Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate Degree Level Versus Baccalaureate Degree Level in Nursing
Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate Degree Level Versus Baccalaureate Degree Level in Nursing.
Grand Canyon University November 23, 2010
Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus baccalaureate degree level in nursing.
Which is better? A baccalaureate degree in nursing or an associate’s degree in nursing? Currently this seems to be the rising question in the nursing profession. I believe this argument will be one to be answered by many for some time to come. Both degrees have graduated wonderful nurses. While one program works well for one nurse, the other program may better suit another nurse’s needs. Neither program will necessarily make you a better nurse but there are differences in the programs that prepare nurses for different paths or situations in their nursing careers.
One difference in competencies between the Associate Degree Nurse and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse is the time spent in the formal education process. The ADN nurse obtains their degree from either a community or junior college, compared to a BSN nurse that attends a 4 year college or university. “There is a distinct difference between the 72 credits and the 125 BSN credits required in each of the nursing programs’ curriculum” (The difference between associate degree nurses and the baccalaureate degree nurses, 2008).
Educational competencies are another area where the two nursing degrees differ. Cerritos College website explained that “the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) graduate is prepared and expected to practice within the framework of the Educational Competencies for Graduates of Associate Degree Nursing Programs as identified by the National Council of Associate Degree Nursing Competencies Task Force in 2000” (Competencies expected of the associate degree nurse). They go on to say “ADN graduates practice within the framework of eight core components and competencies. The core
Grand Canyon University November 23, 2010
Differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus baccalaureate degree level in nursing.
Which is better? A baccalaureate degree in nursing or an associate’s degree in nursing? Currently this seems to be the rising question in the nursing profession. I believe this argument will be one to be answered by many for some time to come. Both degrees have graduated wonderful nurses. While one program works well for one nurse, the other program may better suit another nurse’s needs. Neither program will necessarily make you a better nurse but there are differences in the programs that prepare nurses for different paths or situations in their nursing careers.
One difference in competencies between the Associate Degree Nurse and the Baccalaureate Degree Nurse is the time spent in the formal education process. The ADN nurse obtains their degree from either a community or junior college, compared to a BSN nurse that attends a 4 year college or university. “There is a distinct difference between the 72 credits and the 125 BSN credits required in each of the nursing programs’ curriculum” (The difference between associate degree nurses and the baccalaureate degree nurses, 2008).
Educational competencies are another area where the two nursing degrees differ. Cerritos College website explained that “the Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) graduate is prepared and expected to practice within the framework of the Educational Competencies for Graduates of Associate Degree Nursing Programs as identified by the National Council of Associate Degree Nursing Competencies Task Force in 2000” (Competencies expected of the associate degree nurse). They go on to say “ADN graduates practice within the framework of eight core components and competencies. The core
References: College of Nursing. (2010). Retrieved November 21, 2010, from The University of Texas at Arlington: http://www.uta.edu/nursing/handbook/bsn-competencies.php Competencies expected of the associate degree nurse. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2010, from Cerritos College: http://cms.cerritos.edu/registered-nurse/competencies-expected-of-and Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy. (2008, March 19). Retrieved November 21, 2010, from Grand Canyon University: http://angel03.gcu.edu/AngelUploads/Content/NRS430V_LOR/_assoc/9F701F8BA94C4C4B9E903CA7CC08B97D/NRS430V.v2R4_Grand_Canyon_University_Col.doc The difference between associate degree nurses and the baccalaureate degree nurses. (2008, June). Retrieved November 21, 2010, from West Coast University: http://www.westcoastuniversity.edu/content.aspx?id=331