A Comparison of Competencies between Associate and Bachelor Degreed Nursing Graduates Essay Example for Free

A Comparison of Competencies between Associate and Bachelor Degreed Nursing Graduates canvasNursing is complex, and within the profession in that respect are many spectrums of career possibilities. Nursing is based on a foundation of caring and what draws many to the profession is a commitment of service. The knowledge and education seek to prepare nurses however differs between the two entry level paths of accord degreed nurses and bachelors degree degree nurses and and then forms a difference in the way they perform their pro normal.Associate Degreed NursesAssociate degree treat curriculums were developed in the early 1950s as a response to postwar shortages (Creasia, Friberg. 2011) they were intended to be two years in duration and designed to prepare the graduate for bedside care in the standby setting. These program quickly became successful and programs spread across the United States at a record pace. The associate degree program were found to be clinically sou nd and offered heavily hands on approach, they traditionally graduate nurses that are task oriented and perform well. Associate graduates are tested via the NCLEX after program completion to obtain licensure. The associate degreed path remains the major point of entry into the profession today.The educational prerequisite of the associate degree nursing program are not as robust in sciences often eliminating the need for organic chemistry and advanced mathematics. The associate degree nursing path similarly is remedial as compared to the BSN in the liberal arts, often leaving the graduate with subpar communication skills when compared to the BSN counterpart. baccalaureate Degreed NursesBaccalaureate degree programs are traditionally structured as four year programs with the nursing clinical instruction at the latter two years. Programs differ from Associate programs in that there are courses required which commission on the professional development of the student, and thus the gr owth of the profession. Baccalaureate programs prepare the graduate for scopes beyond bedside care. leaders and research roles favor the bachelors prepared graduate. The advanced professional focus allows the graduate to view the practice beyond the task orientation of the associate degreed nurse.A comparison study (Ginger, N. Davidhizar, R., 1990) found that baccalaureate nurses were more interested with research methodology, teaching of the individual and the group, and community assessments. The study concluded that the baccalaureate nurse was more sour driven than the task oriented associate degreed nurses. Healthcare today is composed of a multiple disciplinal team of practitioners with varied levels of education, preparing nurses at the minimum of the baccalaureate level has been a push of many professional organizations.Recent research (Aiken, 2008) has confirmed a strong link in the educational level of nurses and return in patient mortality. The study found when the ins titution increased the percentage of baccalaureate prepared nurses by 10% that the corresponding mortality decreased by 4%. Practical ComparisonOne of the situational comparisons that I feel would demonstrate the practice focus differences of the two educational preparations is in dealing with imminent shoemakers last and dying. Throughout the career of any healthcare provider we will be faced with this challenge, and while there are many task associated with the algorithm of advanced life support or complexity of the hospice patient, there are multiple psych social aspects to consider.The baccalaureate nurses educational preparation allows her to focus on the causes of the underlying pathophysiology, attend the chemistry of the multiple medications involved and problem solve for alternative treatments is initially unsuccessful. The baccalaureate nurse is adequate to(p) to communicate effectively with the healthcare team and reassuringly guide the family thru this difficult proce ss. In my years of practice I feel that clinical experience and confidence can elevate the associate degreed nurse to a comparable level in this situation as well but I have seen that the baccalaureate graduate achieves this standard well before the counterpart.Patient presentation has become more complex and the set off of treatments available seems almost endless. Our patients and their families deserve thebest outcomes from the best prepared team.