The_Difference_in_Competencies_Between_Adns_and_Bsns

Running head: THE DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN ADNs AND BSNs THE DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN NURSES PREPARED AT THE ASSOCIATE-DEGREE LEVEL VERSUS THE BACCALAUREATE-DEGREE LEVEL IN NURSING THE DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES BETWEEN NURSES PREPARED AT THE ASSOCIATE-DEGREE LEVEL VERSUS THE BACCALAUREATE-DEGREE LEVEL IN NURSING INTRODUCTION In the United States, currently there are three types of registered nurses. Diploma nurses, Associate degree nurses and Bachelor of Science degree nurses. Diploma nurses obtaining there education through a three or three and half year hospital based program .associated degree nurses usually receives their degree in a two year community college setting, And bachelor of science degree nursing is a four tear academic degree. The subject of entry level education requirement is one that is very divisive to many nurses. Educational preparation for the RN licensure examination may be obtained through diploma. ADN and BSN programs. Each program provides the necessary preparation for practice as a registered professional nurse and is approved by the state. The curriculum of each nursing programs are different, resulting in differentiated entry level competencies of graduates. The competencies of each educational level build upon the previous level. In this paper the focus will be on ADN and BSN nurses:- The associate degree level of nursing; was developed out of a need to produce nurses in response to a shortage during and following world war two. The first ADN program was started in 1952 at Fairleigh Dickson University. Therefore, it was proposed as a temporary solution to a shortage but was not intended to replace the professional level of nursing education. At that time ADN ‘s were working as “technical” nurses, assisting and working under the supervision of professional nurses, but later on associate level of nursing become popular due to its less expensiveness and shortened time period to become a registered nurse. However associate degree in nursing as important entry points for many into the profession; that ADN education are academically demanding and clinically challenging courses of study. But studies and research shows that patients experienced significantly lower mortality and morbidity rates in hospitals where more baccalaureate prepared nurses provide direct patient care. The ADN program can still prepare student well for the practice of nursing and with its shorter duration and more manageable costs. An associates prepared nurses acquires a board body of nursing knowledge, but the application of this knowledge tends to be limited to structured care settings where policies and procedures are well established. While graduated can begin practice as an RN with ADN degree, the BSN degree is essential for nurses seeking to move up the career ladder and eventually away from the bedside. Bachelor’s degree in nursing ;In 1 909, in an attempt to move training programmers out of the hospitals and integrate them in to the university setting ,the university of Minnesota become the first university to offer the bachelors degree of science in nursing(BSN).By 1922 Sigma Theta Tau, Nursing honor society Was founded with the expectation that the baccalaureate degree was to be required for the entry in to professional practice .Again in the 1940s the committee on the study of Nursing education and the committee on the grading of nursing schools issued reports urging that only college graduates be graded as professional nurses. Evidence shows that Nursing Education level is a factor in patient safety and quality of care. As cited in the report “ when care become a burden” released by the Milbank Memorial Fund 2001,two separate studies conducted in 1996-one by the state of New york and one by the state of Texas-show that significantly higher levels of medication error and procedure violations are committed by the Nurses prepared at Associate Degree and Diploma levels as compared with baccalaureate level. Studies have also found that Nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level have stronger communication and problem solving skills and higher proficiency in their ability to make Nursing Diagnosis and evaluate nursing interventions. In the 2001 employer’s survey conducted by the NCSBN, Nurse Employers expressed BSN graduates for Nursing Management and RN specialty position. Bachelor’s Degree programmers teach broad knowledge as well as specific skills. A four year degree is looked at favorably by supervisors, committees and other people who are in charge of promotion in the Nursing industry. The Bachelor’s degree is a stepping stone, Master’s degree and other post graduate programs such as midwifery, Nurse practitioner and certified nurse anesthetist requires bachelor’s degree in order to matriculate. There for nurses with bachelor’s degree have the ability to immediately enter higher level programs whereas those with associate degree do not. According to nursing link, the starting salary rate is basically the same for ADN or a BSN. However, Many advanced positions require a BSN, so a nurse with a BSN degree has more opportunities in career advancement, opportunity to refine patients assessment skills and examine more in depth the pathophysiology of diseases .Nurses who graduates with a BSN degree will find it easier to enter faculty teaching positions, higher level administrative roles in hospitals or other healthcare environment. CONCLUSION The national advisory council on nurse education and practice has urged that at least two-thirds of the basic nurse workforce hold baccalaureate or higher degree in nursing by 2010. Many of the hospital are encouraging ADN nurses to go back to school for their BSN degree. ADN programs will for many years to come continue to facilitate entry into professional practice to a diverse student population. The time has come for nursing leaders to leave old debates behind education must move forward to focus on the importance to their best ability, at all degree levels. Nursing is huge and welcoming field, it offers a satisfying career path for both ADN and BSN trained nurses ,whatever path you have chosen in nursing the essential wisdom is to continue enhancing your skills and education ,so that your community, your organization and your patient benefit from your broadened view of the world. REFERENCES:-American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2002). 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