Comparing ADN and BSN Education in Nursing - Essay Example

Comparing ADN and BSN Education in Nursing Comparing ADN and BSN Education Associate degrees are in nursing that were introduced in the 1950s geared towards supporting and encouraging increased and speedy edification of individuals pursuing nursing in community colleges. These courses are undertaken for a period of two years and are considered to generate the highest percent of nurses as they are reasonably priced or inexpensive, and expedient. Associate courses are otherwise referred to as diploma courses.

Baccalaureate degrees on the other hand are courses that are created in such a way that s student has to undergo a four year training period. Baccalaureate degree is also called a B.S.N. This paper focuses on the differences in competencies between nurses prepared at the associate degree level versus the baccalaureate degree level in nursing. This paper also describes how nursing care or approaches to the decision-making may differ based upon the educational preparation of the nurse i.e. BSN versus a diploma or an AND degree.

It is of significance to elucidate the fact that instantaneous or concurrent continuation of divergent entrance levels courses in the field of nursing brings with it a lot of uncertainty and complexities in differentiating among the competences of individuals possessing various categories of courses. In fact, some States in America have chosen individuals with associate graduate degrees to perform mechanical duties whereas those with baccalaureate degrees have been awarded specialized duties.

In reacting to this development, the American Association of Colleges in 1998 charted down the most significant abilities and skills that must be acquired by individuals in order for them to qualify for potential or upcoming opportunities (Ellis & Hartley, 2004). Therefore, an individual on possession of a baccalaureate degree has an elevated possibility of benefiting from a many chances in the practicing nursing. In a syllabus point of view, individuals undertaking a baccalaureate degree have more advantages as this course spotlights it attention in scientific and medical performance founded on proof, data, and facts, as well as management.

There are supplementary or extra subjects presented in a baccalaureate degree class especially those focusing on methodical investigations, figures, decisive ideas, philosophies and judgment, and also issues of well being in a collective setting in the society. Furthermore, individuals pursuing a baccalaureate degree are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge that enables them to continue in higher education in graduate school (Ellis & Hartley, 2004). In contrast, individuals pursuing a degree in associate degree are less disadvantaged as the course lays much emphasis on practical or mechanical facets that equips them with skills for offering bedside care for patients.

This shows that these nurses have the capacity to offer care to patients and also have abilities necessary in bring back sick people back to physical well being. They are more practical as compared to baccalaureate degree graduates (Lyer, 2001). The number of subjects learned or offered in associate degree is minimal as compared to baccalaureates. They are also known to offer just the fundamentals or ABC’s of management hence they lack the skills to lead and oversee other nurses. An individual possessing an associate degree also cannot directly join institutions offering graduate studies.

According to Lyer (2001), the ways and methods in which a nurse offers care and his/her approaches to decision making differ according to educational preparation. This is attributed to the fact that skill and proficiency are dependent on the level of education. Advanced learning offers a hypothetical and also a real life skills with the capacity for trial and analysis as it can be polished in real circumstances. Education and instructive way of acquiring skills can not in any way create individuals with effective medical know-how.

Therefore, nurses who have undergone through baccalaureate courses have more skills in terms of decision making whereas those that have undergone through an associate degree course can provide better care. Baccalaureates have advanced theoretical skills and opinions as compared to associate degree or diploma holders. Advanced academic knowledge and morals portrayed by baccalaureates provides a platform through which nurses enquire and solicit for beneficial information geared towards sharpening their skills on making better decisions when faced with various difficulties in nursing practice and also give secure and appropriate nursing care to patients.

In conclusion, nursing care and approach to decision-making differ according to the level of education. Studies done in the past have elucidated the fact that a lot of mistakes in medical practice and other associated contravention of medical and nursing practice are done by nurses who attained the level of diplomas. Available sources also brings forward the fact that individuals trained in nursing and have undergone courses in baccalaureate degree possess better skills and abilities in communication as well as advanced capabilities in making resolutions.

Baccalaureates have also been proved through methodical investigations and studies to be proficient in assimilation and integration. References Ellis, J. R., & Hartley, C. L. (2004). Nursing in Today’s World: Trends, Issues & Management. Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Lyer, P. W. (2001). Nursing Malpractice. Tucson, USA: Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company.