...and perceptions about returning to school. There are four societal influences making nursing continuing education important: (1) Many nurses are still practicing with an Associate’s degree or diploma and few 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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...July 2013 Differences in Competency Between Associate 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...
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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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...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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...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 provides...
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...Nursing nurse (BSN) helps to begin understanding the differences they incur. An Associate’s degree program can be completed in 2 years and the focus is on the technical aspects of nursing, at the community college level (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p.18-19). This nurse is usually more task oriented or technical. The Baccalaureate degree RN is a four-year program at a college or university level. The focus is towards more independent thinking within a community as a whole (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p. 19). This nurse concentrates on evidence-based practices. There has been discussion and debate over the mentioned differences and desires since 1965. More recently, In the October 2012 issue of Medical Care, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study concluded that better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. McHugh, MD et al. (2012) Both degrees take the same exam with the board of nursing. Clinical competencies between the ADN and the BSN are the same with mastery of the skills developed over time with practice. However, a major difference in education is that a BSN degree includes more nursing theory, nursing informatics, and nursing research (“ADN vs. BSN” 2012). This...
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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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... Associate Level vs. Baccalaureate Level Education can be a factor in determining a person’s success and well-being. Does the difference in RN education play a role in well-being of those they care for? I will explain some educational differences between an Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and a Baccalaureate of Science Nurse (BSN). Also, I will share a clinical case scenario to demonstrate the differences in approach, experience and skills effect clinical decisions made by a BSN and an ADN nurse. Associate Degree Nursing Education The ADN requires two or three years of college, whether at a community college or junior college. The graduate earns an Associates of Science in Nursing and is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). The idea of the ADN was founded by Mildred Montag in 1952 due to the nursing shortage post World War II. Montag proposed a two-year program in junior or community colleges. Her intent was the ADN would be more educated than the untrained nurse, otherwise known as a practical nurse. The ADN would qualify to test for RN licensure and enter practice working under the supervision of a BSN nurse. Montag’s proposed framework and model was not executed completely. Instead institutions assigned roles and functions based on licensure and not education in effort to increase RN populations. Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Education The Baccalaureate of Science in nursing...
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...Title: Difference in Competency Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level Nursing is a job, a career and profession. With the historical development, nursing shaped its own progress under the influence of education. Well educated nursing workforce is related to care quality and patient safety. Associate degree and baccalaureate degree are different pathways for one who becomes a registered nurse through the education. This paper will 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...
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...Running Head: CRITIGUE OF PROFESSIONAL VALUES Critique of Professional Values: The Case of BSN-RN Completion Education Winston-Salem State University School of Health Sciences Division of Nursing CRITIGUE OF PROFESSIONAL VALUES The researchers were trying to address the professional values of RN-BSN students in completion of their education. The authors clearly stated the problem throughout the research study. The problem is very important and impacts the nursing practice today. The article explains how the RN-BSN professional values are being perceived in nursing practice today. The continuation education on professional values must be continued after BSN completion. The importance is necessary for nurses to continue with instilling the professional values throughout their career. This article is easily researched on line and anyone can access it for reading purposes. The purpose of the research was to explain few questions about the differences in the perception of professional values correspond with nurses who are currently practicing. If the differences do exist, the question would be are the differences related to educational background or other factors professional values. The purpose of the study is explained clearly throughout the article and background information...
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...11, 2014 The differences in 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...
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...between registered nurses (RNs) with Baccalaureate degrees (BSN) and those with Associates degrees (ADN). The consensus is that those nurses with BSN degrees are better trained and more skilled nurses. This is a logical assumption to make based on the fact that RNs with BSN degrees have had more education. However, some of that education included general education courses such as art history or economics that are required to fill in undergraduate prerequisites for any bachelor’s degree. Still, the argument in favor of RNs with BSN degrees having more education is centered on the fact that with more time in school nursing students pursuing a BSN have more time to study nursing theory and more time to apply that theory in their clinical practice requirements. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and others claim that nurses who have completed the rigors of general education requirements and earned their BSN degrees have better critical thinking and leadership skills, and are better prepared to take on any of a variety of settings where they may find work Some would say that new nurses, fresh out of nursing school, whether they have a BSN or an ADN, are equally prepared to take on the nursing profession and are able to meet the demands of any nursing setting. Others claim that the level of education has little to do with the outcomes on patient care; what really matters is the level of experience a nurse has. After all, nurses with BSN degrees come out of college...
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...health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles. The most common initial nursing education is a two-year Associate Degree In Nursing (Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing), a two-year college degree . This Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to become a competent and accountable, generalist nurse in a variety of settings. This ADN nursing program combines classroom theory, patient care simulation and skills labs, clinical experiences in hospitals, and more. Completion of both general education courses and nursing core courses are required for completion of this ADN program. BSN Degrees An associate's degree program takes 2 or 3 years to complete, while a baccalaureate degree requires 4 years. RNs earning an associate's degree often attend community colleges, while those pursuing a baccalaureate attend traditional, 4-year universities. Core courses are similar, but the bachelor's degree requires additional coursework across different disciplines than an associate's degree. Additional courses in a baccalaureate program teach critical thinking skills, communication, and language. The main difference in study between an ADN and BSN is the emphasis on additional education in leadership and management, wellness, and community nursing. BSN prepared nurses possess...
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...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 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...
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...Nursing nurse (BSN) helps to begin understanding the differences they incur. An Associate’s degree program can be completed in 2 years and the focus is on the technical aspects of nursing, at the community college level (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p.18-19). This nurse is usually more task oriented or technical. The Baccalaureate degree RN is a four-year program at a college or university level. The focus is towards more independent thinking within a community as a whole (Hood & Leddy, 2006, p. 19). This nurse concentrates on evidence-based practices. There has been discussion and debate over the mentioned differences and desires since 1965. More recently, In the October 2012 issue of Medical Care, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower odds of inpatient death and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study concluded that better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly qualified and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. McHugh, MD et al. (2012) Both degrees take the same exam with the board of nursing. Clinical competencies between the ADN and the BSN are the same with mastery of the skills developed over time with practice. However, a major difference in education is that a BSN degree includes more nursing theory, nursing informatics, and nursing research (“ADN vs. BSN” 2012). This...
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