This research resulted in the healthcare industry taking great strides to increase the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. This paper will discuss some strategies put in place by healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and government legislation to help encourage diploma and associate degree nurses obtain their Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN). Continuing education is vital to the development and maintenance of strong nurses. Baccalaureate education for practicing nurses is the way to retain the best and brightest nurses (McGrath, 2008). Healthcare facilities throughout the country have realized the need for higher educated nurses and have placed both strategic barriers and incentives in place to obtain the most educated nurses.
Increasing RN-BSN Enrollments: Facilitating Articulation Through Curriculum Reform Elizabeth Lamanna Chamberlain College of Nursing NR351: Transitions in Professional Nursing March 2011 Increasing RN-BSN Enrollments: Facilitating Articulation through Curriculum Reform Introduction Incorporating a higher level of critical thinking has been thought to foster the foundation of AD nurses, and increase the roles they’ve traditionally held. This paper will serve to summarize Janine Spencer’s article, “Increasing BSN Enrollments: Facilitating Articulation through Curriculum Reform”, published in the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, July 2008. “Research has shown that patient outcomes can be attributed to higher levels of nursing education.” (Spencer p 307) Both sides of this issue will be presented. Summary Aiken, Clarke, Cheung, Sloane, & Silber, (as cited in Spencer 2008) suggest following research that post surgical patients mortality rates were affected by the education of the nurses, and as a result more favorable outcomes are achieved. According to Janine Spencer, the BSN incorporated theory based practice which “encourages a broader view of alternatives and an expanded understanding of patient and client behaviors.” (Spencer p 308) She continues explaining how part of the BSN curriculum involves community health nursing, which provides a window into patients lives outside the confines of a hospital.
Also having the baccalaureate degree in nursing gives me more opportunities in the competitive career world. There are many qualities that I feel a nursing student as well as a future practicing nurse should posses in order to be accomplished. Many of these qualities I feel I possess in one way or another and also have the ability to progress and strengthen. One of these qualities is solid communication skills. I feel that as a student and a later on a practicing nurse I am able to follow directions and am easily able to communicate with people.
Nursing education with its multiple routes for entry level licensure make it one of the most distinctive in the United States today. From colleges to hospitals, nursing education needs to change to fit how health care is delivered today in the 21st century, meeting the needs of patients with increased complexity. The Future in Nursing report discusses available research on improved patient outcomes when comparing a BSN prepared nurse to an AND prepared nurse. This enforces the IOM”s message of “lifelong learning”. Nurses should always be striving for higher level of education.
IOM: The Future of Nursing Report Larry Ziehm Rio Hondo College AND 151 Professor G. Biesemeyer, MSN, RN July 16, 2012 IOM: The Future of Nursing Report With the diverse needs of a growing population, the United States yearns for an improved health care system, improved health outcomes, and an accessible but quality health care system. I believe nursing will be the profession that will have perhaps have the biggest role, as they deliver compassionate care to their patients, which will carry across ones lifespan. The nursing profession is one of the fastest developing fields in the health care industry, not only here in the United States; but also in the world. According to Mcneal (2012), “Clearly the focus of healthcare needs to change from illness care to prevention.” The dynamic health care industry has without a doubt changed over the last couple decades and as a result the necessity for changes in nursing practice has become increasingly important. The Institute of Medicine: The Future of Nursing Report discusses so many positive key messages to improve nursing care; but three seem to have the greatest impact in my mind, in regards to the future of nursing, the transformation of the: nursing practice, nursing education and nurse’s role.
BSN prepared nurses are also more likely to continue their education and receive maters or doctorate degrees. Nursing education needs to be made more accessible and seamless for working nurses who would like to continue their education. This will require more nursing
With growing demand and need for advance education, Universities adopted associates degree and baccalaureate programs. Later advanced practice nursing emerged to facilitate the growing need for advanced care with shortage of doctors and the emergences of education programs for nursing, faculty members advancing education with masters and doctorate levels. By 2015, most of the advanced nursing with be doctorate based, further adding more autonomy to the nursing profession. Nursing is emerging as a profession, one of the milestones in the development of the profession nurse is a defined knowledge base. Nursing uses theories, research based models and scientific systems to collaborate care provided within the health care systems.
For the people I will care for, I will see myself making a difference, whether it is bringing physical, emotional, or spiritual comfort. Knowing the fact that you can help or offer your help without hesitations is very encouraging. A nursing career will allow me to develop as a human being and have the legacy of caring for others. Knowing there are many different routes to decide in pursuing the profession of a registered nurse, I have taken careful consideration into my options. I am certain that pursuing a baccalaureate degree will suit my wants and needs better than any other option.
With this knowledge I plan to work toward a more cost effective and delivery system with healthcare provided to the patient population. In building a stronger healthcare system it will not only be profitable, but will also provide better care to all the patient population. As a registered nurse (RN), I have learned that I need to stay flexible and be able to adjust and adapt to the constant change that comes along in my profession. Also as an RN, I look at the healthcare profession as a revolving door, which constantly spins out new concepts, methods, and approaches. I think this will help prepare me for a management position in my field because it is imperative for a manager in this profession to have the ability to adapt, adjust and welcome new ideas and concepts directed to him or her.
I believe my calling is to the role of Advanced Nurse Practitioner. In this new role, I will be able to take on more responsibility, autonomy, and can potentially make a greater impact on patients’ lives. I believe it is our obligation as nurses to stay up to date on our ever evolving practice. As nursing leaders, we should take the initiative to be involved in councils, read nursing journals, and further our education as much as the glass ceiling will allow. A thirst for knowledge is wonderful value to have.