...Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Gillian Gimby Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V August 11, 2013 Discussing the Differences in Competencies between nurses prepared at the Associate-Degree level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree level in Nursing. Nursing has been constantly evolving in every direction of the health care field. In the beginning of nursing it was built and expanded on many frameworks of education/models. In becoming a registered nurse there are many stage: general educations, prerequisites, nursing school of Associate or Baccalaureate degree, Master of Nursing in multiple fields and Doctoral degree. When becoming a registered nurse there consideration of what type of degree. Within this essay I will be viewing the differences between Associate-degree level (ADN) and Baccalaureate-degree level in nursing (BSN). Definition As defined by Wikipedia the definition of Associate -degree nurse is: “is a tertiary education nursing degree which typically takes 2-3 years to complete. This type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or similar nursing schools. Students awarded an Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for licensure as a Registered Nurse”. (Associate of Science in Nursing) As defined by Wikipedia the definition of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing: “is an American and Canadian four-year...
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...Differences and in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at Associate-Degree versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing The nursing profession has multiple entry levels which are diploma, Associate (ADN) degree and Baccalaureate (BSN) degree (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010). Historically, The Bachelor of Science in nursing degree was established in 1909, whereas the Associate degree was established in 1958 (Hood & Leddy, 2006). BSN students are required to attend 4 years of college education, mostly given at colleges or universities, and on the other hand ADN students are required to attend 3 years of a community college nursing program (AANC, 2011). These variations in the years of education create differences in competences between BSN and ADN. Some variations include critical thinking, decision making, problem solving, and ethical reasoning. Both, ADN and BSN prepared nurses sit for the same licensure examination (Taylor, 2008). According to Lane & Kohlenberg (2010), “Baccalaureate education provides nurses with critical thinking for complex patients and opportunities for leadership, professional mobility, and advancement, this does not mean associate degree nurses are unimportant” (p. 220). Associate degree nurses demonstrate the critical role in nursing (Lane & Kohlenberg, 2010).They continued by adding that through building onto the fundamentals of Associate degree education, emphasis on research, social and physical sciences, and management of community health;...
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...While the Registered Nurse, be it ADN or BSN, provides similar care as regards skill level, medicine administration, and composition of care plans, the LVN is more limited in scope. The LVN is not permitted to hang or push IV medications, perform admission assessments, write nursing care plans, or flush PICC/Central lines. Differences between ADN and BSN are often more subtle as regards both learning and application. Bachelor level nurses typically demonstrate a higher level of competency when dealing with patients of greater comorbidity and acuity as well as a more sophisticated approach to decision making. Medical terminology indicates comorbidity as multiple system diagnosis of disease, such as a patient with both acute renal failure and congestive heart failure. Such an individual presents a unique challenge in that blood pressure control is at risk via both systems. While both ADN and BSN may approach the nephrologist regarding use of a diuretic, the BSN will have a superior understanding regarding risks/side-affects as pertains to each system, ideal length of use, and related laboratory results to communicate to each physician specialist. This difference in ability stems, in part, from additional hours exposing them to extensive pathophysiology, pharmacology, and research involving all aspects of the profession. Acuity reflects patient stability and while list of diagnosis, patient history, and physical may contribute a more intimate knowledge of client needs, the...
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...The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Amanda J. Perez Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V-0105 NRS-430V Professional Dynamics March 10, 2013 The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-degree Level. Although both an associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses may sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam, “nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-level are linked to lower mortality and failure to rescue rates” (AACN, 2012). This is simply one difference between the competencies of a nurse prepared at an associate-degree level versus one prepared at a baccalaureate-degree level. In the mid 1900’s an associate-degree level nurse was thought of as a “technical nurse”, closer to the role of a limited vocational nurse; created to assist the professional baccalaureate-degree level nurses during nursing shortages (GCU, 2013). Since then associate-degree level prepared nurses can very much function and practice on their own, once passing the state board licensing examination. However differences in patient care and nursing approach are evident between associate-degree level and baccalaureate-degree level prepared nurses. According to Table 2-1 “Comparison of Nursing Education Programs” in Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice, the purpose of an associate- degree level program is to “prepare...
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...head: Differences in competencies Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level John Edgar May 15, 2011 Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate- level versus the baccalaureate-degree level As a registered nurse the individual has an opportunity to work with other healthcare professionals in an effort to provide quality of care to the clients they are responsible for in a variety of different settings. In an effort to provide quality of care it is important to verify that the care is delivered safely and in a manner that promotes the patients over all well-being. The question that is being asked by many in the healthcare community is whether or not the patient is best served by having the care delivered by an associate-degree nurse (ADN) or a nurse that has a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). This paper will review a few of the differences in competencies for nurses that are prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. There are three levels of education that will qualify an individual to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). The associate’s degree in nursing consists of two years of concentrated study focused on clinical skills in the community college setting. The diploma nursing program offers three years of nursing education focused on learning nursing skills in a hospital-based setting. In diploma nursing programs...
