Adn vs Bdn

Running head: DIFFERENCE IN COMPETENCIES

Difference in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level versus the Baccalaureate Degree Level
Maureen P. Lydon
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V Professional Dynamics
September 4, 2011

Difference in Competencies between Nurses Prepared at the Associate-Degree Level versus the Baccalaureate Degree Level
One of the impediments to Nursing becoming a profession is developing a standard education path for entry into the profession, the use of differentiated competencies between associate-degree program nurses (ADN) and baccalaureate degree programs nurses (BDN) should help define a standard education path.
      An agreed upon characteristics of a profession cited by numerous researchers is a lengthy and required education. (Creasia &   Friberg, 2011) Currently, a person who wants to become a registered nurse may enter a diploma program, an associate degree program or a baccalaureate degree program. The existence of these three paths has called into question nursing’s claim as a profession as three different types of education can result in the same designation, a Registered Nurse. To rectify this situation competency statements on differentiated roles for ADN and BDN prepared nurses were developed to establish an educational path and job descriptions for each group. (Primm, 1987)
      In Primm (1987), the ADN competencies include caring for focal clients, identified as individuals and members of a family, and being responsible for a specified work period that is consistent with the identified goals of care. The ADN is prepared to only function in a structured health care setting with established health care policies, procedures, and protocols and where assistance from more educated and experienced nurses is available.
      Primm (1987) further stated the BDN competencies included caring for focal clients identified as individuals and families but also included aggregates and community...