ADN or BSN: What is the Difference? Running head: ADN or BSN: What is the Difference?

ADN or BSN: What is the Difference?

ADN or BSN: What is the Difference? ADN or BSN: What is the Difference? There are different attitudes on whether or not a BSN degree should be required for RN licensure. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) believes that education has a significant impact on the knowledge and competencies of nurses.

In todays constantly changing world of health care system there is an increasing demand for superior patient care providers and more independent decision making nurses. A lot more is required from the Registered Nurse today than just carrying out a doctors orders or administering medications at certain set times. Todays nurse must be able to make critical thinking decisions about a patients care, know when to question a physician if orders dont seem appropriate, and at the same time be able to assist the patient and their family members through challenging health care decisions. BSN educated nurses are better prepared to meet todays patient care needs. Although it is true that both the ADN and the BSN educated RN need to pass the exact same NCLEX-RN licensure examination, the baccalaureate nursing programs cover all of the courses taught in the associate degree programs plus a more in depth instruction of the physical and social sciences, nursing research, public and community health, nursing management and the humanities. This additional course work enriches the students professional development, prepares the registered nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with an enhanced understanding of the cultural, political, economic and social issues that affect patients and influences their health care choices. BSN educated nurses are valued for their skills in critical thinking, leadership, case management, and health promotion, and for their capacity to deliver care across a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings.

ADN or BSN: What is the Difference? In a study published in the May/June 2008 issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration, Dr. Linda Aiken and her colleagues printed the findings from their study which

showed a strong link between RN education level and patient care outcomes. Researchers found that every 10% increase in the proportion of BSN educated nurses on the hospital staff was associated with a 4% decrease in the risk of patient death. The article concluded that employing nurses from bachelors degree programs rather than the two year associates degree programs could generate a considerable improvement in patient care. Aiken claimed that nurses with a higher level of education tend to be better at critical thinking, which is a crucial part of nursing. An example of a patient situation where the difference in critical thinking could have had an unintended outcome is in my practice with patients that have been implanted with a Left Ventricular Assistive Device (LVAD). On my unit all nurses, both ADN and BSN educated, get the exact same training on how to manage the LVAD and this patient population. In one instance when one patients VAD was alarming error the ADN prepared nurse acted immediately but was concentrating on the patients device and alarms, and was ready to switch the patient to a back up device, a procedure that could have resulted in harm to the patient. A nurse with more critical thinking skills would have been able to better assess the situation, determine that the patient was stable and call for the perfusionist who is trained to switch these type of devices only if necessary. Having a BSN means more career opportunities and increased pay In todays economy a BSN degree can be regarded as a kind of insurance policy for your nursing career. A bachelors degree can provide the RN with the clinical and business management skills needed when making any kind of career move. For example many hospitals require that pediatric nurses, nurse anesthetists, and operating room nurses hold a BSN degree.

ADN or BSN: What is the Difference? Increased responsibility is often given to nurses with BSN degrees and this additional responsibility is often rewarded with higher salary. It is true that in some situations ADN educated nurses function the same as BSN educated nurses and that sometimes it is hard to tell the difference from their job performance. The difference between the ADN educated RN and

the BSN educated RN becomes more important when more advanced opportunities are available. The ADN educated nurse may continue to gain on-the-job skills over the years but higher wages and more challenging roles will be available to the BSN educated RN. In conclusion, while both the ADN and the BSN educated nurses are trained for the same staff positions, an RN with a BSN degree is additionally qualified to review research papers, work in more specialized and advanced fields of nursing, and take on managerial positions and other leadership roles.

ADN or BSN: What is the Difference?

References

Hood, Lucy J. (2010). Leddy and Peppers conceptual bases of professional nursing (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins American Nurses Association (2008). The Nursing Process: A Common Thread Amongst All Nurses. Accessed December 11, 2010 at www.nursingworld.org/especiallyforyou/studentnurses/thenursingprocess.htm. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (2008). Career Pathways in Nursing: Entry Points and Academic Progression. Accessed December 10, 2010 at www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2010). Accelerated Programs: The Fast-Track to Careers in Nursing. Issue Bulletin. Accessed December 11, 2010 at www.aacn.nche.edu/Publications/Issues/Aug02.htm Nurseweek (August 2010). Charting Your Course to an Academic Career. Accessed Decembe10, 2010 at http://ce.nurse.com/PrintTopic.aspx?TopicID=868