The Difference Between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses
The Difference between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses
The Difference between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses
“An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don’t. It’s knowing where to go to find out what you need to know; and its knowing how to use the information you get” (Feather, n.d., para. 1). In the field of nursing, there is an infinite amount of knowledge and information. The profession is growing and expanding rapidly. Due to this growth, continuing nursing education is necessary. To determine the nursing education level that produces the best patient outcomes, it must first be decided whether there are differences between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses, and what those differences are.
The nurse prepared at an Associates level that passes the NCLEX, is called a nurse. How is an Associates level nurse educated? The associate RN program is about 2 years in length and primarily focuses on preparing to pass the NCLEX. This program does not include classes in leadership, health promotion, advanced critical thinking, or case management. These nurses can hold a variety of position throughout the community, including staff nurse, clinical lead, manager, educator, etc. For the Associates RN, there is a lot of pressure to return to school for higher education.
The Nurses that hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is armed with the education and confidence needed to be a safe and efficient nurse. The BSN program is 4 years in length and includes all competencies learned at an Associates level. In addition, this program expands the nurse’s knowledge in areas of leadership, health promotion, advanced critical thinking, case management, research, social sciences, and humanities. “The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new
The Difference between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses
“An education isn’t how much you have committed to memory, or even how much you know. It’s being able to differentiate between what you do know and what you don’t. It’s knowing where to go to find out what you need to know; and its knowing how to use the information you get” (Feather, n.d., para. 1). In the field of nursing, there is an infinite amount of knowledge and information. The profession is growing and expanding rapidly. Due to this growth, continuing nursing education is necessary. To determine the nursing education level that produces the best patient outcomes, it must first be decided whether there are differences between Associate-Degree and Baccalaureate-Degree Nurses, and what those differences are.
The nurse prepared at an Associates level that passes the NCLEX, is called a nurse. How is an Associates level nurse educated? The associate RN program is about 2 years in length and primarily focuses on preparing to pass the NCLEX. This program does not include classes in leadership, health promotion, advanced critical thinking, or case management. These nurses can hold a variety of position throughout the community, including staff nurse, clinical lead, manager, educator, etc. For the Associates RN, there is a lot of pressure to return to school for higher education.
The Nurses that hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is armed with the education and confidence needed to be a safe and efficient nurse. The BSN program is 4 years in length and includes all competencies learned at an Associates level. In addition, this program expands the nurse’s knowledge in areas of leadership, health promotion, advanced critical thinking, case management, research, social sciences, and humanities. “The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new
References: Feather, W. (n.d.). William Feather Quotes. Retrieved from http://www.quoteland.com/author/William-Feather-Quotes/314/ Giddens, J. (2006). Comparing the frequency of physical examination techniques performed by associate and baccalaureate degree prepared nurses in clinical practice: does education make a difference?. Journal Of Nursing Education, 45(3), 136-139. Giger, J., & Davidhizar, R. (1990). Conceptual and theoretical approaches to patient care: associate versus baccalaureate degree prepared nurses. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 15(9), 1009-1015. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.1990.tb01980.x The impact of education on nursing practice. (2011). Retrieved March 17, 2012, from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education