...Benefits of a Baccalaureate Education in Nursing Benefits of a Baccalaureate Education in Nursing Nurses that complete nursing school at a baccalaureate degree level will be more prepared and have higher competency levels than nurses graduating from an ADN program. Grand Canyon University follows the guidelines from the American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) for the curriculum regarding the nursing education, including the RN-BSN program. (Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy, 2011) The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) fact sheet (Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce, October 2012) talks about how baccalaureate nurses have more positive outcomes than an associate degree nurse. This refers to not only lower mortality rates but other factors such as medication errors. This shows that a BSN thinks outside of the box and treats the patient as a whole The focus of a patient, while hospitalized, is that they just want to get better. They want to know who brings their medication and who makes their bed. They don’t get to see the educational background of each nurse that cares for them. To them a nurse is a nurse. What the focus of a baccalaureate nurse caring for them is to treat the patient as a whole, not just the person who gives medications. Associate degree programs have been around since 1952. The ADN focus is concerned with the technical aspects of nursing. The focus is meeting the needs of the person through...
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...Associate versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing Ana Parker Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-O502 July 6, 2016 Education Preparation: Associate versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing Though the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is available to the holders of both an associate’s degree of nursing and a bachelor’s degree of nursing, healthcare is constantly changing and looking for ways to expand and improve. According to NursingLicensure.org, an increasing number of hospitals are now overlooking an associate’s degree in nursing, and instead choosing to hire nurses with a bachelor degree or higher education (“The Future of the Associate Degree in Nursing Program,” n.d.). However, it remains to be seen if an emphasis on higher education will significantly benefit the healthcare system. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the differences in competencies between an associate degree nursing program and a bachelor degree nursing program, then determine which is the preferable degree to require throughout the healthcare systems. Associate versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing: Difference in Competencies Associate degree nursing programs require considerably less knowledge based learning, and includes more clinically structured education. Associate degree nursing programs last approximately two years and consist of half general education courses, as well as half nursing based courses that focus mainly on patient centered care. Commonly, associate degree nursing programs cover basic...
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...between Associate degree and Baccalaureate degree 1 Running head: EDUCATION PREPARATION Education preparation: Differences in competences between nurses prepared at the Associate degree level versus Baccalaureate degree level nursing Awudu Braimah Shaibu Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional dynamics. Date: 10/07/2012 Differences in competencies between Associate and Baccalaureate degree level nursing 2 Associate degree level nursing is a two year nursing program that is being pursued in most of the community colleges in the United States of America. Students pursuing associate degree complete or earn 60 credits in order to graduate from this program. Baccalaureate degree or BSN level nursing is a four year nursing program that is offered in most of the colleges/universities across America. Students pursuing this program required to complete/earn 120 credits in order to be able to complete the program. This paper is going to look at the differences in competencies in these two programs. Research has shown that quality patient care depend on having a well educated nursing workforce (AACN...
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...Association, “Nursing 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 populations” (American Nurse Association 2014). Individuals who pursue a nursing career have many responsibilities, for nursing is not just a compassionate profession, but a profession that entails one to be a critical thinker with imperative knowledge in order to effectively care for individuals. Associate Degree Nursing and Bachelor degree nursing are both degrees in which help individuals who pursue a career in nursing, to gain the knowledge and critical thinking to become an effective nurse. Although the associate degree and bachelor degree produce different competencies of nursing from one another, a nurse with higher education possess qualities to provide higher level of care. Associate Degree Nursing Associate degree nursing is a two year technical academic program, developed due to a nursing shortage by Mildred Montag in 1952, that combines general education of nursing and clinical ( Creasier & Friberg, 2011, p. 27). Registered Nurses at an associate degree level are able to function adequately in the intermediate level with the amount of time they are taught in their clinical setting (Masters 1989, pg. 391). The general education of nursing provided in an Associate Degree level of nursing is limited...
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...The Differences between an ADN Degree and a BSN Degree. Grand Canyon University NRS-430V (NRS-430V-107) Nicole Chappell October 22, 2014 The Differences between an ADN Degree and a BSN Degree. As we begin discussing about the difference of an Associate Degree in Nursing versus a Baccalaureate in Nursing Degree, we can see some similarities with both. At the end of each successfully accomplished program; it will allow you to sit and take the (NCLEX-RN) which is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. This will be able to get your licensure and work in the healthcare field with your learned educational and clinical skills. In 1952 the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) was first begun, during to the nursing shortage. Mildred Montag was creator of the two year associated degree in nursing. The plan for Montag was for Associate degree nurses to work under supervision of the more highly skilled baccalaureate leveled nurses (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 27). This was basically an experiment, for future nurses to practice adequate bedside and technical skills (Egenes, 2010, Chapter 1). The Associate Degree of Nursing is a two year program that is mostly taught in community colleges, that teaches clinical nursing courses and general education. It allows you to work in hospitals and long term health care facilities as a bedside nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, Chapter 2). This is a more affordable nursing degree, and is accomplished in a shorter period...
