...Running head: THE DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES OF AN ADN AND A BSN 1 The Difference in Competencies of a Nurse with an ADN versus a Nurse with a BSN Stacey M. Kestler Grand Canyon University THE DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES OF AN ADN AND A BSN 2 Abstract According to American Association of Colleges of Nursing fact sheet: Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce, there are 2.8 million registered nurses currently active and practicing, of these 55% hold a bachelor’s degree, and by 2020 they estimate that number will increase to 80%. This is important because what will happen to the nurses that currently have an ADN or are about to enter into the ADN program? What is the difference between a nurse with an ADN and a nurse with a BSN, and is one better than the other? Nurses make the decisions to get their ADN or BSN for many different reasons, but there are many journals and articles in publication that statically show that having a BSN is safer for patients. In the October 2014 issue of Medical Care, it published that having a 10% increase in the proportion of bachelor educated nurses decreased mortality rates by 10.9%. In the May 2014 issue of The Lancet, it published that European hospitals with a higher number of BSN nurses showed that patients were more likely to live after facing complications due to surgery. In conclusion Nancy Burgess states in her article ADN versus BSN Nursing Degree…Which will it be?, that...
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...1) Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training. 1. Nurses will be required to have higher levels of education to fill the growing needs of heath care. 2. Due to insurance companies regulating monies given for care, and the ever growing need for out of hospital care, Nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetist will be some of the fields that will be in high demand. 2) Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression. 1. This means that schools will need improve and change the way they teach and encourage new nursing students. Instructors that won’t make nursing school a bad memory and will encourage students to go further in their education. 2. Masters and doctorate degrees will be needed to teach the next generations of future nurses, and to fill the many leadership roles that are and will be available. 3) Nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health care professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States. 1. The main purpose of all healthcare workers revolves around patient care and how we can improve and keep patients safer. It is imperative that we ALL work as a team. Each entity should have a say in patient care. Working as teams that can communicate and trust assessments of what would be the best care for the greatest patient interests and outcomes. 2. Because...
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...Professional Development of Nursing Professionals Health care is advancing and changing every single day, every hour, and every minute. Nurses are caring for more critical patients, which require expert knowledge and skill. In order to deliver safe quality care change is needed. According to the IOM, nurses must be prepared to meet the diverse patients’ needs by practicing to the full range of their education, function as leaders, and improve the education system so that it promotes a smooth academic progression (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2010). The IOM desires to transform nursing education. The IOM states, “Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system” (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2010, p. 163). In the past an associate’s degree (ADN) nurse has been the most common type of nurse, now a baccalaureate degree (BSN) is the preferred nurse. The BSN nurse typically has two more years of education than the ADN nurse. This typically means the BSN nurse will end up paying more for their education but the cost is definitely worth it. The BSN nurse is preferred because of their enhanced critical thinking skills, strong education foundation, and their ability to easily adapt to evolving models of health care. It is predicted that the number of nurses with baccalaureate degrees will increase from 50% to 80% by 2020 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2010). Traditional nursing competencies will move...
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...the Affordable Care Act by congress in 2010 will require the health care system to transform the future of nursing in order to keep up with the changes in health care in the United States. This paper will discuss the 2010 Institute of Medicine’s report on the impact of nursing education, nursing practice with a focus on primary care, how it will change current nursing practice and the nurse’s role as a leader. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report was written to explore how the nursing profession should change to build a stronger health care system. A vision was developed to make quality care accessible to the diverse population of the United States, promote wellness and disease prevention, improve health outcomes and provide compassionate care across the lifespan (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2011). Nurses must achieve higher levels of education and utilize this education and training to meet the challenges facing health care. An associate degree nurse is excellent; however a Bachelor of Science nurse (BSN) is encouraged. A BSN possesses a broader foundation of nursing including community health and leadership content. The link between lower mortality rates and educational level has also caused the BSN to be preferred. An all BSN workforce at the entry level would provide a more uniform foundation for the reconceptualized roles for nurses and new models of care that are envisioned (IOM). The ability for people to seek quality, affordable health care means nurses will be taking...
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...Associates Versus Bachelors Prepared Nurses Heidi Oppenheimer Grand Canyon University For the past decade or so the debate between the efficacy of bachelors prepared nurses, diploma nurses, and associates prepared nurses has been a hot top topic. In general, there doesn’t appear to be a difference in skill set, but with at least two years of continued training and education for a bachelor’s degree, there must be some difference. As with all nursing studies, patient care and safety must be examined. With many experts publishing studies diving into the health care field to determine the difference with regards to patient safety, the scales appear to be tipping in favor of bachelors prepared nurses. Although the differences in technical skills between an Associated Degree in Nursing (ADN), Diploma Nurse, and a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) nurse tend to be minimal, as most BSN programs require additional classes in communication, critical thinking and leadership there is a distinct difference in leadership, communication abilities, and the tendency to make errors. An ADN requires two years of study and a BSN will require four years. Although the diploma nurse is slowly losing favor, there are still a handful of programs that allow the student nurse to spend one to two years straight out of high school with little to no pre-requisites and focus their studies almost exclusively on the hands-on technical skills required for nurses. While all programs have their merits...
