Explain how scope of practice changes between an associate and baccalaureate nurse.

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The scope of practice for an associate nurse typically includes basic patient care such as administering medications, observing and evaluating patient conditions, providing health education to patients and families, documenting patient information, conducting diagnostic tests, and assisting other healthcare providers with treatments. An associate nurse is also expected to follow physician orders and adhere to established protocols within the healthcare setting.

In comparison, a baccalaureate nurse has a more expansive scope of practice which encompasses advanced skills such as critical thinking in complex clinical scenarios as well as managing overall patient care plans that involve family members or other medical professionals. They also have the ability to lead teams of nurses in providing comprehensive care for a variety of conditions from acute illnesses to chronic diseases. The baccalaureate degree provides a broader understanding of nursing theory which allows them to take on leadership roles such as teaching new nurses or mentoring students looking into entering the field. In addition, they may be better prepared for specialized roles such as focusing on research initiatives or developing policy changes within the industry.