The nurse who chooses to return to school is secure, is not afraid to face change, and views education as preparation for the future (Altmann, 2011). Nonetheless, returning to school can cause disruption, which may lead to feelings of self-doubt. Developing coping strategies helps to alleviate these concerns. Personally, the decision to continue my nursing education revolves around my job. As an advocate for the mental health population, I want to become a leader who influences the future of mental health services in our region; education will help me achieve these goals.
Many associate degree registered nurses never return to school, as they believe with no perceptible job differences or salary enticements, there is no need for further education (Orsolini-Hain, 2012). However, studies show that continuing education improves the critical thinking skills of the nurse, and improves patient outcomes (Barreto et al., 2013). Education is necessary for the nurse to provide superior care.
Reentering school causes feelings of uncertainty, leading to vacillation, and thoughts of failure. Balancing a nursing career, family, and the demands of school can become overwhelming (Blais & Hayes, 2011). The pressure of school causes stress and fatigue. The returning student goes through several stages and many changes before finding balance (Blais & Hayes, 2011). Through this process of acceptance, the nurse learns to embrace the new role, of student, and allows the learning process to begin.
Scheduling and planning are necessary to be successful as a working student. Setting time aside for school assignments is a priority, but it is also important to build in personal time for you, your family, and friends (Blais & Hayes, 2011). S...
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...ered nurses returning to school for a bachelors degree in nursing: Issues emerging from a meta-analysis of the research. Contemporary Nurse: A Journal for the Australian Nursing Profession, 39(2), 256-272
Barreto, B. M., Tavares, D., Brandao, J., Gonclaves, J. C., Valente, G. S., Ferreira, F. (2013). Continuing permanent education as a strategy for managing of nursing in the unique health system: An integrative review. Journal of Research Fundamental Care On Line, 5(3), 85-93. doi:10.9789/2175-5361.2013v5n3p85
Blais, K. K., & Hayes, J. S. (2011). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (6th “Rev.” ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson PLC.
Orsolini-Hain, L. (2012). Mixed messages: Hospital practices that serve as disincentives for associate degree-prepared nurses to return to school. Nursing Outlook, 60(2), 81-90 doi: 10.1016/j.outlook2011.05.007
The national shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) has helped generate formidable interest in the nursing profession among people entering the workforce and those pursuing a career change. According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service in 2002, the national population is continuing to grow and age and medical services continue to advance, so the need for nurses will continue to increase. They report from 2000 to 2020 the predicted shortage of nurses is expected to grow to 29 percent, compared to a 6 percent shortage in 2000. With the projected supply, demand, and shortage of registered nurses and nursing salaries ever-increasing, the nursing profession can offer countless opportunities. But first one must determine which educational path to pursue, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in nursing (ADN). Most will initially be educated at the associate degree level, even though the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE) has recommended a baccalaureate level as a minimal for entry-level nurses. With the expanding number of RN to BSN programs available there is always the option to further one’s education at a later date. The benefits for acquiring a BSN over an ADN include a better knowledge for evidence-based practice, an increased advantage for promotion, and the necessary gateway for higher education.
Taylor, D. (2008). Should the entry into nursing practice be the baccalaureate degree?. AORN Journal, 87(3), 611-620. doi: 10.1016/j.aorn.2007.07.006
Transitioning from academic nursing student to Registered Nurse/New Graduate Nurse (NGN) within the healthcare environment is a challenging task for many NGNs. They may encounter a number of challenges, such as the following: transition shock, professional isolation, lack of clinical experience, stress, lack of a support network and cultural incompetence. At the end, this essay will discuss the rationale for developing my two most important goals for the next twelve months. I presume the transition from academic nursing student to Graduate Nurse will be challenging and rewarding. In their findings, the researchers Doody, Tuohy & Deasy (2012) stated that for a successful transition NGNs need to be competent in a range of domains: interpersonal skills, managing workloads, providing health information, communication, and prioritising care delivery.
