...Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree So, Why? The reason why this is the million dollar question is because one will not know until they are at the next level. For that reason I referred to my husband who has an advance degree in nursing. He graduated more than twenty years ago with an associate degree and went on to obtain a bachelor degree so after. He stated that when “he was in school the pending threat was that Associate Degree Nurses (ADNs) will be phased out in the future.” For that reason he went on to obtain his bachelor. However, as the years passed he realized that time was repeating itself and nurses over the decades were being told year after year ADNs will be phased out. But it was both far from the truth but gradually becoming a reality. In the book, Nursing Against the Odds, Susan Gordon identified that in the 1990’s nursing was under attack through the establishment of the managed care system. She stated that “many hospitals responded with cuts and restructuring plans that drastically increased the workloads of individual nurses, even as the cost pressures also meant the average hospital patient was sicker and the average stay shorter, so the patient actually needed far more care.” Now my husband a 1992 graduate confirmed this by identifying working on a 44 bed cardiac post-open heart unit with only four registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses each shift. The nurse to patient ratio was 10:1 with a medication nurse. At that time he thought how...
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...Baccalaureate-degree Level in Nursing Lisa L. Ramirez Grand Canyon University: NRS 430-V November 22, 2013 There are many differences in the nursing field between an undergraduate nurse, holding an associate’s degree (ADN) and a graduate nurse, holding a baccalaureate’s degree (BSN). The main focus of this paper is to identify the differences of competency in the nursing practice of nurses holding an ADN vs. a BSN degree in the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care, teaching, and leading. Competency is the ability to do something efficiently and successfully. Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers the BSN program and is based on the curriculum set forth by the College of Nursing. This curriculum is outlined to prepare the student to respond creatively to the continuously changing health care systems throughout the world. “Within this program, professionalism, ethical decision making, accountability, effective communication, and critical thinking are emphasized and is achieved by the application of liberal arts, science, health and nursing theories” (GCU). The Associate Degree Nursing curriculum provides knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to integrate safety and quality into nursing care, to practice in a dynamic environment, and to meet individual needs which impact health, quality of life and achievement of potential, according to the community college of Piedmont. According to an article from The Journal of Advanced Nursing, “How Can we...
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...They are passionate about patient advocacy, support reform of the health delivery system and go the extra mile. Nursing education is theory driven. Theories are derived from the humanities, sciences, and biblical concepts. ("Grand Canyon University," 2011, para. 9). 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 the populations. () As nurses we have many choices in life. Nursing is such a broad field to work in. There are so many aspects to choose from. You may choose to work in a hospital setting or choose to work in the home care field. When it comes to education, you also have choices. If you wish to pursue a four year degree, you will graduate with your bachelor’s degree in nursing or BSN. Or you may want to pursue a two year degree at a community or junior college, and graduate with an associate’s degree in nursing or ADN. Either way you are a registered nurse or RN, but obviously there are some distinct differences. From its beginning in the 1950’s, the education of registered nurses (RNs) at the associate degree (AD) level brought skepticism and criticism from some members of the nursing community. Despite years of documented success, AD nursing education and AD educators have been, at various times, questioned, doubted, scrutinized, and even feared. The anxiety...
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...Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN Sheri Lancaster August 23, 2014 Differences in Nursing Competencies: ADN vs. BSN There has been much discussion recently about the need to require a minimum of a baccalaureate degree for entry-level nurses. Many hospitals have moved to this ideology and have already began to give a hiring preference to those nurses who hold a baccalaureate degree and many have hired Associate degreed nurses with the requirement that they will obtain their baccalaureate degree within so many years of employment date. This paper will discuss the differences between a nurse holding an associates degree and a baccalaureate degree, as well as, present a patient care situation describing how patient care decisions difference based upon the nurse’s educational level. History of ADN and BSN Programs It was during the post World War II years that Mildred Montage developed an associate degree level of nursing education in response to the shortage of nursing (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). She developed the associate degree-nursing program with the intent that these nurses would work under the supervision of baccalaureate level nurses who were at the time considered professional nurses. The Associate program is a two-year program that focuses on the fundamentals of nursing and teaching bedside clinical skills. The baccalaureate degree program has been in existence since 1909 and was developed as a five-year program (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). It...
