It is through these theoretical approaches and world views that nursing will be better prepared to share the depth of their knowledge, expertise, and critical-thinking skills for complementary assistance to others in creating health and healing. As noted by Wagner and Bear (2009), conceptual definitions give a theoretical meaning to the concept being studied which then guides the theory and research. This, in turn, allows theory to have a positive impact on nursing practice by promoting effective patient care and increasing patient satisfaction. Brief Historical Background on Nursing Theory Nursing theory was first established by Florence Nightingale, in 1860, with her environmental theory which describes nursing and the environment. She laid the foundation for future nurse theorists.
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. Taking nursing outside, where resources are limited, requires deeper level of critical thinking that is not achieved at the novice RN level. With that said flexibility with obtaining one’s RN, whether via diploma or ADN helped to alleviate the nursing shortage, provided a faster path to completion, as well as being more cost effective. “This inconsistent academic preparation creates dissension within the profession and prevents
Nurses can also build partnerships with doctors and collaborate with health care workers, to help improve the health care system in the United States. The IOM sees the nurse as a great leader, but they are not being used to their full potential due to challenges like policy regulation, high turnover of nurses, the aging workforce and the difficulty to find a job coming out of school. The ANA in a press release, agreed with the IOM report and acknowledged the need for nurses to step up and meet the challenges of the changing and advancements in the health care system, (McNamara, 2010). IOM Recommendations The Institute of Medicine report recommended that leaders in nursing should work together to help improve the number of nurses with a BSN degrees from 50 percent to 80 percent by the year 2020.
Some feel that higher educated nurses are vital to meeting the demands of our ever changing healthcare needs. “A well-educated, highly-skilled, and diverse nurse workforce is critical to meeting future healthcare needs.” (Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 2011). Scientific studies have been conducted to support this parallel. Research shows that healthcare institutions with higher percentages of baccalaureate-prepared nurses benefit with better patient outcomes in addition to significantly lower mortality rates (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2012). This research resulted in the healthcare industry taking great strides to increase the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses.
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. Nursing Practice According to the IOM’s report, nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training; however due to state regulations and licensing, scope-of-practice is faced with many limitations. Gennaro (2012) states, “A number of different initiatives are underway to en-sure that nurses are able to practice to their full ability... The goal of these endeavors is to ensure that advanced practice nurses are able to practice to the full scope of their education.” I constantly ask myself, is the juice worth the squeeze? Meaning is the end result worth the hardship I’m about to
Changes are inevitable, and both nursing and especially nursing education are in an excellent position to lead rather than follow. But that is not easy. It takes energy, ideas and commitment. This is our time of opportunity! It is crucial that nurses become involved in the political process and that we teach our students and future leaders how to do that.
The role of reflection within professinal development cannot be over enphasised, this is because, the use of the out come of reflective thinking or critical reflective thinking in the assessment of previous descisins, actions and/or inaction can lead to progressive change and development, especially as it relates to the improvement of quality of service and the growth of all, or a particular sector of an economy or a profession. This essay seeks to examine the role of reflective activities in professional developement, especially as it relates to the nursing profession. According to Jennifer Moon 1999, The way in which the word reflection is commonly used, suggests several understandings. First, that reflection seems to lie somewhere around the process of learning and the representation of that learning. We reflect on something in order to consider it in more detail(“Let me reflect on what you are saying’’) or to to represent it in an oral or written form.
Because the values and responsibilities of nurses is shaped by history the report was based on this idea, and was developed as a historical evidence grounded modern data. History shows evidence of what nurses can achieve, like how nurses were the founders of community health practices. History also helps in arguing about major policy issues. For example if nurses are allowed to participate as leaders and valued clinicians only will better, quality and easy health access can be achieved. Nursing historians are important to give advice on policy matters, so that all the interested parties can achieve the same goal and better patient care.
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 note that their knowledge and experience from multiples years of nursing prepare them for position that they are now in. The staff nurse provided more direct involvement in her role on the team by educating her patients during care. The nurse educator, on the other hand, was involved with her team indirectly by educating the staff on patient care issues. The interviewees’ position on promoting quality care outcomes requires them both to be directly engaged in the plan of care for the patient’s on their respective units. Although national evidence based research effects nursing as a whole, the staff nurse believes that nursing research has greatly improved her area.