The Difference In Competencies: Associate Vs. Baccaaureate Nurse

Educational Preparation: Associate vs Baccalaureate Nurses
Laly C. Kurian
Grand Canyon University: Assignment Week 2
September 12, 2015

Preface
The scope of this paper is to discuss the difference in competencies based on the education preparation. Even though there are various level education preparation for nurses ranging from vocational training to doctoral level, the differences in competencies between the Associate Nurse (ADN) and the Baccalaureate Nurse (BSN) are analyzed and compared.
Competencies differences between Associate and Baccalaureate
Nurses from the two different educational streams ADN and BSN, can prepare for National Council Licensure Examination and eventually become a Registered Nurse, but the educational curriculum

The advancement in medical science, technology and complexity of the current patient care, demands the nurses to be prepared with the knowledge and skills in Assessment and Intervention, Effective Communication, Critical Thinking, Patient Relationship, Leadership, Management and Teaching. As the required competency increases, the curriculum needs to prepare the nursing graduates to have these core competencies as outlined by COPA model (Competency Outcomes and Performance Assessment)” (Lenburg, 1999 a, b). The BSN curriculum is tailored to accommodate these professional development requirements, the modern era demands that incorporate a broad scope of practice, giving a better edge in competency compared to an ADN, especially in Critical Thinking. A noteworthy point is that the differences in clinical competencies of a BSN and ADN are few compared to management, leadership, decision making and communication competencies. The BSN course gives the students more exposure in nursing practices than an ADN. Clinical studies, conducted among various health settings, including magnet

According to the Grand Canyon University College of Nursing Philosophy “the nursing education is built upon theories and research. Baccalaureate nursing practice incorporates the roles of assessing, critical thinking, communicating, providing care, teaching, and leading” ("Nursing Philosophy," 2011). In the event of a nursing care or patient situation, the ADN uses the procedures and steps learned to correctly evaluate the patient condition as exactly a BSN would do in the same situation. The difference starts with the BSN utilizing the critical thinking, management, leadership and decision making skill set to think beyond the clinical condition of the patient. This may not be limited to legal, management, social, human caring and the client relationship. A patient care situation is described below to elaborate these differences in competencies between an ADN and