...ADN versus BSN: The Battle of Degrees Stephanie N Davis NRS-430V Professional Dynamics Instructor: Chris Bartholomew October 9th 2015 This paper is intended to discuss the differences in competencies between nursing at the associates-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Over the years this has been a controversial and complex issue within the nursing workforce. With both academic options to choose from, education preparation standards are changing in hospitals, making way for a stronger and more diverse nursing staff. The pressure to meet the challenge to raise the educational training of diploma and associate degree prepared RNs to the baccalaureate degree level has resulted in advanced RN-to-BSN programs delivered in fast-tracked programs using both online and class options. It will also be my goal to incorporate a patient care situation that describes a difference in nursing care approaches as it relates to the educational preparation of BSN versus a diploma or ADN degree nurse. I will attempt to give an example of a patient care situation in which nursing care approaches differs between that of an ADN versus BSN nurse based on their educational preparation. ADN Program The American Nurses Association defines a competency as “an expected level of performance that integrates knowledge skills, ability and judgment”. When the question is raised about the competency difference between that of an ADN and BSN nurse, it seems to come down to length of time...
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...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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...Assignment 1: Educational Preparation Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics December 6, 2015 BSN vs. ADN The discussion of rather an associate’s or bachelor’s degree should be the required educational experience of future nurses is one that will not end until one or the other is completely phased out. Some healthcare facilities have already begun the process of requiring their nurses to have a BSN versus an ADN upon hiring. A major difference between the two degrees is that a BSN readily prepares an individual for more advanced positions than an ADN, such as nurse manager. The BSN also has more preparation for entrance into an advanced degree program, such as nurse practitioner. It has reached a point where nurses are being put in positions to advocate for large groups of individuals, be involved in the politics of healthcare, and serve as a representative for nurses everywhere; however, there are only few nurses taking on these grand roles. Lack of preparation, knowledge, and ceasing further education is to blame. Obtaining a BSN as expressed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2015) “enhances both clinical competency and care delivery”. This presents another difference between the two degrees. Another difference between the ADN and BSN is that the clinical experience for both the patient and nurse is observingly different. A study done to explore the clinical differences between a nurse with an ADN vs a nurse with a BSN expressed that...
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...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 in training create various approaches to patient management in similar clinical situations and hence do have a variable effect on patient outcomes. Nurses with an ADN or a BSN have distinctive differences in their preparation to get their degree. Nurses with an ADN obtain their degree through attending community colleges, nursing schools, or other 4...
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...Differences in Competencies, ADN v. BSN Jett Jordan-Woodbury Grand Canyon University RN-BSN NRS 430v: Professional Dynamics Linda Permoda May 11, 2012 Difference in Competencies Between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor Degree Nurse While an Associate Degree Nurse, also known as an ADN, and Bachelor of Science in nursing nurse, also known as a BSN, are given the same preliminary education relating to patient treatment, there are notable differences in their professional and educational preparation, as well as their competencies. These two degrees have different levels of patient interaction and contact, as well as job expectations. ADN and BSN programs focus on different aspects and angles of education and job focus that all ultimately lead to taking optimal care of the patient. This paper compares the differences between those two areas and how important it is for these two degrees to work together as a team to provide the best possible outcome for all patients and nurses involved. This paper will touch on the differences between the educational levels and focuses, the clinical competencies, and the job expectations of the ADN and the BSN. Educational Competencies and Job Expectations The educational levels of the ADN and the BSN differ drastically, they can last anywhere from two to four years in length and focus on many different aspects of the nursing profession, but they all are geared toward the same outcome, optimal care of the patient. In the two year...
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...Running ahead: Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate Degree Level Versus the 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...
