Nursing has continually evolved throughout time. From St. Benedict in 250 BC who initiated “The Benedictine Nursing Order” to Mildred Montag 1957-1994 with the development of “the Education of Nursing Technicians.” And, now, with nurses pursuing their advanced professional degrees from ADN to BSN we too are a part of this nursing evolution. As our world changes so must nursing to respond to the many demands of a continually evolving health care system and meet the changing needs of patients, nurses must achieve higher levels of education. It is not only that achieving a higher education would meet the needs of our patients, but, that it is the prudent path to take with differences being proven in lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and an increase in positive outcomes for our patients. In making the transition from ADN to BSN there are several competency differences.…
In the late 1850s Florence Nightingale started her own school to train nurses and developed standards by which nurses performed their duties. She may never have envisioned that one day there would be different educational tracks resulting in multiple degrees and disciplines in nursing, each having their own set of criteria for excellence. Associate degree nurse (ADN) and baccalaureate degree nurse (BSN) are the two most common entry level nursing positions. An ADN can be obtained in two or three years whereas the BSN takes four years of education to complete due to additional courses. Differences between the degrees begin with education and mature as the nurse gains experience.…
Before designating the differences between the baccalaureate degree prepared nurse and associate degree prepared nurses it is important to examine their similarities. Both ADN and BSN nurses take the same licensure exam, the National Council Licensure EXamination, and both receive the same license upon passing the licensure exam. Adding to that both must go through rigorous training prior to providing patient care. The BSN and ADN nurse both assist in determining the health status and needs of clients (Arlington, 2003). Nonetheless though there are similarities there are also many differences. Baccalaureate nurses receive more education. On top of the typical nursing school course work, BSN students must also take courses in theory, community health, research, and management. This additional education has proven to provide baccalaureate prepared nurses with increased critical thinking skills, lower mortality rates, and greater leadership skills. On the other hand, ADN programs “...consist of a balance between general education and clinical nursing courses” (Creasia, 2011). Associate degree nurses enter the workforce prepared for technical and secondary care settings. Given the differences and…
I have heard the statement "Why should I get a baccalaureate degree in nursing (BSN) when I can get an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and still sit for the same NCLEX and get my RN license?" This is a very good question and one that every nursing student should ask. The short answer is that a nurse with a BSN has more opportunities to work in a variety of health care settings that offer an extensive array of opportunities for professional growth. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses can be bedside nurses, educators, case managers, discharge planners, administrators, and work in public health, home health, and community clinics. The armed forces require an officer in the nurse corps to have a BSN and joining the military is an excellent opportunity to serve your country, pay for your education, and receive all the wonderful benefits that go beyond the immediate financial rewards. The associate degree nurse is limited to providing direct, hands-on patient care in a more restricted type of health care setting such as hospitals, skilled nursing and long term care facilities, clinics, and physicians' offices.…
Grand Canyon University NRS-430V October 12, 2014 Differences in competencies between BSN and ADNDifferences in competencies between BSN and ADN According to the AACN Nursing Fact sheet, Nursing is the nations largest health care profession, with more than 3.1 million registered nurses nationwide. And by 2008, nurses with bachelors degrees make up 36.8 percent and 36.1 percent with associates degrees. With this said, when a person steps in a hospital or any medical setting and is about to receive medical care, would they look if the nurse thats tending to them have a BSN on their badge Would it make a difference to that person and expect a different type of care Are there any differences in competencies between a nurse that has an ADN and a BSN Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) are two programs a person can achieve to be a Registered Nurse (RN). The ADN program provides the basic fundamental of nursing practice. An ADN nurse receives general education such as English and basic Sciences. An ADN also learns about nursing process, diseases, interventions and medications. An ADN degree provides the minimal education required to pass the NCLEX licensure exam. The BSN program provides general education that includes more in-depth nursing theory, leadership and management skills, models of care, and nursing research. It expands from an ADN education and makes a nurse more knowledgeable and competent. Although both degrees can earn a person to a Registered Nurse (RN) career, they differ in educations which in turn have different competencies. BSN nurses are more educated, therefore they provide high quality nursing care, stronger communication skills, and would have greater opportunities with career advancements. A nurse with a BSN would provide a higher quality of care. Due to their increased knowledge and greater thinking skills, a nurse with a BSN is able to provide a degree of care with more appropriate clinical decisions.…
“The future of public health in our nation depends on a competent, well-trained public health workforce. A well-trained workforce is in the best interest of all those concerned with maintaining a healthy society.” (IOM, 2003).…
