Competencies Differences, Adn vs Bsn
Competency Differences, ASN VS. BSN
Grand Canyon University- NRS 430V
August 18, 2012
Competencies Differences, ADN VS. BSN
The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in competencies between nurses
prepared at the associate-degree level versus nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree level.
This will be accomplished by sharing an impressive personal experience that created my desire
for higher learning, the concepts from the module readings and by exploring published articles
that report results from research conducted on the competency differences.
Numerous studies have been conducted on various facets of nursing competencies
comparing an associate-level prepared nurse to a baccalaureate level prepared nurse and the
educational curriculum. These numerous studies have included particular clinical skills being
demonstrated (Oerman, et al. 1998), professional values held by baccalaureate and associate
degree students (Martin, et al., 2003), and risk taking propensity studies (Masters et al. 1989)
However, contradictory results are suggested mostly due to the type of research done.
In order to properly examine the differences in competencies, you must define nursing
competence. The Arizona State Board of Nursing Competency Model, defines competency, as
“the foundation for clinical performance and the validation of nursing practice essential for
patient safety and quality care”. (2003).
This paper examines McIntosh and colleagues (2008), Bradshaw and colleagues (2008),
Friese and collegues (2008) research that linked higher education to positive quality patient
outcomes.
Over the past six months, the long term care facility were I work is experiencing culture change initiatives. One of the many initiatives, include utilizing critical thinking skills to analyze data for root cause and, then to process improve for better performance. The organization
Grand Canyon University- NRS 430V
August 18, 2012
Competencies Differences, ADN VS. BSN
The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences in competencies between nurses
prepared at the associate-degree level versus nurses prepared at the baccalaureate-degree level.
This will be accomplished by sharing an impressive personal experience that created my desire
for higher learning, the concepts from the module readings and by exploring published articles
that report results from research conducted on the competency differences.
Numerous studies have been conducted on various facets of nursing competencies
comparing an associate-level prepared nurse to a baccalaureate level prepared nurse and the
educational curriculum. These numerous studies have included particular clinical skills being
demonstrated (Oerman, et al. 1998), professional values held by baccalaureate and associate
degree students (Martin, et al., 2003), and risk taking propensity studies (Masters et al. 1989)
However, contradictory results are suggested mostly due to the type of research done.
In order to properly examine the differences in competencies, you must define nursing
competence. The Arizona State Board of Nursing Competency Model, defines competency, as
“the foundation for clinical performance and the validation of nursing practice essential for
patient safety and quality care”. (2003).
This paper examines McIntosh and colleagues (2008), Bradshaw and colleagues (2008),
Friese and collegues (2008) research that linked higher education to positive quality patient
outcomes.
Over the past six months, the long term care facility were I work is experiencing culture change initiatives. One of the many initiatives, include utilizing critical thinking skills to analyze data for root cause and, then to process improve for better performance. The organization
References: American Nurses 's Association 's Web site. (2003) Definition of nursing. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/FunctionalMenuCategories/FAQs.aspx Arizona State Board of Nursing. (2003). Competency Model. Retrieved from http://arizona@azbn.gov;www.azbn.gov Martin, P., Yarbrough, S., & Alfred, D. (2003). Professional values held by baccalaureate ans associate degree nursing students. Journal Of Nursing Scholarship, 35(3), 296. Masters, M. M., & R. (1989). Risk-taking prospensity of nurses. Journal of nursing education, 28(9), 396. McIntosh, T, Duske, S, Anderson, MA, & Hill, P. (2008). Dysrhythmia management content in ADN and BSN curricula. Journal Of Continuing Education In Nursing, 7(39), 333. Bradshaw, A, & Merriman, C. (2008). Nursing competence 10 years on: fit for practice and purpose yet? Journal Of Clinical Nursing, 17(10), 1269. Friese, C., Lake, E., Aiken, L., & Sibler, J. (2008). Hospital nurse practice environments and outcomes for surgical oncology patients. Health Services Research, 43(4), 1163. Oerman, M. (1998). Differences in clinical experiences of ADN and BSN students. Journal Of Nursing Education, 37(5), 201.