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...Discuss the differences in competiencies between nurses prepared at the AD level versus the BSN level in nursing Identify a patient care situation in which you describe how nursing care of approaches to decisioin making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse (BSN versus a ADN) Competent bedside nurses, regardless of degree, are in high demand. To become a licensed registered nurse, all nurses must pass the NCLEX licensing exam, and graduate from an accredited school of nursing. The debate continues as to whether an ADN degree is adequate, or whether nurses need more advanced training with the BSN degree. This paper will discuss the differences between these two degrees. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/adn-facts AACN recognizes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the minimum educational requirement for what the organization holds to be professional-level nursing practice. AACN's support for the BSN does not mean that we seek to bar ADN graduates from practicing nursing to the full extent of their skills and abilities. AACN maintains this position while recognizing the role ADN-prepared nurses play in the delivery of health care. AACN has a long history of supporting RN-to-Baccalaureate education. From 1986-1988, AACN conducted a study funded by the Division of Nursing, HRSA. The purpose of the study was to provide national data about RN-to-Baccalaureate education both from the institutional and student perspectives...
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...Running head: EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Educational Preparation Grand Canyon University NRS 430V Andrea Correll January 9, 2011 Educational Preparation We live in a rapidly changing environment where the health care population is becoming more diverse and complex that it demands a nurse to have an advance education degree to practice. However, despite the recommendation by the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice to increase the percent of baccalaureate degree program to at least two-thirds by 2010, 37% of the workforce and 60% of new grads were associates-degree (ADN) prepared nurses as of 2000 (Graf, 2006). The reasons are ADN programs are shorter and less expensive which allows a nurse to earn money quickly. While BSN programs are more costly and require longer education, the BSN prepared nurses are more preferred in today’s job market because of their educational background. The ADN program offers two years of concentrated study focused on clinical skills in the community college and BSN program offers four year nursing degrees in institutions of higher learning (four-year colleges and universities) (Hood, 2010). Both Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduate and Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) graduate take the same NCLEX-RN exam and are held to the same standards for licensure and practice. Despite of educational differences, nurses with both ADN degree and BSN degree often work in similar jobs, but there are some differences in job opportunities...
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...The Differences Between an Associate Degree Nurse and a Baccalaureate Degree Nurse Grand Canyon University Although the Associate degree in Nursing and the Bachelors degree in nursing ultimately lead to a nursing profession in the health care industry, there are many differences between them. The fast growing complexity of health care and broadening clinical knowledge have forced nurses to have the educational preparation to meet its complex demand. Unlike the Associate degree program (ADN), the Baccalaureate program (BSN), prepares professional nurses whose practice is based upon science in order to restore and maintain health. Both the ADN and the BSN degrees lead to a profession as a registered nurse upon successfully passing the NCLEX board of licensure exam. However there are major differences that set both degrees apart in the Health care industry There are major differences between the ADN and BSN degrees. One of the differences is the length of time required to complete both programs. The Associate degree requires two years of course work to complete whereas the Bachelors degree normally requires four years of course work. In some instances it but could be less especially in cases where the prospective student already has a bachelors degree in another field or an associate degree in nursing from a community college. In comparing the competencies of both the ADN and BSN degrees both programs produce competent graduates...
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...Education Preparation: Associate Versus Bachelor degree in Nursing Chandani Garg Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V Professional Dynamics September 16, 2015 Education Preparation: Associate versus Bachelor’s in Nursing The Art of nursing is here since the Biblical times but the modern nursing emerged after the time of Florence Nightingale. In 1873 nursing education was started formally as 4-month hospital training at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Nursing has been growing since then and will continue to grow in future. In 1909 the first 4-yrs bachelor’s degree nursing program was established at the University of Minnesota. Due to the shortage of nurses after the World War II, again in 1952, nurse tech 2-yrs associate degree nursing program was started. Today nursing is a profession with multiple pathways for entry level practice. The purposes of this paper are to discuss the differences in competences between associate and bachelor’s prepared nurses and how their education levels affect the patient outcome. Associate versus Bachelor’s Degrees: Differences in Competencies Mildred Montag in 1952 proposed 2-year associate degree nursing program to prepare technical bedside nurses for secondary care settings, like nursing homes and community hospitals. The graduates of this program are provided with basic general education and skills required for entry into clinical nursing courses. Because the program was shorter than Bachelor’s degree it was more...
