...Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses “BSN in 10” bills either pending or under legislation in some states, will require nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in 10 years. Even more hospitals and healthcare facilities seeking Magnet status seem to be encouraging Associate Degree nurses to return to school or obtain a BSN before applying for employment. Nursing is a profession that involves skills and knowledge to provide optimum level of care. ADN versus BSN has been an issue of controversy for years. The primary focus of this paper will be discussing the differences in competencies of nurses educated in an ADN level to those educated in a BSN level. These differences include varying curriculum requirements, education content and patient outcomes. The first difference in ADN and BSN is the amount of education. The associate degree in nursing includes two years in the nursing program and can be obtained at a community or junior college. However, there are prerequisite courses required for entry into the nursing program, so ADN programs can be at least 3 years in length. Today, earning an ADN takes almost as long as earning a BSN (Orsolini-Hain & Waters, 2009). In contrast, baccalaureate degree in nursing includes four academic years of college at a four year university. Both degrees take the same NCLEX board exam for licensing and both degrees enter into the same position as a registered nurse, with similar wages and benefits. The second difference in ADN and BSN...
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...Educational Differences between Registered Nurses The profession of nursing has a long history dating back to the ancient days. Formal education of nursing, using Florence Nightingale’s model, began in the United States after the Civil War. (Scope of Practice and Differentiated Practice Competencies) Nursing education took place in the hospital setting that used nursing students to care for patients. The students mainly learned the skills necessary to care for patients, but were deficient in curriculum learning. Later, some hospital nursing programs began a curriculum based program that issued students diplomas upon completion of the program. (Scope of Practice and Differentiated Practice Competencies) Nursing education began moving into the university settings in 1909 with the University of Minnesota opening a bachelor degree program. (Friberg, 2011 p.25) Many other universities began offering bachelor degree programs in nursing. However, hospital based programs were still the popular choice. After World War II, a nursing shortage began in the United States. Dr. Mildred Montag suggested training of registered nurses in the community college setting, which the graduating nurse would receive an associate’s degree. The program was intended to prepare nurses in a shorter amount of time to cover the growing need for nurses. At the time, this training was only supposed to be temporary. (Scope of Practice and Differentiated Practice Competencies) The associate’s...
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...A Comparative View of the Associate and the Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse A Comparative View of the Associate and the Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse Universities began establishing baccalaureate-level nursing programs in the 1950’s, awarding graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In 1951, Mildred Montag proposed the innovative idea of a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at the community college level to remedy the severe nursing shortage following World War II. Nursing faculty regarded ADN nurses as competent in basic nursing practice as they demonstrated the ability to pass state nursing licensing examinations. This commenced the national ADN educational movement followed by public confusion regarding the credentialing requirements and competencies of a professional nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Over the past 40 years, the entry-level education and qualifications for nursing have been widely debated by the medical community (Institute of Medicine, 2011, p. 169). This essay serves to provide a comparative view of registered nurses prepared at the associate and baccalaureate levels, detailing the specific competencies of each. According to the Institute of Medicine, the ADN “prepares nurses to provide direct patient care and practice within the legal scope of professional nursing responsibilities in a variety of health care settings” (2011, p. 44). This includes the utilization of critical thinking in patient assessment and...
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...Contrasts of ADN and BSN Education and Practice Terrance Thomas RN NRS-430V Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptual Models September 27, 2015 Tish Dorman Grand Canyon University School of Nursing A Baccalaureate nursing program incorporates all of the course work that a three year diploma and a two year associate degree contain in their programs. A Baccalaureate degree program delves deeper into the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The Baccalaureate degree provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence health care. One of the most striking differences between the Associate Degree and the Baccalaureate degree nurse is the research shown towards quality patient care. The American Association for Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has stated that a Baccalaureate degree nurse has lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive patient outcomes. (AACN 2013). There is no argument. If research shows that fewer people die with a higher educated nursing work force, the case is closed. Life preservation is the number one priority. The ADN nurse who passes the licensing exam meets the minimum technical competency of the entry level nurse. This is the bare bones of what is acceptable in the nursing medical workplace. An ADN nurse is task oriented. The Baccalaureate...
