Adn Rn vs Bsn Rn
Running head: Associate Degree Nurse versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurse
Associate Degree Nurse versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurse
Valerie Castillo
Grand Canyon University
NRS 430-V
September 19, 2010
Associate Degree Nurse versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurse A registered nurse (RN) is defined as a highly trained and skilled professional who cares for those that are sick (Quan, 2006). They are educated and trained to care for those that have chronic and acute illness, they are also taught to help those with wellness issues. They use these learned skills along with their compassion to provide care to those in need. There are two very common types of nursing degrees earned: associates degree nurse (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN). Both degrees enable a nurse to work as nurse as long as they have passed the NCLEX-RN, licensing exam, so what is the difference between an ADN and BSN degree, is one RN more competent than the other? The biggest, most obvious difference is the length of education required in each degree. An ADN nurse often goes through 2-3 years of education before receiving a degree and becoming eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. An ADN program focuses more on technical skills rather than theory ("Entry-Level Nursing Degree Programs," n.d.). Whereas, a BSN nurse goes through 3-4 years of education before receiving a degree and becoming eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. A BSN program is the entry point for professional nursing and is often a requirement for many nursing positions ("Entry-Level Nursing Degree Programs," n.d.). Although all nurses must take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to become a RN that is allowed to practice, this exam is only one indicator of competency and doesn’t test the skills learned in a BSN program. In 2001, the National Council of State Boards for Nursing conducted an Employer’s study, in this study they found employers had a strong preference for hiring experienced BSN nurses for management and RN specialty
Associate Degree Nurse versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurse
Valerie Castillo
Grand Canyon University
NRS 430-V
September 19, 2010
Associate Degree Nurse versus Baccalaureate Degree Nurse A registered nurse (RN) is defined as a highly trained and skilled professional who cares for those that are sick (Quan, 2006). They are educated and trained to care for those that have chronic and acute illness, they are also taught to help those with wellness issues. They use these learned skills along with their compassion to provide care to those in need. There are two very common types of nursing degrees earned: associates degree nurse (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN). Both degrees enable a nurse to work as nurse as long as they have passed the NCLEX-RN, licensing exam, so what is the difference between an ADN and BSN degree, is one RN more competent than the other? The biggest, most obvious difference is the length of education required in each degree. An ADN nurse often goes through 2-3 years of education before receiving a degree and becoming eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. An ADN program focuses more on technical skills rather than theory ("Entry-Level Nursing Degree Programs," n.d.). Whereas, a BSN nurse goes through 3-4 years of education before receiving a degree and becoming eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. A BSN program is the entry point for professional nursing and is often a requirement for many nursing positions ("Entry-Level Nursing Degree Programs," n.d.). Although all nurses must take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam to become a RN that is allowed to practice, this exam is only one indicator of competency and doesn’t test the skills learned in a BSN program. In 2001, the National Council of State Boards for Nursing conducted an Employer’s study, in this study they found employers had a strong preference for hiring experienced BSN nurses for management and RN specialty
References: Entry-Level Nursing Degree Programs. (n.d.). All Nursing Schools. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/programs Forster, H. (n.d.). ADN vs. BSN. Nursing Link. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from http://nursinglink.monster.com/education/articles/3842-adn-vs-bsn Quan, K. (2006, October 12). What is a Nurse? Retrieved September 17, 2010, from Http://www.suite101.com/content/what-is-a-nurse--a7761. Rosseter, R. (2010, March). Fact Sheet The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Retrieved September 17, 2010, from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Media/FactSheets/ImpactEdNp.htm