Challenges with making a mandatory education system might stem from the diversity of the nursing profession and the continuing education. One example of the diversity in nursing would be the needs of a Urology nurse might be drastically different from the needs of a school nurse. Another problem may be seen with difficulty accessing proper education or insufficient continuing education. Mandatory continuing education could be challenging for those nurses whom are between jobs and having to pay for continuing education out of pocket, or are unsure of which continuing education they should obtain when between jobs. Finally, a disadvantage of
There is a shortage of all health care professions throughout the United States. One shortage in particular that society should be very concerned about is the shortage of Registered Nurses. Registered Nurses make up the single largest healthcare profession in the United States. A registered nurse is a vital healthcare professional that has earned a two or four year degree and has the upper-most responsibility in providing direct patient care and staff management in a hospital or other treatment facilities (Registered Nurse (RN) Degree and Career Overview., 2009). This shortage issue is imperative because RN's affect everyone sometime in their lifetime. Nurses serve groups, families and individuals to foster health and prevent disease.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommended in a 2010 report that eighty percent of registered nurses (RNs) hold a baccalaureate degree by 2020. This is not a new goal, but rather one that has yet to be realized, despite being first recommended in 1965 by the American Nurses Association. Healthcare has made significant advancements since that time, but nursing standards to entry and licensing regulations have not reflected these changes (Hess, 1996). Students of both Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) programs and Baccalaureate Degree (BSN) programs sit for the same national licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN. This is a disservice to the entire profession. Associate degrees are publicly perceived as 'technical' degrees. This influences public opinion on the competency and skill of all nurses (Jacobs, et al., 1998). In addition, the lack of differentiation of graduate degrees equates different educational levels and blurs expectations and requirements of the individual nurse. It also fost...
Newly graduated nurses lack clinical skills necessary to evolve professionally and carefully from academics to bedside practice (Kim, Lee, Eudey, Lounsbury & Wede, 2015). How scary is that not only for the patient but also for the new nurse himself or herself? While being faced with new challenges, an increasing amount of newly graduated RNs felt overcome and unqualified. Twibell and Pierre explain how new nurses express “disillusionment” about practice, scheduling, and being rewarded. Frustration and anger between employees play a huge part in NGNs resigning because of the lack of experience and knowledge of what to do in high stress situations (2012). Nursing residency programs have proven to directly improve patient care, develop critical
In fact, Researchers had shown the results of outcomes having different degrees of level. According to AACN, Today 61% Nurses in the United States have a BSN degree who works in health settings. In fact, BSN nurses reduce death rate mortality, and readmission rate by using clinical practice knowledge (AACN) . Having advance level of knowledge involves nurses to manage the patient level of care and monitor for progress. American Organization of Nurses Executives states that nurses who have a higher education level promotes safe nursing care and improves patient safety. Higher educational nurses prepare herself for clinical challenging and complex roles (AACN, page 1). They develop more ideas, better intervention, and focus more on clinical
When I began this journey I knew that Nursing was all I wanted to do and in order to succeed and do well in nursing school, it was going to require a ton of devotion and sacrifice. Nursing school did not come without its challenges, not only did we have to deal with going to class, clinicals, studying for exams, but we also had to add in the factors of jobs, family, marriages, children, sickness and our daily life. But our instructors encouraged us and pushed us to keep going, and for that we are grateful because we all made a decision to stick with it, and here we are today. It seems unimaginable that just a year ago this journey was just beginning, but here we are today a year later,
Grossman, S. C., & Valiga, T. M. (2009e). Shaping a preferred future for nursing (P. J. Maroney, Ed.) (pp. 137-151). Philadelphia, Pa: F.A. Davis Company.
Di Leonardi, B. C. (2005). Lifelong Learning. Advance Healthcare for Nurses, 1-3. Retrieved from http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Editorial/Search/SearchResult.aspx?KW=lifelong%20learning
Nursing has always been a key career in the health care system. Although it is not often focused on in media and stories surrounding health care, nursing is a career of great importance. If any patient was asked about their experience at a hospital or a care center, many will mention the capability and care that they received from the nurses. The health care system could not function efficiently, if at all, if nurses were not present to perform their part. Nurses are more than just physicians support staff. Of interest in this paper is why people choose to study nursing in university or college. From students just graduating high school to mature student who have prior degrees or education, nursing is a popular choice as a path to study
The transition from student to a qualified nurse can be a stressful and overwhelming ex-perience for many newly qualified nurses. This opinion is widely upheld throughout the literature with Higgins et al (2010) maintaining that many of the problems experienced are due to lack of support during this initial transition and a period of preceptorship would be invaluable.
Nurses need a seat at the table to ensure they have a voice to influence and shape their future. Nursing is constantly evolving and changing, and employers continue to raise the bar for nursing. Nurses understand early in their career the importance of continuing education to enhance future career opportunities. Professional development relates to how nurses continue to broaden their knowledge, skills, and expertise throughout their career, therefore enhancing their professional practice. This advanced knowledge is not only career boosting, but also opens a seat at the table giving nurses the power to make decisions and effect changes. Professional development and continuing education are more important to nurses now than ever before to keep up with the rapid changes in healthcare today. Numminen, Leino-Kilpi, Isoaho and Meretoja’s (2017) article contends professional development enhances personal satisfaction, rejuvenates the love of nursing, builds confidence and credibility. There are many avenues to pursue
Spring 2015, my first year of nursing school was a life changing event for me, I didn’t succeed as I anticipated. As the semester came to an end, I had daunting thoughts about transferring to another university