Nursing Education and Competency Essay Example for Free

nurse Education and Competency try onNursing Education and CompetencyThe purpose of this paper is to explore the different paths of learning to become a registered shield. Specially, to examine the educational tracks of the Associate Degree retain and the Baccalaureate Degree nurse. The question at cut into is how do these educational paths differ in the level of competency? First, I will show the distinction in educational structure and then examine how these relate to the competency of the nurse following issue of each program. The Associate Degree in c ar for came about during the 1950s in an effort to flake a care for shortage in the Unites States following World War II. An Associate Degree nursing program is a biennial program that is typically affordable and offered at a junior or community college. The focus of this program is on the basic intuitions and theoretical and clinical courses related to the practice of nursing (Potter Perry, 2005, p. 16). It prep ares the student for competent technical bedside nursing in secondary care settings (Cresia Friberg, 2011, p. 33). Following completion of the two-year program, the student is pensionable to take the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) and can achieve a license as a registered nurse.The graduation exercise Baccalaureate Degree in nursing was established in the United States at the University of Minnesota in 1909 (Cresia Friberg, 2011, p. 25). It consists of a four-year program on a university or college campus with a larger financial attachment. There are typically two old age of general education requirements followed by two years of upper-level nursing education courses. In addition to the basic science, theory and clinical education the program include courses in community and public health, beginning question, management and leadership (Cherry Jacob, 2005, p. 81). It prepares the student to become a professional nurse generalists for acute care settings, com munity- shewd practice, and beginning leadership/management positions (Cresia Friberg, 2011, p. 33). Following the completion of the program, the student is also eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to receive licensure. Do these two years of additional education make a more(prenominal) competent nurse? Over the past several years, policy makers, researchers, and practice leaders have place that education does make a difference in how nurses practice (Johnston, 2009).The University of Pennsylvania in an issue of health check Care released one suchstudy that represents this in October, 2012 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). It states that surgical patients in Magnet hospitals had 14% lower betting odds of inpatient death within 30 days and 12% lower odds of failure-to-rescue compared with patients cared for in non-Magnet hospitals. The study authors conclude that these better outcomes were attributed in large part to investments in highly fitted and educated nurses, including a higher proportion of baccalaureate prepared nurses. (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012) The current healthcare milieu is changing through federal policy, technological advancements, and a growing global multicultural population. These additional years of education are believed to enhance the students professional development, prepares the new nurse for a broader scope of practice, and provides the nurse with a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic, and social issues that affect patients and influence (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2012). The four-year baccalaureate program offers more education to develop these skills giving the nurse the ability to adapt and contribute to these continual changes.Let us in a flash use the following patient care situation of a newly diagnosed patient with Diabetes Mellitus Type II to explore the differences of an Associate Degree nurse (ADN) and Baccalaureate Degree nurse (BNS). A newl y diagnosed diabetic needs teaching, the focus of this example will be on how the AND verses a BSN would approach teaching. As say previously the ADN is prepared at a more technical level, although they share the same basic science and theory as a BSN. After explaining the basics of disease process to the patient, the ADN primary focus may be on the methods of testing blood glucose levels, the correct techniques for selective service up insulin and administration. This is due to the fact that the sight of their educational training encompassed technical nursing. They would consider proper aseptic techniques for finger stick testing go teaching. Interrupting the results and applying it to a sliding scale of insulin related to food intake and activity. Then teaching the method of drawing up insulin, administration, and sharps disposal. A BSN nurse would teach the basics of the disease process taking the patients learning modality into consideration out front starting.What is the patients ability to learn? Is the patient realise to learn? What is the best method for teaching (audio, visual, written material, or discussion)? What is thefamily dynamic and should the family be involved in the teaching? Are there any cultural considerations? The BSN nurse might be inclined to research the topic of teaching new diabetics and find some current evidence based literature to supporter in providing the best possible care for this patient. All of these items would have to be taken into consideration before moving onto the task of blood glucose testing, interpreting results and administering insulin. The example above is just a brief breast into the thought process that comes with the different tracks of nursing education.A BNS nurse has a larger k flatledge base to work from applying critical thinking, evidence based research and cultural consideration into their daily practice. They also birth some of the qualifications to move toward nursing positions in leaders hip and management. Research is leaning toward the idea that a nurse that has received a Baccalaureate Degree makes for a more competent nurse. National nursing associations support this thought. Policy makers are privy to this information as well. What seems to be a topic of debate now could soon become a reality and change how we educate future nurses.ReferencesAmerican Association of Colleges of Nursing (2012, October 24). The impact of education on nursing practice. Retrieved from http//www.aacn.nche.edu/media-relations/fact-sheets/impact-of-education. Cherry, B., Jacob, S. R. (2005). Contemporary Nursing Issues, Trends, and Management (3 rd ed.). St. Louis, Missouri Elsevier, Inc. Cresia, J. L., Friberg, E. (2011). Conceptual Foundations The bridge over to Professional Nursing Practice, (5 th ed.). http//dx.doi.org/. Johnston, K. A. (2009). The Importance of Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Education. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from http//www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2009/apr/ importance-baccalaureate-degree-nursing-education Potter, P. A., Perry, A. G. (2005). Fundementals of Nursing (6 th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri Mosby, Inc.