[ANSWERED 2023] In 1,000-1,250 words, examine the importance of nursing education and discuss your overall educational goals

In 1,000-1,250 words, examine the importance of nursing education and discuss your overall educational goals.

The IOM published report, \”Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,\” makes recommendations for lifelong learning and achieving higher levels of education.

In 1,000-1,250 words, examine the importance of nursing education and discuss your overall educational goals.

Include the following:

1. Discuss your options in the job market based on your educational level.
2. Review the IOM Future of Nursing Recommendations for achieving higher levels of education. Describe what professional certification and advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, etc.) you want to pursue and explain your reasons for wanting to attain the education. Discuss your timeline for accomplishing these goals.
3. Discuss how increasing your level of education would affect how your competitiveness in the current job market and your role in the future of nursing.
4. Discuss the relationship of continuing nursing education to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics.
5. Discuss whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory. Provide support for your response.

You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

EXPERT ANSWER

Nursing Education and Educational Goals

Introduction

Among the most populated professions in healthcare is nursing, as the services of nurses are fundamental in ensuring adequate healthcare provision at all levels of patient care. In the US, there are more than 3.1 million nurses who are registered, and the number is expected to grow by over 19% by 2022 due to the increased nursing care needs (Mackey & Bassendowski, 2017).

Nurses are found in institutions such as schools, military centers, public health agencies, clinic settings, nursing homes, and even in medical research centers. Different levels of nursing degrees have different educational requirements as well as licensure. Nurse education consists of practical and theoretical training in which nurses are prepared to encounter various nursing duties. Some of the nursing education courses are relevant to general nursing as well as specialized nursing such as pediatric and geriatric nursing.

Discuss your options in the job market based on your educational level

There are numerous nursing options in the job market of nursing, whereby nurses apply their different expertise in improving health outcomes. Among the most common of these set ups is the clinical care settings, where nurses work in clinical healthcare facilities to manage the outpatients and inpatients who have various nursing needs.

Other care settings include the pediatric care departments, where nurses manage sick children (Mackey & Bassendowski, 2017). There may be sub-sections per every department, such as the cancer care centers for pediatrics which attends to the health needs of the children who have cancerous tumors in their bodies. Other departments that nurses can choose to go to include the geriatrics, where they focus much in caring for the aged people. In most of the geriatric cases, there are nursing homes for the aged in which nurses practice care for the aged population who are in these centers.

For all the options in the job market, it is important that one has a basic nursing course that leads to an autonomous registration- the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). These courses last for four years and they serve as blueprints for everyone who wishes to engage in the different nursing specialties. Post-qualification courses allow people to go a step father in improving their expertise and knowledge in their own fields of choice (Kelly et al., 2016).

For my case, I have am a licensed practical Nurse (LPN), and I am qualified to work in different nurse settings such as administering injections, preparing patients for different surgical procedures (including CS), performing therapeutic massage, changing bandages and wound dressings, managing and maintaining medical records of patients, and managing intravenous drips. Most importantly, as an LPN, I am entrusted with the task of communicating with medical staff regarding the specific needs of patients.

Review the IOM Future of Nursing Recommendations for achieving higher levels of education. Describe what professional certification and advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, etc.) you want to pursue and explain your reasons for wanting to attain the education. Discuss your timeline for accomplishing these goals

The Institute of Medicine report (IOM Report) is an examination of the nursing workforce that was done in 2010 and used to give various recommendations on how to improve the face of nursing care. Some of the recommendations in the report are focused on the intersection between the various health needs of changing patient populations across lifespans of patients and the nursing workforce.

They support the efforts to improve the health of the US population through improvement of the contributions of nurses in quality care delivery.

The first key recommendation from the IOM 2010 report is that nurses should practice in full extent the education and training they are given (Ironside, 2015). Secondly, from the report, nurses are encouraged to reach higher levels of education so as to ensure that they have an improved education training and constant academic progression.

Thirdly, nurses are recommended to partner with physicians as well as other healthcare professionals in improving and redesigning the face of healthcare in the United States (Ironside, 2015). Finally from the IOM future of nursing recommendations, nurses are asked to have improved data collection techniques and good information infrastructure through which they can effectively embrace workforce planning and policy making (Ironside, 2015).

