Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

In:

Submitted By mindy58
Words 1036
Pages 5
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 educated nurse gives a patient a better outcome as stated by the article in Health Affairs. In an article published in March 2003 issue of Health Affairs, nurse researcher Ann Kutney-Lee and colleagues found that a 10 point increase in the percentage of nurses holding a BSN within in a hospital was associated with an average reduction of 21.2 deaths for every 1000 patients- and for a

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION TITLE – EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION AUTHOR- SENAIT ATSKESELASSIE INSTRUCTOR- TARA HARRIS COURSE- NRS-430V-0101 PROFESSIONAL DYNAMICS INSTITUTION – GRAND CANYON EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION NURSING EDUCATION AND COMPETENCIES The American Association College of Nursing (AACN) media relation bring impressive topic and explanation about the impact of Education on nursing practice –Education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of nursing clinical, nurses with Bachelor of science in nursing Degrees are well prepared to meet the demands placed on today’s nurse. When we read this article the first thing we have to find out how? What is their skill different from Associate Nurses? Baccalaureate educational program at different university and colleges designed to promote nursing education and their comprehensive skill, BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management and health promotion for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient setting. nurse executives, federal agencies, military ,leading nursing organizations, health care foundations ,magnet hospitals and minority nurse advocacy groups all recognize the unique value that baccalaureate prepared nurses bring to practice setting. BSN nurses’ educational preparation is different from associate degree nurses that...

Words: 896 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation Educational Preparation Nursing is a genuine work of the heart. Once a person decides on becoming a nurse, it is so apparent that each individual can be whatever type of nurse they choose to be. There are so many different avenues one can take on their journey to becoming a nurse and the type of education one receives is a much talked about and is an ongoing discussion. Many questions often arise as to whether being prepared at the Associates Degree level is sufficient or if being prepared at the Baccalaureate Level is more beneficial. Being educated on a person’s goals within nursing is the best way to decide on the path to their educational preparation. According to Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptual Models “The goal for seeking additional formal education, a BSN, is to strengthen the platform from which nurses make better decisions, plans, and evaluations of patient outcomes. In order to do that, enhanced knowledge is required.” (Hood & Leddy, 2006, para. 1) Baccalaureate prepared nurses are trained and prepared to practice in all health care settings which not only include inpatient care but also outpatient care, public health, mental health and critical care areas. Because health care is moving into a direction of more preventative services, it is important to be BSN prepared so that the nurse is able to make quick decisions and provide well rounded and exceptional care to each patient they are in contact with. According to...

Words: 1153 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...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...

Words: 995 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation May 22, 2011 There are different routes in becoming a Registered Nurse. There is the 2-3 year Associate degree level (ADN), which can be obtained at a community college, and there is the four year baccalaureate degree (BSN), which can be obtained at a university. In both routes after finishing the program the candidate needs to take the licensing examination test called NCLEX-RN. When making a decision of what route to take the difference in competencies need to be taken into consideration. Differences include level of knowledge, skill preparation, and clinical judgment. A BSN degree nurse has a more comprehensive knowledge base than those who have an ADN. The bachelor nursing program includes everything taught to an associate degree nurse plus more detailed studies on physical and social sciences, public and community health, humanities, nursing research, and nursing management. Nurses that obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing have a broader knowledge of disease prevention, health promotion, and risk reduction (Ellis, 2007). Having a BSN degree prepares a nurse to deal with illness and disease management in a more efficient way than an ADN nurse. In addition, those who obtain a BSN degree must be able to make critical decisions about patient care and learn to understand more in depth about the patho-physiology of disease processes (Forster, 2008). The ADN education is more task orientated, putting less emphasis on applying critical thinking...

Words: 1264 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation CHIGO Professional dynamics. NRS 430V Monica Kidder November 08, 2012 Educational Preparation Nursing education is very important because of the skill needed to practice .All nurses’ use critical thinking and best judgment at all times in their area of practice. There is a belief that Associate degree in nursing educational level is lower than the Baccalaureate degree in nursing and their scope of practice. Associate Degree in Nursing is a two to three years program and Baccalaureates Degree is a four year program. After receiving the Associate Degree in nursing successful candidates are required to pass NCLEX an external professional exam monitored by Board of Nurse examiners. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is a four year program which deals with level of health promotion and spiritual perspectives and deals with ethical issues and social influences. It works across liberal arts including biblical concept. In the area of practice Bachelor’s degree nurse is better equipped to deal with all level of practice both as a bedside nurse and as a manager for good patient’s outcome. The program prepares nurses for a broader scope of practice. Bachelor’s Degree in nursing program equips nurses better than the Associate Degree Nursing to be able to meet with the challenges and the demand of the changing needs of patients in our world today as suggested by the Institute of Medicine Landmark Report on the Future of Nursing. This was initiated by the Robert...

