Jane Doe
Grand Canyon University
Professional Dynamics
NRS 430V
Mary Smith
May 14, 2011
Competencies between nurses prepared at Associate Degree level vs. Baccalaureate Degree level
A nurse is a person formally educated and trained in the care of the sick or infirm. The nurse works in collaboration with other healthcare professionals and is responsible for the treatment, safety, and recovery of sick people who are in need of close observation and physical, emotional, spiritual and social care. This paper will explain the competencies for nurses prepared at the ADN and BSN levels.
Nursing shortage in early 1990’s inspired the nursing organization to differentiate educational and work requirements to attract new job. In 1993 the American association of college of nursing (AACN) and the American organization of nurse executives began differentiating nursing competencies into separate carrier for associate degree level and BSN levels. By originating distinct duties, academic options and requirements for each nursing certification, both associations thought they could fight nursing shortages increase the work efficiency and increase job growth.("American Association of Colleges of Nursing," 1993)
Some of the basic competencies for ADN and BSN who have successfully completed the NCLEX is that they can perform physical assessment, intravenous and drug administration, blood sampling, and use of medical equipments. Also life saving practice skills likes cardiac monitoring, airway management, drains, oxygen delivery and wound care.
The additional skills that the BSN exhibits other than the basic skills are stronger communication skills used to communicate with the patient’s family and a larger community. BSN manage the patient experience from admission to discharge in a more unstructured environment that requires more direct, long term communication with the patient. BSN
References: * Hardy, C. (n.d.). Difference in Competencies Between RN & BSN | eHow.com. eHow | How to Videos, Articles & More - Trusted Advice for the Curious Life | eHow.com. Retrieved May 15, 2011, from http://www.ehow.com/about_5383168_difference-competencies-between-rn-bsn.html * College of Nursing and Health Science Philosophy | Grand Canyon University . (n.d.). Nursing Program | Online Nursing Program | Grand Canyon University. Retrieved May 15, 2011, from http://conhs.gcu.edu/index.php?page=philosophy * Nelson, M. (May 31, 2002). "Education for Professional Nursing Practice: Looking Backward Into the Future". Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. Vol. 7 No. 3, Manuscript 3. Available: www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Volume72002/No2May2002/EducationforProfessionalNursingPractice.aspx