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...have the necessary knowledge to excel. Education is needed for self-enhancement. Nurses constantly desire to better themselves. They unceasingly advance in their profession by continuing school, obtaining certificates, and completing new training programs. The nursing profession has grown drastically from what it once was. Although there have been an abundance of change, the basis of why one practices nursing remains constant – the desire to make a difference in a person’s life by providing quality care. Nurses share the same drive and passion, but is that enough? Society and employers have preconceived notions about nurses at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. They believe one’s level of education plays a significant role in nursing care and decision-making. Are they correct? Unfortunately, education does play a role in what an employer seeks for. It is proven true that health care facilities desire a nurse with a baccalaureate-degree, rather than an associates-degree. Pew Health Professions Commission (1998) states: No matter which type of entry into practice program one chooses, “the demands placed on nursing in the emerging health care system are likely to require a greater proportion of RNs who are prepared beyond the associate degree or diploma level.” (p. 64) Health care professionals are seeking nurses who are confident and competent. In their eyes, this means bachelor-prepared nurses. “Nurses who were diploma or associate degree prepared...
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...in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level, by using research from different nursing organizations found online. Also identifying a patient care situation in which I will describe how nursing care or approaches to decision-making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse. Differences in competencies between ADN versus BSN In conducting the research for this paper I was a little biased in my opinions of this topic and had to keep an open mind. I am an associate-degree level nurse, and have been for six years. I feel that my experience has taught me a lot about critical thinking, and helping patients improve their outcomes. I felt pressure in to completing my baccalaureate-degree level of education before I felt that I was ready to complete the education. I now have a better understanding into baccalaureate education as being the accepted minimum requirement for nurses. Much research has been done, relating to BSN versus ADN nurses and better patient outcomes. In Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy, it states “Baccalaureate nursing practice incorporates the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care, teaching, and leading.” I feel that no matter what education level one has after nursing programs that this is a baseline for nurses. It was hard for me to see that nurses who graduate with their BSN were better at bedside care than one who has their ADN...
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...Differences in Associate Nurse and Baccalaureate Nurses There are three pathways to become a Registered Nurse (RN) the first is a diploma nurse which consist of one to three years training in a hospital these nurses are strongest clinically since the training is usually hospital based. The other two choices are the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN) all of these graduate’s are candidates to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This paper will discuss the differences in the competency levels between the ADN and BSN. The Associate Degree Nursing program provides an efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Graduates are competent in clinical and proficient in technical skills required to practice safely in multiple settings and to fully assume the RN role. Associate Degree Programs began in 1952 at Fairleigh Dickinson University. This type of nurse is usually educated at community colleges and completes training in twenty to twenty-four months after pre-requisites are met. The facts would suggest that ADN has less theory and more clinical training and according to the American Association Nursing-Fact Sheet “Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce” are less likely to notice a critical change in patient condition. The BSN completes their four years of education at the University level training is more focused on patient outcomes and nursing theories. Receiving more theoretical training they are better prepared...
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...Degree Nurses (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) Kristel Garan, RN Grand Canyon University: Nursing 430V April 13, 2014 Competencies Among ADNs and BSNs Does the educational level of a registered nurse (RN) have an impact on patient outcomes and safety? Yes, in fact the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) prepared RN has been linked to lower mortality rates, medication errors, decubitus ulcers, and shorter lengths of stay (Blegen, Goode, Park, Vaughn, & Spetz, 2013). According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN] (2013), there are approximately 2.8 million RNs actively practicing, of which 55% currently hold a BSN degree. In the United States, both graduates of ADN and BSN degree should pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses licensing examination (Rich & Nugent, 2009). However, this does not mean that every nursing graduate is equally prepared for practice. It has been emphasized that the entry-level licensing exam measures only minimum technical competency for safe nursing practice (AACN, 2013). Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary (n.d.) defines competence as “the ability to do something well”. Since it has been demonstrated that the BSN prepared RN is more “prudent” in yielding safer patient outcomes, it is critical to examine the differences in competencies among ADN versus BSN prepared nurses, as well highlight these differences by examining a developed patient care situation...
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...The Driving Force of Change: Magnet Designation The Driving Force of Change: Magnet Designation The healthcare industry has striven to advance the quality of care provided to patients for decades. Pursuing Magnet designation is a journey a hospital can take to acquire this level of excellence. The purpose of this paper is to explain an overview of components making up Magnet designation, the impact Magnet status has on change in healthcare and its organizations, and the benefits and challenges that go hand in hand. Overview of the Magnet Recognition Program The Magnet Recognition Program is not an award but a “performance-driven recognition credential” designed to achieve excellence in patient outcomes and satisfaction of nurses (Drenkard, 2010). Magnet Recognition is the highest and most prestigious distinction a healthcare organization can receive for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. The Magnet program model organizes 14 Forces of Magnetism into five model components. The five model components are transformational leadership, structural empowerment, exemplary professional practice, new knowledge, innovation, and improvements, and lastly, empirical quality results. The first component, transformational leadership, identifies the need for more involvement with nursing in leadership roles. The second component, structural empowerment, provides an innovative environment where strong professional practice flourishes and relationships and partnerships...
