...Educational Program Comparison Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics NRS430V Educational Program Comparison The nursing profession continues to evolve as we speak. Many changes in history have contributed to this ever moving profession. The educational differences between the baccalaureate prepared nurse and the diploma/associates prepared nurse will be briefly discussed. Associate degree nurses and the diploma nurse are educationally prepared to staff hospitals according to Cresaia, Conceptual Foundation. Educational requirements include the basic sciences and technical skills necessary to succeed in this arena. (Cresaia, p. 11) While these nurses continue to advance into the work force in great numbers, the nursing profession is evolving and requiring more educationally prepared nurses to move into leadership, teaching and advance practice roles. The suggestion by the IOM is to move nursing into a higher educationally prepared practicing work force and increase the baccalaureate prepared nurse by 2020 to 80 percent of the workforce. This increase in educational requirements, stems from several studies identifying the baccalaureate prepared nurse has increased the positive patient outcomes including the lowering of the mortality rate. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Fact sheet includes studies demonstrating this fact. One of the more interesting studies by two separate researchers demonstrated that the increase of the working population...
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...Degree Prepared Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Prepared Nurses Achieving a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN), makes an individual eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once either candidate successfully passes he or she is granted a Registered Nurse (RN) license and can gain employment in the workforce. With licensure as a RN come the core values that each nurse accepts while practicing nursing (Creasia J. & Friberg E., 2011). Both degrees hold the RN to the same level of accountability. These programs show varied curriculums, which produce differences in the outcome of the competencies that each RN exhibits. A BSN program is offered by a four-year college or university. The focus is on theory, collaboration, and evidence based practice, while encompassing and embracing the entire nursing picture. Within the BSN program, students discover perspectives about human diversity and promotion of spiritual and healthy wellbeing, as well as digging deeper into the ethical, political, historical, and social influences that have shaped and continue to shape the world of nursing (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). The number of BSN program options has steadily increased over the last several years. The ADN program is typically a two year program that centralizes its learning around the clinical skills and tasks of everyday nursing. It focuses on the learning...
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...A Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses A Comparison of Critical Thinking Skills between Associate, Baccalaureate, and RN-to-BSN Nurses There are many differences in the competencies between associate and baccalaureate level nurses. Associate level nursing programs tend to concentrate on the more technical aspects of nursing which allows students once they graduate to provide appropriate care to patients and families, especially during times of illness. They may practice on a more restricted level, making their nursing skills limited to more direct patient care in nursing homes and hospitals. Baccalaureate nursing programs improve on these skills by teaching more critical thinking to allow a more thorough approach to caring for their patients. RN-to-BSN programs allow ADN nurses that have grown confident in their hands-on skills and want to gain more critical thinking skills the ability to build on their education and "prepare...for a broader scope of practice" (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2014). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) notes multiple research studies linking fewer medication errors, lower mortality rates and more positive patient outcomes to nursing education received at the baccalaureate level (2014). BSN programs also help teach the leadership needed for nursing supervision and prepare their nurses for graduate studies. Critical thinking competency is key...
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...Competency Differences between the ASN and BSN RN GCU Professional Dynamics May 25, 2014 There is an ongoing debate whether associate-degree level curricula prepare the nursing student proficiently for a successful entry-level career in nursing. In fact, many studies have been conducted to determine the differentiation of competencies between an Associate of Science degree in Nursing (ASN) and a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree (BSN). Before I discuss about some of the literature findings, I would like to provide one Pennsylvania’s Nursing School ASN objectives which are for the student to gain nursing knowledge, develop clinical skills, and reaffirm care and compassion. Whereas, the BSN program objectives are to enhance nursing knowledge through advancing the student’s critical thinking skills, communication skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional education. (PCHS, 2014) As the reader can see, there is a direct correlation between education received and what the learner can be expected to demonstrate in their nursing career. In this paper, I hope to identify the differences of competencies between both degrees and describe how nursing care approach may differ. The American Association of College in Nursing (AACN) has provided a fact sheet on “The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice”, within in the document, it focuses on studies that report BSN prepared RN’s experience lower mortality rates and better patient outcomes compared...
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...Increasing RN-BSN Enrollment Fall B 2011 Increasing RN-BSN Enrollments: Facilitating Articulation through Curriculum Reform Introduction Expanding opportunities, raising potentials, and providing an “edge” have been the prevailing theme in several studies in this article that investigates the motivations of RNs to receive their BSN (Spencer, 2008). Increasing RN-BSN enrollments: facilitating articulation through curriculum reform is an article published in the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing in the July, 2008 issue, written by Janine Spencer. The writer presents an overview of the associate degree and the diploma nurse to obtain a baccalaureate in nursing. The article presents studies that support this view and the advantages of obtaining a BSN degree in nursing. SUMMARY In the profession of nursing there are currently three pathways in which a nurse can obtain licensure: the diploma, the associate degree, and the baccalaureate degree (Spencer, 2008). The article further explains professional nursing organizations views, and discusses key points, in which a baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) degree should be the minimum educational requirement for professional nursing practice. These organizations also support flexible admission criteria for the diploma nurse and the associate degree nurses hoping to encourage these nurses to complete a BSN degree in nursing (Spencer, 2008). The advantage of the nurse to obtain a baccalaureate education...
