HLTH 3770 Drugs, Society, and Behavior
HLTH 3770 Drugs, Society, and Behavior
Baccalaureate Nursing vs. Registered Nursing
There is an ongoing debate on the differences of nurses who possess an associate’s degree versus a bachelor’s degree. Individuals considering nursing as a career may find some confusion when comparing the two degrees. Both bachelor degree nurses as well as associate degree nurses can sit for the nursing licensure exam also known as the NCLEX. One might wonder why a bachelor’s degree requires two more years of preparation when compared to an associate’s degree, when essentially the process of obtaining a nursing license is the same. Ultimately, individuals need to realize that each program has their own set of benefits as well as drawbacks. Associate Degree Nursing has also been in the past referred to as technical nursing. It is perceived that “associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs, as a rule, emphasize psychomotor learning and technical skills necessary to carry out basic nursing tasks and medically related functions, and provide experiences in basic bedside nursing.” (Kubsch, Hansen, & Huyser-Eatwell, 2008, p. 375) The associate degree nursing program was created during a national shortage of nursing. “The severity of the nursing shortage in the postwar years encouraged faculty to develop new entry-level nursing programs.” (Creasia & Friberg, 2011, p. 15) This program gives the individual a basic knowledge of nursing care, the human body, and technical skills. With this knowledge an associate level nurse can safely and competently care for a patient. Associate degree programs are beneficial if an individual would like to obtain a degree in a short period of time. The associate level nursing program is lacking on in depth educational preparation on the science and theory of nursing. “Baccalaureate nursing practice incorporates the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care,…
