What Is An Asn Or Associate Of Science In Nursing
ASN degrees deliver the knowledge and core skills students need to pass the NCLEX-RN examination, or to become nursing assistants or LPNs/LVNs. They combine classroom-based and hands-on instruction, and typically consist of approximately 72 credits or the equivalent of about 24 semester-length courses.
These courses cover academic and clinical skills, but often place slightly more emphasis on academics. As such, they make a strong base for future study at higher degree levels, such as if a student wants to continue on and earn a bachelors or masters degree in nursing. ASN curricula usually focus on science-oriented topics in greater depth than AAS programs, which by contrast offer more training in qualitative and patient-focused areas of professional practice.
ASN degrees normally cover the following subjects in their classes:
- Patient health assessments
- Medical, surgical, pediatric, and/or mental health nursing
- Research literacy and clinical practice
Generally, the differences between ASN and AAS programs comes down to only a few core and/or elective courses.
Reasons To Aim For An Associate Degree
1. The job you want now is a vocation or trade that doesnt require a bachelors degree. Cyber security is a perfect example of an occupational associate degree. You get your associate degree, get a job, and work your way up. The reason we say the job you want now is because almost any vocation or trade has supervisory and management jobs. After working your way up, you might decide later to return for a bachelors degree, where you can focus on management or business courses so you can move into a managing role.
- In 2010, 23% of children in families were in a two-year degree program
- In 2017, 34% of children in families were in a two-year program
2. Youre itching to work and get experience. An associate degree is what you want if you wish for less time in school, and more time in the field gaining relevant experience.
4. Youre on a budget. Typically an associate degree costs less than a bachelors degree , according to CollegeBoard. So, if your finances are tight now, you may want to avoid breaking the bank with a more costly bachelors degree. However, in the long run, according to Dr. Doug Ross, Program Chair for the B.S. Business Administration Program at Franklin University, many studies have shown that a bachelors degree will generally give you more access to pay and promotion, depending on your company.
Do Hospitals Prefer Adn Or Bsn
Why do Hospitals require BSN-trained Nurses? According to AACN, hospitals and other medical facilities are following the IOM guidelines. These guidelines advocate and validate the need for the BSN-in-10 legislation, which is nurses to have their BSN by 2020, or face job termination. Their argument is based on the importance of nursings future and healthcares importance, which hinges on highly trained nurses.
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Scope Of Practice And Core Competencies
Going from ADN to BSN represents an evolution from technical RN to professional RN. BSN nurses may enjoy increased autonomy in decision making on the job, with increased knowledge and understanding of RN specialties and skills.
ADN nurses are typically highly focused on technical clinical tasks and day-to-day care, such as monitoring patients, administering basic procedures or updating charts.
In addition to direct patient care, BSN nurses have the capability of adopting leadership, administrative and management roles, tilting more of their focus towards big picture initiatives within a healthcare institution. Some BSN nurses may even qualify to advance into roles in public health, nursing research or education.
How To Decide If An Adn Or Bsn Is Best For You
There are clear advantages to holding a BSN degree, but many nurses prefer to pursue a more direct path into practice, which is understandable. In choosing the program for you, here are a number of questions to ask yourself:
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What Are Bridge Programs
Current ADN registered nurses who want to earn the BSN credential in less time can complete something called an RN to BSN bridge program. A bridge program is exactly that an educational bridge that moves RNs from an associate degree to a bachelors in 12 to 18 months. The number of courses an applicant has satisfactorily completed in their associate degree program that can also transfer into the bridge program determines its length.
Individuals seeking a second career as a nurse may also find a BSN bridge program helpful. It can assist in adapting someones acquired skills to the skills needed for entry into a formal nursing program.
Employers Are Encouraging Nurses To Go Back For Their Bachelors Degrees In Nursing
Within the past 5 years, there has been a big push by employers to encourage their nurses with ADN degrees to go back and obtain a BSN degree. Many employers will pay them to obtain this, granted if the nurse agrees to work for them x amount of years. Now many universities are offering online RN-BSN programs, which make it easier to obtain.
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Bachelors Degree In Nursing
Bachelors programs incorporate a heavy amount of coursework and clinical practice into its curriculum. Students must be prepared to take classes such as anatomy, physiology, biology, and nutrition. A good aspect of Bachelors programs is that you can use your Associates degree as a starting point in your education. From there, you will go through more advanced classes such as emergency care, health assessment, family, community and population-based care, public and global health, issues and trends in Nursing, and much more.
