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 understanding of the field . The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and is more tasks oriented. It lacks the theory and science behind nursing as a profession. BSN Prepared Nurses poses the following competency according to Leddy and Peppers Conceptual Bases of Professional Nursing (Lucy J Hood (2010)
Provide direct care with different nursing diagnosis using nursing process
Practice within structured or non-structured setting using independent nursing decisions
Use complex communication skills with clients; collaborate with team and other interdisciplinary members.
Assess client information needs and design care plan
Collaborate with nursing teachers to incorporate nursing research findings develop protocols.
Manage comprehensive client care for clients as a charge nurse.
Maintain accountability own practice and delegates care to other nursing personnel.
Plan nursing care on identified needs from admission until after discharge.
Practice within the legal and ethical parameters of nursing.
Assess client information needs and design care plan.
Collaborate with nursing teachers to incorporate nursing research findings develop protocols.
Manage comprehensive client care for clients as
References: . Lucy J Hood (2010). In Hilarie Surrena (Ed.), Leddy and Pepper 's Conceptual Bases of Professional Nursing (7th ed., pp. 15-21).