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...continue their formal education; (2) Recent studies have indicated that there are improved patient outcomes in hospitals which employ higher educated nurses; (3) A poor economy during a nursing shortage means high demand and less incentive for nurses to return to school for higher education; and (4) The worsening faculty shortage means an increased need for nurses to advance their education. Understanding nurses’ attitudes and perceptions may help identify gaps in our knowledge, determine ways to foster positive attitudes toward education learning among nurses, and allow us to entice nurses to return to school. It may also identify crucial steps to ensure the provision of quality healthcare. Keywords: nursing; attitudes; continuing education; RN-BSN; post-registration education; literature review THE PROBLEM H ealthcare is a fast paced, dynamic environment where providers of care should continually renew, update, and challenge their knowledge. ‘The complexity of medical and surgical interventions undertaken in hospitals requires an even bigger and more sophisticated clinical workforce’ (Aiken, Clarke, & Sloane, 2002, p. 187). The idea that basic nursing education will prepare a nurse for a lifetime of practice is no longer reasonable given rapid technological...
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...Advantages of RN-BSN Programs Academic focus: While the technical competencies provided by an ADN program can be quite comprehensive, where it often lacks is in providing the theoretical knowledge necessary for graduates to assume complex nursing roles. An RN-BSN program can not only fill that gap, but can also help inculcate critical thinking, analytical ability, and other such advanced skills because of its academic and intellectual focus. Career opportunities: There are a broader array of career opportunities for RNs who have a bachelor's degree as compared to those who have an associate's degree in nursing. If you're not content being a staff nurse for a good part of your career, the only way forward is usually an RN-BSN program. Educational advancement: An RN-BSN program is necessary if you're interested in pursuing a graduate degree. Roles like nurse educator, nurse manager, advanced practice nurse, researcher, etc. require candidates who have completed a master's or a Ph.D. program. Higher pay: According to payscale.com, RNs who have a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing degree can earn an average of up to $79,009 per year depending on experience, education, and location, whereas those who have an associate's degree in nursing may earn up to $74,487,** depending on experience, education, and location. Associate of Science in Nursing The Associate’s degree in Nursing program was first introduced to overcome the shortage of nurses. The intent of the program was to provide...
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...The Age Old Debate: ADN vs BSN, a comparison Seth Ronning Grand Canyon University Professional Dynamics Kimberly Hammerton September 4, 2013 The Age Old Debate: ADN vs BSN, a comparison In battles of good versus evil through out history, good almost always triumphs in the end. For example the New York Yankees have won a total of twenty seven World Series Championships compared to the Boston Red Sox who have won a meager seven World Series. Another example would be Darth Vader returning from the dark side to vanquish the evil Emperor by means of hurling the villain over a rail to unseen depths and certain death. In the case of Bachelors level nursing compared to Associates level nursing however, there really is no good versus evil to compare. There is no dark versus light there is just a different level of attained educational degree. The question is what does the difference in education level provide in the level of competency of each nurse. The aim of this paper is to discuss what is the definition of competency in nursing and how is it measured, what are the advantages in nursing care for associates and bachelors degree care, and how do the differences in educational level affect overall patient outcomes. What is competency in nursing? The American Nurses Association, or ANA, defines competency by stating, “competency is an expected level of performance that results from an integration of knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment” (ANA 2004). A nurses’ ability...
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...The Difference between an ADN nurse and a BSN nurse Amber R Morales Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V April 24, 2015 Nurses are prepared in many ways, from the associates Degree (ADN), to a baccalaureate degree(BSN) and beyond to masters and doctoral. Just like with humans, nurses come in different shapes and sizes per se, but all with one main focus of providing the highest level of care to our patients and their family. All nurses take the same national exam, NCLEX-RN, which test for “minimum technical competency for a safe entry” into the nursing environment (Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce, 2015). The NCLEX-RN is a national certification, but each states board of nursing provides licensing. Daily the healthcare system is changing, therefor nursing is continuously changing. As hospitals try to achieve different levels of ranking or status, the nursing field will have to make needed changes to meet the requirements as well. Hospitals are putting into effect the needed requirements of their nursing staff to become more knowledgeable in their care, provide the highest level of care, and constantly ensuring patient safety. This paper will focus on the differences in approach, explain the roles and skills made by the associates-degree prepared registered nurse (RN) versus a baccalaureate-degree prepared RN. Initially RN’s did not receive licensure in the medical field or proper training, but Mildred Montag “revolutionized nursing education.” Due to...
