...Career Research Paper: My Two Career Choices in the Medical Field Choosing a career path is a major life changing decision, some of us know from the time we are old enough to read and write what we are destined to become. Some of us learn along the way from life experiences and others around us what path we will choose to take, some of us have our future predetermined for us such as being born in a family with a long history of lawyers or being prepared from a young age to take of the family business. In addition, there are those of us who go to school for years and take class after class waiting for an epiphany or some type of inspiration to point out the right direction towards one certain career path. I however, knew from a young age that...
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...November 3, 2013 Education Preparation Paper With the focus on economical, Political, and technological advances, the healthcare is moving at a rapid pace in today’s world. To meet the consumers educational healthcare needs they are looking for the safest and most effective care they can receive. There are differences in collegiate competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree (ADN) level versus those with a bachelorette degree (BSN). Scope of practice and state regulations are the same for either nurse. However, how the nurse cares for or approaches decision-making tends differ between the two entities. Allowing nurses to be academically prepared in the workplace and to offer the community professional knowledge needed to care for their families and loved ones with preventive care and improve patient outcomes (Sexton, Hunt, Cox, Teasley, & Carrol, 2008, p. 105) Differences in Competencies Associate Degree programs are offered at community colleges around the country. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides and efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The number of ADN programs around the country has steadily increased since being introduced in 1958 with about 1000 programs across the country (Raines & Taglaireni, 2008). The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and is more tasks oriented (, 2010, para. 3). Fast track to an RN degree by acquiring an ADN provides...
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...There are two ways to become a registered nurse: a fast track two year associate degree course or a comprehensive four year baccalaureate course. A graduate of both courses makes the student qualified to take the NCLEX-RN and get an RN license. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2010) believes that “education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of nurses”. The healthcare environment and the nursing world today are constantly changing. The economy is getting worse and competition is getting fiercer. As a result there is an escalating demand for better-quality and efficient patient care providers and independent decision making nurses. The registered nurse today is expected to do much more than just follow physician’s orders, administer medications on time and wound dressing changes. The nurse nowadays must be able to make important judgment decisions, must be able to politely query a doctor when orders seem not appropriate and help patients and family members make difficult decisions that will affect their lives. The associate degree RN and the bachelor’s degree RN have the same RN license, but the baccalaureate degree nurse studied more subjects in the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health and the humanities. These additional courses further enhances the RN’s professional development and provides the nurse with a holistic understanding of the social, economic and political issues...
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...Differences in Competencies between ADN and BSN There are differing of opinions as well as research pertaining to the differences in competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses. In recent years facilities have begun requiring nurses to have a BSN or higher to qualify for employment. Facilities wishing to apply for Magnet status must have plans in place to achieve the IOM recommendation of having 80% baccalaureate prepared RN by 2020 (Yakusheva). Let’s take a look at the differences and you can decide for yourself. An Associate’s Degree in Nursing requires 2 years to complete. The program focuses on several components such as: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, care interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration and care management (Faison). ADN graduates will be well prepared to function in multiple health care settings, including community practice sites by spending time in classroom lectures and participating in clinicals with testing on a routine basis (Mahaffey). One’s education will not stop at this point, even if the RN does not seek out a higher nursing degree. The ADN will continue to build on his/her learning by participating in valuable on the job training, completing continuing education units as required by the Board of Nursing, and most of all, experience. Though the ADN is deemed competent to perform patient care, the choice not to pursue a higher level of nursing accreditation...
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...During my research of various hospitals in central Texas, I began to notice the requirement for a basic entry-level nurse was a bachelor’s degree. Hospitals would hire an associate degree nurse on the condition the individual is actively pursuing his/her bachelors degree. There is a push nationwide for the minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree for all entry-level 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...
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...Michelle Valentine D. Scarlett 4th block Research Paper 20110317 Word count: 1,411 Number of pages: 7 I want my future career to be a registered nurse (RN). I have wanted to be a registered nurse since I was the age of ten. The main reason I wanted to be a registered nurse is because I want to help and serve others in my community. There are many different types of environments in which a registered nurse can work. A registered nurse, regardless of their work setting, treat patients, educate patients and the public about various medical conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and family members…record patients’ medical histories and symptoms, help perform diagnostic tests and analyze results, operate medical machinery, and help with patient follow-up and rehabilitation.(www.bls/oco/ocos083.htm) Some may work to help promote general health. They may also run general screenings and immunization clinics, blood drives, and public seminars on various conditions. Some may even provide direction to licensed practical nurses (LPN) and nursing aids regarding patient care. (www.bls/oco/ocos083.htm) Their specific work various from one registered nurse to another. There are generally four ways to specialize as a registered nurse. One way to specialize is they may work in a particular setting or type of treatment. Others may specialize in specific health conditions. A...