Discuss how increasing your level of education would affect how your competitiveness in the current job market and your role in the future of nursing

Increasing my educational level improves my competitiveness in the job market as I am able to be of more substance in delivering various nursing care needs to the people who look up to me- that is patients as well as other healthcare givers. For my case, I am hoping to acquire a Doctorate in Nursing Practicing Degree and eventually acquire a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing.

With these advanced educational achievements, I will be sure to improve my value in the care continuum and hence have a better place in the competitive nursing job market. Nurses with PhD degrees are more focused in abstract thinking as opposed to hands-on patient care, and much of their work entails decision making (Harkess & Kaddoura, 2016).

In these educational levels, nurses are taught advanced critical decision making skills where they have improved ability to make strategic decisions that positively affect nursing care. Also, with the PhD degree, I will be able to focus much of my energy in scientific research and add to significant improvement in the nursing practices present today.

Discuss the relationship of continuing nursing education to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics

Continuing nursing education is directly proportional to competency, where nurses have more likelihood to improve their ability to handle different tasks after adding to their nursing knowledge various skills (Harkess & Kaddoura, 2016).

A good example is the idea of critical thinking. With the improved nursing knowledge and competencies in nursing, nurses are able to make better decisions and provide better avenues for patients to have improved health. Also, an increase in nursing education increases the nursing knowledge and improves the ability of nurses to have better attitudes to improving patient care.

The ANA Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice and Code of Ethics

Continuing nursing education also improves the ability of nurses to deliver appropriate care with regard to the right ethics in nursing and practice. The American Nurses Association (ANA) guides and supports nursing practice through the use and implementation of nationally accepted code of ethics in various settings in the care continuum (Flott & Linden, 2016).

Nurses are among the healthcare professionals who are highly bound to encountering ethical issues including in solving health-related problems that impact the society as whole and dilemmas that arise from organizations and patient populations. At advanced levels of education, nurses are known to be primarily involved in making healthcare decisions that directly affect the various standards of nursing practice.

Discuss whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory. Provide support for your response

It is not right for continuing nursing education to be made compulsory among nurses as this would render the degrees of most of the nurses with basic qualifications rather value-less. A good example is the notion of the certified nursing assistants (CNA), who have an average annual salary of $24,000 (Flott & Linden, 2016).

Their primary role in nursing is to perform limited range of procedures such as dispensing prescribed medication and bathing patients. They work directly under the registered nurses and are very instrumental in ensuring efficiency in the work of the registered nurses. Having a compulsory requirement that these CNAs have to continue their nursing education means that there is a risk of reducing the number of people who assist registered nurses in their crucial procedures as well as in other subordinate tasks. Hence, continuing nursing education should not be made compulsory.

Conclusion

The nursing profession is among the largest in both the US and the entire world, as there are numerous healthcare needs that are tasked to the nurses for implementation. There are numerous options in the job market of nurses, including the pediatric, geriatric, among others. The IOM future of nursing 2010 recommendations are centered to improving the nursing practices.

One of these recommendations is that nurses should pursue further education as this would make them more productive in the industry. Increasing my education improved my knowledge, attitudes, competencies, and also allows me to be in a suitable position to embrace bioethics in nursing. Further education in nursing, however, should not be made compulsory as it would incapacitate the ability of nurses to play strategic roles in the care continuum.

References

Flott, E. A., & Linden, L. (2016). The clinical learning environment in nursing education: a concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(3), 501-513.

Harkess, L., & Kaddoura, M. (2016, July). Culture and cultural competence in nursing education and practice: The state of the art. In nursing forum (Vol. 51, No. 3, pp. 211-222).

Ironside, P. M. (2015). Narrative pedagogy: Transforming nursing education through 15 years of research in nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 36(2), 83-88.

Kelly, M. A., Berragan, E., Husebø, S. E., & Orr, F. (2016). Simulation in nursing education—International perspectives and contemporary scope of practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 48(3), 312-321.’

Mackey, A., & Bassendowski, S. (2017). The history of evidence-based practice in nursing education and practice. Journal of Professional Nursing, 33(1), 51-55.

