...Educational Preparation Lindsey Schnoor Grand Canyon University: NRS-403V Professional Dynamics August 23, 2014 Nursing is a profession that has been around for a very long time. While there was not a formal education program when nursing was in its infancy, the need for higher and continuing education has grown exponentially. There are many pathways to choose to enter the field of nursing. Healthcare has had many changes and much advancement. The field continues to evolve on a daily basis. The needs of people are more complex, nurses have a lot of responsibility, and the need for a nurse with a higher education is in demand. There are differences between nurses prepared at a higher level of education, and the care that is delivered may also be affected depending on level of education. There are many differences between the nurse who has been prepared at the associate degree level and the nurse who has been prepared at the baccalaureate degree level. One big difference is what is viewed as critical content in the curriculum. Nursing educators from both the associate degree and baccalaureate degree programs agreed that important content for curriculum include, “nursing process, caring, communication, ethics, accountability, aging, and cultural diversity” (Meyer, 1997). However, BSN nursing educators also included “critical thinking, health teaching, leadership, and professionalism as essential components” (Meyer, 1997). Patient outcomes are better when nurses have continued...
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...April 21, 2016 Chris Bartholomew Educational Preparation As early as the 1950’s, the ongoing debate regarding nursing education in the United States has been whether a minimal entry-level requirement is needed. If graduates from an associates and baccalaureate program are similarly compatible in theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, what then are the differences? Multiple studies have been conducted on the topic of nursing education, and organizations such as the National League for Nursing (NLN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA) stand firm on the need for higher educational standards for nurses in all practice settings, and emphasize the baccalaureate degree as the minimal entry level for ‘professional’ nursing practice (Giger & Davidhizar, 1990). The following essay will discuss the differences in knowledge base and competencies between the associate-degree and the baccalaureate-degree nurse clinician. Historically there have been three routes of entry into the field of nursing. For the purposes of this paper, we will focus on the associates program traditionally offered at community colleges, and the baccalaureate program taught at the university level. Graduates from both of these programs sit for the same (NCLEX-RN) National Council Licensure Examination (AACN, 2015). Course study in an associate’s degree program usually includes nursing fundamentals and clinical care across the lifespan, but their main educational focus revolves around clinical skills...
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...Educational Preparation: The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Eric Bradford Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics June 16th, 2013 Educational Preparation: The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Throughout the United States there a two basic nursing programs one can complete to become a licensed nurse. There are associate degree programs (or an ADN program) and bachelors degree programs (or BSN programs) available to students willing to complete either program. There are multiple differences between the two programs and the objectives and competencies taught in each degree. A few differences between those competencies will be discussed in this paper along with a patient care situation involving the decision-making skills between a nurse prepared at the baccalaureate level and associate level. The first difference between the two degrees is the multiple studies on nursing education linked to patient outcomes. These studies all show that the hospitals with a higher percentage of nurses baccalaureate level of nursing resulted in a lower mortality rate for their patients. In the January 2007 Journal of Advanced Nursing they reported findings that indicated just a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses who held a bachelor’s degree resulted in 9 fewer deaths...
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...Educational Preparation Grand Canyon University Educational Preparation The differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level and those prepared at the baccalaureate-degree level have remained controversial over the years and there have been many arguments relating to educational level and experience of these students regarding leadership and decision-making skills. Let us first take a brief look at the history of the baccalaureate and associate degree programs. The first baccalaureate nursing program was started in 1909 at the University of Minnesota. The baccalaureate program got off to a slow start and students were committed to a total of five years of study. It wasn’t until after World War II did the baccalaureate programs pick up pace. (Creasia & Reid, 2011) With a critical nursing shortage shortly after World War II came the associate-degree nursing program developed by founder and director of the Adelphi College School of Nursing, Dr. Mildred Montag. She wanted to create a “technical” nurse with skill and judgment with the ability to function at the intermediate level. Leadership and management were a part of the baccalaureate programs but not part of the ADN curriculum. (Masters & Masters, 1989) Most believe that quality patient care starts at having a well-educated nurse. Having a 2 or 4 year degree will enable you to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination, but because the NCLEX-RN only tests for minimum technical...