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...Nursing Competencies; ADN versus BSN All nurses are caring educated individuals that are trained to provide safe and efficient care to their patients. They are the eyes and ears for the doctor when they are unable to be present and they are the patients advocate when they are unable to be their own. It is the knowledge and education of the nurse that aids them in assessing a patient and leads them to ask the right questions so a safe clinical decision is made. (McHugh & Lake, 2010) Any person who graduates for a nursing program, weather it is a diploma, associate degree or a baccalaureate degree is eligible is sit for the licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse. The NCLEX test for minimum technical competency. An Associate degree in nursing (ADN) program is a two year degree that focuses more on the clinical skills of the nurse and less on the science and theory that is nursing. Many people choose to pursue this degree due to the fact it often takes less time to obtain and the cost is usually less. While associate degree prepared nurses can be great bedside nurses they tend to be task oriented and lack the education and critical thinking skills needed to be leaders in the nursing field. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a four year degree that is based on research and theory. They are trained to treat the whole patient, not only their current issues but everything that the patient encompasses. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing...
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...Nurses Prepared at Associate-Degree versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Yolanda Youngblood Grand Canyon University Some will argue that there is Avast difference between nurses that possess a BSN vs those that possess an AND. Nurses with a BSN when compared to nurses with a AND display apparent variances and likenesses when the amount of education in various programs, the years required to obtain a degree, how educational/degree rankings affect delivery of patient’s care and effect, and the various requirements needed for licensing where all analyzed. It is understood that nurses with a BSN and nurses with a AND are held to the same standards, have the same responsibilities and liabilities, and usually work in the same healthcare settings. Nevertheless; a nurse’ professional experience, work setting, and level of education could possibly create a difference in the manner in which said nurse might administer patient care, handle stressful scenarios, and work towards their career trajectory. The direction in which modern technology and the healthcare industry are heading in a nurse’ level of education should be brought to the forefront. There isn’t substantial evidence to prove that nurses with BSNs are better equipped than nurses with ADNs, but there are those in the healthcare sector that are leaning towards requiring nurses to have their BSNs. A BSN is vastly encouraged in the healthcare sector. I am student at Grand Canyon...
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...ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established the Diploma School of Nursing at St. Thomas...
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...It has been close to 50 years ago, in 1965, since the American Nurse's Association (ANA) released a position paper stating that the "minimum preparation for beginning professional nursing practice should be baccalaureate degree education in nursing" (as cited in American Nurses Association, n.d.), and this statement is consistently reaffirmed by the organization in 1978 and 1985 (American Nurses Association, n.d.). Opponents to this position argue, that graduates of Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs have been shown that they have the same skill levels (Smith, 2002). Is this true? In brief, no. Their basic technical skills upon graduation are the same, but their competencies vary significantly (Gondeck, 2011). At the forefront, it should be understood that an ADN is not comparable to a generic Associates degree obtained from a Community College or similar venue. It is "a cut above" the standard associates degree. I have had people inquire about becoming a nurse, and I ensure they are aware that comprehension in nursing classes is different from other college classes where you can read the chapter summary and be happy with a "C". In nursing courses, a student must have read and understood all the assigned readings. If you don't, no big deal, right? Wrong! It could be someone's life down the road. Our instructors drilled that into us throughout our ADN classes. The instructors knew that more was on the...
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...Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN) Donna Rodriguez Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS 430V Jayme Goodner September 28, 2013 Educational Preparation of Registered Nurses: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) vs. Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses (BSN) The purpose of this paper is to discuss the educational preparation of the Associate Degree nurse (ADN) versus the Baccalaureate prepared Nurse (BSN). This will be accomplished by first exploring the differences in competencies between nurses based on degree level and with the use of a patient care example to describe the difference in the nursing approach based on formal educational preparation. Currently there are two paths to obtaining a registered nursing certification the ADN versus the BSN. The reasons for the development of the ADN nursing programs were simple. It was a matter of supply and demand, and a necessary solution to a problem. In the year of 1951, after the war a huge nursing shortage existed. It was at that time that a nurse educator named Mildred Montag made a proposition to prepare nurse technicians in 2-year associate degree community colleges. A 5-year study of ADN graduates noted preparation was successful, as the nurses passed their exams for licensure and demonstrated the ability to practice nursing with competence (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). The typical ADN degree is comprised of an average of 70 credit hours; 30 are in nursing with 10 credit hours...
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...Danilo Pacris Espiritu Week 4- Assignment 1- Journal Entry Coming to an end towards week 4, I cannot believe that we are halfway through the term. I believe this week was all about looking back to the first week and reflecting on how we all came a long way and grown together as a class. Even as an online class where we don’t see each other face to face, I have learned so much from my other classmates through discussion boards when reading their posts as well as the feedback they provide me. With two weeks left for this term, I am still open to learning more from my classmates as well as the benefits of technology. In answering the discussion assignment this week about specific technology equipment that we could not live without, I was able to use the checklist we filled out from the first week. As mentioned from my last journal entry, we are always building on the prior week’s material in order to help prepare us for the current week. Therefore, I was able to use the checklist as a guide to help with this week’s discussion assignment. In reflecting on how much technology has evolved over the years growing up, I learned that living without it would be difficult. However, learning about techno-stress was an interesting topic where we often rely on technology on a daily basis which causes our stress level to rise. As a result, we get too involved or “plugged-in” with technology that it can be over stimulating for us which can lead to dangerous situations. As much...
