Differences In Nursing Degrees: A Bachelor’s Degree And Associate’s Degree

ADN or BSN?

American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program was created to bring attention to the best healthcare facilities. To be eligible for this recognition, all nurses working in hospitals must hold a BSN degree. A BSN can open up many opportunities for nurses in their career. Employers may be more interested in nurses with a BSN because they have had higher education. It is much better to get a Bachelor’s in Nursing than an Associate’s.

The controversy about getting your BSN is not over. However, you can counter that by getting your ADN it would be just as great as getting your BSN. A majority of licensed nurses are qualified to work as staff nurses, regardless of whether they have a diploma, an associate degree or a bachelor’s. Many hospitals offer an internship program that allows new nurses to gain specializations in critical care and the operating room. ADN programs allow people to get work without incurring a lot of debt (Kelbach, 2015). ADNs only teach basic nursing skills to nursing students. They include basic skills such as creating care plans and daily nursing tasks. The BSN enables nurses to think outside of their comfort zone, using theory, leadership, and research. This will lead to a more critical mind, which will then be transferred into the practice. This will make patients safer. It was difficult to find nurses in the past, but it is now less common. BSNs are preferred as nurses are less in demand. A BSN is more common to be considered for teaching, specialties, or school nurse positions. ADN nurses know what’s coming and are either already graduating or in the process to complete their BSN. The BSN is a requirement for many jobs in the future. A magnet status is a designation that allows hospitals to employ ADN nurses. Magnet Recognition means hospitals provide better patient care and service. Magnet Recognition is the goal of all hospitals. Magnet Recognition Program enables hospitals to be better known for hiring nurses with their BSNs. To be eligible for a BSN, 80 percent will have to have a BSN by 2020. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has mandated that new ADNs be issued within a set timeframe after they are hired. The mandate was designed to encourage new nurses into a BSN program within five years of their graduation. According to Standfest 1997, licensed nurses with a diploma and associates degrees are usually qualified to work as staff nurses in entry-level positions. Colleges must tell students that a BSN is better than an ADN long term. While starting out with an ADN may be a good idea, it is slower to earn the same income as someone with BSN. A BSN eventually would be required. These skills will be able to help those who are interested in becoming nurses earn a higher salary and avoid having to work harder after obtaining a degree. The field will be able to offer nurses safer and more efficient ways of caring for patients. This will lead to better clinics and hospitals. Nursing will be less paid without a BSN. Nursing students who spend too much time at school for their BSN will have a hard time focusing on patients and their work.

Employers may be more interested in nurses with a BSN because they have had higher education. It is much better to get a Bachelor’s in Nursing than an Associate’s. An ADN will only teach a student basic and essential nursing skills. These skills include planning care and practicing everyday nursing skills. The BSN allows nurses to think outside the box. Creditable research, leadership and theory will help them become more critical thinkers. Patients will feel safer. BSN is essential for many occupations. A number of hospitals in America are striving to achieve Magnet status. A Magnet status does not allow them to hire ADN-trained nurses. The requirement for a BSN is mandatory for all nurses working in hospitals and clinics. It’s better to get a BSN than an ADN at the beginning.

Author

  • miabooth

    Mia Booth is an educational blogger and mother who loves to share her knowledge and experiences with others. She enjoys writing about topics that she is passionate about, and believes that learning should be accessible to everyone. Mia is also a member of the American Educational Research Association, and has presented her research at regional and national conferences.

Related Posts