Preview

Adn vs Bsn - Differences

Better Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1246 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Adn vs Bsn - Differences
Adn vs Bsn:
Differences
Raven Masters
University of Phoenix
September 24, 2010

Adn vs Bsn:
Differences
In the late 1850s Florence Nightingale started her own school to train nurses and developed standards by which nurses performed their duties. She may never have envisioned that one day there would be different educational tracks resulting in multiple degrees and disciplines in nursing, each having their own set of criteria for excellence. Associate degree nurse (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN) are the two most common entry level nursing positions. An ADN can be obtained in two or three years whereas the BSN takes four years of education to complete due to additional courses. Differences between the degrees begin with education and mature as the nurse gains experience.
Raines and Taglaireni’s (2008) article states ADN and BSN nurses attend the same basic liberal arts and general education courses such as English, literature, history, math, humanities, and arts. Both have basic nursing courses, the same technical skill sets are taught, and nurses must pass the same National Council Licensing Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN©) which measures minimum technical competency for entry-level nursing practice.
Colleges will differ in the exact requirements for each degree but the community college ADN program consists of approximately 75 course credits of which 38 are science and liberal arts prerequisites, and 37 credits are in the nursing major. The four-year college and university BSN program consists of approximately 124 credit hours of which 62 are in liberal arts and sciences prerequisites, and 62 are in the nursing major. BSN coursework has more in depth study for nursing research, informatics, management, and technology. These additional courses put more emphasis on theory, developing critical thinking skills, and leadership skills. The increased emphasis on theory and communication builds collaborative decision-making skills.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    ADN vs BSN paper

    • 891 Words
    • 3 Pages

    When looking at the competencies of ADN vs BSN nurses, it is quite difficult to lay out the differences. When I was in my ADN nursing I had friends that were in BSN programs and would constantly study and compare our programs just out of curiosity.…

    • 891 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Essay Comparing ADN To BSN

    • 1165 Words
    • 5 Pages

    An ADN is an Associates Degree in Nursing is considered a 2 yr. degree. The ADN program is shorter, focuses on the clinical skills and is more tasks oriented than the BSN program. Once a nurse has…

    • 1165 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Before designating the differences between the baccalaureate degree prepared nurse and associate degree prepared nurses it is important to examine their similarities. Both ADN and BSN nurses take the same licensure exam, the National Council Licensure EXamination, and both receive the same license upon passing the licensure exam. Adding to that both must go through rigorous training prior to providing patient care. The BSN and ADN nurse both assist in determining the health status and needs of clients (Arlington, 2003). Nonetheless though there are similarities there are also many differences. Baccalaureate nurses receive more education. On top of the typical nursing school course work, BSN students must also take courses in theory, community health, research, and management. This additional education has proven to provide baccalaureate prepared nurses with increased critical thinking skills, lower mortality rates, and greater leadership skills. On the other hand, ADN programs “...consist of a balance between general education and clinical nursing courses” (Creasia, 2011). Associate degree nurses enter the workforce prepared for technical and secondary care settings. Given the differences and…

    • 313 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    BSN vs ADN

    • 1222 Words
    • 4 Pages

    There are distinct differences between the 72 ADN credits and 125 BSN credits required in each of the nursing programs' curriculum. The baccalaureate curriculum has a different focus, emphasizing evidenced-based clinical practice and leadership. Additional courses are offered in the baccalaureate curriculum, such as research, statistics, critical thinking, and public health/community health. In addition, the additional units prepare the baccalaureate nurse to pursue graduate study, leading to an advanced degree in nursing.…

    • 1222 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    ADN vs BSN

    • 921 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Grand Canyon University NRS-430V October 12, 2014 Differences in competencies between BSN and ADN Differences in competencies between BSN and ADN According to the AACN Nursing Fact sheet, Nursing is the nations largest health care profession, with more than 3.1 million registered nurses nationwide. And by 2008, nurses with bachelors degrees make up 36.8 percent and 36.1 percent with associates degrees. With this said, when a person steps in a hospital or any medical setting and is about to receive medical care, would they look if the nurse thats tending to them have a BSN on their badge Would it make a difference to that person and expect a different type of care Are there any differences in competencies between a nurse that has an ADN and a BSN Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) are two programs a person can achieve to be a Registered Nurse (RN). The ADN program provides the basic fundamental of nursing practice. An ADN nurse receives general education such as English and basic Sciences. An ADN also learns about nursing process, diseases, interventions and medications. An ADN degree provides the minimal education required to pass the NCLEX licensure exam. The BSN program provides general education that includes more in-depth nursing theory, leadership and management skills, models of care, and nursing research. It expands from an ADN education and makes a nurse more knowledgeable and competent. Although both degrees can earn a person to a Registered Nurse (RN) career, they differ in educations which in turn have different competencies. BSN nurses are more educated, therefore they provide high quality nursing care, stronger communication skills, and would have greater opportunities with career advancements. A nurse with a BSN would provide a higher quality of care. Due to their increased knowledge and greater thinking skills, a nurse with a BSN is able to provide a degree of care with more appropriate clinical decisions.…

    • 921 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Understanding the differences between a BSN nurse and an ADN nurse start with the knowledge of what each represents. A BSN present a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing. An ADN is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Both degrees nurses are qualify to take the same licensing exam, and enroll in the same nursing principles of nursing, but the baccalaureate degree nurse extend upon those principles to obtain a higher level of learning in order to provide a higher standard of nursing care.…

