The Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level Versus the Baccalaureate-Degree Level in Nursing.

The differences between the baccalaureate-prepared and a master’s-prepared nurse are the deeper understanding theories and practices. Communication skills now have evolved to include all departments involved to improve patient’s care outcomes while being mindful of cost (American Associations of Colleges of Nursing, 2011). Advanced knowledge and analytical thinking generates a higher level of self-esteem leading to professional growth. In turn, colleagues identify you as a role model perusing their own personal growth (Cotterill-Walker, 2012).

Nursing has a long history of formal education which moved out of hospitals and into colleges and universities early last century. The associate degree level of nursing was developed out of a need to produce nurses in response to a shortage during and

Is having a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) better than an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)? Why should nurses get a BSN? Many nurses ask themselves these questions. Hospitals are pushing for nurses to advance their education. If there is an ADN nurse and BSN nurse applying for the same position most likely the BSN nurse will receive the job before the ADN nurse because “ the additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that

Education has a strong outcome on everyone, and nursing is a profession that makes sure that everyone that is being called a nurse goes through the best kind of education that is available. Nursing helps to nurture human by providing humane services for all. There are different levels of education in nursing; an associate’s degree, a baccalaureate degree, master’s degree and so on. So it is very important to understand the differences between all these degrees since each certified nursing program carries educational and professional requirements that are expected to be carried out. The following paragraphs are going to explain the differences in competencies between nurses that are

Nurses must achieve a higher level of education in order to meet the demands of evolving health care and the changing needs of patients (Rosseter, 2012). Nurses will need to be prepared for a broader scope of practice and to maintain quality within the health care setting. Associate degrees are still valuable tools when used as stepping stones to baccalaureate programs and performing the technical aspects of nursing. BSN-educated nurses are equipped with a more diverse skill set that assists them in leading and reacting appropriately in critical situations. In addition, they have the opportunity to pursue advanced practices. Baccalaureate programs can help develop a good or adequate associate degree nurse, into an outstanding nurse.

Associates prepared nurses are able to sit for the NCLEX as well as bachelors prepared nurses. They are both able to practice and perform many of the same skills and procedures. Their differences in clinical competencies are few, but their differences in critical thinking, decision making, communication, leadership, and management techniques and abilities, are many. The bachelors prepared nurse has received a higher and more in depth level of education in their field. This additional study and preparedness gives the bachelors prepared nurse the ability to understand not only the “what” and “how” of their clinical procedures, but also the

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

Bachelor degree nursing programs are highly regarded for the skilled, clinical thinking, and professionalism of nurses they provide for the community. Obtaining a baccalaureate in nursing provides the same skills and knowledge encompassed in most associate’s programs, while allowing a broadened look into research, public health, management, and humanities (AACN IENP, 2012). Many facilities are now providing incentives for nursing staff to continue their education; from tuition reimbursement, an increase in pay, and played time off for the sole purpose of education. Research has proven that with a more educated

The implications for BSN-prepared nurses in addition to those of RNs with an associate degree

An ongoing debate for the requirements to become a Registered Nurse (RN) has been unsettled. Several different educational pathways lead to an RN licensure; however, the minimum educational requirements must be standardized at the baccalaureate level for several reasons. Spetz and Bates (2013) published that a growing number of hospitals prefer hiring nurses with a Bachelor Science in Nursing (BSN) as this increases the status of the nursing profession (p. 1). Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), as well as a certificate on-the-job training Diploma are two other educational pathways to become an RN, which can be disadvantageous to the nursing profession in several ways (Tollick 2013; Spetz and Bates 2013). If entry-level nurses

Healthcare systems and the way safe, quality health care is delivered are continually changing to better serve patients and communities. Professional nursing practice is a large component in the healthcare system today. Back in the 1960s, professional nursing leaders tried to adopt the bachelor degree programs as the only educational track to become a registered nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Due to nursing shortages and demands this motive did not hold fast. Individuals entering the nursing profession today must first decide which educational pathway to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

An associate degree in nursing is obtained after a two-year period in junior or community college and is provided online by some schools. On the contrary, a baccalaureate degree in this field is earned after a four-year academic period in a university or traditional college. There are several distinctions between the two degrees as baccalaureate degree has emerged as an important requirement for professional practice in nursing. One of the major differences is type as an associate nursing degree is an academic achievement in Applied Science while a baccalaureate nursing degree is labeled as a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN). However, the two degrees prepare students for the National Council Licensure Exam, which is a prerequisite for practicing as a registered nurse. After licensing, graduates of these degrees can work as new nurses in various facilities like clinics, hospitals, long-term care, and other health facilities at the entry-level position.

This topic takes a look into whether or not acquiring an Associate Degree in Nursing, ADN, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BSN, affects a student’s ability to pass the National Council Licensure Examination, NCLEX for Registered Nurses. Through the process of research and data analysis, we will be able to answer the question many prospective nursing students wonder the answer to all too often. Is there truly a significant difference between a nurse with an Associate degree or a Bachelor degree? Most colleges, universities, hospitals, and the Institute of Medicine up talk the need for a nurse to have a BSN, by saying in order for a nurse to qualify for more jobs, earn a higher pay, and succeed as an RN one must hold a BSN degree. Essentially

The difference in competences between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus the baccalaureate-degree level can be evident in the reaction time, data collection, critical thinking and data analysis. Both the BSN and ADN nurse are held at the same standard when it comes to performance and the expectation stays the same. Getting a bachelors degree requires a lot of research and there is more critical think courses involved, BSN nurses are highly experienced than one trained at ADN level nurses. Nurses trained at a bachelor’s degree level have a broader view of the nursing process, and they tend to think more critically than the nurse trained at the associate degree level. Another disadvantage for training at ADN level is that it is more difficult to further your education. Getting into a masters degree program will require the nurse to be a conferred bachelors degree holder. This is a big limitation for nurses trained at ADN level. Opportunities in advancement for ADN nurse is impeded due to the quality of education achieved by the ADN nurse in comparison to a bachelors nurse degree holder, who spent more time in school, Ultimately prepared for the challenges to come in their career as a nurse.

Nursing education has progressed throughout history from one of uneducated lay persons to the current standards we know today. As the career has progressed it has become apparent that there is a need for a skilled labor forced trained to deal with the sick and dying, “the provision of nursing care by American women…demonstrated the effectiveness of skilled nursing on improving outcomes for sick and injured soldiers” (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 4). However, as the career progresses so does the need for more specialized training amongst nurses to help them deal with the changing atmosphere of patient care. The future