Pros And Cons Of Baccalaureate Prepared Nurses

The increased need for Baccalaureate prepared nurses (BSN) has grown in the recent years. The nursing profession is growing with more than 3 million members (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2017). Most of the nurses in the United States work in acute care hospitals providing care to the population. The American population is growing older and sicker with more co-morbidities. Thus, nurses need to be more educated on how to treat these patients. The amount of Baccalaureate (BSN) prepared nurses will need to increase by 2020 in order to continue to care for the public (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2017).

Bachelor vs. Associates Degree Nurses

Bachelor’s degree nurses are educated with a focus on evidence-based practice and theoretical research. Which helps promote patient safety and research? A nurse’s with a bachelor’s degree has two more years of school than an associates degree nurse.

The difference between an Associate’s degree (ADN) prepared nurse and a BSN-Prepared nurse is that a ADN can use Evidence based practice data to aid in patient safety but they are not prepared to use theoretical data (Texas Board of Nursing, 2010). A BSN nurse is educated on using theoretical data to aid in error prevention and patient safety. The push for continued education is based on magnet status. Administration is working toward achieving magnet status. Magnet status means the highest honor in healthcare. The Magnet Recognition Program is recognized around the world are the ultimate seal for quality. Another benefit of magnet status is that the organization with magnet stats is viewed as having superior nurses that focus on quality care, safety and patient satisfaction (Grunwald, & Vital,