Before designating the differences between the baccalaureate degree prepared nurse and associate degree prepared nurses it is important to examine their similarities. Both ADN and BSN nurses take the same licensure exam, the National Council Licensure EXamination, and both receive the same license upon passing the licensure exam. Adding to that both must go through rigorous training prior to providing patient care. The BSN and ADN nurse both assist in determining the health status and needs of clients (Arlington, 2003). Nonetheless though there are similarities there are also many differences. Baccalaureate nurses receive more education. On top of the typical nursing school course work, BSN students must also take courses in theory, community health, research, and management. This additional education has proven to provide baccalaureate prepared nurses with increased critical thinking skills, lower mortality rates, and greater leadership skills. On the other hand, ADN programs “...consist of a balance between general education and clinical nursing courses” (Creasia, 2011). Associate degree nurses enter the workforce prepared for technical and secondary care settings. Given the differences and…
It takes four years to complete the program which includes pre-requisites. The courses are based on research, theories and informatics (field of study that examines how nurses use technology). BSN programs came into effect when people started to ask questions about the nature of nursing, its mission, goals and scope of nurse’s role. BSN degree gives nurses an increase opportunity to apply for advance positions in their field. The nurses are prepared at a more higher level of education with advanced clinical practice. It also prepares the nurse for broader scope of practice. Nurses with BSN degree coordinate, communicate, collaborate with the patient and their families, populations and communities. They use multiple referral resources, have strong management, leadership skills and critical thinking skills. They analyze the patient, patient’s family, population and communities. They also delegate task to other health care team members and maintain confidentiality. The focus of a nurse with BSN degree is not only on the patient but also on patient’s family, community and organization as a whole. They have a broader view of the outcome and expectations. With a BSN nurse the quality of patient care increases and with a decrease in mortality rate of patients. The outcome of patient care is better with more satisfaction because of the nurses’ education level. “Today there is an increase demand for nurses with BSN degree because it…
The real difference with furthered education is leadership skills and the additional skill of using researching to lead change. At the entry level position there is not much difference between the ADN and the BSN. However, because of the different coursework “the BSN programs provide nurses an expanded world view and increased critical thinking skills.” (Starr, 2010). These increased skills are exemplified by increased patient outcomes. Other advantages in obtaining the BSN is that it creates an increased ability advance in their nursing career. Nurses have a large presence in the health care system, and play a huge role in patient care and outcomes. With increased education nurses are able to expand on their knowledge and are able to have voice in the health care system among the other professional…
Because the baccalaureate prepared nurse learns leadership skills, he or she is better prepared to make assignments according to patient acuity. According to the AACN (n.d., para. 11) in a study released in the Journal of Nursing Administration “every 10% increase in the proportion of BSN nurses on the hospital staff was associated with a 4% decrease in the risk of death.” The baccalaureate prepared nurse is prepared to take leadership roles in organizational committees. There have been studies that show that “more-educated nurses act more independently, take responsibilities for judgement, and take on…
This article discusses the difficulties and steps to reaching success that the Registered Nurse has to take into consideration in the transition from RN to BSN. There is an increasing focus for nurses to be BSN prepared by 2020 with the goal being 80% of the practicing nurses. This encourages nurses to get their BSN and advance their education in order to be able to survive the nursing challenges, and be aligned to compete for job security and advancements. The transition from RN to BSN does not come without challenges however the achievement is worth it.…
A nurse with BSN degree has these various characteristic which makes her unique and exceptional from one with associate degree. For instance a nurse with BSN degree can comfortably do the work of a social or case manager without encountering any obstacle. But a nurse with associate degree may find it difficult due to limited knowledge in critical thinking and proper decision…
“Increasing RN-BSN enrollments: Facilitating Articulation Through Curriculum Reform” is an article contained in The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing that was written by Janie Spencer, RN, EdD in 2008. The educational degree nurses obtain are by diploma, the associate degree (ADN), and the baccalaureate degree (BSN). In this article, Dr. Spencer discusses the advantages of BSN degree nurses, ways to increase BSN degree nurses and the current trends in RN-BSN programs. “The majority of practicing registered nurses (RNs) hold an associate degree” (Spencer, 2008, p.308). The goal was to have approximately two thirds of nurses hold a BSN degree by 2010, however, that goal is still not met.…