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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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...EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Associate Degree Nurses Versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurses Madelyn Bearden Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V July 5th, 2014 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION Associate Degree Versus Bachelor Degree Nurses Education has played an increasingly important role in the development of the nursing profession throughout the years, and one should be able to use learning in order to move forward in daily practice. This paper will discuss the differences in competencies, education, and practice between Associate Degree Nurses (ADNs) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSNs). This paper will also discuss the roles that skills and clinical versus academic experience play in practice decisions made by both BSN & ADN nurses. Associate Degree Nurses In 1952 Mildred Montag designed the Associate Nursing Program as a response to the critical national nursing shortage after the war. (Creasia, 2011) The shortened length of the program, two years, made it an ideal “collegiate alternative for the preparation of technical nurses” (Creasia, 2011) but Montag’s original intent of having ADNs work under the direction of BSNs became clouded along the way and the inclusion of core general nursing courses and clinical instruction led to the declaration of eligibility for RN licensure exams after graduation for these ADN nurses. The program was piloted...
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...Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V November 18th 2012 Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Who is more competent and can be referred to as the professional nurse? There are three entry-level educational programs available for nurses: The Diploma, Associate, and the Baccalaureate degree programs. All three nursing programs leads to registered nurse licensure and entry positions as nurses. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level (ADN) versus nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level in nursing can never be over emphasized. There seems to be various rising controversies in the nursing profession regarding which of these degree levels in nursing is a better choice as an entry level into the profession of nursing taking into consideration how nursing care may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse. Issues related to technical nursing versus professional nursing titles and roles and differentiated roles have been divisive for the nursing profession. In 1892, The national League for nursing (NLN) approved the document Position Statement on Nursing Roles-Scope and preparation, which stated that “professional nursing practice requires the minimum of a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing”. “Preparation for technical nursing practice requires an associate degree or a diploma in nursing”...
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...Educational Preparation: Associate Degree Nursing VS. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Gina Danna Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics April 9th 2015 There is an increasing demand for advanced level of education for nurses to meet the more complex needs for care in various settings. Baccalaureate nurses are esteemed for their skills in quality patient care, critical thinking, health promotion, leadership and innovations in professional nursing practice across a variety of settings. A baccalaureate degree should be the minimal level of education required for entry-level nurses. Differences in Competencies Between Associate Degree Level and Baccalaureate Degree Level Nurses There are multiple pathways to become a Registered Nurse. The two most common are through the associate degree and baccalaureate degree programs. Each program prepares the student to take the NCLEX exam to be licensed as a Registered Nurse. While each program prepares the student to be a registered nurse, there are differences in competencies amongst the two degree levels. A baccalaureate educated nurse is being preferred over the associate educated nurse due to their diversified responsibilities and clinical expertise. Associate Degree Nursing In 1952 the associate degree in nursing (ADN) was designed for students wanting to become a Registered Nurse. This program was designed by Mildred Montag to prepare nurses to practice in entry-level positions to accommodate...
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... 2015 Educational Preparation Despite the fact that the preparation for the Associate Degree in nursing slightly differs from the preparation for the Baccalaureate degree they both hold the title of Registered Nurses. A 3- year associate degree usually offered at a community college; and the 4- year baccalaureate degree offered at a senior college and universities. There are many surveys and research that are being carried out that shows the quality of care given to patients by nurses with associate degree and baccalaureate degree definitely differences exist in competencies based on degree level by demonstrating evidenced based practices, critical thinking, problem solving skills versus technical skills. Baccalaureate nursing programs have a significant impact on the knowledge of nurse clinician as it does on all healthcare providers. Nowadays there is a difference exist in the original propose curriculum design for the ADN educational programs. ADN graduate nurses are employed as staff nurses in hospitals and studies showed that there is very little differentiation between the role of ADN nurses and BSN nurses as they are asked to assume the same responsibilities. When the ADN programs were implemented it was not meant to prepare graduates for administrative positions. Also there was a real willingness within the educational preparation of nurses, to identify explicitly the role and responsibilities...
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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...
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...Educational Preparation Professional Dynamics NRS-430V October 04, 2015 Educational Preparation The concept of nursing itself started in 300 BC, but the evolution of nursing continues now and in the future. Through the change of times, preparations for the expectations of tomorrows nursing persist. Currently there is a large population of associate-degree (ADN) nurses and a smaller amount of baccalaureate-degree (BSN) nurses, but with the change of times the trends of nursing are changing. Education is becoming a requirement from ADN to BSN levels of nursing. What is causing this modification in nursing? Why is this adjustment imperative to the future? There is a very distinct difference between the associate-degree nurse and the baccalaureate-degree nurse. This discussion will look at the difference between the ADN and BSN degree’s and answer the question of why the nursing trends must change at this time. Nursing started out by men caring for the ill in 300 BC. Prior to the 1800’s, nursing was still in its formative years, the ill and the poor were cared for by the lowest class of humanity. In 1873 the first formal nursing education program in the United States was a 4-month hospital-based diploma program at the Boston Training School for Nurses at Massachusetts General Hospital which was originally intended to emulate the model put forward by Florence Nightingale when she established collegiate nursing in London in 1860 (Creasia, 2011). In 1958 diploma...
