Nursing Adn vs. Bsn
ADN AND BSN NURSES
Difference in Competencies between ADN and BSN nurses.
Amber D. Sobkowiak
Grand Canyon University: NRS-403 Professional Dynamics
January 20, 2013
ADN AND BSN NURSES
In the nursing profession, entry-level nurses have either completed an Associate’s Degree in nursing or a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both degrees train students to perform at a minimum competency level and both train students to perform nursing tasks in all the main areas which include adult medical- surgical, maternal-child, and mental health nursing. ADN and BSN graduates are both required to take and pass the NCLEX licensing exam before they can practice as a nurse. Even though both degrees train students to perform the same duties as a nurse there are some differences between the two programs. Nurses prepared at an Associate’s degree level are prepared in a two year program at a community college level. Associate degree programs focus on nursing theory and skills. ADN graduates are taught professional and ethical behavior, effective collaboration with others in providing healthcare, application of nursing knowledge, and to provide care in a safe and caring manner to all patients. ADN programs prepare students to perform at a more technical and task oriented level. ADN programs focus more on clinical skills instead of leadership, nursing theory, or public and community health nursing. ADN nurses are basically prepared for bedside nursing, and practice with the fundamentals of nursing. The ADN programs were created after World War II due to a shortage of nurses and high demand of nurses (Rines, 1977). Nurses prepared at a Bachelor’s degree level are prepared in a four year program and a University level. BSN graduates are taught critical thinking skills, decision making and problem solving, leadership, technological competence, effective communication, population-based health, professional behavior, and clinical practice. BSN programs place a large emphasis on
Difference in Competencies between ADN and BSN nurses.
Amber D. Sobkowiak
Grand Canyon University: NRS-403 Professional Dynamics
January 20, 2013
ADN AND BSN NURSES
In the nursing profession, entry-level nurses have either completed an Associate’s Degree in nursing or a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Both degrees train students to perform at a minimum competency level and both train students to perform nursing tasks in all the main areas which include adult medical- surgical, maternal-child, and mental health nursing. ADN and BSN graduates are both required to take and pass the NCLEX licensing exam before they can practice as a nurse. Even though both degrees train students to perform the same duties as a nurse there are some differences between the two programs. Nurses prepared at an Associate’s degree level are prepared in a two year program at a community college level. Associate degree programs focus on nursing theory and skills. ADN graduates are taught professional and ethical behavior, effective collaboration with others in providing healthcare, application of nursing knowledge, and to provide care in a safe and caring manner to all patients. ADN programs prepare students to perform at a more technical and task oriented level. ADN programs focus more on clinical skills instead of leadership, nursing theory, or public and community health nursing. ADN nurses are basically prepared for bedside nursing, and practice with the fundamentals of nursing. The ADN programs were created after World War II due to a shortage of nurses and high demand of nurses (Rines, 1977). Nurses prepared at a Bachelor’s degree level are prepared in a four year program and a University level. BSN graduates are taught critical thinking skills, decision making and problem solving, leadership, technological competence, effective communication, population-based health, professional behavior, and clinical practice. BSN programs place a large emphasis on
References: Aiken, L.H., Clarke, S.P., Sloane, D.M., Lake, E.T. & Cheney, T. (2008, May). Effects of hospital care environment on patient mortality and nurse outcomes. Journal of Nursing Administration, 38(5), 223-229. Friberg, Creasia and (). Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to Professional Nursing Practice [5], 15, 82-83. McHugh, M. (1991). Direct articulation of AD nursing students into an RN-to-BSN completion program: a research study. The Journal Of Nursing Education, 30(7), 293-296. Oermann, M (1998). Differences in clinical experience of ADN and BSN students. The Journal of Nursing Education, 37(5), 197-201 Schank M, Stollenwerk R. The leadership/management role: a differentiating factor for ADN/BSN programs. Journal of Nursing Education [serial online]. June 1988;27(6):253-257