Beginning from the 1940s, Baccalaureate programs in nursing became popular, by 1962 there were 178 colleges offering the program to students, and this became an accepted standard. However because of a nursing shortage in 1951, the ADN program was introduced as a quick way to repopulate the nursing community. (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 15). This program was deemed successful and served its purpose at the time, but based on advances in health care; it may not be sufficient education to provide the best care for people.…
The real difference with furthered education is leadership skills and the additional skill of using researching to lead change. At the entry level position there is not much difference between the ADN and the BSN. However, because of the different coursework “the BSN programs provide nurses an expanded world view and increased critical thinking skills.” (Starr, 2010). These increased skills are exemplified by increased patient outcomes. Other advantages in obtaining the BSN is that it creates an increased ability advance in their nursing career. Nurses have a large presence in the health care system, and play a huge role in patient care and outcomes. With increased education nurses are able to expand on their knowledge and are able to have voice in the health care system among the other professional…
Nurses are an imperative part of the health care team. Working concurrently with doctors, nurses ensure that patients obtain the highest quality of care and execute many of the routine functions of patient treatment. Associate degree nursing (ADN) education developed from Mildred Montag 's research and differentiated practice vision in 1952. From the first set of graduates, Montag 's differentiated practice vision did not take hold. Lack of differentiation of nurses ' role and functions in practice based on education preparation continues today (Mathias, 2009).…
The ADN is a two-year program that provides individuals the opportunity to provide entry level nursing care under the title Registered Nurse. Its initial purpose during the 1950s was to temporarily fill the nursing shortage gap after World War II. Nurses prepared at the Associate-degree level are expected to develop competence in safe and effective patient care including delegation and patient teaching. Today, ADN programs have grown exponentially across the nation and have become integrated in the curriculum of community colleges all over the U.S. The standard BSN program is typically 4 years in length and it exposes the student to evidence- based research, theory and science. While nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level are expected to provide the same competent care as an ADN prepared nurse, they are also required to integrate knowledge beyond the scope of the individual into practice. This requires an increased focus on critical thinking (Grand Canyon University, 2011). It is this increased focus on critical thinking and evidence- based approach that helped boost positive patient outcomes.…
A brief historical overview helps gain a better understanding of the factors influencing nursing education and how each program contributes to the new age health care institution.…
Long, K., Bernier, S., & Aiken, L. (2004). RN education: a matter of degrees. Nursing, 34(3), 48-51.…
Now more than ever, nurses are faced with the daily challenges of caring for higher acuity patients. In order to meet this need, nurses must be more highly educated to be able to effectively manage patient care. The Institute of Medicine (IOM), states, “As patient needs and care environments have become more complex, nurses need to attain requisite competencies to deliver high-quality care. These competencies include leadership, health policy, system improvement, research and evidence-based practice, and teamwork and collaboration, as well as competency in specific content areas such as community and public health and geriatrics. Nurses also are being called upon to fill expanding roles and to master technological tools and information management systems while collaborating and coordinating care across teams of health professionals. To respond to these increasing demands, the IOM committee calls for nurses to achieve higher levels of education and suggests that they be educated in new ways that better prepare them to meet the needs of the population.” ("Future of Nursing," 2010, p. 2).…
This paper’s the focus will be on the differences in associate degree nursing (ADN and baccalaureate in nursing (BSN) competencies, based on educational preparation. Highly qualified nurses are required by most of the health care system, in the United States (US) Magnet hospitals, have require all nurse managers and nurses leaders to hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree in nursing by 2013. (Citation). This writer intents to analyze similarities and differences between ADN and BSN degrees, the ADN is an attractive option for many, due to shortened program, time and the reduce tuition rate; baccalaureate nursing program have additional classes in humanities, sciences and expanded nursing coursework. Additional classes in community health nursing, nursing management and research enables the BSN nurse to be prepared for broader scope of practice (citation). By the end of this paper the reader we will be able to differentiate the two educational levels based on a patient care scenario, which demonstrates why higher education is recommended for nurses.…
While an Associate Degree Nurse, also known as an ADN, and Bachelor of Science in nursing nurse, also known as a BSN, are given the same preliminary education relating to patient treatment, there are notable differences in their professional and educational preparation, as well as their competencies. These two degrees have different levels of patient interaction and contact, as well as job expectations. ADN and BSN programs focus on different aspects and angles of education and job focus that all ultimately lead to taking optimal care of the patient. This paper compares the differences between those two areas and how important it is for these two degrees to work together as a team to provide the best possible outcome for all patients and nurses involved. This paper will touch on the differences between the educational levels and focuses, the clinical competencies, and the job expectations of the ADN and the BSN.…