BSN Degrees

Comparison of ADN and BSN Graduates
What is the difference between nurses prepared as an Associates Degree Nurse (ADN) and nurses prepared with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree? Both nurses have a formal education. After graduating from their programs, they are both required to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. However, BSN nurses are better critical thinkers, have better leadership and mentoring skills, and are more prepared to meet the increasing demands placed on nurses today.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the NCLEX tests only for “minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice.” (Rosseter, n.d., p. 1) The AACN states that BSN programs study more in-depth social
Miss R was married but separated from her husband. She had two young children that were in the care of her parents due to the husband’s abusive nature. Miss R was suffering from Renal Cancer and at the end of her life. She was still able to speak for herself, but pain was becoming an extreme problem. She decided to put herself on our “Comfort Care” orders, which are the equivalent to Hospice. At this time her husband showed up and started wanting to become part of her care. This scared and worried her terribly. Immediately I contacted the charge nurse and the Ethics Committee was notified. This committee consists of social workers, BSN nurses and hospital pastors. They were able to address the situation, the law, the patient’s current needs and quickly develop a plan. A DPOA was drawn up and signed while patient was still conscious and of sound mind. She made all her wishes made very clearly and succinctly, and the decisions for her care were then legally transferred from her husband to her mother. I am sad to say that Miss R passed away less than one week later, but am glad to be part of a team that was able to pull its resources and do an amazing job. I think earning my BSN will make me a more valuable part of that