Words: 1037 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation Jessica Ferrante Grand Canyon University NRS-430V January 24, 2015 Educational Preparation Adults of all ages dream of becoming a nurse. Being able to help and care for people is a very rewarding and satisfying career. Currently most nursing schools offer either an Associate-degree in nursing (ADN) or a Baccalaureate-degree in nursing (BSN). With these two choices available, which path should one take? The ADN program is a 2 year program offered at local community colleges, with prerequisites that usually take 1-2 more years of education. These programs are successful in producing a graduate that is able to pass state licensing exams known as the National council licensure examination (NCLEX) that tests for minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice. (AACN, 2014). They teach the fundamentals of nursing and nursing skills. The ADN programs are less expensive and can get you into the workforce relatively quickly. Many nurses begin with the ADN route because of time limitations or money, and then go back to school for their BSN. BSN programs are offered at the University level and usually require 4-5 years of education. The cost is significantly more and there are fewer programs available. The curriculum of the program includes basic fundamentals of nursing, additionally incorporating research concepts, theory, leadership, management, and public health. It also prepares the student to take...

Words: 874 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation: Associate- degree nurses versus baccalaureate- degree nurses Registered nurses make up one of the biggest professions in healthcare. There is a wide variety of skill levels amongst RNs, including differences in education. However, one thing they have in common is having passed the National Council Licensure Examination. Associate and baccalaureate degree programs each prepare its students for becoming nurses. Although, research has shown there is a variance in competencies between the two degrees, and that hospitals employed with bachelor’s degree nurses have better patient outcomes (Aiken, Clarke, Cheung, Sloane & Silber, 2003). Associate degree nursing education was developed more than sixty years ago at the end of World War II. There was a shortage of nurses, and a project was initiated for the two- year degree. Doctor Mildred Montag, the project director, designed the curriculum to be patient centered instead of disease centered. It consisted of approximately half nursing courses and half general education courses. Fundamental concepts were instilled in the students in the beginning of the program, and by the second year were built on with more complex concepts. Clinical experiences were also different in that it included community facilities, in addition to hospital-based experiences. The two- year program deemed itself successful, and became a stimulus for growth. Even with the associate degree’s success, it has been a controversial subject when...

Words: 995 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation Amina Ali Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V-019 Malinda Sever May 30, 2015 Educational Preparation There are many different levels of registered nurses in United State of America, it usually based on their level of education. From diploma nurses, technical nurses (ADN), professional (BSN) up to the master degree nurses and PhD nurses. All of above level of nursing are graduates and trained to work in hospital setting after successful completion of National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). BSN is a four-year degree program offered by accredited universities while ADN is a two to three year by Community colleges. Despite the similarity in their role in-patient care and their entry-level income is pretty much similar and close, however there are a number of distinctive differences between the two programs. Baccalaureate Degree Nurse The BSN program is usually four-year program, so is longer to complete the program after completing program then the graduate is able to take National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs added in depth more in areas in physical and social sciences, leadership, public health and research. According to AACN fact sheet " The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the...

Words: 805 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Educational Preparation

...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...

Words: 873 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Educational Preparation

...Running head: EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION 1 Educational Preparation of BSN And ADN Paper. Benice C Ejiogu Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V 8/19/2012 EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION 2 Educational Preparation of BSN and ADN The differences in competencies between Nurses prepared at the associate –degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level should not be over emphasized due to the fact that their educational preparation differs in different ways. ADN students has 3-year associate degree program, which comprises of both theoretical and clinical experiences. While BSN has a total of 4-year baccalaureate- degree program ,both theories and practical inclusive. McIntosh, T., Duske, S., Anderson, M., & Hill, P. (2008). These nurses has many qualities in common, but their competency level differs in different ways. Competency is defined as the integration of skills and knowledge required to perform a role in a particular setting (McConnell, 2001). Competency can also be defined as an individual’s actual performance in a particular situation...

Words: 581 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation Daniela, Ticarat Jan, 26 2014 Educational Preparation A nurse is a person who has passion for her job and a divine calling to finish that job. This person has compassion for the defenseless, patience for those who needed most, and knowledge for the powerless who can benefit from it. In order to answer this calling a certain level of education is required. The choices that have to be made are whether to prepare at the Associate Degree level versus the Bachelor Degree level in nursing. It is quite clear that, this choice remains with the individual. There is strong belief, based on evidence, research and personal experience to acknowledge the differences in competencies between Associate Degree and Bachelor Degree in nursing. One difference between Associate Degree Nurse and Bachelor Degree Nurse is the number of credits require for each. While Associate Degree requires 72 credits, Bachelor Degree requires 125 credits. Another difference, is the fact that a Bachelor Degree nurse has a better knowledge of the subject matter. The BSN graduate has a better ability to incorporate, assess, communicate, teach and lead while performing their duties. A candidate with a Bachelor Degree has a higher chance for advancement to positions such as: director of nursing, research nurse or managerial...

