Disparities in Competencies between BSN and ADN, RN Nurses
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In the United States only registered nurses (RNs) are allowed to legally offer nursing services. The RNs have to be certified by the “National Council Licensure” after successfully completing the (NCLEX) “National Council Licensure Examination”. RNs are drawn from both successful Bachelors of Nursing Degree students (BSN) and the Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) students.
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Despite, the differences in their respective programs of preparation, the two categories of RNs have to undergo the same mentorship and their entry level income is pretty much similar and close. However, there are notable differences not only in their professional, educational preparation, but also in their competencies. ADN programs are basically short (usually taking two years) in comparison to the BSN programs which take up to four years (Whall & Fitzpatrick, 1989).
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The ADN program was developed during the World War II as a means to produce more nurses to meet the rising demand prompted by the war. The ADN scheme was meant to provide concise curriculum on nursing which emphasizes the acquisition of clinical skills that would make the nurse highly task oriented in the clinical set up (Moorhead & Cowen, 2006). Critics now argue that this program can be blamed for low quality delivery. It primarily focuses on hands on skills.
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As such the ADN program does not offer the theoretical and scientific background required for the nursing profession, and a matter of fact ADN nurse programs lack the competency of applying scientific theories and methods in delivering healthcare services. The ADN program got so popular after its initiation because it offered a shortcut to the profession of nursing within a shorter time and with the use of least educational expenses. As a result, most nurse pass through the ADN program