Differences in Competencies Between an Associate Degree and Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing

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Abstract

This paper talks about the differences between possessing a baccalaureate degree and an associate degree. It goes further into talking about how these differences come into play in nursing. A nurse with a baccalaureate degree has gone through four years of college, as opposed to a nurse with an associate degree, who only has only gone through three years of college. It explains the various researches that were carried out to prove the competency of nurses with baccalaureate and associate degree. For the most part, this paper focuses on the advantages nurses with baccalaureate degree have over associate degree nurses, and it gave a real life situation where this advantage comes into play.

Keywords: Nursing processes, baccalaureate degree, associate degree.

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon in changing the world” (Durando, 2013). It is an important influence on all health care provider. Learning is an experience needed to move forward in our day to day activities. More education brings more opportunity. The more educational experience you have, the more doors are open for you, just like many doors are open to nurses with a BSN, than nurses with a diploma or an associate degree.
An associate degree nurse is a nurse with three years nursing training which are usually offered at community colleges. After graduating from the program the associate nurse is qualified to take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse. The program was offered to reduce the nursing shortages at hospital. Associate degree nurse program was formed by Mildred Montag in 1956 due to severe shortage of nurses after World War 11.
Baccalaureate degree nurses are nurses with four years of nursing training that are offered at summer colleges and universities. The graduates of this program are qualified to take the

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