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FAQs

Why is it important for nurses to pursue higher education?

There are several reasons why it’s important for nurses to pursue higher education:

1. Increased Knowledge and Skills: Higher education provides nurses with more knowledge and skills in their field, which can help them provide better care for their patients. Nurses who pursue higher education are better equipped to handle complex medical cases and have a greater understanding of the latest medical treatments and technologies.
2. Career Advancement: Higher education can open up new career opportunities for nurses, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse educator, or nurse researcher. These roles often require advanced degrees, and pursuing higher education can help nurses qualify for these positions.
3. Professional Development: Pursuing higher education allows nurses to develop their professional skills and become more effective leaders in their workplace. It can also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, which can lead to new partnerships and career opportunities.
4. Improved Patient Outcomes: Nurses with higher levels of education have been shown to have a positive impact on patient outcomes, such as reducing mortality rates and improving patient satisfaction. Nurses with advanced degrees are also better equipped to provide evidence-based care and make informed clinical decisions.

Overall, pursuing higher education is important for nurses to advance their careers, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the healthcare profession.

The impact of education on nursing practice

Education has a significant impact on nursing practice, as it enhances the knowledge, skills, and competencies of nurses, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. Here are some ways education impacts nursing practice:

1. Improved Clinical Decision-Making: Education equips nurses with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, enabling them to make better clinical decisions based on evidence-based practice. This can lead to improved patient care and outcomes.
2. Increased Patient Safety: Education helps nurses understand the importance of patient safety and how to implement best practices to ensure it. This includes medication safety, infection control, and risk assessment, among others.
3. Enhanced Critical Thinking: Education encourages nurses to think critically and independently, which allows them to analyze complex situations and make informed decisions. This is particularly important in emergency situations, where quick thinking and problem-solving skills are essential.
4. Professional Growth: Education provides nurses with opportunities for professional growth, enabling them to advance their careers and take on leadership roles. This can lead to improved patient care, as nurses with advanced degrees are often better equipped to handle complex cases and manage patient care.
5. Increased Collaboration and Interprofessionalism: Education encourages nurses to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, social workers, and pharmacists. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to improved patient care and better outcomes.

Overall, education has a significant impact on nursing practice, improving clinical decision-making, patient safety, critical thinking, professional growth, collaboration, and interprofessionalism. As such, ongoing education is essential for nurses to stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements and provide the best possible care for their patients.

What is IOM in nursing?

IOM stands for the Institute of Medicine, which is now known as the National Academy of Medicine. The IOM is a non-profit organization that provides objective, evidence-based research, guidance, and advice to policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public.

In the context of nursing, the IOM has been influential in shaping the future of nursing practice and education. In 2010, the IOM released a report titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” which provided recommendations for improving the quality of healthcare in the United States.

The report highlighted the need for nurses to play a more prominent role in healthcare, and it emphasized the importance of ongoing education for nurses to keep up with the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. The report also recommended that nurses should have a greater say in healthcare policy and decision-making, and it called for increased collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.

Overall, the IOM’s work in nursing has been instrumental in promoting nursing as a vital and integral part of the healthcare system, and it has provided guidance and recommendations for improving the quality of care for patients.

Changes in nursing education over the years

Nursing education has undergone significant changes over the years to adapt to the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. Here are some key changes that have occurred in nursing education:

1. Shift from Diploma Programs to Degree Programs: In the past, nurses typically trained through hospital-based diploma programs. However, over time, there has been a shift towards degree programs, such as Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs in nursing. This shift has been driven by a desire for increased professionalism and a need for nurses to have a stronger foundation in science and research.
2. Increased Emphasis on Evidence-Based Practice: Nursing education has increasingly emphasized the importance of evidence-based practice, which involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. This approach has helped to improve patient outcomes and has become a key focus in nursing education.
3. Emphasis on Interprofessional Collaboration: Nursing education has placed a greater emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, recognizing the importance of working with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients. This has led to increased collaboration across different fields of healthcare and has helped to improve patient outcomes.
4. Technology Integration: Nursing education has become more technology-focused, with an increased emphasis on digital literacy and the use of technology in patient care. This includes the use of electronic health records, telehealth, and other digital tools to improve patient care and outcomes.
5. Ongoing Education and Lifelong Learning: Nursing education has increasingly recognized the importance of ongoing education and lifelong learning. Nurses are encouraged to continue their education throughout their careers to keep up with advances in healthcare and to provide the best possible care to patients.

