Differences in Competencies Between Adn and Bsn Nurses Essay Example

in nursing is offered in university settings, which provide the students with a broader perspective and understanding of the nursing, health, environment and individual.

Competency differences between ADN and BSN One of the main difference in competencies between associate degree (ADN) and Baccalaureate degree (BSN) is the kind of patients they serve and the health care settings they are allowed to work. “ADN nurses are educated to provide nursing care to persons with similar health alterations in structured setting, whereas BSN-prepared nurses are educated to engage in independent thinking and to provide nursing care to persons with complex and differing health alterations within a variety of settings, including the community” (Hood, 2010, pg. 8). Health care is not intended only for inpatient hospital care but community care as well. This leaves a greater disadvantage for the ADN nurses.

Nowadays nurses should be able to practice in multiple care settings. BSN nurses are prepared to Practice in all health care settings like ER, critical care, community health and mental health. As we analyze the competency differences between ADN and BSN it is obvious that there are differences in the level of education and standards of nursing practice. Patient afety and levels of care are improved with the high standards of nursing education and practice. “Because nurses make decisions that affect clients’ lives, nurses need intellectual capability to master scientific concepts, understand the impact of self on others, use this information in clinical practice and understand potential consequences” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2007).

The baccalaureate level nurses have a vast body of knowledge compared to associate degree nurses. Studies have shown

that nurses ith baccalaureate degree have stronger communication and problem-solving skills (Johnson, 1988) and a higher proficiency in their nursing diagnosis ability and evaluation of nursing interventions (Giger & Davidhizar, 1990). A study published in the May 2008 Issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration said that there is a strong relation between educational level of the nurses and quality outcome of patient care.

The research has found that “every 10% increase in the proportion of BSN educated staff on the hospital staff was associated ith a 4% decrease in the risk of patient death”. Study concluded that staffing nurses from bachelor’s degree programs rather than associate’s degree programs could result in substantial outcome in patient care quality. Another competency difference between the ADN and BSN is the skill and proficiency each nurse develops. The associate degree in nursing (ADN) study focused on patient care skills in the community care setting with minimal competencies to practice safe nursing. Whereas BSN course offer higher learning in nursing and they are able to take ndependent nursing decisions.

BSN nurses must have strong communication skills to be able to interact with patient, family and community. They practice within structured and non- structured settings while ADN nurses are not. Baccalaureate nurses are taught to manage comprehensive patient care and delegate responsibility to other nursing personnel as charge nurses. Their competencies require ability to think critically and logically in patient management. The American Association of Colleges in Nursing (2010) reports that BSN graduates are often ncouraged by nurse employers for the clinical skills and quality output in patient care.

They have intense communication skills and are able

to learn their new jobs faster. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to enable recruitment of qualified nurses. Although some of the nursing skills such as communication and assessment are shared between ADN and BSN nurses, spiritual aspect of patient care is not. Grand Canyon University College of nursing curriculum focuses on spiritual perspective too.

It prepare the nursing graduate to provide excellent care to the patients through a holistic approach while encouraging the passion for achievement, a life long curiosity for knowledge and pursuit of advance professional degrees. I remember an incident when I was working in a hospital setting where ADN nurses were also employed. It was a small hospital and I was working in a medical unit. One of the patients in our floor went to a respiratory arrest. Unfortunately that patient was assigned to an ADN nurse. Indeed we had BSN nurse as our charge nurse in that unit.

ADN nurse became panic and she forgot to start chest compressions. Obviously she called for help and charge nurse arrived to help her. Charge nurse called code blue and rapid response team arrived. The charge nurse was proactive, well organized, accountable, and was able to manage the situation effectively. She started to give CPR until RRT (rapid response team) arrived. This was crucial in saving the life of the patient. This reminds me that BSN nurses are more competent than ADN nurses in planning and organizing care for the patient.

BSN nurse have critical thinking skills and they are able to manage the situation better. Nursing is a vibrant profession and continuing education is inevitable for the nurses to

stay knowledgeable with the different health care needs of today and future. The BSN nurses utilizes theory and research based knowledge in patient care, work in advanced care settings and they accept leadership roles. Moreover preparing the nurses to baccalaureate level will enable the nurse to deal with complex care situations in multiple care settings.