Comparison of Associate Degree and Bsn
Differences in Competencies between Associate Degree Nurses and Baccalaureate Degree Nurses
September 6, 2010
Nrs-430v
Professional Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
Debra Blair
There are three pathways to become a Registered Nurse (RN) the first is a diploma nurse which consist of one to three years training in a hospital these nurses are strongest clinically since the training is usually hospital based. The other two choices are the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN) all of these graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This paper will discuss the differences in the competency levels between the ADN and BSN.
The Associate Degree Nursing program provides an efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Graduates are competent in clinical and proficient in technical skills required to practice safely in multiple settings and to fully assume the RN role. Associate Degree Programs began in 1952 at Fairleigh Dickinson University. This type of nurse is usually educated at community colleges and completes training in twenty to twenty-four months after pre-requisites are met. The facts would suggest that ADN has less theory and more clinical training and according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing-Fact Sheet “Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce” is less likely to notice a critical change in patient condition.
The BSN completes their four years of education at the University level training is more focused on patient outcomes and nursing theories. Receiving more theoretical training they are better prepared for management. Also multiple studies show that due to their assessing, critical thinking,communication, leadership, case management, health promotion and their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings the BSN trained RN has a lower mortality rate and better survival rates for patient resuscitation. (AACN
September 6, 2010
Nrs-430v
Professional Dynamics
Grand Canyon University
Debra Blair
There are three pathways to become a Registered Nurse (RN) the first is a diploma nurse which consist of one to three years training in a hospital these nurses are strongest clinically since the training is usually hospital based. The other two choices are the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse (BSN) all of these graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This paper will discuss the differences in the competency levels between the ADN and BSN.
The Associate Degree Nursing program provides an efficient, economical pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Graduates are competent in clinical and proficient in technical skills required to practice safely in multiple settings and to fully assume the RN role. Associate Degree Programs began in 1952 at Fairleigh Dickinson University. This type of nurse is usually educated at community colleges and completes training in twenty to twenty-four months after pre-requisites are met. The facts would suggest that ADN has less theory and more clinical training and according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing-Fact Sheet “Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce” is less likely to notice a critical change in patient condition.
The BSN completes their four years of education at the University level training is more focused on patient outcomes and nursing theories. Receiving more theoretical training they are better prepared for management. Also multiple studies show that due to their assessing, critical thinking,communication, leadership, case management, health promotion and their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings the BSN trained RN has a lower mortality rate and better survival rates for patient resuscitation. (AACN
References: 1. (2011). Conceptual foundations: the bridge to professional nursing practice . (5 ed.). Pageburst. 2. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/EdImpact.pdf Fact Sheet: The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice 3. Fulcher, R., & Mullin, C. M. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aacc.nche.edu/Publications/Briefs/Documents/2011-02PBL_DataDrivenNurses.pdf 4. AACN. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/position/bacc-degree-prep The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing as Minimal Preparation for Professional Practice 5. Orsolini-Hain, L. (n.d.)Retrieved from http://www.nsna.org/CareerCenter/Fuss.aspx What’s all the Fuss? Working Towards a Baccalaureate or Graduate Degree in Nursing 6. Robert, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-fact-sheet 7. Rosseter, R. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/nursing-workforce