Abstract This presentation examines the current growing controversy over the educational preparedness of the nurse. The paper covers the following question: Is the minimal competency to be considered a professional a diploma, associates degree or a baccalaureate? A comparison is made between the most popular nursing program: the associate degree to the purported panacea of nursing education: the BSN.
From the Paper "The theory being researched states entry-level registered nurses should be baccalaureate prepared (BSN). This proposition is met with a plethora of mixed and heartfelt feelings, and with good reason. To research the subject being partial to the Associate prepared nurse, I was faced with some bias. First of all, it is important for professional registered nurses to realize that they are just that: professionals. Many proponents of the BSN feel that in order for nurses to be regarded as such, they need a four-year degree. The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes that baccalaureate-nursing education is necessary to prepare the nursing workforce for the challenges of a complex and changing health care system (Con?, 2000"
This paper examines the nursing profession's transition from hospital-based certification programs to a more comprehensive and demanding college based bachelor's degree program.
Abstract This paper focuses on the nursing profession's recent practice of demanding nurses obtain a BSN college degree as opposed to the traditional custom of completing a 4 year hospital-base nursing certification program. The writer of this paper discusses the subsequent productivity of registered nurses (RNs) who regularly report that the monotonous coursework required in obtaining a BSN creates learning circumstances that are costly, exasperating and unproductive. While associate and bachelor degree nursing faculty are designed to smooth the transition for RN to BSN students, researching the differences between RN and BSN graduates have shown little success.
From the Paper "There are contradictory outcomes associated to decisive thinking. The researchers found no differentiation in decisive thinking, self-reported apparent complexity with making decisions, or frequency of making decisions, though they found BSN students achieved higher on critical thinking skills than ADN students and found no distinction in patient ratings of care supplied by senior students from the two types of programs. One of the reason researchers may have had no accomplishment in finding a difference in practice is because there are no differences because the education programs are so similar. Specifically, in California, an RN who has graduated from an ADN program with 112 units and an RN who has graduated from a BSN program with 120 units could be very hard to distinguish in practice."
Tags: education, medical, health, nursing, degree, college, hospital, program
Abstract This paper discusses the entry-level nursing courses that are required in order to become a registered nurse. It elaborates on the BSN Program and what it entails, as well as the RN-to-BSN Program for registered nurses who are graduates of associate's degree or diploma programs and desirous of completing their BSN degree.
From the Paper "Each of these entry level points make one eligible to take the RN licensure examination i.e. NCLEX-RN (r) examination, each is found to qualify for a different types of jobs. Selecting a nursing program to pursue is considered a very personal option. The choice for many potential students is associated with the complicated tradeoffs between finances, age and future career plans. The Registered Nurses often look forward for earning a BSN degree to get ahead in their career. They choose a RN-to-BSN program, specifically designed for Registered Nurses who are graduates of associate's degree or diploma programs and desirous of completing their BSN degree. It entails due weights to the experience and nursing skills already attained through school or workplace."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two nursing qualifications - The Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) and The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The pros and cons of each are discussed and the author concludes that firm devotion, sound knowledge, considerable experience and good performance can open doors for further career advancements for every nursing professional regardless of his/her qualifications. However, the majority of the key positions are available to individuals with stronger academic background (i.e. Bachelors or advanced degree holders), as academic knowledge is equally important in professions like healthcare.
From the Paper "Nursing is a very dynamic profession. An individual interested in pursuing a career in nursing should possess high-level intelligence, sound technological knowledge, a sympathetic heart and high level of expertise. In addition to this, an individual should be strong enough mentally as well as emotionally so that he/she can effectively deal with human suffering and other forms of stresses exposed to him/her during the job. It is a profession for only those who want to truly dedicate their life for serving the suffering mankind. Job satisfaction in this profession is primarily derived from the feeling of satisfaction that an individual experiences by helping out others and not from the money or other benefits."
Tags: adn, bsn, bachelor, science, associate, degree, qualification, career
Abstract This paper examines the benefits of registered nurses (RNs) enrolling in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. These "RN to BSN" programs improve the skills and experience of an RN in many ways. As a result, RN to BSN degree holders qualify for some of the best jobs in the rapidly expanding nursing field. This paper discusses 10 key areas of improvement resulting from an RN to BSN program. The paper concludes that many nurses find that their future choices are expanded by additional education in nursing.
