Compare And Contrast Associate-Degree Level Vs Baccalaureate Degree

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Educational Preparation: Associate-Degree Level vs. Baccalaureate- Degree Level Nursing Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V February 8, 2015 Abstract Day to day it can be difficult for patients to tell the difference between an associate’s degree level nurse and a baccalaureate prepared nurse that is caring for them. There are some similarities with both types of nurses as well as many differences. Both types of formally educated nurses receive training and education regarding medical- surgical nursing, pediatrics, maternal and newborn nursing, mental health, and pharmacology (NursingLink, 2015). Formal education prepares the nurse to care for an individual from birth to death. Baccalaureate degree holding nurses also receive formal…show more content…
Associate degree level nurses receive their nursing degrees in approximately 2-3 years and typically graduate from a community college. Their education includes a minimal number of additional classes related to math, science, English, and liberal arts. These nurses have been given clinical time to enhance the necessary skills and the classroom training to assist with critical decision-making. Baccalaureate programs are 4 years in length and are completed in the university setting. One difference between the associate degree nurse and the baccalaureate degree education is some of the classes outside of nursing such as additional science courses, statistics, liberal arts, and leadership. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) share that “there is a growing consensus in the higher education community that a liberal arts education should be embedded in all the professional disciplines. Graduates with a liberal education are prized by employers for their analytical and creative capacities…show more content…
This can be seen in the leadership roles that they hold and the pay difference. In today’s age of nursing it is difficult to progress into higher levels of nursing (management, leadership, etc.) without holding a bachelors degree due to the increased demands in the workplace, the medical and technical advancements, the need for leadership experience, and the heavy focus of evidenced based practice and quality and safety. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing states that "recent studies clearly demonstrate that a higher prevalence of baccalaureate- and masters-prepared RNs at the bedside positively impact patient outcomes" (AACN,

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