In answering the differences in competencies between Nurses prepared at the associate-degree level versus the Baccalaureate –degree Level, let us first define competence. Webster’s Dictionary defines competence as 1. The ability to something well or efficiently. 2. A range of skill or ability 3. The quality or condition of being legally qualified or fit to perform an act. 4. A specific ability or skill. Now I believe it is important to define a nurse is. A Nurse as per the American (ANA) states that a nurse is a Professional within the modern Healthcare sector focused on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities, and populations so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life.
The Competencies expected of the Associated Degree Nurse. 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 NLN Council of Associate Degree Nursing Competencies Task Force in 2000. As identified by the Task Force, ADN graduates practice within the framework of eight core components and competencies. The core components of nursing practice are: professional behaviors, communication, assessment, clinical decision making, caring interventions, teaching and learning, collaboration, and managing care. These core components emphasize competencies related to diversity in healthcare, clinical decision making, assessment, and patient education, continuity of care (including community aspects), collaboration and leadership. In order to meet expected outcomes, the ADN graduate utilizes critical thinking and demonstrates clinical competence and accountability as an adaptable generalist who is committed to caring for others and valuing the profession of nursing. The Associate Degree Nurse is an entry level practitioner and is competent to practice as a direct caregiver in a variety of health care settings which include diverse patient population. ADN graduates are employed in a health care delivery system that continues to grow and change. Consequently, ADN graduates may pursue bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees in preparation for advanced levels of practice.
The Competencies for Graduates of Baccalaureate Program focuses on 4 main components Human Flourishing: Which involves a nurse to incorporate the knowledge and skills learned in didactic and clinical courses to help patients, families and communities continually progress toward fulfillment of human capacities .Nursing Judgment: Make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that synthesize nursing science and knowledge from other disciplines in the provisions of safe, quality care for diverse patients, families, and communities: and a willingness to provide leadership in approving care. Professional Identity: Express ones identity as a nurse through actions that reflect integrity, a commitment to evidenced based practice. Caring advocacy, and safe quality care for disperse diverse patients, families and communities and a willingness to provide leadership in improving care Spirit of Inquiry Act as an evolving scholar who contributes to the development of the science of Nursing practice by Identifying questions in need to study, critiquing published researched, and using available evidence as a foundation to propose creative innovative, or evidence –based solutions to clinical practice problems.
If I had to identify a particular patient care situation in which nursing care may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse (BSN) versus a diploma or ADN differ. Allow me to first stress the word may. It has been my experience as a registered Nurse for eleven years to be fortunate enough to practice