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...competencies between the Registered Nurse who is completing the ADN versus the BSN are many. In this country there are two types of Registered Nurses: the Registered Nurse who graduates from an Associate Degree program and the Registered Nurse who graduates from the Baccalaureate Degree program. Both types of RNs take the National Council Licensure Examination also known as the NCLEX-RN. The results of the NCLEX-RN examination determines if the nurse has the technical competency to practice nursing. What the exam does not determine is the difference between graduates who have different levels of education. Although the passing rate for the exam is the same among the two groups of nurses, it is not proof that there are no differences between the two groups. The length of the ADN program is two years, while the BSN program is four years. The ADN is the shorter, faster path to obtaining RN licensure. Both types of Registered Nurses have the same license. Although both types of RNs may go through similar clinical training and have a similar income, there are differences in their educational and professional training as well as in their level of competency. The associate degree program’s emphasis is on clinical skills that are required to work in a hospital or clinic setting. The RN is trained to be task oriented. Education and competency are confined to hands on patient care. The baccalaureate program emphasizes nursing practice which is evidence-based. “Additional courses...
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...nurses. How much more professional and effective are the BSN nurses versus ADN or diploma based trained nurses? This leads me to ask the question: Is the use of Baccalaureate Degree Nurses any more effective than the use of Associate Degree Nurses? Professional Values: The Case for RN-BSN Completion Education. (Kubsch, & Hansen, 2008). This study was done to determine if BSN nurses possess greater professionalism than ADN nurses do. The purpose of this research study was to answer two main questions. “Do differences in the perception of professional values exist among practicing RNs? If so, is the difference related to educational background or is it due to other factors?” (Kubsch, & Hansen, 2008). Nurses in hospital settings were interviewed and surveyed. Three programs were looked at. The BSN, associate degree and hospital-based diploma programs. “A total of 590 RN’s who were working at a mid-sized Mid-western hospital and 130 nurses enrolled in an RN-BSN program were invited by e-mail to participate in the study” (Kubsch, & Hansen, 2008). The survey was done solely online. There were a total of 198 surveys completed electronically. The average age of the nurses who completed the survey was 41-50 years of age. More than three fourths of the 94% worked in a hospital setting. The research confirmed the highest level of professionalism was derived from the BSN nurses. The lowest came from the ADN group. The diploma based programs fell mainly in the middle, in part, largely due to the...
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...Concordia University - Nebraska Health Care Program Concordia Nebraska’s undergraduate RN to BSN degree program is exclusively for nurses who need to complete their bachelor’s degree. This goal of this program is to produce the next generation of health care leaders by teaching evidence-based practices and community health models through real-world situations. Students are taught how to think critically, make ethical decisions and work compassionately. Nursing students in this program are expected to implement a project at work, participate in a global mission or volunteer with a local community organization. The RN to BSN degree is an accelerated program and allows students to transfer 70 credit hours from accredited learning institutions. RN to BSN Degree Program Concordia Nebraska’s RN to BSN degree offers well-established academic outcomes to nurses. First, students will enhance their nursing skills and knowledge. Second, they will learn how to synthesize knowledge from a variety of fields, such as...
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...discuss the differences in competency between associate degree nurses (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurses (BSN). A clinical case scenario also gives the example that the difference of nursing care in making decision or approaches based on the various education level, ADN versus BSN. Associated Degree Nursing Mildred Montag (a nurse educator) was the first one who designed the associate degree in nursing (ADN) in 1952 to solve the severity of the nursing shortage. Ever since then, nurse profession had been recognized by diverse population. Therefore, an associate degree nurse can be defined as a nurse who gets fundamental and basics of nursing training in community college in two to three years and eligible to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) after the program. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing The baccalaureate nursing program has been established in the United States for over a century but developed slowly until the Second World War. The program had entered the vision of the public and more and more students enrolled into it. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p.25) However, the definition of baccalaureate degree nurse is that a nurse with four to five years of training in the science and principle of nursing who sits for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination to become a RN and prepare for practice after graduated entry-level nursing programs . In...
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...Disparities in Competencies between BSN and ADN, RN Nurses [pic] In the United States only registered nurses (RNs) are allowed to legally offer nursing services. The RNs have to be certified by the “National Council Licensure” after successfully completing the (NCLEX) “National Council Licensure Examination”. RNs are drawn from both successful Bachelors of Nursing Degree students (BSN) and the Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) students. [pic] Despite, the differences in their respective programs of preparation, the two categories of RNs have to undergo the same mentorship and their entry level income is pretty much similar and close. However, there are notable differences not only in their professional, educational preparation, but also in their competencies. ADN programs are basically short (usually taking two years) in comparison to the BSN programs which take up to four years (Whall & Fitzpatrick, 1989). [pic] The ADN program was developed during the World War II as a means to produce more nurses to meet the rising demand prompted by the war. The ADN scheme was meant to provide concise curriculum on nursing which emphasizes the acquisition of clinical skills that would make the nurse highly task oriented in the clinical set up (Moorhead & Cowen, 2006). Critics now argue that this program can be blamed for low quality delivery. It primarily focuses on hands on skills. [pic] As such the ADN program does not offer the theoretical and scientific background required for...
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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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