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...DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BSN AND ADN PRACTICE 1 The Difference Between BSN and ADN Practice Lauren DiMuro Southern Vermont College What is the difference between BSN practice and ADN practice? This is a question that every nursing student should ask and research as both BSN and ADN nurses can sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam. There are multiple answer to this question, however the short answer is that nurse with a BSN degree has more opportunities to work in a variety of health care settings that offer an extensive array of opportunities for professional growth. (Moore, 2009) BSN student learn skills at a higher level that are required for exceptional practice. (Huston 7) The difference between the ADN nurse and the BSN nurse is not limited to the opportunities allotted but spans out to the education. The BSN nurse completes a curriculum that has a different focus than that of the ADN curriculum. The BSN curriculum emphasizes evidence based practice, leadership, critical thinking, and public/community health. (Moore, 2009) As part of this curriculum you receive crucial training in key areas like communication, leadership, and critical thinking- enhanced knowledge that will become ever more valuable in the complex and changing future of health care delivery. (Simons, 2012) BSN nurses can be and are not limited to bedside nurses, educators...
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...The main paths to becoming a Registered Nurse and the core differences in competencies between nurses with the associate-degree versus the baccalaureate degree Svetlana Jones Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics November 26, 2014 The Origin of Nursing Education Programs Regardless of the general recommendation proposing to move nursing schools from hospitals to universities throughout the first half of the 20th century, it was not till 1950s when hospitals finally agreed to this significant change. Nonetheless, the baccalaureate nursing programs (BSN) did not generate enough nurses to eliminate the post-war nursing shortage. Fortunately in 1951, a well-know nurse and educator Mildred Montag suggested and shaped a new associate degree-nursing program (ADN) to overcome the nursing shortage (Creasia, 2011). The two-year ADN program was designed to be only a temporary solution to a pressing problem; however, the ADN program remained and is producing many new nurses every year. The emphasis of my work is to compare the current ADN and BSN program and highlight the main differences between an ADN and BSN nurse. Moreover, I will use a patient scenario to demonstrate how nurses with an ADN and BSN degree are prepared to provide a competent and safe nursing care to their patients. Two Main Pathways of Becoming RN An ADN program takes two years to complete and is usually offered by community colleges. The curriculum for this nursing...
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...Nursing Competencies Between the Associate Level Prepared Nurse and Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurse - Including a Patient Case Scenario Elizabeth A. Borowiak NRS 430V-0109 09/07/2014 ADN vs. BSN – The Big Debate The ADN/BSN debate has been going on for decades. This conflict could possibly negatively affect nurses, our profession and ultimately the patients we serve. There will always be nurses who will excel in the field independent of their educational preparation. Patient’s conditions and the healthcare environment are becoming more complex and having a better-educated workforce helps to improve patient outcomes, but how? What are the differences between a nurse who has her ADN degree versus an RN with a BSN degree? Are there advantages of being a BSN prepared nurse? Nurses today have a difficult time choosing between the Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). One might ask, “Why should a nurse take the BSN route when they can take the ADN route and still be a Registered Nurse (RN) in less time and cost” (Moore, 2009). Yes, you can still be an RN, but studies show the ADN prepared nurse will approach clinical situations differently than that of a BSN prepared nurse. The skills differ in many ways, and the BSN prepared nurse is better for patient outcomes. The Associate Degree program teaches nurses the fundamentals and basics of nursing. “The ADN focuses on bedside nursing and technical aspects of the job” (Moore...
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...procedures, techniques, and policies to create a more effective healthcare system. The policy aims to transform practice, education, and leadership. (Committee Summary) One of the core notes of the Affordable care acts is that “Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training.” (Committee Transformation) According the American Nurses Association nursing is defined as “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. (ANA, n.d.)” All nurses no matter what degree try to live up to the ANA standard. ADN nurses are more than capable of providing care. The key point in recent studies is that BSN nurses provide better care. ADN nurses are most likely able to accomplish tasks just as well as BSN nurses. However, BSN nurses question decisions, rationalize treatments, and strive to provide care for the patient as a whole. The level of competency is clearly disparate. Due to the BSN nurse’s higher education he or she is able to make decisions regarding the doctor’s judgments that could eventually save a life. The BSN nurse will have the dexterity to...
