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Adn vs Bsn Essay

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Associate Degree in Nursing versus Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Grand Canyon University: NRS 430V May 1, 2011 There are two major educational pathways to become a Registered Nurse (RN): an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). Typically, an ADN degree takes 2 years to complete while a BSN degree takes 4 years to complete. Both allow the nursing graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) consequently allowing the graduate to enter the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse. It is important to discuss and understand the differences in educational preparation as well as resulting competencies for both degrees. Prospective nursing professionals are …show more content…

According to Creasia (2010), “The first baccalaureate nursing program was established in the United States at the University of Minnesota in 1909” and many programs were 5 years long (p. 4). Today, the BSN program is a 4-year college degree offered at universities, private schools and community colleges throughout our nation. The BSN degree graduate has many advantages over an ADN degree graduate and these might include: career paths that are only open to nurses with a BSN degree including administrative positions and minimum requirement for advanced practice nursing (APN). Furthermore, the BSN graduates get extensive training in components that might include: quality and patient safety, evidence-based practice, information management, clinical prevention/population health, and professional values, all of which are essential as nursing care becomes more complex (Creasia, 2010, p. 4). One of the biggest disadvantages of having a BSN degree is that the legal scope of practice is undifferentiated due to being awarded the same license as an ADN graduate “hindering the reward system for leadership responsibilities” (Creasia, 2010, p. 16). Conversely, the main difference between an ADN and a BSN degree is the emphasis on leadership and management, wellness, and community nursing. Equally important, as noted by Ellis (2006), “BSN prepared nurses possess greater knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and risk reduction as well as illness and disease management

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