BSN Versus ADN

BSN Versus ADN or Diploma Program
Tracie Bigelow
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
NRS 430 V
Luci Hanus
August 14, 2013

ADN Versus BSN
To become a practicing registered nurse (RN) it can be done at a diploma program, associate or baccalaureate entry degree level. After completion of either program it is required to sit for the same NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed and practice. It is believed those who practice at a baccalaureate degree level provide a higher quality of care to patients ("AACN," 2012, p. 1).
Now days there aren’t many diploma programs for nursing. Diplomas programs are set up in a hospital. The difference of a diploma program versus a degree program, is once graduated no degree is obtained.
Those
who choose to go the associate degree in nursing (ADN) route go through less schooling and pay less for their education. An associate degree in nursing can be obtained through a community college, whereas a baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) is obtained through a university. It takes 2 years to receive an ADN, and 4 years to receive a BSN. Many people have chosen the ADN route due to the lower costs and less schooling.
Baccalaureate degree nurses may go through more schooling and pay more, but are more educated.
“BSN programs cover all the materials covered in a ADN program plus a more in depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The additional work provides new graduates with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence health care delivery” ("The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice," 2012, para. 4). BSN nurses are provided with the opportunities to advance to higher positions in nursing without having to go back to school. For example, BSN nurses can become a nurse manager, unlike ADN nurse. BSN nurses are also more prepared to enter an advanced degree program. For example, nurse practitioner, or a nurse anesthetist program. BSN programs prepare those for what is
next.
Although, the BSN program is longer and in more depth than the ADN program or diploma program, graduates at any entry degree level in nursing are required to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. The NCLEX-RN exam does not compare differences between graduates of different programs. The NCLEX tests for minimum technical competency for safe entry into basic nursing practice. The fact that both BSN and ADN nurses are passing the NCLEX-RN exam does not mean that all entry - level nurses are equally prepared to practice ("AACN," 2012, p. 1).
Baccalaureate degree nurses are believed to provide a higher quality of care to patients.
According to The American Association of Colleges of Nursing research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. According to an article published in Health Services Research in August 2008, nurses with a baccalaureate degree were linked with a lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rate. Authors believed that moving toward a higher education level in the nursing workforce, requiring at least BSN would result in better patient outcomes ("AACN," 2012, p. 2). In a study released in the May 2008 issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration, it was noted that researchers found that every 10% increase in the proportion of nurses with a BSN there was a 4% decrease in the risk of death ("AACN," 2012, p. 3). BSN degree nurses are proven to have better leadership and critical thinking skills, due to the extra schooling provided to them. For example, there was a patient in the hospital with type I diabetes, whose glucose levels ranged from critically high to critically low (500’s-30’s). The nurse working with this patient through managing the diabetes noticed her high sensitivity to regular insulin. After an episode of critically high levels the physician ordered 14 units of regular insulin, the ADN nurse continued covering her with the insulin as prescribed which
resulted in a critically low glucose level each time. The BSN nurse with the experience and education to take a leadership role in the patient’s diabetes management analyzed her past history and sensitivity to regular insulin and presented this to the doctor in the further prevention of critical low glucose levels. The BSN nurses actions led to new physician orders and more controlled management for the patient. Evidence and research show that BSN degree nurses are prepared at a higher level and provide a higher quality of care to patients.
Although, a nursing degree can be obtained at an associate or baccalaureate entry degree level, evidence shows how a more in depth education can place an impact on patient care and outcomes. Evidence supports going the extra 2 years and paying the extra money is worth it. Those with a BSN are easily able to transition into a management position with an increase in salary. It is said that in the near future a BSN is going to be a requirement to practice as a registered nurse, due to all the evidence based practice and research showing better outcomes than having a ADN. Both types of nursing programs are required to sit for the same licensing exam, but that exam does not show the differences in programs. Both programs provide the same licensure, but with all the research it has shown that those who graduate with a BSN versus an ADN are able to provide a higher level of quality care to patients.

References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/NursingWorkforce.pdf
The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education