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...of degrees. Nurses have choices in the types of nursing schools they can attend. Nurses can obtain their degree through diploma programs that are based out of hospitals, through local community colleges, or through universities. Now in healthcare evidence based research supports that patients receive higher level of quality care with fewer adverse outcomes for patients [ (Friese, 2008) ]. A nurse is not just a nurse anymore. This paper will explain the differences in the competencies between nursing degrees including the differences between the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN), and Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN). The differences will be exposed with patient care situations and the different approach based on the level of nursing degree. Associate Degree Nursing There are many differences between the ADN nurse and BSN nurse, but only a few similarities. The major correlation between the two degrees is they both sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination is exam is taken upon completion of your nursing program (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). The ADN nurse attends school for two years and takes significantly fewer credit hours and is generally less expensive [ (Link, 2010) ]. In both ADN and BSN programs the core curriculum is somewhat the same. The ADN nurse focuses more on learning technical clinical skills and learns more hands on approach to deal with patients and their families. The ADN nurse is trained to be a more task oriented nurse [ (Dianne S...
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...Competences Between an Associate’s Degree [ADN] and Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree [BSN] BY Maria Abbey. Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics. 1/7/16. Quality of patient’s care as concerns nursing hinges on having a well-educated nursing workforce just like other professions. The nursing profession is made up of different categories of educational levels of nurses ranging from associate degree [ADN] to bachelor in science [, BSN] masters in science[MSN] and doctorate in nursing. The level of competence varies according to their level of academic exposure. This discussion will narrow to the above competences. An associate degree level nurse is one that holds a 2-year programmed certificate obtained from a vocational, technical college or school. This training is basically to prepare the nurse technically as it were practical aspect with basic foundation of nursing and nursing theories and clinical rotation in a health care facility. This category of nurse functions better as a bed side nurse and is incapacitated when it comes to decision making level and administrative responsibilities with other health care teams. My experience on the job concerning charge nurse job description for example is only for the BSN nurses despite their year of graduation. I have seniority over the BSN nurses but charge nurse duties are rarely given to me because I have ADN certificate. When I asked the nurse manager why she will give me excuses that do not...
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...COMPETENCIES BETWEEN NURSES WITH ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND BACCALAUREATE DEGREES Kelly Matthews Grand Canyon University: RN to BSN NRS 430 V – PROFESSIOANL DYNAMICS 06/14/12 Abstract This is an attempt to analyze the differences in competencies between the nurses with Associate Degree (ADN) and Bachelor’s degree (BSN) in Nursing. The contemporary nursing career demands critical thinking, effective communication skills and comprehensive knowledge. To be equipped with these attributes, a Nurse must pursue at least the BSN degree program. The salient points considered for this analysis and finding are: • A comparison of curricula of both programs. • Increasing requirement of Educators, Researchers and Administrators in Nursing. • Patient safety, quality of care, sync with technological advancements. • A patient care situation. DIFFRENCES IN COMPETENCIES OF NURSES WITH ASSOCIATE DEGREE AND BACCALAUREATE DEGREE Education is an infinite process. Everyday, new developments emerge and new deceases and remedies discovered. The overall outlook of healthcare professions has dramatically changed in the past few decades. Nursing plays a very critical and important part in efficient care and patient safety. Nurses work shoulder to shoulder with physicians in treatment planning and management. Legal and ethical responsibility of the care provided is also increasingly shared by the Nurses. Nursing profession thus calls for better qualified and well groomed nurses. Even though...