Words: 1057 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation Esther Ugwu Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V November 9, 2014. Educational preparation In a real life setting, one determines the level of education he wants to get in life. Having this in mind helps prepare the individual to choose a profession that will help over the course of life. To choose this profession, one has to determine what his educational goals are as this will help you follow the necessary path required in the completion of this goals of attaining a higher level of education. I remember growing as a child has had in mind to have a career that I will be happy practicing and also enjoy doing every single task involve in the profession. This actually paved way for me because it made see realize the areas am going to be good at and well know the potentials I possess as an individual. This insight helped me to purse nursing career because I have seen myself possess most of the qualities of a nurse as per the definition of nursing. The definition of nursing by ANA is 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 the care of individuals, families, communities, and population. Differences in Competencies between AND and BSN Nurses The difference in competencies is that BSN prepared nurses possess high level of education in nursing which allows the opportunity to assume a...

Words: 889 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation Farida Lalani Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics (NRS-430V) 12/09/2012 The routes to become a registered nurse are: a diploma program usually offered in hospitals, an associate degree frequently offered by community colleges, and a baccalaureate degree offered at senior colleges and universities.  Graduates of all the above programs take the same NCLEX-RN licensing examination. To understand the contrast in competencies between an associate degree in nursing and a baccalaureate degree in nursing, it is logical to first define competency. According to the American Nurses Association (2008), competency is described as “an expected level of performance that integrates knowledge, skills, abilities and judgment” (p.3). Graduates of both programs have necessary knowledge and skills to render safe and effective care; however, contrary to their counterparts, nurses with a baccalaureate degree have been able to handle situations with an improved analytical lens due to their educational training. Associate degree nursing (ADN) programs are designed to be two years long and are offered at community colleges. Individuals choose a particular program based on their personal situation or preferences. The associate degree provides the graduates with necessary skills to practice the profession safely. The program focuses more on teaching what needs to be done and when, but not why it needs to be done (Creasia & Friberg, 2010). The focus of the...

Words: 1101 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation LaWana J Karn Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Professional Dynamics Jayme Goodner September 22, 2013 Educational Preparation For many years I have been asking myself and many peers, from different areas of backgrounds, education and areas of practice. “Is there a difference in having a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) versus an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) when it comes to taking care of patients and employment?” I received a variety types of answers. Some of the answers were that there is more theory with Bachelors, they get paid more, helps with going into management, depends on the situation and experience is what makes a better nurse - no matter the degree. Besides the obvious of the longer length of the education and higher costs in obtaining a higher degree, what is that many employers are now preferring and requiring staff to have at least a BSN? Now, I am looking into studies that have been done and are ongoing through many schools and agencies. These findings continue growing. I found several differences between the ADN and the BSN educated nurse. I will discuss a few of them here. Similarities between the BSN and ADN Both the ADN and the BSN are similar and can function in many roles. Caring for the sick, skilled in promoting and maintaining health, having the same nursing philosophies and teachings, and many of the hands on skills. Both are qualified in passing of the same NCLEX licensing exam. ADN’s education are...

Words: 1071 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Educational Preparation

...Educational Preparation GCU Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Which is better an Associate degree registered nurse or a Baccalaureate degree registered nurse? This question could cause quite the debate. Both ADN and BSN nurses have some of the same skills; however BSN’s have more in depth skills in certain areas. There are three ways to become a registered nurse. The first way is a three year diploma program. These are usually obtained in a hospital setting. The second way is an Associate degree program. This usually takes between two to three years to complete. This degree is usually received at a community college. The final way to become an RN is a Baccalaureate degree which is obtained through a college or university. This degree takes at least four years to complete. All of these types of RN’s must pass the NCLEX exam. (Rosseter, 2015,) The trend is moving toward having only BSN nurses. As of 2013, all Magnet hospitals are required to have their managers be at least a BSN. They must also have a plan to have at least 80% of their nurses be BSN by 2020. (Rosseter, 2015) There are several differences between an ADN and a BSN. One of the differences is that typically BSN’s make more money. Because they have a degree that required more of them they are rewarded with more pay. Another difference is that BSN’s have a better chance of advancing in their careers. With the higher degree there are more doors opened to the BSN. They could become a nurse...

Words: 859 - Pages: 4