Critical Thinking
Decision-Making
Nursing Care and Management of the Client
Effective Communication, Collaboration and Negotiation
Professional Values and Behaviors
Teaching/Learning
Research
Leadership
Career Development
Management
From the Paper "Nurses enrolled in RN to BSN programs have a major opportunity to improve their business and management skills. In addition to the medical training they received during their original nursing program, BSN enrollees develop their critical thinking, leadership, and supervisory skills.
The average income for registered nurses holding only an associate's degree was $51,100 in 2004 (Mattera, 2005). Those with bachelor's nursing degrees earned an average of $56,900. But it doesn't stop there. The average income increase percentage was higher between 2001 and 2004 for BSN prepared nurses by 2.5%. So not only do BSN prepared nurses get paid more, their income level is increasing faster than AD prepared nurses."
Tags: professionalism, career, development, nursing, medicine
Abstract This paper suggests that one way to address the staffing shortage problem in the nursing profession is to encourage more of those interested in a nursing profession to pursue a two-year nursing degree program instead of a four-year program. The paper explains that the two year degree still produces fully qualified and capable nurses and is worth pursuing for those interested in the nursing profession but not interested in a four-year degree program.
From the Paper "This is not to suggest that nursing is an easy career path or that anyone can meet its challenges. To graduate with an associate degree in nursing, the student must master both science and math classes. In addition they need personal attributes that include compassion, the ability to keep their heads in crises, and the ability to think on their feet (Staff writers, 2005). These are skills that cannot be transmitted by a professor no matter what the name of the degree. However, for those who can handle the academic work, nursing can be a challenging and rewarding profession, and one that can be entered with only two years of college debt rather than four."
Abstract This paper explains that there are around 11,000 nurses in the military services with many opportunities to make a successful career in military nursing. The author points out that a typical career path for a new military nurse begins under close supervision, but he or she can expect to become a nurse supervisor specializing as a patient care coordinator, a charge nurse or a staff nurse or even a director of nurses within a hospital. The paper relates that, although the nursing role in the military or in civilian life are quite similar, major differences are that, in the military, there is a greater ability to receive financial assistance while training and then to choose specific job placements after successful completion of BSN nursing degree although the student must commit to a three-years active duty after completion of the degree.
From the Paper "Obviously, choosing a military career of any type comes with its good points and bad points. Take into consideration that a military nurse could face working during a war. He or she could faced with possible capture and torture during a war or at the very least be forced to care for the enemy. This career choice also requires continuing education--to stay on top of your field. If the nurse wants to specialize, this too requires further education, all of which are costly choices. The nursing career is one that should be chosen by a person that loves other people and helping to make other people healthy and well."
Tags: requirements, war, career-path, financial-assistance, civilian
Abstract This paper offers a personal perspective on returning to the nursing profession. The author describes a life changing experience, that of blindness. It discusses the personal journey and realisations of the author. The paper expands on the BSN nursing program.
From the Paper "Returning to the educational environment was a concept that I had often contemplated. However, I had begun a life with a family and was steadily attending to the responsibilities that are included in that role. Then, as my vision began to fail and I was placed on medical leave I suddenly had the time to consider my life and what I truly desired to accomplish. Furthermore, I realized that if there were elements that I wanted to change in regard to my personal and professional existence that I would have one opportunity to implement those changes in my life, and that regardless of my age or obligations that it was imperative that those changes take place immediately. Facing the loss of my sight, I considered that if I did not return to school I would ultimately loose the ability to care for my patients ..."
A presentation of a specific patient care situation that compares the nursing care based on education preparation at the associate degree and baccalaureate degree levels.
Abstract This paper explores nursing education preparation. It specifically compares and differentiates the competencies of nurses prepared at the associate degree and baccalaureate degree levels. The paper then presents a specific patient care situation and compares the nursing care based on education preparation, specifically in the areas of provider of care, coordinator of care and member of profession.
Table of Contents:
Provider of Care
Coordinator of Care
Member of Profession
Differentiating Nursing Care Based on Education Preparation Using a Patient Care Situation
Provider of Care
Coordinator of Care
Member of Profession
From the Paper "The associate degree and baccalaureate degree of nursing education creates different levels competencies. As a provider of care, both are competent in similar behaviors, while the BSN must work to improve on the administration of nursing care. As coordinators of care, both have the same client-centered goals, although the BSN has a larger client focus and contributes to the processes of their organization while encouraging and assisting others. As a member of the profession, the ADN focuses on self-maturation, whereas the BSN enhances themselves as well as being a resource to others in the health care team so that the nursing profession may evolve."
