Associates Nursing VS BSN nursing Essay

Submitted By Luannagodett
Words: 902
Pages: 4

Title: The differences in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at ADN versus BSN level of Nursing with- Patient Case Scenario
Name: Lu-Anna Godett
Grand Canyon University: NRS-340V
May 3rd, 2015

Nursing is a field that is constantly changing and evolving which makes it necessary for nurses to grow and evolve with it. One of the ways to facilitate these changes is through education. This paper will take a look at the difference in competencies of an Associates Degree and a Bachelorette Degree nurse. We also look at the differences in approach, and the roles that experience and skills play in the clinical decisions made by a BSN and an ADN prepared nurse by evaluating a clinical scenario of a BSN versus an ADN.
Associate Degree Nursing
This program takes about 2 to 3 years to complete, usually at a technical or community college. According to Ellis and Hartley (2008), this program was expected to put new nurses into the work field more quickly to help eliminate the nursing shortage. Mildred Montag designed the ADN in 1952 as an alternative to typical college education. Creasia (2011) states that Montag’s intent was that ADN nurses would work under the direct supervision of BSN level nurses.
Bachelor Degree Nursing This degree is completed in a 4-year college or University. The first school to introduce this program was the University of Minnesota in 1909. Bachelorette nursing programs teach basic nursing skills along with concepts of health promotions and disease prevention for individuals and populations (Ellis and Hartley, 2008). “Emphasis is placed on developing skills in critical decision making, exercising independent nursing judgment which calls for a broad background knowledge.” (Ellis and Hartley, 2008). The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN), (2008) defines the baccalaureate graduate as a provider of care, designer/manager/coordinator or care, and member of the profession.

Difference in the Competencies of ADN versus BSN Nursing The National league of Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits nursing programs. The State Board of Nursing in that state must also approve the curriculum for the program to be accredited. Bothe programs, weather ADN or BSN must train students in the basic areas such as Maternity/pediatric nursing, surgical, mental health and adult nursing (Ellis and Hartley, 2008).
Both programs teach their students the same skills in order to prepare them for the NCLEX-RN.
However their differences lie in their competencies, where BSN nurses are trained in leadership, communication, professional and ethical behavior and critical thinking, just to name a few. The AACN (2014) in a media relation called “The Impact of Education on Nursing Practice” states, “Baccalaureate nursing programs encompass all of the course work taught in associate degree and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management, and the humanities. The additional course work enhances the student’s professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence health care delivery.”
Patient Case Scenario The patient is a 78 yr. old male diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he has a history of hypertension and diabetes. On morning rounds the ADN-RN noticed that the patient has an elevated temperature and cognitively impaired. She considers his diagnosis and offers her patient his PRN Tylenol. She documents her findings and her intervention in the patient’s chart. The BSN-RN