This paper serves to inform individuals about the benefits, challenges and education facing nurses. In the review of literature, one source is obtained from the SVSU database which describe the benefits of nursing; two additional SVSU database sources will also describe the challenges. In addition, a case study is evaluated, which shows the correlation between the career and the pass/failure of the NCLEX-RN exam. This paper concludes with an analysis of the information gathered, showing why nursing is a field that others should consider as a career.
The Heart and Beauty, the Up and Downsides, and the Different Paths of Nursing
Nursing dates back centuries ago; though technology has changed the tasks, the beautiful act of
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nursing has always remained the same. According to SVSU’s Focus, nurses nationwide share commonalities of tasks that must be performed, such as: helping doctors perform necessary examinations with clients, assisting with injections, bandaging and stitch removal, instructing the client proper and safe techniques required for smooth recovery, following up with the patient to monitor recovery, and creating records for prescriptions and treatment. Due to the current shortage, the nursing field is expected to grow 19% by 2022, providing jobs to nurses who are capable. There are certain skills and personality characteristics one must possess to become a successful nurse, a nurse must be helpful, organized, cautious, safe, and friendly. They must also possess skills to manage time, reason, comprehend, and to communicate by listening, speaking, and writing. On average, a successful nurse will make $52,000-77,000 per year (2013). Nursingdegreeguide.org stated the field of nursing began in the United States when the Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States formed in 1897, which addressed the necessity of training in order to provide satisfactory care (History of Nursing in the United States, 2015, p. 1). In the birth of the 20th century, several states such as New York, Virginia, and California, pass laws requiring nurses to obtain a license in order to practice. During the Great Depression and World War II, nurses across the country struggled to find jobs. Following World War II, the Baby Boom created jobs for these struggling nurses, but also created a shortage of nurses. In the 1970’s, the nursing field was broadened for the nurses needed in Vietnam, and other specialities (2015). The heart and beauty of nursing has been noted throughout history; and innovations throughout history may changed the ways of doing. Yet, the heart and beauty of nursing remains the same, even through the ups, the downs, and the different paths. Literature Review Benefits Outlook. Currently, United States today is facing a deficit of nurses, allowing bright futures for potential, prospering nurses. According the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, over one million new nurses will be needed by 2022; which is an increase of 526,800 jobs, and an additional 525,000 nurses vital to replace the retiring nurses (Nursing Job Outlook…, 2014, para. 3). The high demand of nurses is caused by “aging population that is living longer, but sicker” (Nursing Job Outlook…, 2014, para. 5). Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the high demand is caused by increased rates of diseases, the new attention of preventive care, and the millions that now have access to healthcare (Nursing Job Outlook…, 2014, para. 5). According to the aforementioned statistics, future nurses have a bright future looking ahead. Nurse-Client Relationship.
Positive relationships with both nurse and client is rewarding to both sides; however, there are essential elements needed to achieve a good nurse-client relationship. Multiple studies were analyzed by Hagerty and Patusky in “Reconceptualizing the Nurse-Patient Relationship” to determine the elements of linearity, trust, time, and role expectations within the nurse-client relationship. Linearity allows the relationship to act in “phases”, which provides efficient and quality care. By doing so, a nurse must establish trust, work with the client while progress continues, and when client is free to go home, the relationship comes to an end. During the orientation phase, trust must be established; as this provides the client comfort and confidence to provide valid information, and then receiving proper care. Effective use of time is vital to the relationship, though many nurses believe they do not have enough time to provide care due to the current health care pressures and time limitations. A study by Forchuck, then analyzed by Hagerty and Patusky, was conducted between 10 nurse-client relationships; Forchuck reports that 7 out of the 10 established a “working relationship” between nurse and client within 2.5 and 6 weeks. Regardless of time, many nurses are introduced to a client with the presumptions that the client wants to receive care and create a relationship, though the nurse expects nothing in return. “Heifner (1993) found that nurses identified vulnerability of patients as an essential foundation of nurses’ abilities to ‘connect’ with patients” (Hagerty and Patusky, 2003, 146). Despite nurses building a relationship upon vulnerability, Hewison discovers that control can actually create “barriers to open and meaningful communication and exchange” (2003). The data collected concludes the vital elements of linearity, trust, time, and role expectations stimulate a successful nurse-client