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...Educational Preparation Michelle Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics October 27, 2013 Educational Preparation Although there are differences in competencies between nurses prepared at an Associate-degree versus the Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing, they are slight. As I started my nursing career as an Associate-Degree Nurse (ADN), I felt inferior to my colleagues whom possessed their Baccalaureate-degree. That inferiority faded fast, as I saw that what an ADN and BSN did in my particular specialty was just the same. There were more similarities than differences. The similarities in competencies I found were, that both were required to pass the same NCLEX exam that is needed to possess the required license to practice nursing. There are no differences shown is regards to the legal scope of practice between an associate degree–prepared and baccalaureate-degree prepared nurses; for they are earn the same license upon passing testing from state boards. Although the required testing does not attest for differences between graduates of different programs, it does test for the technical competency that’s required for safe entry into basic nursing practice for both degrees. Secondly, by definition, the act of nursing for both is the same, ‘the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in...
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...and effective, but they also reward workers with prestige, recognition, appreciation and financial gain. There is no doubt that good educational preparation immensely affects nurses’ competencies in rendering quality patient care. The benefit of acquiring the latest trends and knowledge in healthcare delivery through advancement in education is without any question. The two levels of Nursing education currently are Associate Degree in Nursing (AND) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing which are offered in Community Colleges and Universities, respectively. Nurses who completed either of these programs take the same nursing qualifying examination to practice nursing in each respective state. Moore (2009) stated that the most basic difference between the two nursing programs is that the ADN has 72 credits units while the BSN has 125 credit units which include subjects in research and statistics. What about their difference in the clinical practice as staff nurse? Differences in Competencies between Nurses Based on Degree Level the Nursing education of today has two educational levels: the associate level of nursing education which is considered the technical level of nursing. This is a two year educational program offered in the community colleges and the curriculum focuses on the clinical-technical skills of nursing care. The baccalaureate level of nursing education is considered the professional level...
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...Educational Preparation of a Nurse: BSN vs ADN NRS-430V-O102 August 4, 2013 Educational Preparation of a Nurse: BSN vs ADN Nurses have several different options regarding their education. Since the 1950’s collages have offered entry level baccalaureate nursing programs to entry level students (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Nursing shortages began to rise postwar years and this lead into the development of 2-year associate degree nursing programs. Mildred Montag proposed these programs and after a 5 year study of graduates from an associates program, the program was deemed successful. Funding for the program was secured in 1964 and community colleges began opening AD programs at an astonishing rate (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The associate degree programs made it more accessible for men, women with families, older graduates, and other atypical students to attend the program. Nursing shortages were minimized in 1970s and 1980s due to the addition of the AND programs, and today associate nursing programs are the major entry point into nursing (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). In 2008 the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) conducted a survey that revealed nursing is the nation’s largest health care profession with more than 3 million registered nurses nationwide. 50% of the RNs in the workforce hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree while 36.1% hold an associate degree (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). On paper a BSN nurse and an ADN nurse...
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...Competency Differences Between Adn and Bsn Nurses The Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Bernice Brown-Hypolite Grand Canyon University, Phoenix Arizona: NRS-430V-0500 November 24, 2015 Introduction: Education enhances both clinical competency and quality care delivery. Quality patient care hinges on having a well-educated nursing workforce. Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is committed to working collaboratively to create a more highly qualified nursing workforce since education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. The AACN fact sheet looks at today’s nursing workforce, highlights research, connecting education to outcomes and outlines the capacity of four year colleges to enhance the level of nursing education in the U.S. The definition of Associate Degree and Baccalaureate degree is stated below: Associate Degree in Nursing: The Associated Degree was founded by Dr. Mildred Montag in 1956, in order to alleviate the shortage of Nurses after World War 11, by decreasing the length of education to 2 years, and also providing a sound educational base for nurses. Creasia and Friberg (2011). This program was deemed successful because the graduates were able to pass...
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