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...Accepted for publication: 16 December 2005 Correspondence: Carolyn Mackintosh Division of Nursing University of Bradford Unity Building Trinity Road Bradford BD5 0BB UK Telephone: þ44 1274 236546 E-mail: c.mackintosh@bradford.ac.uk M A C K I N T O S H C ( 2 0 0 7 ) Journal of Clinical Nursing 16, 1134–1140 Making patients better: a qualitative descriptive study of registered nurses’ reasons for working in surgical areas Aims. To explore the reasons and motivation identified by qualified nurses for working within the surgical area. Background. Little is known about the career decisions qualified nurses make, although it is clear that some areas of practice are more popular than others. This qualitative descriptive study considers one common area, surgery, and explores the motivation for decisions made by Registered Nurses (RNs) to work in this area. Method. A sample of 16 RNs working within surgical areas participated in semistructured interviews, using a thematic interview schedule. Findings were analysed using the framework suggested by Morse and Field. Results. Analysis of findings indicates that all participants actively chose to work within surgery and that this was because of the pace and turnover of surgical work, personal satisfaction at the recovery of patients; the close links between this type of work; and participants’ original aims when first entering nursing and participants’ preference of surgery to other areas of nursing work. Participants ...
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...Nursing Research Discuss the differences in competiencies between nurses prepared at the AD level versus the BSN level in nursing Identify a patient care situation in which you describe how nursing care of approaches to decisioin making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse (BSN versus a ADN) Competent bedside nurses, regardless of degree, are in high demand. To become a licensed registered nurse, all nurses must pass the NCLEX licensing exam, and graduate from an accredited school of nursing. The debate continues as to whether an ADN degree is adequate, or whether nurses need more advanced training with the BSN degree. This paper will discuss the differences between these two degrees. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/adn-facts AACN recognizes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as the minimum educational requirement for what the organization holds to be professional-level nursing practice. AACN's support for the BSN does not mean that we seek to bar ADN graduates from practicing nursing to the full extent of their skills and abilities. AACN maintains this position while recognizing the role ADN-prepared nurses play in the delivery of health care. AACN has a long history of supporting RN-to-Baccalaureate education. From 1986-1988, AACN conducted a study funded by the Division of Nursing, HRSA. The purpose of the study was to provide national data about RN-to-Baccalaureate education both from the institutional...
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...Educational Preparation Paper Grand Canyon University: NRS 434 This paper will discuss the differences 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...
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...Higher Education for Nurses Means Safer Care for the Patients Ethan Hu May 29, 2014 Higher Education for Nurses Means Safer Care for the Patients I. Introduction: In today ever changing world of healthcare, where technologies become more advance and patients become sicker, there is an urgent call from many nursing associations, especially the American Nurse Association, which encourages nurses to pursuit higher education. While two-year prepared nurses have the same set of clinical skills as four-year prepared nurses, there are data that show association between better patient outcomes and higher educational level of nurses. This paper will focus on the differences in competences, approaches as well as clinical decisions made by associate nurses and baccalaureate nurses and how they affect patient outcomes. II. Definitions: According to American Nurses Association, nurses who have completed any qualified two-year degree nursing program offered by any community or private colleges and successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) are considered Associate Degree Nurse (ADN). ADNs are only prepared to meet the standard defined by the nurse’s scope of practice in order to practice nursing at an entry-level. ("How to Become a Nurse," n.d.) Baccalaureate nurses are those who have gone though a four-year program and received a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BS/BSN). Besides possessing the basic skills required to enter practice, BSNs...
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...ADN versus BSN: The Battle of Degrees Stephanie N Davis NRS-430V Professional Dynamics Instructor: Chris Bartholomew October 9th 2015 This paper is intended to discuss the differences in competencies between nursing at the associates-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level. Over the years this has been a controversial and complex issue within the nursing workforce. With both academic options to choose from, education preparation standards are changing in hospitals, making way for a stronger and more diverse nursing staff. The pressure to meet the challenge to raise the educational training of diploma and associate degree prepared RNs to the baccalaureate degree level has resulted in advanced RN-to-BSN programs delivered in fast-tracked programs using both online and class options. It will also be my goal to incorporate a patient care situation that describes a difference in nursing care approaches as it relates to the educational preparation of BSN versus a diploma or ADN degree nurse. I will attempt to give an example of a patient care situation in which nursing care approaches differs between that of an ADN versus BSN nurse based on their educational preparation. ADN Program The American Nurses Association defines a competency as “an expected level of performance that integrates knowledge skills, ability and judgment”. When the question is raised about the competency difference between that of an ADN and BSN nurse, it seems to come down to length of time...
