...BSN is better than ADN really? Grand Canyon University Grand Canyon University NRS 430V November 3, 2013 Education Preparation Paper With the focus on economical, Political, and technological advances, the healthcare is moving at a rapid pace in today’s world. To meet the consumers educational healthcare needs they are looking for the safest and most effective care they can receive. There are differences in collegiate competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree (ADN) level versus those with a bachelorette degree (BSN). Scope of practice and state regulations are the same for either nurse. However, how the nurse cares for or approaches decision-making tends differ between the two entities. Allowing nurses to be academically prepared in the workplace and to offer the community professional knowledge needed to care for their families and loved ones with preventive care and improve patient outcomes (Sexton, Hunt, Cox, Teasley, & Carrol, 2008, p. 105) Differences in Competencies Associate Degree programs are offered at community colleges around the country. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides and efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The number of ADN programs around the country has steadily increased since being introduced in 1958 with about 1000 programs across the country (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and...
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...Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN Sheri Lancaster August 23, 2014 Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN There has been much discussion recently about the need to require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree for entry-level nurses. Many hospitals have moved to this ideology and have already began to give a hiring preference to those nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree and many have hired Associate degreed nurses with the requirement that they will obtain their baccalaureate degree within so many years of employment date. This paper will discuss the differences between a nurse holding an associates degree and a baccalaureate degree, as well as, present a patient care situation describing how patient care decisions difference based upon the nurse’s educational level. History of ADN and BSN Programs It was during the post World War II years that Mildred Montage developed an associate degree level of nursing education in response to the shortage of nursing (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). She developed the associate degree-nursing program with the intent that these nurses would work under the supervision of baccalaureate level nurses who were at the time considered professional nurses. The Associate program is a two-year program that focuses on the fundamentals of nursing and teaching bedside clinical skills. The baccalaureate degree program has been in existence since 1909 and was developed as a five-year program (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). It...
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...Educational Preparation Carol Walker Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Leigh Ann Tovar April 28, 2012 Educational Preparation Now that I have completed my Registered Nursing (RN) degree, and am working as a new grad nurse, I am venturing into the future with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Some people ask me “why do you bother getting your BSN?” This is a question I have considered myself over the past year, and now I am back in school, I realize the benefits to further education are enormous. Nursing link website states “in today’s nursing world, more is expected from a nurse than following doctor’s orders and starting IVs.” (Forster, 2008, para. 4) It continues to report that we as nurses 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.” One can only develop these skills with a broad based education, one that includes “critical thinking, and exposure to many different people, though process, and cultural and social norms.” Therefore BSN programs offer more education aimed at developing such necessary skills. (Forster, 2008, para. 4) This paper will discus such benefits in obtaining a BSN degree in further detail; by comparing the differences in competencies between nurses based on their degree level, the use of patient care situation describing differences in approach to nursing...
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...ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 1 ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 2 Random Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Although testing for one’s RN license is universal, the training background of an ADN versus a BSN nurse are very different. This has brought us to the discussion of the differences between an ADN and a BSN level nurse. As the needs of the patient population is changing, the demand for a more educated, skilled, resourceful practitioner is required (Smith, 2009). Personal Experience Example of how an ADN versus BSN nurse would treat a CHF patient. A specific patient case I reviewed, was readmitted to a hospital again within thirty days with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The ADN trained nurse could administer drugs, perform daily weights, ensure that the patient followed a cardiac diet, but was strictly task oriented (The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program, 2013). The BSN trained nurse, would base the care provided using a more integrated system (Why the Push for BSN Nurses?, 2012). The focus of the BSN trained nurse would encompass more teaching, measuring compliance of instructions that were given, and ensure core measures would be met prior to discharge. The follow up care would include determining if the patient had access to meds, home health, understood the need to maintain dietary restrictions, and instruct the patient on keeping a daily weight log to ensure that weight trends would be monitored and recorded. ADN...
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...Associate Degree Program vs Bachelor’s Degree Program for Nursing Associate Degree Program vs Bachelor’s Degree Program for Nursing To become a registered nurse, one must graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX exam. There are different routes one may take to become a registered nurse. These routes include a diploma, associate degree, or baccalaureate degree program. The diploma program was the core of nurse educating until the 1960’s. The typical diploma program lasts three years. This program focuses on clinical experience and direct patient care. Over the years, the diploma programs have decreased. In 2010, there was only 54 accredited diploma programs. Since diploma programs are not as common as associate degree programs or bachelor’s degree programs, this paper will compare the ADN and BSN programs and explain why having a bachelor degree in nursing is a benefit to not only the nurse, but also the hospital and the patient. Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree Programs Associate degree programs typically last two years, but the student is required to take other courses to fulfill graduation requirements. According to Creasia & Friberg (2011),”the ADN program prepares the nurse for direct patient care for secondary care settings, such as community hospitals and long term care facilities”. Many people choose an ADN program because community colleges are less expensive than going to a university. Community colleges can also be more accessible...
