Differences in Competencies Between Nurses Prepared at the Associate Degree Level (ADN) Versus the Baccalaureate Degree Level (BSN) Competency is defined as the skills and knowledge that are required to perform a given task that contributes to positive results in the profession. Despite the fact that the proficiencies among BSN are similar to those of ADN, some differences are evident based on the management level and the departments. In straightforward terms, BSN is a professional nurse while an ADN takes a much technical role. While ADNs are equipped with clinical skills, the BSN are trained on management, nursing research, and leadership (Finkelman & Kenner, 2009). In the present times, the Associate Degree …show more content…
Mainly, it equips the nurses with information on planning, diagnosis, assessment, and health evaluation of patients. They are also taught to develop sensory perception and physical competencies (McEwen, White, Pullis, & Krawtz, 2014). Apart from that, they use their clinical judgment based on their analytic and critical thinking skills, which are earned through evidence based practices and researchers. Moreover, they have adequate emotional stability to be accountable and responsible during a highly stressful event. They are taught how to handle the changing and unpredictable environment. The program also entails teaching nurses about important communication and verbal skills in both written and verbal form. In particular, the analytic and logical thinking skills acquired assist the nurses in patient care that will pave the way for them to achieve higher education (McEwen et al., 2014). Additionally, the baccalaureate-degree level instructs them to respond to the challenges that emerge in the health system. Indeed, this course is comprehensive and helps develop all rounded …show more content…
The ADN administered more pain killers to the patient and assessed his respiratory status, and it was done after the post-op orders. Conversely, the BSN examined the patient and went through his medical history (McEwen, 2015). After that, she called the emergency response team, whereby a state chest x-ray was done and the client was taken to the emergency room. In this case, the BSN offered primary care and treated the patient with a high level of knowledge.
To conclude, although the competencies among BSN nurses are similar to those of ADN, some differences are apparent based on the management level and the departments. While ADNs acquire skills and knowledge based on the experience they gain in the clinical practice field, the BSN have competencies that are founded on management, leadership, evidence-based practice, and research. Even though both programs develop competent nurses, the BSN course ensures that their graduates are equipped to handle any complex situations as they employ analytic and critical thinking