Competency Differences Between Adn and Bsn Prepared Nurses Essay

“Programs provide a solid liberal education and substantive upper division nursing major. Both components are combined in ways that prepare a nurse generalist who is able to provide professional nursing services in beginning leadership positions in a variety of settings” (Friberg, 2011, p. 87-88). Obtaining a BSN can open up more job opportunities for a person and in most cases makes you more desirable to employers. Many nurses get burnt out from being floor nurses so if you have your BSN you have the option to move into management or many other areas like insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, research jobs or even a clinical instructor. “Research shows they use evidence based practice for better patient outcomes.” (Moore, n.d.) “ As also stated in the same article “numerous research studies have demonstrated that the ADN and BSN nurses are not different in skill competency when they graduate, but within a year, the BSN nurses show greater critical thinking skills better problem solving, and the development of clinical judgment; three skills of increasing importance for the increase in acuity of patients in hospitals and other health care settings.” (Moore, n.d.)

They determined that patients needing surgery have a "substantial survival advantage" (Aiken, Clark, Cheung, Sloan, & Silber, 2003) if treated in hospitals with higher ratios of nurses educated at the baccalaureate degree level. They too determined through this research that the more nurses holding BSN degrees help decrease the risk of patients dying and the ability to determine the patient is in distress. This research provides the evidence that nurses with a BSN degree have a better comprehension in their ability to formulate nursing diagnoses and evaluate nursing interventions. (Giger & Davidhizar, 1990) BSN degree nurses also demonstrate improved professional integration and research/evaluation skills. (The Future of Nursing:Leading Change, Advancing Health, 2012)

A growing number of employers prefer BSN nurses to ADN nurses according to recent reports (Spetz and Bates, 2013). This indicates that hospitals consider nurses with a BSN to be more professional than nurses with an ADN. According to Spetz, there has been a

The researchers determined that for every 10% increase in nurses at the BSN level, there was a 4% decrease in patient death ("AACN Fact Sheet," 2012). From this study it can be ascertained that a BSN nurse can perform at a more competent and safe level for patients. The amount of knowledge regarding patient care and skills between ADN and BSN prepared nurses is very similar. The BSN however has supplemental skills in critical thinking and communication that allow them to look at and solve problems differently. A BSN is more likely to utilize evidence based practice and team problem solving to minimize their margin of error.

ADN is shortened program time and reduced tuition rates. This program is more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and more tasks oriented. It lacks the theory and science behind nursing as a profession.ADN nurses are educated to provide nursing are to persons with similar alterations in structured setting.ADN degree graduates to meet the needs of the pt.

Obviously, the BSN program will take more time and money over the ADN program. Although most colleges and universities offer traditional four year nursing programs, some offer accelerated programs. It will usually cost the same, however you are able to enter the nursing profession sooner. Unlike the ADN program, “the BSN nurse is better prepared to practice in all health care settings – critical care, outpatient, public health, and mental health” (Baccalaureate Degree, 2000, para. 8).

Along with the before mentioned competencies of a BSN nurse, they are taught advanced communication skills and are better at educating, making them excellent leaders and resources. Although ADN nurses have been in management positions, I have seen an obvious difference between the two. The BSN managers are far more competent, demonstrating fair practices amongst their employees, they are able to communicate to them in a way that makes them feel like they understand, a way that is not only informative but in no way demeaning. It appears that they take pride in what they do, what they have achieved, and desire to help

Nurses a with Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) are known for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, health promotion, and for their ability to practice across a variety of inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings. These nurses are well-prepared to meet the demands placed on today's nurse.

Nursing education encompasses a vast continuum. Within the undergraduate subdivision, there are two preparatory levels of nursing education: Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN). Although the underlying philosophies of patient-centered care and compassion remain consistent between both degree-levels, there are distinctions pertaining to clinical decision-making and care delivery. Major differences in competency of critical thinking and problem solving skills, evidence-based practice and clinical judgment, exist between nurses prepared at the associate-degree level and baccalaureate degree level, thus

Education increases both clinical competency and quality care. Associate degree in Nursing can be completed in three years. It was initially started to fill the shortage of nurses. BSN degree is four year nursing education and it helps the nurses to be well- rounded academically. ADN versus BSN have been in discussion for some time now. According to “HRSA’s 2013 report, titled The U.S. Nursing Workforce, found that 55% of the RN workforce held BSN or higher degree. In a separate study conducted by National Council of State Boards of Nursing found that 61% of RN workforce in U.S. was BSN or Higher degree”

Conversely, the main difference between an ADN and a BSN degree is the emphasis on leadership and management, wellness, and community nursing. Equally important, as noted by Ellis (2006), “BSN prepared nurses possess greater knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction as well as illness and disease management

This paper will touch upon the educational requirements for the profession of nursing between Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor Degree Nursing (BSN). It will also explore the competency differences between the ADN and BSN over the educational time frame for each degree. Also discussed will be a patient care scenario where both disciplines provide nursing care and how the care would differ.

A BSN represent a Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing, while an ADN is an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Both degrees will qualify a person to take the same licensing exam NCLEX. There are several differences in the competency levels of these two-degree programs. BSN program is a four-year degree, which is knowledge, theory and research based and the emphasis is on the entire picture of the field of nursing. Exposing the nurse to human diversity and global perspective, health promotion, spiritual perspectives, ethical, legal, political, historical and social influences using liberal arts including biblical concepts for complete

BSN nurses are well prepared and can function in varied situation utilizing the proper process and complex clinical skills all within the scope of practice and within the hospital guidelines. On the other hand ADN nurses are restricted to their level of knowledge and skill within the hospitals policy. BSN nurses have leadership abilities which enable them to be better clinical resources, charge nurses and supervisors on the other hand ADN nurses are limited to patient care. Research piloted by Dr. Christopher Friese and colleagues states that “nurses prepared at BSN level were linked to lower mortality and failure to rescue levels”. All nurses use the same process while providing care but BSN prepared nurse has an upper hand because of their level of knowledge that helps them plan and deliver care efficiently.

I enjoyed your post Meredith. If you really want to talk about hands on when out of school, most ADN have more clue on the clinical aspect of nursing. When it comes to patient's satisfaction, documentation and the dignity of the profession, then BSN takes care of that. In this century that people are looking for someone to take to court, BSN teaches on documentation and that is why you see most nurses even when the job is not done, they are on the computer charting because they said if it not written, it is not done. Many nurses are specializing on documentations these days compared to doing the work except old nurses that spend long hours doing the work.