Associate Degree Nursing (Registered Nurse)
The idea of Associate degree nursing materialized after a research done in the United States around 1950s. According to the study, it was possible to train individual within two years to the nursing profession (Adorno 23). The current paper will address various aspect of Associate Degree Nursing based on some questions.
Why I chose Associate Degree Nursing
The career is an early chance for affirming choice of career because nursing experience is started in the first semester. The career also saves time and finances because its completion time is four semesters. In addition, a person can get access to employment opportunities in various settings and roles, and a chance to proceed with education while working. Lastly, the career also offers flexible options and opportunities for learning RN-to BSN since various programmes provide weekend or evening classes and online classes (Starr 12).
The duties of the career
After completing the career, an individual is able to perform different duties, such as implementing competent and safe nurturing care while working as an Associate Degree Nurse, planning care for all people through the nursing process, and communicating effectively by use of the counselling and teaching techniques in the restoration, promotion, and maintenance of health. Additionally, a person is in a position to maintain nursing care for different clients in various settings (Starr 35).
Compensation
When working as an Associate Degree Nurse, the salary differ in terms of the number of years an individual has worked and the location of work. However, earning an ADN increases the potential of earning (Starr 25). Entry-level salary for the nurses with a degree in ADN is $53,000 per year. The average pay is $73,000 annually. The nurses who have BSN degree earn slightly higher than that, and their average wage is $75000 per year.
Job Market
The requirements for nurses have been consistent over years. Many hospitals in the US offer employment opportunities to nurses. For instance, UTMB health has over 11,000 employees. The university employs an average of 2000 employees per year in its clinics, hospitals, and correctional facilities (Starr 24). Furthermore, the medical centre of Michael DeBakey in Houston hires over 200 licensed nurses for vocational and 780 registered nurses.
Advancement Opportunities
Students who complete their ADN continue proceed with their education to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. The program takes 4 years although there are bridge programs that allow nurses with ADN to earn BSN within two years
Educational Requirement
ADN applicant requires a diploma from high school or an equivalent. A person is also supposed to have completed biology, English, Math, and Chemistry courses.
Specialties in RN
The specialties include courses in nursing pharmacology, microbiology, physiology, anatomy, physiology, introductory psychology, and the fundamentals of nursing. The students should also finish hands-on clinical experience.
Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) requirements for re-licensure
Completion of twenty contact hours, which exhibits compliance with continued competency, is required. This has to be in the nursing area. The twenty contact hours are supposed to be attained within the period of two years preceding the renewal of the licence. This begins with the first day after the month of renewing until the day before the subsequent renewal (Starr 25).
Quote from a professional
According to the professional I interviewed, ‘ADN are easier, and quicker compared to BSN although BSN are valuable in reference to career marketability and advancement. However, both are imperative in acquiring nursing career. One needs to decide which one is right for them
Works Cited
Adorno, Marie. “A Phenomenological Study to Describe the Pursuit of a Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing by Associate Degree Registered Nurses,” 2014. Print.
Starr, Sharon S. “Associate Degree Nursing: Entry into Practice—link to the Future.” Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 2013).Print.