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...ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 1 ADN AND BSN DIFFERENCES 2 Random Differences between ADN and BSN Nurses Although testing for one’s RN license is universal, the training background of an ADN versus a BSN nurse are very different. This has brought us to the discussion of the differences between an ADN and a BSN level nurse. As the needs of the patient population is changing, the demand for a more educated, skilled, resourceful practitioner is required (Smith, 2009). Personal Experience Example of how an ADN versus BSN nurse would treat a CHF patient. A specific patient case I reviewed, was readmitted to a hospital again within thirty days with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The ADN trained nurse could administer drugs, perform daily weights, ensure that the patient followed a cardiac diet, but was strictly task oriented (The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program, 2013). The BSN trained nurse, would base the care provided using a more integrated system (Why the Push for BSN Nurses?, 2012). The focus of the BSN trained nurse would encompass more teaching, measuring compliance of instructions that were given, and ensure core measures would be met prior to discharge. The follow up care would include determining if the patient had access to meds, home health, understood the need to maintain dietary restrictions, and instruct the patient on keeping a daily weight log to ensure that weight trends would be monitored and recorded. ADN...
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...and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations. In my eyes nursing involves the use of critical thinking and clinical judgment to help us understand a client’s response to actual needs. Both ADN and BSN prepared nurses can provide the similar clinical bedside nursing skills, however, ADN prepared nurses training prepares them for specific patient care diagnoses and situations. BSN prepared nurses training prepares them for a more holistic approach, such as decision making, delegating, and oversight. However, the debate still turns to ADN vs BSN. ADN vs. BSN: Differences in competencies ADN: Associate Degree Nursing Associate degree programs are designed to train students to provide entry level care in a hospital setting. The ADN is an attractive option for many due to shortened program time and the reduced tuition rate. Associate degree nursing programs are developed to focus mainly on the clinical skills and are more task oriented. They lack the theory and science behind nursing as a profession. BSN: Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing Baccalaureate nursing programs have additional classes in humanities, the sciences and expanded nursing...
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...Different Degree in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamic Nursing is a wonderful, rewarding profession to enter, and it must be chosen for all the right reasons. Today many nurses are faced with a difficult decision to return to college. For those of us who wish to continue to advance our nursing career; we continue to need the educational assistance that is necessary to advance our nursing skills. With nursing there are so many paths one can obtain after achieving your RN. You just need to choose what path is right for you. Basically there are two of the most common degrees to choose from the Associate’s Degree of Nursing (ADN) or Bachelors Degree of Nursing (BSN). Many do not realize the difference between the two. However there are many differences, but both nurses subscribe to the same nursing philosophies. With that being said, the ADN is about a two-year program while the BSN is a four year college or university. Another differences between ADN and BSN, is the ADN is 72 credits and the BSN is 125 credits. Today many nurses are faced with a tough and difficult decision. They are asking themselves what is the right choice for me? Why should I return to school? What are the benefits going to be for me after completing my degree? Truly, when it comes down to it only the nurse can decide and make the necessary decision. The associate degree level of nursing was developed out of a need to produce nurses in...
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...Title: Difference in Competences between Nurse Prepared at Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Nursing- Patient Case situation Education ensures remarkable imprint on cognition, proficiency and capabilities of the clinical nurse and as well as all other workers involved in health care system. Nurses should be motivated enough to go for further education as wisdom comes not from age, but from education and learning. This educational paper will be centered to differentiate between an Associate degree nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN). A patient case circumstance will congruently be used to explain how the nursing care, judgment and decision making may be at variance on the basis of different educational preparation and training. Associate Degree Nursing An associate degree nurse is endowed on standard accomplishment of a two or three year course of nursing education at a community college. The beneficiary possesses the eligibility to take NCLEX-RN examination. After Second World War, in 1956, there was extreme shortage of nurses. At that time, Mildred Montag, found a sensible solution to overcome the shortfall of nurses. That resolution resulted in foundation of ADN (Associate Degree Nursing). Baccalaureate...
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...Baccalaureate Degree Level 1 Associates Degree Nursing Education vs. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Education: Differences in Clinical Practice Suja Kuruvilla Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professor Lorraine Hoover September 2, 2012 Health care is a field that is changing dramatically. Many practicing nurses have various degrees in nursing like Associate Degree, Diploma, Baccalaureate and Master’s degree. Due to the varying levels of education and training, differences exist between the nurses prepared with an Associate degree (ADN) when compared to those nurses who have trained in a Baccalaureate degree (BSN). Though nurses getting these degrees have their differences in preparation, nurses earning these degrees have adequate theoretical and clinical learning experiences. The license qualifying examination for many states- National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) - does not differentiate between ADN and BSN degree prepared nurses and allows nurses with both degrees to take the licensing examination after completion of the degree regardless of the educational background of the applicant. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared with an ADN compared to those prepared with a BSN include the quality of training and duration of the course. From research shown in many well published studies and from my own practice, I feel that such differences...