Prospective students must take many things into account when deciding between an Associates degree and a Bachelors. Each has its benefits, but you cannot go wrong either way. Both degrees will provide you with a very stable and coveted asset in the great field of Nursing.
HCI College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges . TheAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is listed as a recognized accrediting agencyby the United States Department of Education. ACCSC may be contacted at 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite302, Arlington, VA 22201. The telephone number is -247-4212.
HCI College is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education.Information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 WestGaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, toll-free telephone number 224-6684.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting A Bsn Degree
There are many benefits to getting your BSN. As mentioned, being a Registered Nurse with a BSN has two visible advantages to being a non-BSN RN:
- Higher pay.
- Expanded job opportunities
But there are many others too.
- Preparedness as a higher education graduate, you are ready to deal with patients more effectively in many areas. This has a positive impact on patients, too. Studies show that each 10% increase in BSN nurses leads to a 7% decline in mortality after common surgery. Also, thanks to their expertise, patient hospital stays are also 2% shorter, with 19% less chance of readmission.
- Leadership roles a BSN degree opens doors to leadership roles, including nurse unit managing positions.
- Specialty nursing getting your BSN degree often leads to more specialized nursing work.
- A path to progression to stand a better chance of securing an Advanced Practice Nurse job, with a salary closing in on six figures, you need to get a BSN.
- Its becoming a requirement. Because of the improved results in outcomes for BSN nurses, New York passed a law in 2017 that requires all licensed nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree within ten years of initial licensure.
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Rn Vs Bsn: What’s The Difference
When comparing RN and BSN, first know that we are talking about a licensure versus a level of education. Lets dive into this main difference between RN and BSN further:
What is an RN?
A registered nurse is a nurse who has completed all educational and examination requirements, and has been licensed to practice nursing in their state. You will also see registered nurse as a job title or position.
The first step to become a registered nurse is to earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Once completed, RN candidates sit for the NCLEX-RN Exam, administered by the National Council of States Board of Nursing. Registered nurse candidates apply for licensure in the state where they intend to practice, once testing and education requirements have been satisfied.
What is a BSN?
The main difference between RN and BSN is that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an educational degree, rather than a licensure or job title.
Nurses can earn a BSN degree in one of two ways. You can pursue a BSN and RN at the same time through an entry-level program like Chamberlains 3-Year BSN degree. Alternately, you could become an RN through a diploma or associate degree program, and later return to school to complete your BSN degree through an RN to BSN online program.
So what is the difference between RN and BSN? In a nutshell, a BSN is the degree you earn. RN is the licensure you are granted through your state.
Adn Vs Bsn: Titles And Employers
Will your degree impact where you can work? Somewhat.
ADN and BSN nurses are largely employed in hospitals, home healthcare services and outpatient care centers. But a nurses degree can also influence their employment at other locations.
BSN nurses may have an advantage for employment as school nurses, nurse educators in colleges and with insurance carriers as case managers, while ADN nurses have an edge up on employment in nursing care facilities, retirement communities, outpatient clinics and assisted living facilities.2
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Adn Vs Bsn Salary Differences
Both ADN and BSN degrees prepare nurses for entry-level roles. However, a BSN degree is designed to offer more career opportunities for upward mobility, and that comes with a bigger paycheck.
The starting salary for a registered nurse with a BSN can be, at the beginning, similar towhat an ADN nurse earns.However, RNs with an ADN degree may land entry-level positions that will provide them with $40,250 on average, while RNs with a BSN can earn up to a mean annual income of about $71,730.
Differences In Competencies Associate Vs Baccalaureate
Info: 1066 words Nursing Essay 11th Feb 2020
Since the inception of the Associate Degree in Nursing there has been research and discussion as to whether this degree should continue. This is due to the adversity in the level of competency between the two. Current popular thought is that the entry level into nursing should be the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I also believe the Associate Degrees time is over. The increase in the complexity of medicine should make the baseline in nursing should be the Baccalaureate Degree.
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It has been shown that a nurses level of education can become a major factor to the safety and quality of care of their patients. There has been an increase in studies over the years that directly examine patient outcomes in similar situations between Associate Degree Nursing and Baccalaureate Degree Nursing further know as
Fagin, while citing Green stated:
Surveys revealed that nurses who had an ADN as their core education were destined to be charged nine times more often with violations than those with a BSN degree. These findings, significantly, tracked almost exactly those noted by the state of Texas in a similar study.
