Educational Preparation Essay

preparation of the nurse BSN versus a diploma or ADN degree. Besides the difference in time,

Through my research for this paper I have found that RNs who have an associate degree or diploma are more likely to make errors during clinical practice. Nurses who hold Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees have a stronger foundation in which to build better communication, leadership, critical thinking and problem solving skills. The high demands placed on today's nurses really challenge all of these skills on a daily basis. Nurses with Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees have a better understanding of the importance to be proficient in these skills. In a study of RN-to-BSN degree graduates from 1995 to

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).

There is much debate on whether there is a benefit to obtaining a Baccalaureate in Nursing. Since it is only my second week in the RN to BSN program, I don’t have a lot to base my opinion on. This paper will summarize the differences between Associates a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing based on what I’ve been told, research I have done, and my own experiences.

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the differences in the scope of practice between Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) nurses. There are numerous variances and similarities identified. These variances will be explored to show distinction between the two educational preparedness expectations by the Board of Nurse Examiners (BON).

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

Who makes a better nurse? A nurse with an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree? The answer would probably depend on who one asks. However, according to American Association of College of Nursing (2012), “education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery” (pg.1). In this discussion, nurses prepared in baccalaureate-degree level compared to

The differences can be seen when looking at the responsibilities of these two degrees. For example: “the associates degree graduates are expected to provide safe bedside care to clients with defined and predictable health problems” (Creaisa and Friberg, 2011, pg.26), while nurses with their baccalaureate degrees are expected to treat patients with complicated and unpredictable problems. Another difference between the associate’s degree holders and the baccalaureate degree is that once these graduates get to their workplaces, the ones with the baccalaureate degree are expected to display leadership skills such as teaching and also to focus on the need of not just the patient but also the patient’s families and communities. Like Linda Moore Rosen explains “ADN can assess needs, plan interventions, implement care, and perform evaluations with individuals and families under the supervision of a nurse prepared with a BSN or MSN” (Rosen, 2000, p.236). Baccalaureate nursing practices include working in unstructured settings with little or no kind of established procedures, while associate nursing practices only include secure setting with established procedures.

Some do not believe there is a difference. Don’t both take the same NCLEX? Personally it is believed to be education, training and experience as the main differences. While both have the same nursing training the BSN nurses goes above and beyond to begin to specialize in nursing. Most BSN programs are 4 years long. Those four years are spent educating, training and assisting in gaining experience in nursing. According to the AACN, Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth

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

Technically graduates of both programs, ADN and BSN, prepared and eligible for NCLEX test. Both programs graduates are competent to provide safe care to the public, but they do not deliver the same quality of care. Baccalaureate prepared nurses have a direct and positive impact on mortality rates. The practice shows that higher nursing education level is an important factor in patient safety and delivered quality of care. BSN programs aims the students at developing skills like focusing on health, wellness and prevention illnesses. Nowadays most hospitals recruit only BSN nurses or require the working nurses to get BSN degrees. Advancing the career to the higher level and getting a BSN degree benefits to a personal fulfillment, is the best investment for nurses in the times of planning to increase the nurses with BSN degrees to 80 % by 2020 according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative , makes nurses marketable in the world with its global evolving

The battle between Associate vs. Bachelors have been raging over years. The debate seems to be heavily to receive in BSN and or higher education. The American Nurses Association (ANA), American Association of College of Nursing and Institute of Medicine (IOM) have published many articles, facts and book about the important of a nurse to become BSN or higher educations. Just by researching between the ADN and BSN the developments and growth are very different. Using the description from Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy, “Baccalaureate nursing practice incorporates

There are many roles that Registered Nurses can pursue once they graduate from a nursing program and obtain their license. A Bachelor’s of science in Nursing (BSN) prepared nurse and an Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN) prepared nurse learn the same technical skills such as taking vital signs and passing medications, but a BSN nurse is better educated in critical thinking. A BSN prepared nurse can also advance quicker in their career with better job opportunities. These are strong reasons for any ASN nurse to seek a higher level of education.

Nursing is a widely respected and greatly needed occupation in our country today. Healthcare is constantly growing and evolving. Registered Nurses are a vital part of the existence of all communities. Nurses are required not only at inpatient hospital settings, but in schools, offices, community health settings, nursing homes, administration, and the list goes on! Despite both baccalaureate and associate prepared nurses taking the same board exam to practice nursing, educational advancement can contribute to the care of patients in all of these settings and aide in a more optimal outcome. The bachelors- prepared programs educate students on all the same topics as an associate- prepared program does. However BSN programs teach in further