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...Educational Preparation Danielle Andruzzi Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V (NRS-430V-0191) Jane Maughon September 8, 2013 Educational Preparation I would like to start my argument with the differences between ADN and BSN. These differences are as follows: curriculum, patient outcomes and the approach used to nursing care. Patient care scenario that shows the differences in the approach to decision-making based upon the educational preparation of a BSN versus an ADN will be presented. Mildred Montag developed the associate degree program. The two-year program was designed to deal with the nursing shortage during war times. Montag’s vision was to have these ADN working along side the BSN, who provided guidance. Nursing is an educated based career, with a strong knowledge for the sciences, organization and critical thinking. “Associate degree programs focus on the clinical skills needed for basic nursing tasks, but the baccalaureate degree add the component of a liberal arts education that is based on humanities, arts, philosophical, and theoretical approaches”(Shipman, Roa, & Hooten, 2011, p. 309). The associate program is usually found at a junior college. There is an even mix between education and clinical nursing courses. ADN nurses sit for the NCLEX exam to obtain their license, the same as the BSN. The associate degree program became very attractive to students because it was cost effective and it took half the time to start...
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...Nursing Competencies: Associate Degree Vs. Bachelor of Science Degree Numerous educational paths are available to a person wishing to become a Registered Nurse; these include a diploma in nursing, an Associates degree in nursing and a Bachelors degree in nursing. Although the diploma in nursing is almost nonexistent, it was once popular because it only required a two-year course of study and was hospital-based. While the ADN degree also takes two years to complete, it is based mostly in community colleges and prepares an individual for a defined technical scope of practice. The ADN program focuses more on clinical and technical skills rather than nursing theory. The benefits of earning an ADN degree include: earning a nursing degree at a faster rate, the potential to earn money more quickly and affordable college tuition. The ADN degree has drawbacks including: the degree can take up to three years, the scope of practice is not what the original founder had originally envisioned and patient care may be affected due to complexities and comorbidities of our patient population (Creasia, 2010). The Bachelor’s degree is offered at colleges and universities and prepares graduates to participate in the full role of a professional nurse across all healthcare settings. The outcome of earning a BSN is a deeper understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect the patients and influence healthcare delivery. The BSN also prepares nurses for leadership...
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...Educational Preparedness ADN vs. BSN Grand Canyon University Tracy Chesney, MSN-Ed, RN, CNE 25th of November 2012 Educational Preparedness Introduction Nursing is ongoing and lifelong, for the nurse and the patient. It is not limited to the time spent in the hospital, but follows the nurse and patient for life. The importance of the way the nurse delivers this care to the patient can make all the difference to the patients stay at the hospital. In the writer’s opinion education preparedness can change the way a nurse delivers patient care. ADN vs. BSN According to The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), “there are three routes to becoming a registered nurse: a 3-year diploma program typically administered in hospitals; a 3-year associate degree usually offered at community colleges; and the 4-year baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities,” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). Compare and Contrast According to Hinds Community College, an “Associate Degree of Nursing is a two year program that prepares the graduate, as a generalist, capable of providing competent, accountable client care in diverse settings. Major areas of emphasis encompass the following core components of nursing practice: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration and managing care,” (Hinds Community College, 2012). Baccalaureate nursing (BSN)...
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...mental illness’ and in 1856 it was with great success that the first States Hospital opened. And in 1873, the very first nursing school was established ("Timeline of nursing history," 2012, para. 1-5). As a result of the extensive history of nursing and the increasing demand for nurses there have been several nursing schools throughout the years. Today it doesn’t matter which program is chosen, upon graduation every nursing school graduate must take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing RN exam (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is a multiple choice exam that assesses safe nurses based on minimal competency. Because of this, the NCLEX-RN pass rate is not a good indication of the differences of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2002). There are several different nursing school options available for students seeking to become a nurse. The first option for nursing school is the diploma program. Diploma...
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...Educational Preparation Melinda Esch Grand Canyon University August 24, 2014 The big discussion of the associate degree vs a baccalaureate degree continues to challenge the nursing profession. The baccalaureate is the degree of choice making more options available to you in your career. Many organizations have attempted to present the data in one directions or another. The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) continues to play a vital role in nursing education, research, and health today (Creasa 11). Ironically though, nursing continues to allow many pathways into the practice. It is a recommendation by 2020 that 80% of the nurses be baccalaureate prepared. All entry level registered nurses from associate degree program, diploma degree programs, or baccalaureate degree programs all get licensure by taking the same NCLEX exam. Thus whether you go to school two, three, or four years we all take the same entry exam. The difference comes in several areas, one being the kind of job you are eligible for as a nurse. All can do bedside nursing, but a baccalaureate nurse can be a nurse educator, work in administrative positions, and / or public health. Quality patient care does depend on a well-educated nursing workforce. The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) is committed to create a more highly qualified workforce since education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. (RRosstor, 202-463-6930, x231). It has been proven that a higher...
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