It is evident that the healthcare sector is always evolving. In particular, the nursing department has extensively grown over the years. Today, one can become a registered nurse (RN) through various platforms. The two primary ways through which one can become an RN is through attaining an ADN or BSN Degree. Indeed, the extent of individuals’ qualification determines their competencies. Moreover, the education standards of every RN act as a determinant of an individual’s responsibility. Therefore, this study will primarily define the differences in competence between ADN and BSN degree levels and how each graduate approaches particular situations.
Registered nurses with an ADN degree are only prepared technically to serve in situations where acute care is needed. Such places include the emergency and the Intensive Care Units. Moreover, ADNs can be given responsibility to work within health care environments that are not well structured. They can also provide care to a patient who has unpredictable health symptoms. Besides, ADNs can sometimes be allowed to delegate, manage, or supervise different sectors in the nursing care department. However, unlike the BSN degree holder, an ADN can only serve a very limited number of patients within their care (Keating, 2014). The various limitations faced by ADN degree holders are attributed to the number of years they take to attain their degrees and the generalized way through which their curriculum is structured.
On the other hand, BSN nurses are fully qualified to undertake similar roles to those of an AND qualified nurses. However, with their expertise, the BSNs are believed to be more qualified; hence, they can provide long-term diagnosis, especially to the patients with chronic diseases and symptoms. Within the four years they take to attain their degrees, BSNs become qualified to practice nursing on an evidence-based approach. Further, BSNs are allowed to work in health settings within the community level, which is a core competency as compared to ADNs, who are more limited in a home care environment. Moreover, a BSN degree holder is prepared to take up bigger leadership roles. In this setup, BSNs can chair hospital committees and, at the same time, act as administrators within the middle-level nursing care sections (Cho et al., 2012). Due to their leadership abilities, hospital administrations ensure to grow a BSN’s capability, which guarantees them future leadership roles within the enterprise. It is worth noting that an individual with a BSN degree is more advantaged because, with their qualifications, they can specialize in specific areas of interest within the nursing department. Such areas include nurse educators or trainers, administrators, advanced practice professionals, and researchers.
In fact, when a situation arises, the ADN and BSN degree holders use different approaches in making decisions because their aspect of preparation during their education differs and matter significantly. A good example can be cited where a patient with a mental health problem is brought into a facility. In such an occurrence, a BSN nurse will start by interviewing, assessing, learning the symptoms, associated illnesses, history, and the patient daily lifestyle (Potter et al., 2013). From there, a complete BSN nurse will go on to diagnose the patient’s illness on an evidence-based practice approach. By using this method, a BSN nurse will ensure that proper procedures, strategies, and practices are applied effectively. From the evidence-based practice, nurses are taught that such cases should be intervened using various domains, including biological, psychological, social, and a combination of several fields.
On the other hand, the BSN nurse, in this case, will provide an individualized plan for which the patient will be offered an extensive care and attention. In fact, the program will help to ensure that a patient lives a productive life with little or no mental disturbances. In fact, when an ADN nurse offers the plan, he/she can only be assigned fewer responsibilities. Although such nurses can assess, interview, and examine the patient’s illness, their education level does not allow them to diagnose any medications for the patient. Nonetheless, in such a case, ADNs are supposed to participate fully in providing medical help to the mentally disturbed patient. By being part of the team, ADNs sometimes provide psychotherapy services and ensure that the patient’s personal care is adhered to, including their grooming. Moreover, ADNs actively coordinate the activities between the doctor, other medical professionals, and the patient’s family in caring for the sick (Potter et al., 2013). Indeed, the ADNs are expected to provide medications for their patients, while the LPNs act as counselors for the patient, act as the caregivers, and assist the patient’s family so that they can understand their patient’s needs.
As is evident from the above discussion, the health care sector is very sensitive and diversified. That is why the entire industry co-ordinates to ensure that their patients are treated and satisfied whether at home or in the hospital. However, the nursing sector has an incredible task force that guarantees efficient handling of the patients within their care. Registered nurses, for instance, do an incredible job, where their education levels act as the core determiners of an individual’s competency and how they approach, act, and make decisions for different situations.
References
Cho, S. H., Lee, J. Y., Mark, B. A., & Yun, S. C. (2012). Turnover of new graduate nurses in
their first job using survival analysis. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 44(1), 63-70.
Keating, S. B. (2014). Curriculum development and evaluation in nursing. Springer Publishing
Company.
Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P., & Hall, A. (2013). Fundamentals of nursing. Elsevier
Health Sciences.
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