The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing
The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing
Gurdarshan Gill
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
NRS-430V
Tracy Chesney
July 27, 2013 The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing
Nursing has been regarded as the most trustworthy profession year after year in the United States (Laidman, 2012). Prior to the modern era of Nursing that began with Florence Nightingale, there was no specific profession of Nursing. (Grand Canyon University, 2011, para. 4) Nursing is an evolving profession and its demand for educational requirements is increasing. In the past, nurses held hospital-based diplomas or associate degrees in Nursing. Now the expectation for education of nurses has been increased which is shown by hospitals only hiring bachelor degree nurses. The comparison between associate degree nurses and bachelor degree nurses remains a constant discussion in healthcare. Do bachelor degree nurses provide a higher quality of care to their patients and are they better equipped to do so with their two year extended length of study?
Associate degree programs are 2 years in length and have a heavy focus on technical and hands-on bedside training. This type of training is sufficient for nurses in areas such as secondary care settings and was brought about due to the nursing shortage in the 1950’s. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 27) This type of training is to the point and is good in task-oriented positions.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2012):
Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice,
Gurdarshan Gill
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
NRS-430V
Tracy Chesney
July 27, 2013 The Educational Preparation of Bachelor Degree versus Associate Degree in Nursing
Nursing has been regarded as the most trustworthy profession year after year in the United States (Laidman, 2012). Prior to the modern era of Nursing that began with Florence Nightingale, there was no specific profession of Nursing. (Grand Canyon University, 2011, para. 4) Nursing is an evolving profession and its demand for educational requirements is increasing. In the past, nurses held hospital-based diplomas or associate degrees in Nursing. Now the expectation for education of nurses has been increased which is shown by hospitals only hiring bachelor degree nurses. The comparison between associate degree nurses and bachelor degree nurses remains a constant discussion in healthcare. Do bachelor degree nurses provide a higher quality of care to their patients and are they better equipped to do so with their two year extended length of study?
Associate degree programs are 2 years in length and have a heavy focus on technical and hands-on bedside training. This type of training is sufficient for nurses in areas such as secondary care settings and was brought about due to the nursing shortage in the 1950’s. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 27) This type of training is to the point and is good in task-oriented positions.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN, 2012):
Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice,
References: Creasia, J. L., & Friberg, E. (2011). Associate Degree Education. In Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice (5th ed. (p. 27). http://dx.doi.org/978-0-323-06869-7 Grand Canyon University (2011). Nursing History, Theories, and Conceptual Models [Lecture notes]. Retrieved from https://lc-ugrad1.gcu.edu/learningPlatform/user/users.html?operation=loggedIn#/learningPlatform/loudBooks/loudbooks.html?viewPage=past&operation=innerPage&topicMaterialId=e776d3fa-0983-443c-bfbf-aceb850b9735&contentId=9350588c-184a-4f4f-ac90-f2072b7c9f0a& Laidman, J. (2012). Nurses Remain Nation’s Most Trusted Professionals. Retrieved from www.medscape.com/viewarticle/775758 The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice [fact sheet]. (2012). Retrieved from American Association of Colleges of Nursing: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education