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...The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing Gurdarshan Gill Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS-430V Tracy Chesney July 27, 2013 The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing Nursing has been regarded as the most trustworthy profession year after year in the United States (Laidman, 2012). Prior to the modern era of Nursing that began with Florence Nightingale, there was no specific profession of Nursing. (Grand Canyon University, 2011, para. 4) Nursing is an evolving profession and its demand for educational requirements is increasing. In the past, nurses held hospital-based diplomas or associate degrees in Nursing. Now the expectation for education of nurses has been increased which is shown by hospitals only hiring bachelor degree nurses. The comparison between associate degree nurses and bachelor degree nurses remains a constant discussion in healthcare. Do bachelor degree nurses provide a higher quality of care to their patients and are they better equipped to do so with their two year extended length of study? Associate degree programs are 2 years in length and have a heavy focus on technical and hands-on bedside training. This type of training is sufficient for nurses in areas such as secondary care settings and was brought about due to the nursing shortage in the 1950’s. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 27) This type of training is to the point and is...
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...the world” Nelson Mandela The profession of nursing has always been an evolving and demanding job. With each year the responsibilities of nurses grow and the demands for higher education increases. There are several ways to obtain a nursing license in the United States: a diploma program, associates program, and a baccalaureate degree. Even though the associate degree is a popular route to gain access to the NCLEX there has been much research revolving around the preparedness of associate degree nurses verse baccalaureate degree nurses. Both associates in nursing and baccalaureate in nursing give a student the sought after nursing license, however research shows there is a vast difference between the ASN and the BSN. The ASN programs are found primarily at community colleges and the curriculum is about 2 years in length. The ASN suffices all subjects related to the NCLEX and prepares students to pass to obtain their licensure. The BSN program is a four -year program that usually takes place in the 4 year colleges. They too are prepared to take the NCLEX, however they are required to gain knowledge deeper in the subject than the ASN. “The review of literature which was presented tends to support the ideology that baccalaureate degree prepared nurses are more proficient in the use of research, leadership, theoretical, conceptual and psychological assessment skills”(Giger &Davidhizzar, 1990). Other nursing related subjects such as science, research, and leadership...
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...settings from hospitals and private practices, to nursing homes and the military, just to name a few. The career has a high level of projected job growth and demand, which means jobs will always be available for those who wish to pursue a career in nursing. When becoming an RN, there is promise for job advancement and promotion, especially when a baccalaureate degree is obtained. Today, many people are taking this step to further their education and degree. In fact, the number of employed nurses with a bachelor’s degree is higher than ever. In 1980, about 55 percent of nurses held only a hospital diploma, along with 18 percent holding an associate’s and 22 percent having a bachelor’s degree. By 2008, 36.8 percent of nurses had obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing and another 36.1 percent had an associate’s degree (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). The apparent rise in education levels is a clear indication of the increasing importance of education and training that is being stressed in the healthcare workforce, as well as in society in general. The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice has even suggested that “at least two-thirds of the basic nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in nursing” (NACNEP, 2008). Given all of this, it is evident that acquiring a more advanced nursing degree could be beneficial in several aspects. Obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing is not only looked more highly upon but has been shown...
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...Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepаred аt the Associаte-Degree Level versus the Bаccаlаureаte-Degree Level in Nursing [Esther Omodunni] [Grand Cayon University] February 24th, 2013 Differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepаred аt the Associаte-Degree Level versus the Bаccаlаureаte-Degree Level in Nursing There is this arguement going on in the nursing profession — it’s аmongst аssociаte degrees аnd diplomаs аgаinst Bаccаlаureаte-Degree. With the nаtion аlreаdy suffering from а mаjor nursing shortаge it seems the lаst thing the nursing profession would need is in-fighting. The two sides differ in opinion on the quаlity of cаre provided by аssociаte degrees versus Bаccаlаureаte-Degree (Benner, 2009). Spreading the misunderstanding wаs а recent study published in the Journаl of the Americаn Medicаl Associаtion thаt links nurses’ educаtion levels with hospitаl deаth rаtes. The findings suggest thаt recruiting nurses with four-yeаr bаchelor degrees insteаd of just two-yeаr аssociаte degrees or three-yeаr hospitаl diplomаs “mаy leаd to substаntiаl improvement in the quаlity of cаre.” The study performed by the University of Pennsylvаniа’s Center for Heаlth Outcomes аnd Policy Reseаrch found thаt pаtients experienced significаntly lower mortаlity аnd fаilure to rescue rаtes in hospitаls where more highly educаted nurses аre providing cаre. Facts and...
