In the United States, different nurse-training programs vary in duration, curriculum, and competencies that specialists have upon the completion of the studies. It should be noted that a gradual increase in awareness of patient care has led to the increased need for qualified and trained health care specialists with advanced and specialized skills (Bateman, 2012). In the country, there is a serious problem of nurse shortage, and the state implements various programs to help solve the issue. However, in order to solve this problem properly, the differences that exist between specialists with various degrees should be analyzed, which will remove the uncertainty in the efficiency of different levels of education.
Differences in Competencies
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) can be obtained at a university. During the training, which lasts four years, as a rule, students will be taught staff management and gain the knowledge in dealing with employees, patients, and other people. With the bachelor degree solely, a person can qualify for the position of leadership, continue the education, and engage in research activities, teaching or counseling. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is acquired in college. The studies usually last from two to three years. The emphasis in the educational curriculum of this degree is made on the practical skills rather than on the theory (CONHCP overview, n.d.). With this type of qualification, graduates can become certified nurses faster than the bachelors can. However, it will be more difficult for them to occupy managerial positions than for those nurses who obtained the BSN. However, there are special educational programs aimed to help increase the level of training and obtain a bachelor’s degree after ADN.
Nurses with both degrees (ADN and BSN) are eligible for working as registered nurses; however, their duties will be different as per their competencies. Associate degree nurses are able to provide direct patient care or manage it. In addition, they are able to use therapeutic communication when furnishing care for patients or when delegating tasks to the caregivers. Such specialists can report assessments and plan the further nursing interventions. They are capable of utilizing IT to achieve better patient outcomes. Further, associates can assess the health status of a patient and its relation to the patient’s background (Bateman, 2012). The RNs with ADN are liable for completing the patient medical history and performing the various health assessments. Also, they are able to evaluate patient’s responsivity to interventions and determine the leading needs to be addressed. The clinical judgment and data collection are also part of their duties in the health care setting. Further, the nurse with ADN is capable of decision-making coordination and managing the qualified assistive personnel. In terms of the auxiliary staff, the nurse is able to delegate tasks to them according to the level of their expertise.
The nurses with BSN can perform the same tasks as those with the ADN do; however, they can also participate in health education and take administrative positions (CONHCP overview, n.d.). They are eligible for the managerial positions and can be made responsible for the disease prevention programs. Baccalaureate nurses can manage and direct other nurses and nursing units and coordinate the work of teams in the institution. The main difference between the ADN and BSN graduates is that the latter ones can assume leadership positions.
Patient Care Situation
The main differences between the two degrees can be evidenced in the competencies shown in a concrete health care setting. For instance, if a patient with breast cancer is transferred to the oncology department, the nurse with the ADN will take in and orient the patient. The RN will introduce the staff, conduct the evaluation of vital features and provide an assessment of the dermis. If any wounds are present, the RN will furnish treatment and will further estimate the plan of care provision (Neal-Boylan, 2013). The RN with the bachelor degree will make the assessment of the cancer patient and coordinate the implementation of care. Further, the nurse will address the family needs and provide support to the caregiver from the patient’s family. Part of the duties of the nurse will be cooperating with physicians and therapists. Further, the baccalaureate nurse will be able to collaborate with social workers. Thus, the scope of work of a BSN nurse is broader than that of the ADN nurse.
Conclusion
All nurses in the United States make a great contribution to the professional creation of a qualitatively new level of medical care regardless of their level of training. In the context of the global, regional, social, economic, political, and national reforms, they act not only as health care workers but also as educators, and patient advocates (Neal-Boylan, 2013). However, if earlier nurse’s qualification was not critical in getting a good job, at present, there is a gap in salary as well as in competencies between the nurses qualifying for ADN and BSN. In this regard, there is a tendency to obtain the full bachelor’s degree to get a higher salary, get more autonomy, and to address the social request for more complex health care service provision.
References
Bateman, N. (2012). The business of nurse management. New York, NY: Springer.
CONHCP overview. (n.d.). Web.
Neal-Boylan, L. (2013). The nurse’s reality gap. Indianapolis, IN: Sigma Theta Tau.