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...The Differences Between ADN and BSN Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS-430v 5/01/16 For those not working in the healthcare field, the profession of nursing can cause a lot of confusion. There are multiple different certifications or degrees that get lumped into many peoples’ idea of nursing. For example, there are certified nursing assistants (CNAs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), associate-level nurses (ADNs), baccalaureate-level nurses (BSNs), masters-level nurses (MSNs), doctorate level nurses (PhDs) and (APRNs) and many different types of specialty certifications. All of these different levels of nursing require varying levels of schooling and certification. For the purposes of this paper the discussion will focus on the differences in competency levels between ADNs and BSNs. Schooling One big difference between the associates nurse and the bachelors nurse is the length of time to get the degree. To get an associate’s degree, the schooling is usually done through a junior college or community college and completed within 2-3 years. On the other hand, the BSN is done through a traditional university and completed within 4 years. This difference in the length of time has made the ADN very popular because you get to start working and making money much more quickly. Also the ADN is much cheaper since you are in school for less time. The BSN has all of the same courses as an ADN, however, the education goes much more in depth. The additions of nursing management...
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...ADN Prepared Nurses Vs. BSN Prepared Nurses Darcie Byrd RN Grand Canyon University My first day of my first class in nursing school my instructor began his lecture by telling his students that a career in nursing is a career in lifelong learning. Throughout the course he encouraged us all to continue our education beyond the ADN program. He was open and blunt in his opinions about the need for higher degree prepared nurses. Along with many other students I rolled my eyes and decided the difference between and ADN and a BSN degree was not great enough to push me beyond my associate degree in nursing. I thought, a nurse is a nurse, and experience in the field rather than education in a classroom would make me a better nurse. I was partly right in that experience had taught me that furthering my education and earning my BSN would make me a better nurse. My first job as an RN I was fortunate enough to work alongside both ADN and BSN prepared nurses. Both had similar experience, were good at their jobs and both immediately earned my respect. The BSN nurse however, was the obvious leader. At the time it was difficult to describe but her interactions with patients, their families, other staff and management was superior and proved that her education had made her a more competent nurse and a leader in her field. There are currently two avenues for education in registered nursing. Associate degree of nursing allows for nurses to begin...
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...The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V May 5, 2012 Abstract Both ADN and BSN nurse needs to take licensing examinations to start working as a registered nurse in the United States. Associate degrees require two years of studying in a community college. However a bachelor’s degree requires four years of academic studying in a college. The first topic of the paper is whether not the risk taking propensities of the nurses changed between ADN and BSN nurses. A second topic of this paper is whether there is a different sort of management role between ADN nurses and BSN nurses. Lastly the quality of work between the Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses (BSN) will be examined to see if the competency of the ADN and BSN differs. The Competencies of ADN Nurses vs. the Competencies BSN Nurses History of Nursing According to Joan L Creasia and Elizabeth Friberg, the first baccalaureate degree of nursing in the U.S.A was started in the University of Minnesota in 1909. Until the 1950’s the program usually consisted of two years of general education and then three years of nursing education. These nurses who graduated in 5 years could either begin as a general nurse who works in the hospital and is a part of patient care or they can join the management side of patient care and become managers of hospitals. For the BSN they would have to study liberal arts, patient quality...
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...between ADN and BSN nurses Registered nurses comprise the largest sector in the health care field. 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses conducted by the Health Resources And Services Administration (HRSA) says that nursing is one of the nation's biggest health Care Profession and it comprises more than 3 million registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. It is a dynamic profession and learning is important for nurses to update their knowledge with Increased complexity of the healthcare needs of today and into the future. Debate regarding the minimum educational requirement for the nurses has been going over years with still no definite answer. Nurse with RN license may be educated to the level of BSN (Bachelor degree of nursing) or ADN (associate degree in nursing). This paper will focus on the differences in the competencies between BSN AND ADN nurses. ADN ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is the 2-3 year Associate degree level, which can be obtained at a community college or junior college. The associate degree level of nursing was originated when there was a shortage for nurses during Second World War. Primarily AND nurses were known as technical personnel’s by working under the professional nurses’ supervision and by assisting them. Eventually associate degree level of nursing became more popular and is considered as an attractive path for those who want a shortened, less expensive way to become registered nurses. BSN ...
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