The difference and similarities in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level is a frequent topic of discussion for years. The focus of this essay is to compare and contrast the core competencies between an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). Both degrees will qualify a person to take the same licensing exam NCLEX. According to (Friberg & Creasia, 2016), ADN programs provide registered nurses to have the skill set necessary to work in health care settings such as community hospitals and long-term health care facilities. In comparison, BSN prepared clinicians are trained to function on a broader scope of nursing practice which encompasses not only the …show more content…
In addition to the nursing courses, the Bachelors program also provides the student with more conventional courses such as sociology, communication and language. There is a growing percentage of nurses are deciding to take the ADN route because of the time factor (2 years compared to 4 years) and the ability to work as a fully licensed RN in as shorter time frame. Along with a shortened program time, the ADN program is a better option to those dealing with varying personal demands and to the economically challenged individuals because of the reduced cost associated with the shortened program (Spencer, 2008). The ADN students can take fewer classes and still have a great education on basic nursing skills and technical skills. However, the benefit of additional classes that BSN programs offers, allows a BSN nurse a broader scope of practice which equips the BSN nurse a greater opportunity for career advancement and to eventually move away from the bedside …show more content…
The BSN nurse is trained to account for cultural and human diversity and to view healthcare in a more global perspective, to have greater spiritual sensibilities and to focus on health maintenance and health promotion. Due to the nursing shortage in 1952, Mildred Montag designed associate degree programs to be a collegiate alternative for the preparation of technical nurses (Friberg & Creasia, 2016). Since it’s inception the ADN program has become a very popular option for people who want to get into the nursing profession. The ADN nurse may focus more on the technical aspects of nursing and is more task oriented because this is what the program is designed to do. Which poses the question, does higher education equate to better patient outcomes? According to the September 24, 2003 issue of the “Journal of the American Medication Association” a research paper suggested that post surgical patients have a “substantial survival advantage” when admitted to a facility where the nurses with BSN outnumbers those with ADN degrees ([AACN], American Associate of Collage or Nursing 2012). The ADN nurse may lack the understanding or the concepts behind all the skills they perform, whereas the BSN nurse may use greater depth of knowledge in critical thinking and evidence-based practice in their nursing
Nursing, as a crucial part of the health care system, keeps evolving while dealing with an increasingly complex clinical situation that involves quality of patient care. Therefore, to successfully handle these scenarios, nursing needs to become more advanced, clinically and academically. A DNP degree is needed in this situation because according to Dunbar- Jacob, Navito & Khalil (2013), a DNP degree is considered to have more impact on nursing than a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree due to the advanced clinical education a DNP provides (p. 425). Hence, the DNP degree has an enormous impact in nursing practice especially in terms of improving clinical care, promoting leadership roles, and improving educational status.
Why would anyone be in the healthcare field? First, there are different types of positions available. Second, this is a very rewarding career for those who enjoy caring for others. Although, most people think there are a lot of differences between certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses, they share the same type of work, working conditions and job outlook.
The national shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) has helped generate formidable interest in the nursing profession among people entering the workforce and those pursuing a career change. According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service in 2002, the national population is continuing to grow and age and medical services continue to advance, so the need for nurses will continue to increase. They report from 2000 to 2020 the predicted shortage of nurses is expected to grow to 29 percent, compared to a 6 percent shortage in 2000. With the projected supply, demand, and shortage of registered nurses and nursing salaries ever-increasing, the nursing profession can offer countless opportunities. But first one must determine which educational path to pursue, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in nursing (ADN). Most will initially be educated at the associate degree level, even though the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE) has recommended a baccalaureate level as a minimal for entry-level nurses. With the expanding number of RN to BSN programs available there is always the option to further one’s education at a later date. The benefits for acquiring a BSN over an ADN include a better knowledge for evidence-based practice, an increased advantage for promotion, and the necessary gateway for higher education.
Taylor, D. (2008). Should the entry into nursing practice be the baccalaureate degree?. AORN Journal, 87(3), 611-620. doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2007.07.006
For the past few decades, there have been ongoing discussions involving the preferred educational level for nurses entering the field of healthcare. Two routes can be taken to entering the field: one can finish a two-year program and obtain their associate or add two years and get their baccalaureate instead. There are differences, albeit minor ones, between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus those prepared at the baccalaureate level. However, an increase in technological advances in nursing field, and a higher demand for patient care has recently sparked the discussion of whether or not it is beneficial for nurses to further their education and obtain a baccalaureate degree or even a master’s degree as the case may be.
