Competency Differences in the Associate and Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse
Running head: Competency Differences
Competency Differences In The Associate and Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse
In this environment of changing roles for nurses, I will address the different competencies of the associate degree nurse versus the baccalaureate degree nurse. The focus of the associate degree nurse is on the technical skills and hands on clinical skills. It is a shorter program, which is attractive because it can be completed in two years. The baccalaureate degree is a four-year program that places its emphasis on critical thinking and leadership skills. Baccalaureate nurses are in a better position to advance their degree and to hold higher-level jobs. In this changing nursing environment with more autonomy and independence advancing our education is a valuable asset. The Associate degree program was stared after World War II due the severe shortage of nurses. It was established to produce a large amount nurses in a short period of time. This was supposed to be temporary situation to produce technical nurses. We all are aware that Associate Degree Programs are very present in the country today. There are several differences in the competency levels of the different degree programs. The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and is more task oriented. It lacks the theory and science behind nursing as a profession. It is very alluring because it can be completed in a short period of time and one can be working with a good salary. The BSN program on the other hand is a four-year degree, which is theory based and the emphasis is on the entire picture of the field of nursing. Exposing the nurse to multiple cultures, community health and diverse populations, gives the nurse a more complete understanding of the field. A baccalaureate prepared nurse is in a better position to advance their degree to nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, or
Competency Differences In The Associate and Baccalaureate Prepared Nurse
In this environment of changing roles for nurses, I will address the different competencies of the associate degree nurse versus the baccalaureate degree nurse. The focus of the associate degree nurse is on the technical skills and hands on clinical skills. It is a shorter program, which is attractive because it can be completed in two years. The baccalaureate degree is a four-year program that places its emphasis on critical thinking and leadership skills. Baccalaureate nurses are in a better position to advance their degree and to hold higher-level jobs. In this changing nursing environment with more autonomy and independence advancing our education is a valuable asset. The Associate degree program was stared after World War II due the severe shortage of nurses. It was established to produce a large amount nurses in a short period of time. This was supposed to be temporary situation to produce technical nurses. We all are aware that Associate Degree Programs are very present in the country today. There are several differences in the competency levels of the different degree programs. The ADN program is shorter and more concise which focuses on the clinical skills and is more task oriented. It lacks the theory and science behind nursing as a profession. It is very alluring because it can be completed in a short period of time and one can be working with a good salary. The BSN program on the other hand is a four-year degree, which is theory based and the emphasis is on the entire picture of the field of nursing. Exposing the nurse to multiple cultures, community health and diverse populations, gives the nurse a more complete understanding of the field. A baccalaureate prepared nurse is in a better position to advance their degree to nurse practitioner, nurse anesthesia, or
References: Diane S. Moore Ph. D RN (2008). The difference between Associate Degree Nurses and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurses. Retrieved Sept. 10,2010, from http://www.westcoastuniversity.edu/content.aspx?id=331 DeBack, V. & Mentkowski, M (1986). Does the Baccalaureate make a difference? Journal of Nursing Education, 25(1), 275-285. Lucy J. Hood (2010). Conceptual Basis of Professional Nursing. Philadelphia: Wolters Klwer Health/lippincott Williams And Wilkins. Julie Watson Brown (2006). Public Health Competence Among RN to BSN Students. Public Health Nursing, Vol.22, pgs.178-182. Youssef, F.A. & Goodrich, N (1996). Accelerated versus traditional nursing students. International Journal of Nursing Studies, Vol.33 (1), 76-82. School Of Nursing UT Arlington Staff (2003). Essential Competencies of Texas Graduates of Baccalaureate Degree Registered Nursing Programs. Retrieved Sept.14, 2010, from http://www.uta.edu/nursing/handbook/bsn-competencies.php