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...Differences in competencies: Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing Grand Canyon University: Profession Dynamics Section 0106 September 30, 2012 Baccalaureate of Science versus Associate of Science in Nursing There are three educational pathways to becoming a Registered nurse. These include baccalaureate, associate degree, and diploma programs (Friberg et al, 2011). It has been proven in various studies that nurses with a higher level of education provide better quality patient care versus the associate level nurse (Rosseter, 2012). There are several differences in competencies between a associate and baccalaureate nurse that include mortality rates, leadership skills, critical thinking skills, health care promotion, clinical skills, and case management (Rosseter, 2012). Baccalaureate Program The American Association of Colleges of Nursing believes that a Baccalaureate degree has a significant impact on a nurse’s level of competency and knowledge base (Rosseter, 2012). The Baccalaureate program is a four year degree and the nursing courses are at the upper division level (Friber et al., 2011). Courses include health informatics, healthcare economics, leadership, research, and health policies (ANA, 2012). The components of the classes such as at Grand Canyon University (GCU) are liberal education, patient safety, evidence-based practice, management of information, health care policies, communication and collaboration, and professional...
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...Educational Preparation: The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Eric Bradford Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics June 16th, 2013 Educational Preparation: The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing Throughout the United States there a two basic nursing programs one can complete to become a licensed nurse. There are associate degree programs (or an ADN program) and bachelors degree programs (or BSN programs) available to students willing to complete either program. There are multiple differences between the two programs and the objectives and competencies taught in each degree. A few differences between those competencies will be discussed in this paper along with a patient care situation involving the decision-making skills between a nurse prepared at the baccalaureate level and associate level. The first difference between the two degrees is the multiple studies on nursing education linked to patient outcomes. These studies all show that the hospitals with a higher percentage of nurses baccalaureate level of nursing resulted in a lower mortality rate for their patients. In the January 2007 Journal of Advanced Nursing they reported findings that indicated just a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses who held a bachelor’s degree resulted in 9 fewer deaths...
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...Competency Differences: Associate-degree level versus Baccalaureate-degree level nurses Karolyn M. Walker Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics June 24th, 2012 Competency Differences: Associate-degree level versus Baccalaureate-degree level nurses The future of nursing education changed forever in the 1950’s when Mildred Montag successfully created the two-year associate degree in nursing. Men and women who were unable to attend nursing school due to families, work situations, or for financial reason were able to attend these programs and aid in reducing the nursing shortage that was rapidly growing in our country. Montag proposed education for a new kind of nurse, a nursing technician (Schank & Stollenwerk 1988). This nurse would function as nursing technicians and be able to: assist in the planning of nursing care for patient, give general nursing care with supervision, and to assist in the evaluation of nursing care given (Schank & Stollenwerk 1988). Since this time, there has been much debate over the competencies of the “technical” nurse educated at the associate degree level and the baccalaureate level educated nurse. Many studies have been conducted to determine if there should be differentiated roles in nurses with different levels of education. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “the fact that new nurses pass the licensing exam at the same rate does not mean that all entry-level nurses are equally prepared...
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...Historically nursing and nursing education continues to grow and change. The first nursing program started with Florence Nightingale who laid the foundation of professional nursing with the diploma program. Today, there are three different pathways to become a registered nurse. The three pathways include; the baccalaureate degree program, associate degree program, and the diploma program. All of these pathways allow the student to take the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. What is the difference between the programs and student outcomes if all the students end up with the same licensure? The difference is the technical nurse versus the professional nurse. This paper will focus on the difference in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level in nursing. "The existence of multiple pathways contributes to a confusing landscape of nursing education and creates challenges for aspiring nurses as they try to choose the most appropriate type of program in which to enter the profession" (book reference). The associate and baccalaureate programs are available to anyone who wishes to pursue a career in nursing, but the two programs prepare two different types of nurses. The associate degree level nurse is more focused on task oriented practice and are more technical driven and clinically competent. On the other hand, the baccalaureate degree level nurse is more professional and use evidence based practice and advanced critical...