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...will help. Once the goals are set, and the decision is made to go back to school, additional research and careful consideration is given in deciding what type of program to attend. There are basic considerations, including program and cost, but the future student should also consider that not all programs are created equal. Graduate study programs often have different objectives and focus (Kuther, PhD, 2013). It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the program of choice matches his or her desired learning preferences. I knew I wanted to be a nurse from the time I started college, and it did not take long working in the field to determine that I was meant for health care management. My BSN and management ability has enabled me to work my way up to a senior management position, as the Chief Nursing Officer, at a rural hospital. I believe that by obtaining the MSN/MHA dual degree, doors will continue to open in health care administration. For this reason, I have found my way back to school and I am a proud virtual student at University of Phoenix (UOPX). Through my life journey, I have worked hard to manage my demanding career while helping my wife raise a family and set a good example for our children. While I am traveling the path to my graduate degree, my goal is to succeed in making good grades and continue to manage my family and my career. In the long-term, I hope my decision to improve myself will reflect upon my children, and...
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...Research Critique, Part 1: Nursing Attrition Grand Canyon University: Nursing 433V 11/22/2015 The Problem Statement This study seeks to know the reasons why nurses are leaving clinical nursing. The current and future nursing shortage is a huge concern. This study was done because the author feels that there is very little research pertaining to nursing attrition. And this is important to know and understand. Because knowledge and change can occur when it becomes known what the factors are that influence nurses to vacate clinical nursing. The bulk of this study was interviews with nurses who were no longer considered to be nursing in a clinical setting. The nursing workforce projections in the U.S indicate that the shortage of nursing could go above 500,000 RNs by 2025 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2010; Cipriano, 2006; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2002). The rate of vacancy was greater than 8% in 2008 (AACN, 2010). It seems astonishing to know that 30-50% of new nurses choose to either find a different position or they decided to no longer practice as a clinical nurse within their first 3 years after graduating from nursing school (AACN, 2003; Aiken, Clarke, Sloane, Sochalski, & Silber, 2002; Cipriano, 2006; Cowin & Hengsberger-Sims, 2006). This is an important study because by knowing and understanding the reasons for nurses leaving the clinical field of nursing, we can work towards making improvements, and develop...
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...Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Grand Canyon: Professional Dynamics NRS-430V January 4, 2013 Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Nursing education in the United States offers many levels of competency falling under the licensed title of registered nurse (RN). These levels offered in a continuum, begin with nursing as a vocation in the form of licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) followed by an associate degree (ADN), baccalaureate of science degree (BSN), masters of science degree (MSN) and doctorate. All have curriculums that build upon the previous designation in hopes of creating a highly sophisticated nursing profession geared toward handling an evolving healthcare system of diverse populations, technical advances and outcomes. This paper will focus on comparing the competencies between the ADN versus BSN education in order to highlight the need to pursue a BSN level of education. Research conducted by Poster et al. (2005) notes differing curriculum for each type of nursing program produces a difference in entry-level postgraduate competencies within clinical behavior, judgments and knowledge base. These differences according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2005) are largely in the “research, theory, public and community health, management, and humanities (AACN, 2005). The associate degree education was a response to...
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...Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Grand Canyon: Professional Dynamics NRS-430V January 4, 2013 Competency Differences Between RNs Prepared at ADN Versus BSN Level Nursing education in the United States offers many levels of competency falling under the licensed title of registered nurse (RN). These levels offered in a continuum, begin with nursing as a vocation in the form of licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) followed by an associate degree (ADN), baccalaureate of science degree (BSN), masters of science degree (MSN) and doctorate. All have curriculums that build upon the previous designation in hopes of creating a highly sophisticated nursing profession geared toward handling an evolving healthcare system of diverse populations, technical advances and outcomes. This paper will focus on comparing the competencies between the ADN versus BSN education in order to highlight the need to pursue a BSN level of education. Research conducted by Poster et al. (2005) notes differing curriculum for each type of nursing program produces a difference in entry-level postgraduate competencies within clinical behavior, judgments and knowledge base. These differences according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2005) are largely in the “research, theory, public and community health, management, and humanities (AACN, 2005). The associate degree education was a response to...
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