Differences in competencies in the ADN vs BSN prepared nurse
Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing
Toni Brown
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
April 29, 2014
The pathways to become a registered nurse are three-fold: a three-year diploma program, a three-year associate degree program, and a four-year baccalaureate degree program. All nursing schools teach the students the basic competencies necessary for nursing practice. All graduates are required to take the same NCLEX_RN licensing exam, regardless of the pathway chosen, however it has been argued that with a higher level of education it is probable that a higher level of performance can be achieved. We will compare the associate degree to the bachelors degree nurse in this paper, and discuss a patient care situation demonstrating the possible different approaches to decision making. We will examine how research correlates education to better patient outcomes and improved quality of patient care.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, research conducted has linked a decrease in medication errors, lowered mortality rates, and a decrease in post-operative complications, as well as a shorter length of hospital stay, along with better patient outcomes, with the BSN prepared nurse, therefore correlating education to better patient outcomes. There are multiple factors responsible for the increase in the intricacy of today’s health care environment. Nurses interact differently with other health care providers. Patients are becoming increasingly more complex, especially with the increased longevity possible due to advances in medical research, and the multiple medical comorbidities that can be stabilized with a variety of different medications. Understanding and managing these patients requires a more educated health care team.
A typical syllabus for the Associate of Nursing Degree requires two to three years of course
Toni Brown
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
April 29, 2014
The pathways to become a registered nurse are three-fold: a three-year diploma program, a three-year associate degree program, and a four-year baccalaureate degree program. All nursing schools teach the students the basic competencies necessary for nursing practice. All graduates are required to take the same NCLEX_RN licensing exam, regardless of the pathway chosen, however it has been argued that with a higher level of education it is probable that a higher level of performance can be achieved. We will compare the associate degree to the bachelors degree nurse in this paper, and discuss a patient care situation demonstrating the possible different approaches to decision making. We will examine how research correlates education to better patient outcomes and improved quality of patient care.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, research conducted has linked a decrease in medication errors, lowered mortality rates, and a decrease in post-operative complications, as well as a shorter length of hospital stay, along with better patient outcomes, with the BSN prepared nurse, therefore correlating education to better patient outcomes. There are multiple factors responsible for the increase in the intricacy of today’s health care environment. Nurses interact differently with other health care providers. Patients are becoming increasingly more complex, especially with the increased longevity possible due to advances in medical research, and the multiple medical comorbidities that can be stabilized with a variety of different medications. Understanding and managing these patients requires a more educated health care team.
A typical syllabus for the Associate of Nursing Degree requires two to three years of course