IV. Delivery of Nursing Care by the Associate Degree Graduate (25%)
A. Foundations for associate degree practice
1. The Education of Nursing Technicians (Montag Report, 1951)
Mildred Montag's doctoral dissertation, published as a book, proposed outlined the two year college level nursing program, which she called a "nursing technician". This became the associated degree (AD) nursing level, of which part to half of the education is general with the other half nursing.
2. Competencies of the associate degree nurse on entry to practice as outlined in the NLN document titled Educational Outcomes of Associate Degree Nursing Programs: Roles
Critical thinking, clinical competence, accountability and a commitment to the value of caring are characteristics outlined for the practice of associate degree (AD) nursing program graduates. It covers across the life span in breadth, but adult in depth. Graduates are prepared for nursing in both acute and chronic health care environments. Use of the nursing process is central to practice.
Collaboration, organization, delegation, accountability, advocacy and respect for other health care workers encompasses the practice environment with the associate degree nursing graduate acting as the manager of care for a number of patients. Policies and procedures are available and specify the care with guidance available.
Professional growth, continuous learning and self development reflect the continuing professionalism for the associate degree nursing graduate.
B. Roles and functions of the associate degree nurse (e.g., scope of practice; dependent, independent, and collaborate [interdependent] functions)
C. Organizational patterns for the delivery of nursing care
1. Primary nursing
2. Team nursing
3. Functional nursing
4. Case method/managed care
D. Strategies employed by the associate degree nurse in practice
1. Nursing process
2. Group process
3. Critical thinking/decision making
4. Assertiveness
5. Interpersonal conflict resolution
6. Time management
7. Collective bargaining
8. Nurse's rights