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...Higher Education in Nursing Should be a Requirement Jessy Kunnathupothiyil Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics NRS430V July 06, 2013 Higher Education in Nursing Should be a Requirement When people get sick, they are sensitive about the quality of care they receive. Today everybody looks for advanced health care from highly educated health care professionals. Is there any reality behind it? Could it be the high- education that enables nurses to provide high quality patient care? Although general nursing program provides basic education for nurses, higher education will equip the nursing professionals with skills, knowledge and competence to provide quality care to patients. Advantages of Baccalaureate-Degree Level In Nursing First of all, college level education will aid the nursing professionals to creatively and constructively respond to rapid changes in health care systems in the modern technological world. The purpose of higher education in Baccalaureate level is to empower the nursing staff to provide excellent holistic care to all as well as inculcate in them a strong desire for knowledge and to aspire for advanced degrees in this profession. Moreover, higher education will open new horizon for nursing professionals beyond bedside care to administration, research and management. Nursing is a combination of science and art. While basic training will encourage nurses to care for patients compassionately irrespective of age, creed, color, sex, life...
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... Educational Preparation: Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at Associates-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Jenny Curie Grand Canyon University NRS-430V Tara Harris February 10, 2013 DIFFERENCES IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADN VS BSN 2 Competency is defined as the quality of being competent. To be competent one must possess required skill, knowledge, qualification, or capacity. The profession of nursing requires a skillset and knowledge base that is specific to its kind. There are many options in one’s educational journey to obtain a nursing degree. Nursing is the largest health care profession in our society today with three million registered nurses nationwide (AACN, Nursing Workforce). Along with the growing profession and the ever growing need for quality health care the debate over what qualifies a nurse to be skillful and competent in her profession and what type of education is required is at the for front. What are the differences in competency between a nurse with an associates degree and one holding a baccalaureate degree? Of the three million registered nurses nationwide 50% of those hold a baccalaureate degree while 36.1% have an associates degree, and 13% a diploma (AACN, Nursing Workforce). The quality in which we provide patient care and the need for those in this field to obtain higher levels of education is being discussed. The NCLEX exam taken to become a licensed nurse in...
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...The Differences Between Baccalaureates Versus Associate Degree Salamatu Bah Chris Bartholemew Grand Canyon University NRS430 December 12, 2015 The Differences Between Baccalaureates Versus Associate Degree The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, believes that education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of the nurse clinician, as it does for all health care providers. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees are well-prepared to meet the demands placed on today's nurse. BSN nurses are prized for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings. Nurse executives, federal agencies, the 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 the practice setting. AACN encourages...
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...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 their education beyond the diploma or associate degree. Many research studies have shown...
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...Nursing learning has an immense contact on a nurse’s capability to practice, so as patient also requires the knowledgeable nursing personnel. I am an associate degree nurse. I have been working in the hospitals for last 8 year. I do have experience but still I am lacking something as a nurse then I have decided to add three more letters after RN. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees are well-educated to meet the workload placed on today’s nurse. BSN nurses are appreciated for their proficiency in critical thinking, problem solving, case management, clinical decision and health promotion. Baccalaureate nurse have additional chances to move up in nursing employment ladder in a variety of health care areas which offers as extensive professional development. Furthermore, nurses with a baccalaureate degree exhibit more nursing competencies as compared to their associate degree or diploma nurses. This discussion will point out the dissimilarity between Associate degree nurse (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN) and also their ability to make sound clinical decisions. Associate Degree Nursing Versus Baccalaureate Degree Nursing The nation’s demand for nurses increased noticeably after World War II, as 78 million children were born between 1946 and 1964 (eventually known as baby boomers) (Creasia &. Friberg, 2011). Because of the nurses’ shortage after the World War II, associate degree nursing was originated by Mildred Montage in 1951. ADN was introduced...
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...between nurses with associate degree verses baccalaureate degree level Is there a difference in the thinking and processing of a nurse with baccalaureate degree and associate degree? According to the researches that were done in the past, there are difference in competencies between Baccalaureate nursing and associate nursing. Performance in nursing care by well educated nursing is higher than one with lesser education. A role of nursing is to help provide healthy and safe environment So that a person can live in an optimal health. Practice of nursing requires good theoretical understanding of health, diseases and their management. It would also need competence in technical skills, critical thinking process organization and time management. How does a nurse get all these qualities? Some of these qualities can be obtained from nursing education and some from experience. What is a competency? “Competencies are outcomes of an educational process, and they also describe the kind of personal abilities most nurse educators are seeking to develop in students, and administrators are seeking to select for and develop on the job” (Alverno College Faculty, 1976; Alverno CollegeNursingFaculty, 1985; Mentkowski & Doherty, 1984). According to this definition competencies are attained by education and experience. Faculty is responsible to evaluate the competency of a nursing student. Competencies can be tested by giving a scenario and see how the nursing student handle the situation...
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