The Differences Between an Associate Degree Nurse and Bachelor Degree Nurse Essay Example
The Differences Between an Associate Degree Nurse and Bachelor Degree Nurse
Associate Degree versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing
Throughout history, a nurse has been defined as "a person caring for the sick"(Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2004, p. 853). At the completion of school, whether from an Associate Degree in Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science Degree, all candidates must pass the national licensure exam. This enables the new graduate nurse to practice as a registered nurse. This new R.N. graduate is permitted to work in health care facilities in entry level positions. Both begin their career similarly with an extended orientation period being mentored by a "seasoned" colleague. Orientation is a probation period which grants the new employee time to become acclimated to the new facilities' policies and procedures, as well as time for the facility to evaluate the new employee's progress. Close supervision is required, as well as hands-on-hours, to order for the graduate nurse to gain confidence in the new work environment. (Goulette, 2010, p. 2)
Is there a difference between the nurse with an associate's degree and the nurse with a bachelor degree since the RN licensure test is the identical and both begin their employment with an extended orientation, as well as tight supervision? One difference is the amount of education. ADN programs, offered by junior or community colleges, can be completed in two to three years. BSN programs, college or university offered, take four years to complete. Time is not the only difference in their schooling. The BSN program places emphasis on general education requirements in the first two years. It is the latter two years where nursing is the center of attention. The criteria needed for the baccalaureate program includes liberal arts education, patient safety, quality of care, research based practice, health care funding, collaborative care, and preventive medicine in communities. (American Association of Colleges of
Associate Degree versus Bachelor Degree in Nursing
Throughout history, a nurse has been defined as "a person caring for the sick"(Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2004, p. 853). At the completion of school, whether from an Associate Degree in Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science Degree, all candidates must pass the national licensure exam. This enables the new graduate nurse to practice as a registered nurse. This new R.N. graduate is permitted to work in health care facilities in entry level positions. Both begin their career similarly with an extended orientation period being mentored by a "seasoned" colleague. Orientation is a probation period which grants the new employee time to become acclimated to the new facilities' policies and procedures, as well as time for the facility to evaluate the new employee's progress. Close supervision is required, as well as hands-on-hours, to order for the graduate nurse to gain confidence in the new work environment. (Goulette, 2010, p. 2)
Is there a difference between the nurse with an associate's degree and the nurse with a bachelor degree since the RN licensure test is the identical and both begin their employment with an extended orientation, as well as tight supervision? One difference is the amount of education. ADN programs, offered by junior or community colleges, can be completed in two to three years. BSN programs, college or university offered, take four years to complete. Time is not the only difference in their schooling. The BSN program places emphasis on general education requirements in the first two years. It is the latter two years where nursing is the center of attention. The criteria needed for the baccalaureate program includes liberal arts education, patient safety, quality of care, research based practice, health care funding, collaborative care, and preventive medicine in communities. (American Association of Colleges of