According to the IOM report, they wanted to increase the number of nurses with a baccalaureate degree by 80% (American Nurses Association, IOM report, 2010). I knew for myself this would mean for me to go back to school and get a higher level of degree to maintain my status in the nursing professional world. This is why I am presently in school to get my BSN and I am very excited to be able to say I am a part of the BSN nurses. This will allow me to be in competition with other nurses.…
Professional honesty is about the physician knowing the limits of his or her own competence and when to refer to someone else for help. There is nothing shameful about not knowing the solution to a medical problem. It is dangerous to fake competence or pretend to know things. A statement by the Medical Council, Disclosure of harm, acknowledges that all medical treatment carries risk and encourages physicians to disclose where a patient has been harmed as the result of their medical care. The Council quotes research that indicates a patient is more likely to complain if a physician fails to disclose harm to the patient, or if the disclosure is not done in an open and honest manner (Corkill,…
The journey will be long and difficult, yet we all know this is the pathway into the future of nursing. The Licensed practical nurse has slowly faded into the background; the duties once performed now removed from the scope of practice. The LPN's are being forced to either return to school to obtain an ADN, BSN, or MSN in order to continue working in the nursing field or remain stagnant and have no hope of career advancement has created a rise in the LPN to RN-BSN programs now offered. This paper will allow you to see this journey through the eyes of the LPN.…
Since I quit my job at Miami Children’s Hospital, a lot had changed. When I graduated eight years ago, nurses where in such high demand, that with an ASN degree there where so many open doors to choose from. My personal goal was always to re-enter a pediatric hospital. Now after being in home health and hospice care for the past 6 years, I have found it extremely difficult to get back into the hospital setting, without having a BSN. More Hospitals are seeking Magnet status, and therefore most facilities in my area prefer BSN or higher to even work as a bedside nurse.…
In this essay I intend to examine the issues surrounding nurses ' accountability in relation to the scenario discussed, and to Adult nursing. From the group sessions and further reading I have broaden my understanding of what being an accountable practitioner involves. Nurses are highly responsible for their own actions and care they provide. Consequently they are professionally accountable to the Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC) as well as their employer, public, patient, families and to themselves. Nurses have to justify why specific care was given in a particular way, (Royal College of Nursing, 2008). And they are required to use their professional knowledge, judgement and skills to make decisions continually throughout their practice, to allow them to exercise best practice (NMC, 2008). Professional, ethical and legal issues are all incorporated into being an accountable practitioner and nurses must take these issues into account throughout their practice. However before exploring accountability further an understanding of the term must be addressed. Tingle, 1995 states it is a contested topic as the concept of accountability is indefinable and arguable. On the other hand Bergman, 1981, defines it as being able to be ‘counted on ', however states it is a complex notion as there are varying ways a practitioner can be held accountable dependant on who they are accountable to at the time of the incident. In terms of health care McSherry and Pearce, 2002 explain that accountability relates to continual changing practice and the practitioner has a responsibility to ensure their practice is effective with an evidence base.…
Indeed, accountability and accountability standards are a crucial component of each and every discipline, especially in the field of health care. Health care is a unique business in that; the industry has a fiduciary duty to federal, state, and local governments. Not only do professionals employed within the industry have different professional and ethical…
The health care world and the military are now starting to require BSN prepared nurses. The rational is BSN nurses will have a better base to make decisions in a more complicated health care arena.…
The profound style of experienced training provided for health care workers require an important set of distinguished guidelines of accountability and prepare administrators to handle diversified patients that could be highly affected by common human errors, misconduct or neglect. Health care industries are the primary financial asset throughout the nation, thus obtaining funds from private administrative sectors can be highly expensive compared to other organizations. With proper practice of health care laws and experienced health services provided, physicians can adjust unethical behavior in a positive way. This paper will discuss the…