relationship. Challenges NCLEX-RN Exam. Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is a necessity for licensure, however a recent study concludes that another skill is not only a necessity for licensure, but passing the exam. Many first time National Council Licensure Exam Registered Nurses (also known as NCLEX-RN) exam takers fail their first time; Romeo conducts a study, known as “The Predictive Ability of Critical Thinking, Nursing GPA, and SAT Scores on First-time NCLEX-RN Performance”, to conclude what may affect this pass/failure among newly graduated nursing students. The data was collected during a three year period, and only examined associate degree graduates. Different tools were used for correlation between critical thinking and pass/failure, including the California Critical Thinking Skills Test, the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory, and the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, though these were not created for nurses specifically. Romeo (2013) then concluded that nursing GPA and the critical thinking composite score reflected significantly upon whether the graduate passed/failed the NCLEX-RN exam. The SAT combined math and verbal score showed weak correlation to pass/failure on the NCLEX-RN exam. Romeo (2013) then concludes that critical thinking is an essential skill when test taking, as it allows creative solutions and successful outcomes (2013). Critical thinking is a vital skill, but not just to pass the exam; but also to be used throughout college and later career. Shortage. Unfortunately, the nursing field is currently struggling today, as it does throughout time, due to the current shortage. In 2005, Donley explains why the nursing field is in Challenges For Nursing in the 21st Century. The shortage can be blamed on the fewer people that are interested or enrolling, and fewer nurses are being employed.. Also, many current nurses are dissatisfied, decreased retention, frequent turnover, early retirement, and departure. Due to new innovations introduced to the world, the composition of the workplace constantly changing, which in return contributes to the shortage. Even though, there is logical blame now, many nurses across the country are blaming themselves, employers, and the public image on nursing. Today, America and other countries offers far more “attractive” careers, compared to nursing, which is why the nursing field is struggling to find new nurses (2005). The American nursing shortage today can be blamed by many causes. Education Nursing has different education paths one can choose; however, one may ponder which education path is the best. Data shows that perhaps a higher level degree is the best choice for both nurse and patient, collected from a RN4CAST study (Ford, 2014, 1). Researchers examined over 400,000 patients among 9 countries, and then surveyed 26,500 nurses (Ford, 2014, 1). “Every 10% increase in the number of nurses educated to a bachelor’s degree level within a hospital was associated with a 7% decline in patient mortality” (Ford, 2014, 1). Much emphasis has been placed on which degree, and many experts encourage future nurses to graduate with a bachelor’s degree instead of an associate's (Ford, 2014, 1). This study concludes that a “better educated nursing workforce” reduces patient mortality (Ford, 2014, 1). The education path of a nurse is one of the most important decisions they can make in their life, as it affects other lives too. Discussion/Conclusion The heart and beauty of nursing today is sadly underrated, and often invisible for some to truly admire. As mentioned in Experts: Nation Will Need One Million New Nurses by 2022, nurses will always be vital to the job market, as over one million are needed by 2022. This can promise a rewarding experience to a prospering nurse; which then leads to a valuable relationship between nurse and client, and allowing both nurse and client to touch each other’s life. Though nurses claim to be under pressure and time constraint, they still selflessly provide care, and a positive experience without expecting anything in return. The benefits of nursing certainly outweigh the challenges of nursing. In Romeo’s study, passing the NCLEX-RN exam is required for licensure; but critical thinking is required for the act of nursing. Nurses must be able to act fast and effectively; yet, remain true and patient for the client. America is struggling to find nurses today, the field still remains hopeful, as it is expected to increase by 22% in 2022. Nurses must be alert, and educated, because nursing is a serious job. They hold their patient’s lives in their own hands, allowing the simplest error causing a potential tragedy. Because nursing is also a competitive field, it is logical to aim for a bachelor’s degree rather than an associate’s degree. Just like any job, nursing has its upsides, downsides, and different paths. Unfortunately, nurses are often underappreciated today. Not everyone can value the relationship between their nurse; nurses can connect and provide a relationship rather than a doctor. One many not wish to have a relationship with a nurse, however, the nurse will always provide the characteristics (linearity, trust, role expectations, and time) of the relationship since it is not expected to be returned. Nurses are unstoppable, even if they are underappreciated or receive nothing in return, they are still selfless. And that is the heart and beauty of nursing; selflessly providing for a patient, touching each other’s lives, and making a difference in one’s life.
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.
In the nurse-patient relationship, there are three phases that help the relationship develop. Craven and Hirnle (2009) describe the first phase, orientation, “consists of introductions and agreement between nurse and client about their mutual roles and responsibilities” (p. 329). It is in this orientation phase that first impressions are made a...
Nursing is an excellent field to invest your career into. There is always a need for nurses, whether you are a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN). As an RN there are many different specialties. Let’s look at the traveling possibilities, atmospheres,
Upon the first point of contact between a nurse and patient, the way a nurse communicates through words, gestures or facial expressions can affect the patient's perception of the nurse. Communicating professionally helps to portray the nurse in a good light. This is important as having a positive perception of the nurse's image and behaviour is crucial to building patient trust — one of the key elements of a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship (Bell & Duffy, 2009; Wadell & Skarsater, 2007). The need for the establishment of therapeutic relationship is supported by th...