Theisen, J. L., & Sandau, K. E. (2013). Competency of new graduate nurses: A review of their weaknesses and strategies for success. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 44(9), 406. doi:10.3928/00220124-20130617-38
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) describes essential guidelines required for all Advance Practice Nurses (ANPs) to enter practice, regardless of their specialty (2010). The nine core competencies outline the best practice in providing quality educational programs and developing policies and curriculum at the national level. The purpose of this paper is to summarize an interview done with an APN leader in my community to understand the application of the NONPF NP core competencies in the role of Clinical Nurse Practitioner (CNP). Engaging in this interview process allowed me to collaborate with a practicing CNP through communication in person and on the telephone to facilitate professional
Nursing practice holds different levels of degree for nurses that include Associate degree in Nursing, Bachelor degree in nursing, and Master degree in Nursing. Even though the degree level in nursing are to provide basic care to the patients, but the level of competency and knowledge in the profession is different. Nursing practice in advance level play important role to provide quality of care to patients. Many health care settings require nurses to earn baccalaureate degree level to apply for RN position. The purpose of writing this paper is to identify the proficiency level between an Associate degree of Nursing versus Baccalaureate degree level.
Implementing care plans within legal, ethical, and regulatory parameters is a competency that all registered nurses but abide by. As stated before as a baccalaureate nurse you must include not only patients and their families but also the community and population (The Texas Board of Nursing, 2011). Following the nursing process the next competency include evaluate the results of the implementations that have occurred. Once again the biggest difference between the two degree plans is baccalaureate nurses will also include the community and population as well as the patient and their family (The Texas Board of Nursing, 2011). Education is a vital piece of nursing and must be completed at every possible opportunity. Educated patients and their families on promoting health and marinating health is a very important concept. Expanding this education to the community and population is a vital step in helping reduce risk for our patients (The Texas Board of Nursing, 2011). The last competency is the nurse’s role in coordinating human information and material management resources for patients and their families as well as the expansion to include communities and populations as ones transition to a baccalaureate nurse (The Texas Board of Nursing, 2011).
Let me begin by giving you a brief history. I was hired in 2008 as an operating room (OR) circulating nurse. I made very good friends with 4 other girls from the OR. One was a surgical tech, another was a circulating nurse, the charge nurse (at the time) but has gone back to just circulating and the other was and still is the OR nurse manager. For years, all of us would hang out together as well as take short weekend vacations together. In July of 2015, I was promoted to the OR Assistant Nurse Manager/Charge Nurse. This is the point where for myself, certain conflicts began. As the new Assistant Manager, I knew that there were some different aspects involved in my job. One main aspect was making sure that the everyday details of the OR ran
Within this essay the discussion of what the differences are between two professions in the medical field. These two professions consist of nurses and medical assistants, or other wise known as M.A’s. Each of these professions have their own descriptions and skill sets. These two professions also have differences in salary and qualifications needed to work within that pacific field. Even though these two professions are in the same field, they have many similarities and differences.
This paper will evaluate the local, national and international drivers that have influenced the development of advanced nursing practice. The discussion will include the political, economic, social, and technological influences that have contributed to the transformation from the traditional nursing role to the numerous exciting advanced level career opportunities achievable in nursing today. Dynamics that have shaped my own current advanced nursing role will be discussed and to conclude some thoughts on the future of advanced nursing practice.
The purpose of this paper is to present an evaluation of the integration of the ACCN essentials with the BSN curriculum. The ACCN essentials are the set of personal and professional skills and competencies that are expected of a qualified nursing practitioner as endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (Quality Matters, 2014). Additionally, the BCN curriculum refers to the educational guidelines that underpin the education and training required for the attainment of a Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing practice. The integration of ACCN essentials with the BCN curriculum was officially endorsed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and has since been conventionally referred to as
The BSN program helps the nurses in many ways including utilizing the process to the full scale and it will encourage nurses to use their skills like educating the patient as we’ll as creating new nurses. Because of the new health care reform, the BSN program will also aid in filling the gap from the influx of patients. The baccalaureate degrees and BSN program helps prepare students for the significant part they are going to play in reinforcing the new healthcare reform. At present, I utilize and develop nursing care plans in the nursing process, even though it needs some corrections due to the nature of my work. The highest standards of nursing can only be achieved through better research and advanced training.
There has been a drastic cut in both the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates. According to Robert (2012), “cuts of more than $360 billion to Medicare and Medicaid will be made over the next 10 years. The focus of nursing needs to emphasize more on wellness care and prevention rather than acute care” (McNeal, G., 2012). Nursing practice will need to shift more towards community and population focused nursing. Baccalaureate prepared nurses are provided with a curriculum that includes both community health and leadership skills that are not included in the associate program. By encouraging associate’s degree nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an increase in the awareness of the needs of the community and population may be seen. The IOM report has outlined the anticipated obstacles that healthcare will face if changes are not made. By allowing nurses to provide care within their full scope of practice, quality care may be provided at an affordable cost to the population. The use of advanced practice nurses in primary care may provide quality, access, and cost efficient healthcare to high-risk populations and possibly decrease hospital admission rates, thus lowering the overall cost of healthcare. If nurses partner with doctors and other healthcare providers, it may improve healthcare by providing seamless transitions (Institute of Medicine,