Educational Papr
Educational Preparation Differences of the Associate Degree RN vs. Baccalaureate Degree RN
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V
March 15th, 2013
Levels of Educational Preparation for Registered Nurses
There are three different educational levels of preparation for the registered nurse, the diploma, associate degree and the baccalaureate degree. For the purpose of this paper we will discuss the latter two levels of nursing preparation. Graduates of the associate and baccalaureate degree programs both sit of the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. If this exam is passed both will have the registered nurse (RN) after their name. Does this imply that both AD and BS nurses are prepared to function at the same competency level? No. According to the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses conducted by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This licensing examination process tests graduates of entry-level nursing programs for the minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice. Passing rates should be high across all programs preparing new nurses. This exam does not test for the differences between graduates of different programs, measure performance over time, or test for all of the knowledge and skills developed through a baccalaureate program. All nursing programs prepare nurses to function at a base technical level. It is the overall long term growth and development of the baccalaureate nurse that divides the two programs. Associate Degree RN
Mildred Montag a nurse educator proposed a new kind of nursing program in 1951 to answer the nursing shortage in post-war America. She and her collages developed the technical nurse program or the associate degree (AD) nursing program. This 2 year college program trains the nurse in technical and clinical skills the same as a four year program but is limited to the higher nursing theories, critical thinking, and public health components of the baccalaureate program.
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V
March 15th, 2013
Levels of Educational Preparation for Registered Nurses
There are three different educational levels of preparation for the registered nurse, the diploma, associate degree and the baccalaureate degree. For the purpose of this paper we will discuss the latter two levels of nursing preparation. Graduates of the associate and baccalaureate degree programs both sit of the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. If this exam is passed both will have the registered nurse (RN) after their name. Does this imply that both AD and BS nurses are prepared to function at the same competency level? No. According to the 2008 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses conducted by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This licensing examination process tests graduates of entry-level nursing programs for the minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice. Passing rates should be high across all programs preparing new nurses. This exam does not test for the differences between graduates of different programs, measure performance over time, or test for all of the knowledge and skills developed through a baccalaureate program. All nursing programs prepare nurses to function at a base technical level. It is the overall long term growth and development of the baccalaureate nurse that divides the two programs. Associate Degree RN
Mildred Montag a nurse educator proposed a new kind of nursing program in 1951 to answer the nursing shortage in post-war America. She and her collages developed the technical nurse program or the associate degree (AD) nursing program. This 2 year college program trains the nurse in technical and clinical skills the same as a four year program but is limited to the higher nursing theories, critical thinking, and public health components of the baccalaureate program.
References: Aiken, L.H., Clark, S.P., Cheng, R.B., Sloane, D.M., & Silber, J.H. (2003, September 24th) Educational levels of hospital nurses and surgical patient mortality, Journal of the America Medical Association, 290, 1617-1623 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2009). 2008-2009 Enrollment and graduations in Baccalaureate and graduate programs in nursing. Washington, DC: Author. Cressia, J.L., Friberg, E.E., (2011). Conceptual Foundation: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice. (5th edition)St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 5 p 14-16 Grand Canyon University College (2013) Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy. Retrieved March 12, 2013 http://www.gcu.edu/college-of-nursing-and health-care-professions/philosophy.php