The application of the therapeutic nurse-client relationship is absolutely essential to providing the appropriate care to clients (College of Nurses of Ontario, 1999, p. 3). The therapeutic nurse client relationship consists of four components; respect, trust, professional intimacy and empathy (College of Nurses of Ontario, 1999, p. 3). Though, I have not been able to establish a nurse-client relationship yet, I have established customer-client relationships. Customers react similarly to clients when respect is established. One experience in particular really helped me make this comparison.
This paper is a literature review of the results of three empirical studies on trust within the nurse–patient relationship. Studies implemented a descriptive qualitative design, and studies used quantitative research, and phenomenological approach method. The context of most quantitative studies was nurse caring behaviors, whereas most qualitative studies focused on trust in the nurse–patient relationship. The quantitative studies used a descriptive design, while qualitative methods included the phenomenological approach, Data collection was mainly by questionnaires or interviews. Evidence from this review suggests that the development of trust is a relational phenomenon, and a process, during which trust could be broken and re-established. Nurses’ professional competencies and interpersonal caring attributes were important in developing trust; however, various factors may hinder the trusting relationship.
Nursing is a very rewarding career. There are chances to make a difference in life very day. Besides that, job security is a featured benefit of the nursing career. Nurses will always be a necessary part of the healthcare system, and hospitals are unable to function without large workforce like nursing staff. The profession of nursing also allows the nurse to choose his/her own specialty. Nursing has a phenomenal wide range of choices that one can choose. Nurses can choose to work in any of the many nursing fields available, and can also choose to become certified in a specialty of choice. There are opportunities for leadership, and many times nurses find their way into management, sometimes leading as officers in large healthcare companies. Many also become nurse practitioners and nurse educators. All of these positions can be achieved through higher education in such Master of nursing and Doctor of Nursing
This is a research paper conducted on the very highly pursuited field of nursing. Nursing is a profession in the healthcare field that focuses or assisting others. Not to mention, nurses are heroes because of the many lives they save every day. This is an example that one doesn’t need tights or a cape to be a hero. Never the less, there are many reasons one may want to become nurse. Some of those reasons may be for personal gain or the greater good. However, before becoming a nurse one needs to be educated about educational requirements, licenses and certifications, projected salaries, and the projected job outlook for the next five – ten years for nursing. This research paper will provide thorough information on those four major aspects of
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
By giving nurses a sense of identity, nursing theory can help patients, managers and other healthcare professionals to recognize the unique contribution that nurses make to the healthcare service (Draper 1990).Hildegard Peplau, one of the role model of nursing theorist, established a theory of interpersonal relationships in nursing. Her reason is the goal of the nurse-client relationship is to give a quality nursing care moving forward to health promotion and maintenance. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a basic assessment of her theory.
De Raeve, L. (2002). Trust and worthiness in nurse-patient relationship. Nursing Philosophy, 3, 152-162. doi: 10.1046/j.1466-769X.2002.00090.x
Nursing is one of the oldest professions. It isn’t a static occupation, as it has changed frequently over time. Its development and evolution has changed differently depending on the historical influences. As of today the nursing profession is changing and becoming larger and greater. Nursing has gone from being a career that did not require an education, to being one that is very respected and demands a high education.
In the todays century, the responsibilities, roles, and opportunities for nursing and nurse education has grown abundantly to that of modern day nurses. Many nurses in the eighteen century were not educated nurses and never attended nursing school; however, they still provided care for the sick, poor, and needy and played a vital role in health maintenance. With the hard work from many notable nurses in history such as Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton, and Isabel Robb and the persistence and dedication for change from influential nurses such as Mary Mahoney and Mabel Staupers; nursing today has transformed in many aspects of practice. Although nursing as a profession is continuously evolving throughout the years, the core foundation of nursing hasn’t changed in that nursing is a profession of caring for others and servicing those in need.
Many persons go into the healthcare ground because they want to work with people. For these nurses, it is the nurse-patient relationship that is one of the most significant things. By understanding the nurse-patient relationship, nurses can be better furnished to work with their patients and, eventually, deliver superior care for them. Hildegard Peplau's model of nursing emphases on that nurse-patient relationship and recognizes the diverse roles nurses take on when working with patients.
Nursing is a promising career that offers many rewards to caring individuals. It is more than just a job that one attends day to day. Nursing is a career that kind people get in to because they are passionate about life and everything is has to offer. They care for people they have never met before in such a way that makes the patient feel comfortable and able to relax. In a way that makes it possible for the patient to recover from whatever they have encountered. If I am going to spend valuable time and money on education, I want to a job that I absolutely love. I want to have the satisfaction of knowing that my job is safe even when times are rough. Interviewing Jennifer H, a Registered Nurse at a local Banner facility really helped me get insight on what the position has to offer. I have encountered many people who are not passionate about their job and just show up for a paycheck; choosing a job in the medical field provides people with the same check, but also offers job security, advancement opportunities and numerous benefits for the employee and their famil...