Differences in Competencies: The Associate-Degree Level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing
Differences in Competencies: The Associate-Degree Level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V | Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptual Model
06/09/2013
Differences in Competencies: The Associate-Degree Level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing
Current trends in healthcare are leading to more complex, advanced patient care and needs. Hospitals and patient services are now in need of highly skilled, trained, and educated professionals to deliver this care. The impact of these trends extend into the profession of nursing, where employers are taking a closer look at the outcomes of patient care delivered by ADN graduates vs. BSN prepared nurses. Although ADN graduates make up the majority of licensed RN’s, evidence-based research indicates those with BSN or higher are better prepared to adapt to the changes in healthcare. They demonstrate better communication skills, and critical thinking processes. BSN nurses also report higher incidences of job satisfaction than their ADN counterparts, and are directly linked to decreased patient injuries and death in healthcare settings. The nursing profession must recognize the ongoing transformational health care system, and provide educated and economically responsible care for those they serve.
Value of trained nurses was brought to light by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War. In early November, 1854 Nightingale and 38 trained nurses traveled to Scutari, finding themselves on the frontlines of a sanitary and medical disaster. The hospital barracks were infested with fleas and rats, soldiers were lying in make-shift beds made of straw with dirty linens and bandages festering with disease and infection. Just six months after Nightingale and her team arrived mortality in the hospital dropped from 42.7 percent to 2.2 percent (Coehn, 1985). During the civil war, nurses in the United States reduced morbidity and mortality rates in
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V | Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptual Model
06/09/2013
Differences in Competencies: The Associate-Degree Level versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing
Current trends in healthcare are leading to more complex, advanced patient care and needs. Hospitals and patient services are now in need of highly skilled, trained, and educated professionals to deliver this care. The impact of these trends extend into the profession of nursing, where employers are taking a closer look at the outcomes of patient care delivered by ADN graduates vs. BSN prepared nurses. Although ADN graduates make up the majority of licensed RN’s, evidence-based research indicates those with BSN or higher are better prepared to adapt to the changes in healthcare. They demonstrate better communication skills, and critical thinking processes. BSN nurses also report higher incidences of job satisfaction than their ADN counterparts, and are directly linked to decreased patient injuries and death in healthcare settings. The nursing profession must recognize the ongoing transformational health care system, and provide educated and economically responsible care for those they serve.
Value of trained nurses was brought to light by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War. In early November, 1854 Nightingale and 38 trained nurses traveled to Scutari, finding themselves on the frontlines of a sanitary and medical disaster. The hospital barracks were infested with fleas and rats, soldiers were lying in make-shift beds made of straw with dirty linens and bandages festering with disease and infection. Just six months after Nightingale and her team arrived mortality in the hospital dropped from 42.7 percent to 2.2 percent (Coehn, 1985). During the civil war, nurses in the United States reduced morbidity and mortality rates in
References: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2012). Fact Sheet: The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice Coehn, I. Bernard. (1984). Scientific American: Florence Nightingale Publication No Friberg, Creasia and. (2011). Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice Hood, L. J., & Leddy, S. K. (2006). Conceptual bases of professional nursing (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. National League for Nursing. (2000) Council of Associate Degree Nursing Competencies Task Force National League for Nursing. (2010). Nursing Data Review Academic year 2007-2008 Baccalaureate, Associate Degree, and Diploma Programs