In my estimation there are many differences. When I used to ask this question, some would say "nothing really, just management stuff". Wow was I in for a learning curve in the BSN program.
I don't understand why there aren't real, substantive answers as to why it seems that more hospitals and nursing in general are moving to all BSN status as a minimum.
First, allow me to just say that there are some really GREAT ASNs out there. Their experience, caring and thoughtful nursing skill sets are invaluable. I know of quite a few myself whom I would have care for me or any of my loved ones, due to the fact I know they care and are extremely good at what they do. Secondly, the field of nursing is a great, well respected career path. Any degree in Nursing is indeed a good choice, but why not make a great choice? There are many career paths within the field of nursing and different areas of nursing one can follow or get into. The major two types are the ASN and the BSN. How does it differ from a nurse who has an associate degree in nursing? Are there any differences other than being in school a little longer? Is the pay different? Is it only for a "managers job?".
The associate degree nurse is commonly called the "associate of science in nursing" or ASN degree nurse. An associate degree nurse has commonly completed approximately two years of nursing school training. However before entering any nursing program the student must have completed the prerequisites in order to be accepted into that program. Many times this entails having completed one to two years of education in order to meet the requirements for nursing school. Many students finish much more quickly but not without, arguably, hard work and a lot of time and energy. The latter being true for nursing education in general. ASN nurses take courses in, most obviously, nursing. However, the curriculum includes many other facets of learning. ASNs take courses in psychology, nutrition, microbiology, chemistry, physiology as well as social and behavioral sciences. One thing all nursing schools and curriculums have in common are hours of supervised clinical experience. While the course is technically only two years long, many students, young and old alike say it's one of the toughest programs they have ever encountered.
The baccalaureate in nursing program adds to the educational development of the registered nurse by including several other aspects of nursing. Baccalaureate or commonly called "bachelor" nursing programs contain all of the course work taught in ASN and diploma programs plus a more in-depth treatment of the physical and social sciences, research in the field of nursing, public and community health, nursing management and supervising, as well as the humanities. The additional coursework can continue to enhance the nursing student's professional development It also prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nursing student, whether already an ASN or not with a better understanding of the economic, political, cultural, and social issues that affect a patient and influence health care delivery. Throughout the last decade, policymakers and nursing practice leaders have recognized that education makes a difference. One of the major differences is in the area of "people". That is to say, BSNs' learn more on how to deal with people and the dynamics of the people in the workplace as well as effective management and productivity of those people. Also, registered nurses with a BSN possess a substantial chance for advancing their careers. As an example, a bachelor's in nursing degree is needed for acceptance into a master's nursing program, which could result in a career in healthcare administration, health services, or on to specialty nursing roles like nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse leader. A BSN is also favored and frequently necessitated for military and public health nursing and other more specialized jobs.
Now, with that said. Education is a great way to become enlightened on even more nursing information and for creation of change in the profession. All one has to do is look up Linda Aiken, RN and the information from her years of research on nursing will enlighten and brighten ones' thoughts on this matter -of magnet hospitals and/or facilities. Dr. Aiken and colleagues found (in over a decade of research) that hospitals that employed a higher percentile of BSNs had lower surgical patient mortality rates than hospitals that staffed with fewer BSNs (Hanink, 2014). The study was done in 2003 and other studies are continuing even now. All point to a need in a BSN. The study in 2003 was done on 168 hospitals. In addition, hospitals with RNs holding a bachelor's degree or higher ranged from 0% to 77% across the hospitals. a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses holding a bachelor's degree was associated with a 5% decrease in both the likelihood of patients dying within 30 days of admission and the odds of failure to rescue (JAMA, 2003). I would strongly recommend that any and all nurses read Dr. Aikens' research paper on this. It can be found in the link below.
Everywhere nurses look, other professions are taking on additional responsibilities, given more credibility and even more respect (PTs, OTs, Pharmacists, RTs etc) while nurses are seen as the pill pushers, IV starters etc. We need to educate ourselves and be proactive in all areas of patient care. That would include management, and lobbying congress for better nurse ratios as well.
On a personal note, if you are someone in nursing school or are considering nursing. Consider going for the BSN. The ASN is good if you are considering working and THEN going for your BSN, however as most nurses will tell you. It's hard to stop then start again, and sometimes expensive. Just keep going. Don't stop.
I like to write as you can tell. So what do you think?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Compagnox2 said:
Lots of ketchup with those shorts. lol The United states is trying to keep up with European countries where registered nurses are all now BSN
At least one US state attempted (and failed) to 'keep up' with other countries by formulating a BSN degree requirement.
In 1987 North Dakota enacted a law requiring all RNs in the state to be educated at the baccalaureate (BSN) degree level and all LPNs in the state to be educated at the associate of applied science (AAS) degree in practical nursing.
The law was repealed in 2003 due to difficulties with enforcement, retention and recruitment, especially in a sporificely populated upper Midwestern state that could not afford to turn away nurses.
That is ABSOLUTELY NOT what i meant. I simply meant there is a push for education and to have at least a minimum of 60 percent of all nurses be BSNs, and why shouldn't they? Look at all the other fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, etc. They are all becoming more educated and institutions are requiring upper echelon degrees. Why shouldn't nurses be more educated?
Heather, I love the sincerity and honesty in your post. Thank you, and thank you for your service as a nurse.
I think people misunderstand this topic many times. While experience is great, education and experience is great as well. ADNs have been and will continue to make great nurses. Nursing school in and of itself is one of the toughest things to get through and no one can really understand unless they are a nurse. The rigors nurses go through on the floor can really only be totally understood by another nurse.
There are many complaints in the field of nursing. One of the ways to create change is education and clout. We need more highly educated nurses to lobby congress and state legislators for help in creating better work hours, ratios etc. and make them federal mandates.
No one can deny the need for Registered Nurses, ADN or BSN or MSN or whatever.
However, there is something to this report and new reports as well. Dont you think?
You take offense? What about the physicians assistants? for a while there some physician assistants were working with only an associate degree. Physical therapists have a minimum of a bachelors and more and more required to have a Masters degree. The Main hospital where i live requires their respiratory therapists to be enrolled in a bachelors degree program or have a bachelors.
Why is it so offensive? I don't know you. I meant what i said. ADNs make for some great nurses. There are good ones and bad ones. However, a BSN has shown continued resilience in learning. In ANY other profession a Bachelors degree is always seen quite differently than an associates degree. Why should it be different in nursing? think about it, why?
Compagnox2
26 Posts
lol thats funny