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...Staffing Day to Day The American Nursing Association defines staffing as matching the registered nurse expertise with the needs of patients requiring nursing care services. There are many influences and factors that go into determining the staffing level. There are two different ways of staffing: centralized and decentralized. Centralized staffing is when there is one department responsible for all the units, float staff and on-call staff. Decentralized staffing is when unit leaders or charge nurses, managers, or directors determine the level of staff needed before and during the shift. Staffing nurses is typically set in a 24-48hr window, whereas scheduling can be a month out (Mensik, 2014). In addition to the two different ways of staffing, there are three different models that staffing...
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...Leadership and Management The enactment of the affordable care act has significantly changed the structure of all health care. As the focus of treatment at health care facilities all across the country transitions from specialty care and acute illnesses to preventative and long term health management, many changes have taken effect that have directly affected the approach and delivery of care. One of the greatest changes is the vast amount of patients that are now seeking health care. In an attempt to keep up with these high demands, many facilities have been left scrambling to adjust their budgets, reduce excess spending, and implement more efficient means of care delivery. Nurses throughout this process have had to adapt to a work environment that is constantly being changed and restructured. As a result, decreased job satisfaction, increased incidence of compassion fatigue, and nurse to patient ratios involving higher acuity levels have all contributed to the vast nursing shortage that is being experienced today. In addition, patient satisfaction scores and Medicare reimbursement have been greatly affected as well. Despite all of the aforementioned issues, there are some facilities that are taking the extra step to recognize and promote nursing excellence by setting the standards higher in an attempt to gain Magnet status. The focus of this writing is to compare and contrast the expectations of the approaches that nurse leaders and managers may use regarding magnet status as...
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...Health care communication is information that can be exchanged in the same ways but its main point is to enhance health. It is a necessary element of interaction between nurses, physicians, patient’s, and family members. The communication helps to enhance health by including information about disease prevention, diagnoses, treatment, health promotion, and health care policies which can ultimately improve a person’s quality of life. Effective Healthcare Communication “There has been evidence that communication between providers and patients, directly and indirectly, determine the extent in which patients experience fewer adverse medical events, exhibit higher levels of adherence to their treatment regimens, trust their care and their providers and nurses, are satisfied with their care and their providers, practice effective self-management behaviors, experience less symptom severity, suffer less morbidity and mortality, and access and utilize available health resources” (Marram, G. 2009, p3). Physician-Patient Communication When a patient and their family members understand the information that is being received about their care they are more likely to communicate in a better fashion with the provider and nurse, they are more likely to understand their medications and their purpose, along with understanding their disease, disease process and treatment options. The open communication helps build a trusting relationship with the healthcare team. Physician-Nurse Communication ...
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...RN-BSN Capstone Proposal The Attitudes and Barriers of Nurses towards Pressure Ulcers in Long Term Care Facilities that Hinders Prevention & Treatment Takoya Walker College of Costal Georgia Introduction and Background Pressure ulcers (PUs) have post a problem to healthcare for thousands of years. Since at least the 1980s, pressure ulcers have been considered a result of poor quality of care (Lyder & Ayello, 2012). In response to the Institute of Medicine’s landmark report To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System, the National Quality Forum designated hospital-acquired Stage III or Stage IV PUs as “never events” (considered avoidable health care incidents) (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality [AHRQ], 2012). Since 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services no longer reimburse providers for treatment of facility acquired Stage III or Stage IV PUs. Populations at risk for PU development include older adults, patients with dementia, and any person with conditions of immobility (Ratliff, Tomaselli, & The Guideline Task Force, 2010). Because an older adult is more likely than a younger person to have impaired mobility and co-morbid health conditions, elders are especially vulnerable for PU development. This is of particular concern given the large population of these individuals in our nursing home facilities. In 1992, the AHRQ developed early guidelines for preventing pressure ulcers. In general, prevention guidelines...
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...Hepatitis B- Benchmark Brandy Barlow Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V-O508 January 11, 2015 Hepatitis B- Benchmark Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can cause both acute and chronic disease within the body. Hepatitis or Hep B is an infection of the liver that can be deadly. It causes inflammation of the liver and is a major health problem all over the globe. Chronic liver disease and chronic infections put people at higher risk of death from cirrhosis of the liver and or liver cancer. The majority of people with Hep B do not have any symptoms during the actual infection phase. There are those however, that experience jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark colored urine, increased fatigue, nausea, with or without vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms of hepatitis B may not show up for 6 months after the initial infection. Early onset of symptoms may include: loss of appetite, fatigue, low grade fever, muscle and joint pain. An infected person may have no symptoms, they may feel sick for a day up to weeks, or they may become very ill very quickly. This is called fulminant hepatitis. (Hepatitis B, 2013, pg. 1). Complications may arise in some people causing a chronic liver infection that can become cirrhosis or liver cancer. At least ninety percent of healthy adults that contract the Hepatitis B virus recover and are rid of it within six months. Hep B can be transmitted to others even if the infected...
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