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...Competency Differences Between Adn and Bsn Nurses The Difference in competencies between Nurses prepared at the Associate Degree level versus the Baccalaureate Degree level. Bernice Brown-Hypolite Grand Canyon University, Phoenix Arizona: NRS-430V-0500 November 24, 2015 Introduction: Education enhances both clinical competency and quality care delivery. Quality patient care hinges on having a well-educated nursing workforce. Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is committed to working collaboratively to create a more highly qualified nursing workforce since education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. The AACN fact sheet looks at today’s nursing workforce, highlights research, connecting education to outcomes and outlines the capacity of four year colleges to enhance the level of nursing education in the U.S. The definition of Associate Degree and Baccalaureate degree is stated below: Associate Degree in Nursing: The Associated Degree was founded by Dr. Mildred Montag in 1956, in order to alleviate the shortage of Nurses after World War 11, by decreasing the length of education to 2 years, and also providing a sound educational base for nurses. Creasia and Friberg (2011). This program was deemed successful because the graduates were able to pass...
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...The differences between nurses prepared at the ADN versus the BSN level Shelley Mae Candelaria, ADN, RN Grand Canyon University: NUR430 June 11, 2015 Abstract In nursing, one can obtain one or more of three degrees in the nursing field. Two of the more sought after degrees are Associates Degree of Nursing and Baccalaureate Degree of Nursing. These two degrees have many similarities but in the same respect are exceedingly different. Research suggests a vast difference in the competencies regarding nurses with an ADN versus BSN. Title: The differences between nurses prepared at the ADN versus the BSN level Associates Degree of Nursing The ADN came in to play after the World War II when professional nurses, nurses that held a BSN, were in a large shortage. In the year 1948, Dr. Montag from Adelphi School of Nursing advocated to decrease the amount of education a potential nurse had to obtain, from 4-5 year program to a short 2 year program, in hopes these vocational nurses would assist in helping the shortage and she later assisted in the founding of the associates degree program. According to the Adelphi College of Nursing and Public Health the, “Associate degree education for nursing began as part of an experimental project at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York in the 1950s. In her doctoral dissertation, Dr. Montag proposed educating a technical nurse for two years to assist the professional nurse, whom she envisioned as having a baccalaureate degree”. (Adelphi...
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...Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V November 18th 2012 Nursing Competencies by Educational Preparation Who is more competent and can be referred to as the professional nurse? There are three entry-level educational programs available for nurses: The Diploma, Associate, and the Baccalaureate degree programs. All three nursing programs leads to registered nurse licensure and entry positions as nurses. The differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level (ADN) versus nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree (BSN) level in nursing can never be over emphasized. There seems to be various rising controversies in the nursing profession regarding which of these degree levels in nursing is a better choice as an entry level into the profession of nursing taking into consideration how nursing care may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse. Issues related to technical nursing versus professional nursing titles and roles and differentiated roles have been divisive for the nursing profession. In 1892, The national League for nursing (NLN) approved the document Position Statement on Nursing Roles-Scope and preparation, which stated that “professional nursing practice requires the minimum of a baccalaureate degree with a major in nursing”. “Preparation for technical nursing practice requires an associate degree or a diploma in...
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...Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing. Grand Canyon University: NRS-430 March 9, 2014 The art of nursing arose in a primitive time when one person cared for another who was sick. The goal of nursing is to incorporate theoretical and experimental nursing from the sciences and technology. The aim to promote high quality, safe nursing care, to prevent illness and facilitate coping. To accomplish these goals, the nurse takes the role of caregiver, teacher and collaborator. As nursing grows and changes to meet the needs of society, laws have been made and “standard sets that govern the practice of the nursing profession.” (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 47) A brief historical overview helps gain a better understanding of the factors influencing nursing education and how each program contributes to the new age health care institution. For example, Florence Nightingale trained to become a nurse in mid-1800s and started the first school of nursing, her beliefs about nursing hold true today. Nursing training becomes a way for a woman to obtain further education and employment that could provide independence. The institution made a pathway for nurses to pursue higher education. Back in 1965, the American Nurses Association adopted a brave state asking for bachelors the “entry point into professional nursing practice.” (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 24) ...
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...Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level Versus the baccalaureate –degree Rene Botha NUR-430-0503 10/11/2015 Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level Versus the baccalaureate –degree Although Associate degree nurses acquire enough training, studies have shown that obtaining a higher education in nursing have better patient outcomes a decrease in patient mortalities and higher educated nurses have better professional values. The October 2010 report done by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation stated “to respond to the demands of an evolving health care system and meet the changing needs of patients, nurses must achieve higher levels of education”. (Rosseter .2015.p.1). Although students enrolled in the baccalaureate degree as well as the associate degree both have to take the NCLEX-RN exam this test does not take into account the competencies as well as skills obtained through the baccalaureate program versus the associate degree. A study done by the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania attributes the reason Magnet hospitals had better patient outcomes was because of the higher amount of baccalaureate nurses they had on staff. (Rosseter .2015). This fact contributed to a fourteen percent decrease in patient deaths within thirty days after surgery. The issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration of February 2013 found that nurses with a baccalaureate degree had better patient...
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... 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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