Introduction
The functioning of the coherent society depends on the efficient interaction of its central institutions that guarantee the preservation of the existing order, protect people, and care about their soundness. In such a way, the healthcare sector can be considered one of the fundamentals of the modern world. However, the increased sophistication of challenges and diversity of specialists working in the sphere today demand a high level of skills and competencies among workers (“Healthcare degrees and nursing degree programs,” n.d.).
That is why education and specialists training become another essential element of the healthcare sector. The diversification of tasks mentioned above also demands the introduction of multiple levels of training and qualifications to distribute responsibilities efficiently and guarantee positive outcomes. The sphere of nursing, as an integral part of the healthcare sector, demonstrates similar tendencies.
Numerous programs offer would-be nurses knowledge, practical skills, and experiences they will use while providing care to patients (“The real differences between ADN and BSN nurses,” n.d.). Diversification is also peculiar to this sphere which means that there is a significant need to distribute tasks appropriately and introduce a specific hierarchy – that is why this paper delves into differences between degree levels.
Differences between ADN and BSN
Specifically, significant divergences between specialists prepared at the associate level and nurses who have the baccalaureate-degree level will be assessed. To start the comparison, it is critical to say that both these certificates guarantee employees a high level of job security which means that ADN and BSN nurses can work in different medical units and perform multiple tasks (“Healthcare degrees and nursing degree programs,” n.d.). Additionally, they will be provided with opportunities for career growth. At the same time, there are also significant divergences in health workers competences regarding their certificates and preparation levels.
First of all, BSN programs offer applicants opportunities to improve their knowledge in the sphere of social sciences, critical thinking, nursing theory, leadership, public health, informatics, and research (“Healthcare degrees and nursing degree programs,” n.d.). ADN programs suggest less diversified courses. This difference plays a central role in nurses’ competences and authorities. For instance, BSN nurses are traditionally provided with posts that demand more responsibilities and skills (“ADN and BSN in nursing pathways,” n.d.).
These include administrative, research, leader, and other posts that presuppose working not only with patients but with other health workers who might be subordinate to BSN nurses. The given character of the job also means that nurses with the given degree can use various technologies to reorganize their working environment to preserve its innovative nature and ensure that all members of the staff work in modern settings.
Furthermore, the existence of numerous additional disciplines offered to ADN nurses helps them to improve their understanding of the most topical problems peculiar to the healthcare sector and issues affecting patients (“ADN and BSN in nursing pathways,” n.d.). Moreover, extra competencies and enhanced critical thinking typical of this category of nurses help them to engage in research projects and contribute to the development of science and elaboration of new approaches that might help to attain improved outcomes in patients and speed up their recovery.
That is why despite the fact that both ADN and BSN nurses can perform similar tasks, there is still a critical divergence between their competencies. It can also be proven if to evaluate their career developments. ADN and BSN nurses can both provide care to patients; however, the latter category has more opportunities because of the skills that help to engage in research work.
Scenario
All differences between ADN and BSN nurses precondition the emergence of significant divergence in the ways they work with patients. For instance, a particular scenario can be suggested to demonstrate these differences. A patient in the state of allergic shock was taken to the local hospital. In the course of the investigation, health specialists used antiallergenic therapy and epinephrine to stabilize the patient and improve his state.
The patient had been monitored during all his stay at the hospital. However, at the moment, the first signs of a new attack are observed. An ADN level nurse responds to these alterations by using recommended medication and calling a therapist to examine the patient. At the same time, correctly realizing the causes of the first case, a BSN nurse asks the patient about the factors that might trigger the allergic response which is critical for treatment. Having outlined potential allergens, the BSN nurse might ask for an additional investigation to improve the state of the patient and guarantee the high quality of their life.
Conclusion
Altogether, the paper reveals critical differences between BSN and ADN nurses, their competencies, and work regarding diverse cases. In such a way, the existence of additional disciplines and the focus on critical thinking provides BSN specialists with more opportunities for career growth as they can engage in research work or perform managerial functions to reorganize the working environment and introduce innovations.
However, despite these divergences, both these categories of specialists are critical for the functioning of the healthcare sector as they are responsible for the provision of care to patients. Additionally, cooperating with therapists, nurses contribute to the development of the sphere and promote the improvement of the health of the nation.
References
ADN and BSN in nursing pathways: What are the differences? (n.d.). Web.
Healthcare degrees and nursing degree programs. (n.d.). Web.
The real differences between ADN and BSN nurses. (n.d.). Web.