prepared nurse and BSN prepared nurse might approach a patient care situation. Differences in competencies between A.D.N and BSN prepared nurses In today’s nursing world more is expected from a nurse than just following doctor’s orders and staring IV’s. The nurse must be able to make critical decisions about a patient’s care, to question the doctor if orders seem inappropriate and to help the patient through, sometimes, difficult life-changing decisions. These skills take an education that is broad based, one that includes critical thinking and exposure to many different people throughout processes and culture and societal norms (A.D.N vs. BSN, nursing link). Nurses can pursue either an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree. So, what is the difference in how these nurses are prepared...
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...ASSOCIATE VS. BACCALAUREATE NURSES 1 Title: The Difference Between Competencies between an Associate's Level and a Baccalaureate Level Nurse- A Patient care Scenario Name: Susan M. Kreienbrink Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V July 26th, 2014 ASSOCIATE VS. BACCALAUREATE NURSES 2 It’s interesting how the educational requirements for nurses have changed over the years. Just over a 150 years ago you didn’t even need a formal education to be a nurse, in fact, there was none to be had. Now professional nursing organizations are pushing for 80% of nurses to have a bachelor's degree by 2020 (Chard, 2013). This paper will discuss the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate’s degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level. Using a clinical case scenario, it will also describe how nursing care and the approach to decision making may differ based on the educational preparedness of the nurse. Associate Degree Nursing An associates degree in nursing can be acquired in two years with about a years worth of prerequisites. As associate’s degree in nursing (ASN) prepares nurses to deliver direct patient care within the scope of their practise. It is a relatively quick way to become a nurse and was founded by Mildred Montage in 1956, due to the severity of nursing shortage in the post war years. This program was offered to reduce the nursing shortage and the success of the program was measured in terms of the satisfactory level of clinical nursing...
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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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...Competency Differences between Baccalaureate nurses and Associate degree nurses The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP), policy advisors to Congress and the Secretary for Health and Human Services on nursing issues, has urged that at least two-thirds of the nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing by 2010. Baccalaureate Nursing Program 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 and influence health care delivery. There are distinct differences between the 72 ADN credits and 125 BSN credits required in each of the nursing programs' curriculum. The baccalaureate curriculum has a different focus, emphasizing evidenced-based clinical practice and leadership. Additional courses are offered in the baccalaureate curriculum, such as research, statistics, critical thinking, and public health/community health. In addition, the additional units prepare the baccalaureate nurse to pursue graduate study, leading to an advanced degree in nursing. Baccalaureate...
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...Running head: DIFFERENCES OF A BACCALAUREATE AND ASSOCIATE DEGREE Comparison of competencies between Baccalaureate and Associate Degree Prepared Nurses Kim Krapf Grand Canyon University NRS 430v October 11, 2013 The big question every nursing student asks is why a baccalaureate degree? How does this make me more valuable than a nurse receiving an associate’s degree? Does this make me a better nurse and why? These questions are posed all the time and the debate between both degrees continues. This paper will show the differences in both degree’s, point out how it is important to keep up with the competitive edge in healthcare, why it is so driven by education, and how the different levels of degrees impacts patient care. Both baccalaureate prepared RN’s and associate prepared RN’s is that both take the NCLEX exam, which is looking for a minimum safe competency level. The associate degree takes two years and 72 credits to complete. The baccalaureate degree builds on that base and takes four years and 125 credits. The main difference in these two programs is how they are prepared for the scope of practice, and the different levels of education they receive in community health and leadership skills. (Moore, 2009) Students who enter the associates degree in nursing (ADN) program focus on the pathophysiology of the disease process and how it affects the patient. The primary focus is on building competencies surrounding direct patient care. ADN...
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...Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Name: Olga Turner Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-0507 January 9, 2016 The Associate Degree in Nursing: This is a Nursing Degree that is completed in 2-3years. This course of study is usually completed at a community colleges or nursing school. Upon completion of an Associate Degree you may sit for NCLEX-RN for license. The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing: This is a degree based in the science and principles of nursing. The BSN is usually completed in 4-5 years, and includes 2 years of general education and plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. Graduates of this program are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN license. Both the ADN and BSN RN license is identical. Competencies of the Associate Degree Nursing Vs Baccalaureate Degree Nursing: The competency difference between the Associated degree nurse and the Baccalaureate Degree nurse can be divided into four areas. human nourishing, nursing judgement, professional identity and sprit of inquiry. While both degrees in nursing provide acceptable medical standards, studies have shown that the mortality rate has decreased in acute care hospitals were the proportion of baccalaureate RN’s was higher. The first competency, human flourishing is similar for both levels of nurses. The associate...