Overall, nursing education has undergone significant changes over the years to keep pace with the evolving needs of the healthcare industry. These changes have helped to improve patient outcomes and have positioned nursing as a vital and integral part of the healthcare system.

Higher nursing education and its impact on patient safety

Higher nursing education has a significant impact on patient safety as it equips nurses with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to provide safe and effective care to patients. Here are some ways higher nursing education impacts patient safety:

1. Improved Clinical Decision-Making: Higher nursing education enhances nurses’ critical thinking skills, which enables them to make better clinical decisions based on evidence-based practice. This can lead to improved patient safety and outcomes.
2. Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: Higher nursing education provides nurses with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills, including advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and disease processes. This allows them to recognize and respond to potential risks to patient safety.
3. Better Communication: Higher nursing education provides nurses with communication skills necessary to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals, patients, and their families. Effective communication is crucial to prevent errors and ensure that all members of the healthcare team are working together to provide safe and quality care.
4. Risk Assessment and Management: Higher nursing education provides nurses with skills to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and manage risks effectively. Nurses with higher education levels are better equipped to identify and respond to potential risks to patient safety, including medication errors, infections, and falls.
5. Advocacy for Patient Safety: Higher nursing education prepares nurses to advocate for patients and their safety. This includes ensuring that patients receive appropriate care, identifying potential risks to patient safety, and reporting errors or near misses to prevent future incidents.

Unveiling the Factors Shaping Registered Nurses’ Influence on National Government Health Policy

In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, registered nurses (RNs) stand as powerful advocates for quality patient care, evidence-based practices, and the overall well-being of communities. The ability of registered nurses to influence national government health policy is a pivotal force that shapes the direction of healthcare systems. However, this influence is subject to a myriad of factors that determine the extent of their impact. In this detailed article, we uncover the significant elements that impact registered nurses’ ability to influence and shape national government health policy.

1. Political Engagement and Advocacy Skills

Effective political engagement and advocacy skills are fundamental for registered nurses to exert influence on government health policy. Nurses who possess the ability to effectively communicate their insights, concerns, and recommendations to policymakers are more likely to impact policy decisions. Advocacy training, public speaking abilities, and collaboration with professional nursing organizations amplify the nurses’ voices, making them credible stakeholders in health policy discussions.

2. Education and Expertise

The depth of education and expertise possessed by registered nurses greatly influences their capacity to influence health policy. Nurses with advanced degrees, specialization, and clinical experience have the credibility and knowledge base to contribute substantively to policy discussions. Their ability to bridge the gap between research and practice by presenting evidence-based arguments is pivotal in shaping policy decisions that align with the best interests of patients and communities.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations

Nurses’ ability to collaborate with fellow healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and relevant stakeholders significantly magnifies their influence on government health policy. Collaboration enables nurses to present a united front, pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise to advocate for policy changes. Forming partnerships with medical associations, patient advocacy groups, and public health organizations empowers nurses to leverage collective influence for better policy outcomes.

4. Understanding of Healthcare Economics

Healthcare policy is intrinsically linked to economics, and registered nurses who possess a deep understanding of healthcare economics can navigate policy discussions more effectively. The ability to articulate the financial implications of policy decisions, demonstrate cost-effective solutions, and advocate for resource allocation aligns nurses’ recommendations with the fiscal realities of government decision-making.

5. Involvement in Research and Data Analysis

The inclusion of research and data-driven insights in policy discussions adds weight to nurses’ recommendations. Registered nurses who engage in research, data collection, and analysis are better equipped to provide empirical evidence that supports their policy proposals. Quantitative and qualitative data helps demonstrate the potential impact of policy changes, making the nurses’ advocacy more compelling.

6. Engagement in Professional Organizations

Active engagement in professional nursing organizations amplifies registered nurses’ influence on government health policy. These organizations provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and advocacy efforts. They also offer opportunities for nurses to collaborate on policy initiatives, share best practices, and collectively advocate for reforms that align with the nursing profession’s values and expertise.