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...The Educational Preparation of The ADN vs BSN Degree in Nursing Nursing consists of many different avenues and specialties that may play a part in what route a student takes when deciding on the educational aspects of pursuing a career in nursing. Some nurses are educated on an Associates degree (ADN) level and some are educated on a Baccalaureate- degree (BSN) level, or higher. I will discuss the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the two different levels. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year degree attainable through a community college, private college, or a hospital based nursing school. This particular degree would mainly set its emphasis on nursing from the technical aspect. On the other hand, a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree, achievable at colleges as well as universities. A nurse with a (BSN) is prepared for professional nursing in its entirety and all of the many healthcare settings. There are numerous variations in the educational training levels of these two degrees. Studies have been done through various individuals and medical groups to see if there is really a difference in the proficiency levels of the holders of these two degrees. Studies were performed that compared the competencies of the ASN versus the BSN nurse graduates (M, 1986). The University of Vermont completed...
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...Educational Preparation The difference between an Associate's degree education (ADN) and a Bachelor's degree education (BSN) has been a topic of discussion between nurses for years. Completion of either an ADN program or a BSN program will result in the same outcome, a Registered Nurse Licensure (RN). There are some nurses that would argue that there is no need to obtain a BSN degree unless the nurse is planning to work in a management position. Then, there are some nurses that would argue that in the very near future a BSN degree will be required in order to work in an acute care environment. Choosing one over the other depends on financial factors, the length of time to be spent in an educational program, and long-term career goals (Morrow, 2008). All of the arguments may have their validities, but in this paper this writer will describe the differences in competencies between nurses with an ADN education and a BSN education. There are two primary goals of any nursing program whether it is an ADN program or a BSN program. The first goal is to endow their nursing students with the appropriate tools to provide safe and competent care to patients. The second is to prepare their students to complete and pass the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX provides computer adaptive testing that measures minimal competence for safe professional nursing practice. Exam content includes health promotion, pharmacotherapeutics...
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...bachelor degree. In this paper I will explain the differences between nurses that have an ADN versus BSN degree. Differences include a difference in the curriculum, the abilities emphasized, and the patient outcomes. Another path the nursing student can take is to pursue a Bachelors’ degree. This degree requires 4 years of school including all of the basic classes as well as the nursing courses. The additional courses required above those included in the associate nursing degree are additional nursing management courses, nursing theory and more of an expansion on course work. The student must still take the same board exams in order to get their license. Although taking the same test at the end of schooling for both degrees, there is an additional emphasis on preparing the nurse to take a leadership role with the 4 year degree than with the 2 year degree. The next difference that is the skill level that each the ADN graduate and the BSN graduate possess. The article “Analysis of Differences in Entry-Level RN Practice by Educational Preparation” (JE Smith 2002) examined surveys of new graduates and their experiences in their healthcare setting and how well they think they reacted to it. The article states that differences in the ADN and BSN changed the outcomes only slightly. The teaching activity was 42nd on the ADN list and 41st on the BSN list, and the leadership activity was 43rd on the ADN list and 47th on the BSN list (Smith, 492). In my hospital the BSN’s are...
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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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...Running head: Educational Preparation in Nursing Educational Preparation in Nursing Steven Justo Abstract The leaders of nursing throughout history have shaped not only the practice of the nursing, but also entrance to the profession via, Diploma, Associates Degree and Bachelors Degree programs. While multiple avenues exist to gain entry into the nursing profession as a Registered Nurse (RN), not all nurses are equally prepared for a professional career in nursing. An aging Baby Boomer generation entering into retirement relying more heavily on the healthcare system, will create a greater demand not only for Registered Nurses with Bachelors Degrees, but furthermore for those RNs with advanced post-graduate degree education to be able to manage an ever changing and challenged healthcare landscape. Educational Preparation The purpose of this paper is to examine the differences between Diploma, Associates Degree, and Bachelors Degree prepared nurses who take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s (NCSBN’s) Nursing Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam. While all three types of nurses are authorized to take and pass the NCLEX board exams for licensure, not all RNs are equally prepared to handle and manage the complex and ever changing healthcare landscape and in particular regards to preparedness of practice of the professional nurse. Differences in Competencies Diminishing Diploma Programs Established in 1873, Massachusetts General Hospital...
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