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...Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Level Name University Introduction Nursing profession has many levels of education from more than forty years like, the diploma nurses, technical nurses, professional nurses, master level degree nurses and doctorate degree nurses. In 1965 the committee on nursing education of the American Nurses Association (ANA) published a position paper which addressed the different levels of education for registered professional nurses. Different Approaches to Nursing Education There are three different approaches to nursing education: I. 3-year diploma program, administered at hospitals. II. 3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges. III. 4-year baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities. Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass the entire curriculum in associate degree and diploma programs, and also vide in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing management, nursing research, public and community health, and the humanities. The Baccalaureate nursing programs enhances the student’s professional development, develops the new nurse for a more liberal scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and determine health care delivery. Throughout the last decennium, policymakers and practice leaders have recognized that education makes a difference...
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...three different pathways to become a registered nurse. The three pathways include; the baccalaureate degree program, associate degree program, and the diploma program. All of these pathways allow the student to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. What is the difference between the programs and student outcomes if all the students end up with the same licensure? The difference is the technical nurse versus the professional nurse. This paper will focus on the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. "The existence of multiple pathways contributes to a confusing landscape of nursing education and creates challenges for aspiring nurses as they try to choose the most appropriate type of program in which to enter the profession" (book reference). The associate and baccalaureate programs are available to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in nursing, but the two programs prepare two different types of nurses. The associate degree level nurse is more focused on task oriented practice and are more technical driven and clinically competent. On the other hand, the baccalaureate degree level nurse is more professional and use evidence based practice and advanced critical thinking skills. Also, the baccalaureate degree level nurse is prepared to be in a leadership and management role versus the associate degree level nurse who is more geared towards bedside care. “Baccalaureate nursing...
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...Becoming a Competent Nurse: ASN vs. BSN The history of nursing education has evolved through the centuries. The Baccalaureate degree began with formal education in the hospitals and slowly moved into colleges and universities. With nursing shortages in the United States during and following World War II, the Associates degree was proposed to be a temporary need to help increase the amount of educated nurses in the workforce. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Recently, there have been many ongoing debates on which degree should be required before a student is able to receive the RN licensure- Diploma, Associated Degree, or Baccalaureate Degree. The answers that may be heard vary from organization to organization, each having research to support their decision. Many have argued that regardless of the reasons, the pathway to becoming an educated nurse is disorganized and confusing. Many say that change is needed, and many suggest, that there be only one way to become a professional nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Outlined below are the competencies for each degree and how it applies to the medical settings. The Competencies of an Associate Degree Nurse Associate degree programs (ASN) offer students an opportunity to become a competent nurse, and once completed, is eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and work as a licensed Register Nurse (RN). The ASN program can take 2-3 years and is designed to educate and train to be “technical nurses” and provide entry level care in hospitals. Each...
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...* Difference in Competencies of Nursing Degrees: Associates vs. Baccalaureates DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES OF NURSING DEGREES: ASSOCIATES VS. BACCALAUREATES The progression of nursing was basically originated among women. After all, women were considered to be the caretakers and the nurturer’s of one’s family. Decades ago, nursing was not even considered as a career. Nursing was considered to be a job that was undesirable and unwanted. There was no education for nurses until Florence Nightingale created “Nightingale Training School for Nurses at St. Thomas’s Hospital in London in 1860” (Cresaia & Friberg, 2011, pg. 4). Today, there are different degrees that may be obtained through the educational profession of nursing, The Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) and the Baccalaureates Degree of Nursing (BSN). There are differences in acquiring each degree just like there is a difference in competencies between the two. When a student decides to go into the program of nursing, that student will have to choose between the two degrees by learning about various education requirements * Not yet rated Anonymous - 10 minutes later In the United States, there is a plethora of job opportunities available for nurses. This can be attributed to the increasing need for medical assistance in response to the burgeoning number of aging people. Hence, many aspiring nurses deem time to be at a premium when it comes to nursing studies. One of the fastest ways to get quality education...
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