7. Political and Regulatory Environment

The broader political and regulatory environment also impacts registered nurses’ ability to influence government health policy. Factors such as the receptiveness of policymakers to healthcare professionals’ input, the balance of power in legislative bodies, and public sentiment toward healthcare policies all play a role in determining the effectiveness of nurses’ advocacy efforts.

Conclusion

The capacity of registered nurses to influence national government health policy is a critical determinant of the quality of healthcare systems. By understanding and addressing the factors that impact their influence, nurses can strategically position themselves as valued stakeholders in policy discussions. Through political engagement, education, collaboration, and evidence-based advocacy, registered nurses can shape policies that prioritize patient-centered care, evidence-based practices, and the well-being of communities.

Unveiling the Advantages of BSN-Prepared Nurses: Elevating Patient Care and Healthcare Excellence

The nursing profession stands as a cornerstone of healthcare, providing compassionate and skilled care to individuals across the continuum of wellness and illness. Within the realm of nursing education, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree stands out as a hallmark of comprehensive preparation and advanced training. BSN-prepared nurses bring a wealth of benefits to the healthcare landscape, enriching patient care and contributing to healthcare excellence. In this illuminating article, we delve into the myriad advantages that BSN-prepared nurses bring to the forefront of the nursing profession.

1. Enhanced Clinical Competence

BSN programs emphasize a robust curriculum that spans the spectrum of nursing practice. BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with a comprehensive understanding of nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice. This depth of knowledge translates into enhanced clinical competence, enabling BSN-prepared nurses to provide high-quality, evidence-driven care that aligns with the latest advancements in healthcare.

2. Strong Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Critical thinking is a hallmark of BSN education. BSN-prepared nurses are adept at analyzing complex patient scenarios, assessing risks, and making informed decisions. Their ability to critically appraise situations and devise effective solutions enhances patient outcomes, fosters patient safety, and contributes to streamlined care delivery.

3. Leadership and Management Abilities

BSN programs incorporate coursework in leadership, management, and healthcare systems. BSN-prepared nurses possess the skills necessary to assume leadership roles, guide interdisciplinary teams, and manage patient care units. Their understanding of healthcare operations and quality improvement equips them to influence positive changes in care delivery systems.

4. Proficiency in Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are essential in the multidisciplinary healthcare environment. BSN-prepared nurses are adept at conveying complex medical information to patients and their families. Moreover, their education equips them to collaborate seamlessly with physicians, therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive and holistic patient care.

5. Preparedness for Specialized Roles

BSN programs provide a strong foundation that prepares nurses for specialized roles and advanced practice. Whether pursuing careers in nurse leadership, research, or advanced clinical practice, BSN-prepared nurses have the educational background necessary to excel in these demanding roles.

6. Adaptability to Changing Healthcare Landscapes

The healthcare landscape is ever-evolving, requiring nurses to be adaptable and responsive to changes. BSN-prepared nurses are equipped with the critical thinking skills and knowledge base needed to navigate dynamic healthcare environments, implement best practices, and provide patient-centered care that aligns with changing healthcare paradigms.

7. Commitment to Lifelong Learning

BSN programs instill a commitment to lifelong learning in nurses. BSN-prepared nurses are inclined to engage in continuing education, pursue advanced degrees, and stay updated on the latest healthcare trends. This dedication to ongoing learning ensures that their practice remains current and relevant, ultimately benefiting patient care.

8. Contribution to Evidenced-Based Practice

BSN-prepared nurses are champions of evidence-based practice, seamlessly integrating the latest research and clinical findings into their care decisions. Their commitment to evidence-based care results in improved patient outcomes, reduced complications, and a higher standard of care.

Conclusion

The benefits of BSN-prepared nurses are far-reaching, touching every facet of patient care and healthcare excellence. With their enhanced clinical competence, critical thinking abilities, leadership skills, and commitment to evidence-based practice, BSN-prepared nurses play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, BSN-prepared nurses stand as beacons of knowledge, compassion, and innovation, enriching the lives of patients and communities they serve.