Nursing Degrees at the Associate and Baccalaureate Levels
The Difference Between an Associate’s Degree and a Baccalaureate Degree
A nurse’s educational preparation varies depending on the level chosen. The primary distinction between an Associate’s Degree Level (ADN) and a Baccalaureate Degree Level (BDN) is that the former provides potential nurses with basic knowledge and skills related to health care delivery, whereas the latter is thought to prepare professionals through critical thinking, continuous development, and evidence-based practice. Let us take a closer look at each of these levels.
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The primary focus of an ADN competency is the comprehensive evaluation of patients, which includes physical, psychological, cultural, and spiritual aspects. ADNs gather the necessary information and accurately interpret it prior to the assessment (O’Lynn, 2013). The subsequent identification of a patient’s available resources corresponds to the determination of his or her expectations. Effective communication is now an essential component of ADN healthcare delivery. According to O’Lynn (2013), communication with patients requires patience and tact, which contributes to patients’ faster recovery.
A nurse must carry out all prescriptions precisely. They must establish trusting and appropriate relationships with patients to provide a comfortable environment to specify the necessary nursing interventions. Traditionally, the latter include nurturing and other types of patient-centered care (Feldman, Alexander, & Greenberg, 2011). Collaboration with other professionals is one of ADNs’ other competencies. This is necessary if a patient requires an in-depth examination or other information. This nursing level is generally associated with applying knowledge and skills in practice.
BDUs are baccalaureate-degreed professionals who focus on holistic care based on the Christian faith. Taking into account human diversity, they believe that all people should be treated equally as God’s children (Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Care Professions Philosophy, 2016). Patients benefit from such treatment because it gives them hope and meaning. A BDN degree implies, first and foremost, critical thinking, which is critical in today’s ever-changing environment. Furthermore, assessment, communication, care, and leadership are important BDN competencies. They are expected to embody fundamental human characteristics such as dignity, social justice, and honesty as experts in their field (Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Care Professions Philosophy, 2016). The BDN degree is thought to be theory-driven, requiring lifelong knowledge, skill development, and an evidence-based approach to nursing practices.
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It is also worth noting that BDN competencies include both leading and teaching. According to Feldman et al. (2011), students learn to think critically while attending university and develop leadership skills. Another benefit of a bachelor’s degree that allows students to work in administrative positions is that they gain more experience working outside, specifically in hospitals. Furthermore, BDNs conduct various research to stay competitive in their profession and to teach others so that the overall work of the medical institution where these specific nurse works are relevant to modern requirements. The publications and research methods provide BDNs with additional evidence-based data necessary to ensure the most appropriate healthcare delivery.