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Why Is The Bsn Becoming The Expected Degree
A number of forces are driving the RN vs BSN conversation: research indicating BSNs may influence better health outcomes for patients, recommendations from the Institute of Medicine and emerging state legislation.
1. The Future of Nursing Report: A Blueprint for Action
The Institute of Medicine , in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing, published an influential 600-plus page report entitled, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.
One of the recommendations made in the report has been a driving force behind making the BSN degree the desired entry point for new nurses: Academic nurse leaders across all schools of nursing should work together to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50 to 80 percent by 2020. – The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health
2. American Nurses Credentialling Center Magnet Status
In part to help meet this IOM goal, the ANCC set up a Magnet Recognition Program. This program requires a healthcare organization to undergo a rigorous examination including detailed documentation and a site visit to demonstrate that nurses working in the facility feel that they contribute to decision-making, have opportunities for advancement and are satisfied with their work.
3. Emerging State Legislation
In June of 2017, the BSN in 10 act amended the education law for the state of New York. The act states:
Career Opportunities And Job Growth
Career descriptions for Registered Nurses who have an associate degree will not differ that much from RNs who hold bachelors degrees. Both can expect to have the same job responsibilities:
- Administering medication
- Consulting with healthcare teams about treatment plans
- Delivering 1:1 bedside patient care
- Monitoring and updating patients medical charts
That is where the similarities end for RNs who chose different paths to their licensure. Nurses who wish to pursue long-term career opportunities have an advantage if they started with a BSN. Holding a bachelors degree allows RNs to easily work toward new job roles like Nurse Practitioner ,Nurse Midwife , and Nurse Anesthetist .
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Adn Vs Bsn Patient Outcomes
Many studies have concluded that BSN-prepared nurses have improved patient outcomes. The National Academy of Medicine recommends that at least 80% of nurses have a BSN, a recommendation stemming from evidence that patient outcomes improve as the percentage of BSN-prepared nurses increases at the bedside. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has based its recommendation of having baccalaureate-prepared nurses on the results of a study that found an increase in BSN nurses on a hospital unit .
Salary Potential For Rns With Adn Vs Bsn Degrees
According to PayScale, the average annual salary for an RN with an ADN is $70,700 as of May 2021, compared to the average annual salary of $86,520 for an RN with a BSN. Many employers require or strongly prefer a BSN for specialized or advanced positions. Positions with administrative responsibilities also prefer a bachelor’s. Still, there are many rewarding opportunities for both nurses with ADNs and BSN-holders.
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Adn Vs Bsn: Determining What Is Right For You
Aspiring nurses focused on becoming Registered Nurses must decide between earning an Associate Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing . Both degree programs qualify nursing candidates to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to earn their RN licensure. Deciding which one to choose depends on several factors. Nursing students must consider the differences between ADN and BSN degrees before making the choice that is right for them.
In this article we will explore:
Associate Degree Versus Bachelor Degree The Initial Question For Student Nurses
If you want to become a registered nurse, is it better to enter a two-year associate degree program or a four-year bachelor degree program ? Graduates of either one are eligible to become registered nurses. So most students who want to become registered nurses ask the same question why would I go to school four years when I can get the same registered nursing license in two? Its a fair question, and the answer depends upon your career goals and financial resources.
First lets look a basic nursing education ladder.
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How To Go From An Adn To A Bsn
An ADN to BSN bridge program is a popular alternative for going from an ADN to a BSN degree. They are ideal for students with previous nursing experience. Bridge programs accommodate practicing nurses who wish to further their education while continuing to work in the field.
Nursing students who attend a BSN program full-time can expect to finish in 12 to 18 months. If you are working a full-time job while earning your BSN, it can take a little longer. Here are the three most popular ways to go from an ADN to a BSN.
1. LPN to BSN
Licensed Practical Nurses can simultaneously earn the credentials needed for their Registered Nurse licensure and a BSN degree. If this scenario works for you, seek out bridge programs that offer a credit by exam option. It works by testing nurses on their existing knowledge of subjects, allowing them to earn credits and skip the course, as long as they are proficient. This can be an excellent way to reduce the number of hours you must spend taking courses and the money you will spend on those credit hours.
2. RN to BSN
3. Accelerated or direct entry
These programs are for students who already hold a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. You can take your liberal arts and background courses from your previous degree and use them to meet non-nursing course requirements to begin your BSN coursework faster.