ADN Degree Vs. A BSN Degree for Registered Nurses

ADN Degree Vs. A BSN Degree for Registered Nurses
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ADN Degree Vs. A BSN Degree for Registered Nurses
A Bachelor’s Degree is the most appropriate level for Registered Nurses (RNs). Although nurses at every level of education are determined and hardworking, receiving a BSN degree is more appropriate for the nurse, the patient, and the entire healthcare profession. The field of nursing is constantly growing, with employment expected to increase by 19 percent by the end of 2022 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019). As a result, a large number of aspiring nurses have shown an interest in the profession. However, pursuing a career in nursing can be frustrating due to the scarce clinical institutions required to host student nurses, and the lack of sufficient nursing instructors. Getting a chance to study nursing can be difficult, and for nurses who apply for an associate degree, furthering their studies in the future could mean applying for a BSN degree, which would require them to repeat a similar registration process as that of an ADN. However, a BSN degree offers the basic advantage of not having to go through the same application process in the future.
Professionally, nurses who obtain a BSN degree are more marketable than those having an ADN degree. This is partly because the BSN curriculum is broad and offers the students more than the basic clinical skills. Nurses make up the largest sector of the healthcare workforce, meaning that they play a huge role in patient care. In consequence, nurses need to be eligible for practice by ensuring that they not only have the necessary clinical skills, but are also ethical, competent, and have the right attributes and skills. Aside from that, nurses should have good character and demonstrate language proficiency. These attributes are essential since RNs are required to practice ethically and safely within their assigned settings and roles. Many of these skills and values are taught in the BSN curriculum. A BSN degree holder is likely to learn critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills as well. These skills also provide the RN with a better chance of occupying a top level job. Specific nursing careers are limited to BSN holders. Careers such as nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, and nurse midwife require individuals to have at least a BSN degree. Furthermore, nursing bodies such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) acknowledge the BSN as the least educational requirement for nurses to be allowed to practice on a professional level. This was after the AACN issued a report based on research conducted by the body, which reveals that nursing education plays a crucial role in determining clinical outcomes (AACN, 2002). According to the research, BSN holders have lower failure to rescue rates, lower mortality rates, and better patient outcomes. Meaning that RNs with a BSN have a better reputation in the job market, which increases their chances for employment. With a BSN degree, RNs can venture out of the basic clinical care and even occupy administration positions. Compared to an associate degree, the BSN offers the RN a better chance of progressing career-wise.
Aside from progression, competition can be a major reason for nurses to choose the BSN over the ADN degree. Having an ADN degree is exceptional, and nurses can still get registered and practice. However, the current trend in nursing professionals indicates a shortage of young nurses as old professionals are highly considering retirement. This shows that a large number of clinics and hospitals are looking for highly skilled nurses even for entry-level positions to fill the positions. Most hospitals are working towards improving the quality of healthcare to stand out, and nurses with BSN are more likely to help hospitals achieve this through their broadened skills and competencies in areas such as public and community health, health care financing, and systems thinking. Since the level of education is already associated with the level of health care provided, BSN holders are more likely to get employed compared to ADN degree holders. The possibility of RNs getting or maintaining jobs does not only apply at the entry level but al...