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...* PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS) * ENDOCRINE REPORT. * Common signs and symptoms Depression. Anxiety. Lower pelvic pain. Swelling of hands and feet. Tender breast Mood swings. Craving salty and sweet foods. Low energy. * Severe symptoms of PMS * Heavy bleeding * Severe pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. * Painful intercourse * Possible Treatments * Usually you would try to treat the symptoms. * Ibuprofen for discomfort. * Diuretic for swelling. * Avoid salty sweet foods * Exercise 3 to 4 times a weak. * Get plenty of rest. * Treatments for severe symptoms. * Birth control may help alleviate some s/s. * Dilation and curettage.(D&C) Dilation of the cervix so that the surface wall of the uterus can be scraped. This may minimize bleeding. * Hysterectomy which is surgical removal of the uterus. * Hormones involved. * Prostaglands * Estrogen * Prolactin * Progesterone * Cortisol * ESTROGEN * is produced by the ovaries, is a sex hormone responsible for secondary sex characteristics and for cyclic changes in the uterus. * Prostaglands * is a group of fatty acids that are present in menstrual and brain fluid. Prostaglands aid in uterine contractions. * Prolactin * is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and aids in the development of breast and the formation of milk . Stress of all kinds can stimulate the production of prolactin...
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...ADN AND BSN LEVEL OF NURSING Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing Presented to Professor Mandy Sheriff By Marlene Holmes Grand Canyon University: NRS-430-102 November 4, 2012 Competency difference between ADN and BSN level of Nursing This paper will look at the competencies between the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN), and the Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) as it relates to the educational requirements for both programs. It will also discuss a patient care scenario where both nursing disciplines provide nursing care or the approach in the decision making process based on educational preparation of the nurse. When we speak of where the nursing profession is heading in the future, we must take a look at our past in order to fully understand current practices. Originally, nursing was not seen as a “profession” it was a job for the undesirables (Friberg & Creasia, 2010). The undesirable were men and woman who would help the sick, poor and abandoned individual and nurse the sick back to health. It was not until the 1800’s when Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, helped to change the way things were being done in military hospital as it relates to taking care of the sick. She fought for sanitary changes in the hospitals as well as educational advancement for nursing practices (Friberg & Creasia , 2010). In the 1860’s Nightingale established the Diploma School of Nursing at St. Thomas...
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...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 A Bachelor...
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...The Difference between BSN and ADN The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree can be acquired in 2 years at a university, community college, vocational school or even some hospitals. An ASN educational program readies nurses to deliver direct patient treatment or carry out other qualified nursing duties and responsibilities inside the field of health care. This 2-year degree can be the groundwork for more advanced nursing academic options like a bachelor’s or master’s in nursing. It is a relatively fast way to get into the nursing field and start earning income. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree typically takes 4 years to complete at the numerous universities and colleges that offer these programs. The BSN readies nurses to perform in most medical environments. While the job environments for RN’s with BSN degrees may be almost identical to that of RN’s with an ASN degree, those who completed BSN programs have additional preparation and training for clinical jobs that could include management, fiscal duties, medical personnel scheduling, administration, leadership and research roles (ASN vs RSN,. 2024). The main difference is the length of time and the amount of credits required to complete the program. An ADN typically takes 2 years to complete while a BSN will take 4 years to complete (including the time spent taking the prerequisites to enter the program.) There are also accelerated BSN programs (18-21 months) for students who have already obtained a...
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...mandating of Associate Degree Nurses (ADN) to obtain their Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three years Hospitals are currently preferring to hiring those with a BSN's as opposed to those that have ADN's. Future Nurses and nursing students are on the forefront of the proposed legislation that mandates RN's to receive a Bachelor's degree within 3 years of licensure. Nursing schools that offer ADN may see a decrease in enrollment due to those pursuing a career in nursing will apply to a school that offers a BSN program. Nursing Schools will be affected and may have to offer accelerated RN-BSN programs, which may or all together eliminate the ADN program. Hospitals and Healthcare facilities will be directly affected because; they might have to terminate employees that are non-compliant to the new mandated law of having a BSN in three years. Stakeholders The stakeholders of this topic that are affected by this proposal are current and future nurses, nursing students, nursing schools, hospitals and healthcare facilities. " Stakeholders at the federal and state levels have an opportunity to address the nursing shortage by moving to enact legislation and launch programs to increase nursing education and provide funding" (Raines C. and Tagllireni 2008). Governments Role and Legislative Substantiation The government’s role will be to approve and implement the legislation of mandating a BSN within three years of licensure. The government could receive support directly...
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