    • 896 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Adn vs Bsn

    • 979 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) programs are taught at four year colleges and universities. Clinical competency is achieved, as in the ADN program, but also additional areas of study such as: leadership and management, critical thinking and community health care.…

    • 979 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    ADN vs BSN

    • 1084 Words
    • 4 Pages

    “The future of public health in our nation depends on a competent, well-trained public health workforce. A well-trained workforce is in the best interest of all those concerned with maintaining a healthy society.” (IOM, 2003).…

    • 1084 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Bsn vs Adn

    • 964 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Becoming a Registered Nurse is considered a grueling process by most people who go through it, whether it is through the Diploma, Associates or Baccalaureate program. The Diploma program has almost been completely phased out as an acceptable program, leaving the Associates and Bachelor programs in play. The Associates Degree in Nursing is usually a 2year program obtained in community colleges, whereas the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a 4year course done in undergrad colleges. Some of the attraction factors to the ADN over the BSN have included the tuition being cheaper, having fewer prerequisites and finishing the course in less time. Things are however, beginning to change, as the standards of healthcare are becoming more advanced. This is because BSN educated nurses generally exhibit more competence in their practice than those with an ADN education.…

    • 964 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    ADN VS.BSN Degree

    • 815 Words
    • 4 Pages

    The ADN is a two-year program that provides individuals the opportunity to provide entry level nursing care under the title Registered Nurse. Its initial purpose during the 1950s was to temporarily fill the nursing shortage gap after World War II. Nurses prepared at the Associate-degree level are expected to develop competence in safe and effective patient care including delegation and patient teaching. Today, ADN programs have grown exponentially across the nation and have become integrated in the curriculum of community colleges all over the U.S. The standard BSN program is typically 4 years in length and it exposes the student to evidence- based research, theory and science. While nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level are expected to provide the same competent care as an ADN prepared nurse, they are also required to integrate knowledge beyond the scope of the individual into practice. This requires an increased focus on critical thinking (Grand Canyon University, 2011). It is this increased focus on critical thinking and evidence- based approach that helped boost positive patient outcomes.…

    • 815 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    ADN vs BSN

    • 972 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing.…

    • 972 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Rn vs Bsn

    • 669 Words
    • 3 Pages

    MINIMUM EDUCATION FOR NURSES: ADN VS. BSN Minimum Education for Nurses: ADN vs. BSN The debate over the minimum required education for nurses has been one that has gone on for much time now. There are many reasons that one would argue for one degree or the other, however, ADN programs across the country have been the primary source of education for the majority of nurses for some time now. Many argue that a bachelor’s degree should be required in order for a nurse to begin practicing. Some feel that completing this degree gives the nurse the well-rounded education that many other professions require while others feel that nursing is a unique profession which requires specific education related to the nursing practice and, therefore, does not necessarily require the extensive general education needed in many other career fields. “Donley and Flaherty (2008), while supporting the BSN entry requirement, argued that there is a need for more research and dialogue about the amount, type, and measurement of clinical work, adding that these studies are needed in order to make better informed decisions concerning professional legislation, accreditation, certification, education, healthcare outcomes, and future-oriented career ladders.”(Smith, 2009). Requiring a bachelor’s degree for entry into the nursing profession creates a socioeconomic bias, and therefore, prejudice to some degree. Those who decide to be nurses are many times in the lower middle class. They are looking for a way to get an education in a couple of years so that they can support their families and requiring a BSN would mean poverty for many of them. Nursing programs are very intense and in order to succeed, it is not recommended that the student work full-time while attending. This also compounds the financial strain on the student and his/her family. Bachelor’s degrees also cost thousands of dollars, which most people without formal educations…

    • 669 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The American Nurses Association defines nursing as “the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations” (American Nurses Association, 2013, p. 1). Their definition of nursing does not specify if there is a difference in who is providing the care. Associate-degree nurses (ADN) and baccalaureate-degree nurses (BSN) both sit for the same NCLEX exam and come out with the same license to practice. The more feasible route of acquiring a registered nurse license is getting an associate-degree because of the decreased length of schooling and…

    • 872 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    College Vs BSN

    • 248 Words
    • 1 Page

    When comparing an associate’s degree in nursing to a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing one can think they are very similar, which they are, however they do have their differences. For instance, to retrieve an ADN you are only required about two to three years of college vs. a BSN that has a minimum four-year college requirement including all core classes. Although the length of education is different they both lead to becoming a registered nurse. Both degrees have similar core classes and courses offered throughout the learning process, however, a BSN covers more than the basics such as; nursing theory, research, and informatics. The starting rate in the medical field is about the same for both degrees, but, a student with a BSN has an…

    • 248 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    ADN vs BSN

    • 731 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Now more than ever, nurses are faced with the daily challenges of caring for higher acuity patients. In order to meet this need, nurses must be more highly educated to be able to effectively manage patient care. The Institute of Medicine (IOM), states, “As patient needs and care environments have become more complex, nurses need to attain requisite competencies to deliver high-quality care. These competencies include leadership, health policy, system improvement, research and evidence-based practice, and teamwork and collaboration, as well as competency in specific content areas such as community and public health and geriatrics. Nurses also are being called upon to fill expanding roles and to master technological tools and information management systems while collaborating and coordinating care across teams of health professionals. To respond to these increasing demands, the IOM committee calls for nurses to achieve higher levels of education and suggests that they be educated in new ways that better prepare them to meet the needs of the population.” ("Future of Nursing," 2010, p. 2).…

    • 731 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays