Theme one: Previous clinical experience
Substantial studies have supported the findings that the previous clinical experience could impact on the choice of career of undergraduate nursing students in the future (Happell, 2008, pp. 849-850). All articles included in this review are primary research that discuss the influence of previous clinical experience to undergraduate nursing students career choice.
In a qualitative study done by Harrison et al. (2014, pp. 561-568), they have included and interviewed 192 registered nurses who were employed in a mental health facility in Australia. They explored the factors that motivated and inspired nurses who decided to work in a mental health field. The study showed that students satisfaction on their
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The longitudinal quantitative study explored the influence of professional qualifications and job values to their career choice with a sample of 290 students who are attending their final semester at two university in Norway. Author stated that several students preferred mental health after their clinical placement as it enhanced their skills on clinical and found that it challenged them professionally. However, only 71 participated and responded this could be potentially a weakness on the study as it would be difficult to generalise the findings to the wider population and the findings maybe flawed (Gerrish & Lacey, 2010, …show more content…
Happell and Gough’s quantitative study (2007, pp.72-81) examined 605 undergraduate students who were in their first mental health placement in Australia. They found out that students who does not want to pursue a career in mental health is due to their lack of preparation during clinical. They used an existing questionnaire design that was examined, adjusted and customised by a group of experts on mental health to measure the knowledge and attitudes of the participants This is considered a strength as the authors of this study used a reliable and validated questionnaire that was designed by mental health experts (Gerrish & Lacey, 2010,
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.
Walsh, A. & Clarke, V. (2009) Fundamentals of Mental health Nursing New York: Oxford University Press.
As new nursing graduates begin the process of transition into the nursing practice. There are many challenges and issues which are associated throughout the transition. New graduates may embark their journey through a graduate program or seek employment solo. The transition period may consist of challenges, that students will encounter during their journey. This essay will identify, discuss and critically reflect nursing key challenges that student nurses may face, throughout the process of the transition phase. The nursing key challenges chosen for this essay include professionalism, preparation, personal factors, competency factors, patient- centered care and job satisfaction. These nursing challenges will be thoroughly discussed and supported by current evidenced based research and nursing literature.
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.
Ever since I was a little girl, my motivation to pursue a career in the medical field was evident. While other children my age watched Cartoon Network, I found more value in shows like ‘Trauma: Life in the ER’ and ‘A Baby Story.’ It wasn’t until high school that I decided I would become a nurse, specifically. I cannot say that I had a revelation or a particular experience that swayed my decision. However, ever since I began pursuing the career of nursing, I discover each and every subsequent day that it is what I was put on this earth to do.
Mental health difficulties can have a profound effect upon a person’s quality of life. As many as one in three people are thought to suffer some form of mental health problem. This dynamic mental health degree, is delivered using a range of innovative teaching approaches designed to meet the needs of this population.
Nursing came in a round-about way for me. I had little direction when I graduated high school and had already disregarded the nursing field due to an incident with a family member (who was a nurse) that had left a negative impression about the nursing field on me. I entered college planning on a pre-med or biology major. I had built up a vision of college being different- scholarly, intellectual, advanced- different somehow than school before. I soon was disillusioned. My first biology course was a bitter disappointment and I turned away from any thoughts of a medical/health related career altogether.
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
In the real world deciding on what you want to do for the rest of your life can be scary and most certainly confusing. There are over thousands of different careers and lifestyles that could suit you. How do you know if you have chosen the right one? The idea of patients with mental disorders being kept in institutions did not become popular until the 17th century (“Psychiatric Nurses” Volume 5 150). A career such as Psychiatric Nurse Partitioning has its pros and cons, but the journey to becoming one is something that will miraculously change your life.
With Emily graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, I knew I would be getting useful and excellent advice from her. The first most important question I asked was, “What was the hardest part about nursing school?” Emily commented that the “clinical preparation worksheet were time consuming given you had to start on the worksheets a day before the clinical, then go to clinicals early to look up information, then after spend several hours looking up different medications and lab values.” With this being said I am definitely not surprised because I know that the nursing program is very time consuming as a whole, and it is a very competitive program. However, I am so excited and driven for this challenge because in the end of all the schooling, I will have achieved one of my biggest goals. The next question asked, “Do you have any advice to someone like me that is going into the nursing field?” Emily confidently answered with, “Keep an open mind about all the different specialties. Especially during school, be willing to try different areas and working with different populations.” I am really glad that Emily gave me this advice because I am so interested in pediatrics, but I also need to keep in mind that I need to experience working with different
In high school, I was among those students who always indicated that I will be going college. However, unlike most people I seem to meet these days I did not know that I wanted to be a doctor. When it was time to head off to college, I was still unsure of what I wanted to pursue. As most college freshmen, I did not know what major best suits my personality. I desired a career that would define who I am and a career that is self-gratifying. However, the path that I should follow was unclear to me. Because of my uncertainty I failed to see that my parents dream became my reality. As I began my college experience as a nursing student, I felt somewhat out of place. I realized that my reason for majoring in nursing was my parents' influence on me. They wanted me to believe that nursing is right for me. I always knew I wanted to go into the medical field, but I felt that I needed to know how to choose a medical specialty that I feel is right for me. My first step was to change my major. I chose to change my major to biology. My love for science led me to this decision. I began to explore the opportunities open to biology students.
It is believed that nursing students choose the nursing profession because they have a family member or a person who is close to them who is in the healthcare profession, motivating from work-related reasonings and they have “an altruistic desire to help others” (Angus. Jan E. Hall, Linda. Peter, Elizabeth. Price, Sherri Lynn). Only one of these reasons are similar to my personal reasonings as to why I chose to become a nurse.
Adult Nursing is a very rewarding career which provides endless opportunities. I would describe myself as a caring and compassionate person. I believe I possess these qualities naturally. I am compelled to put other people’s needs before my own. I can contribute my personal qualities to this course of being dedicated and determined into committing myself to this 3 year course and excelling academically. Personally, caring for my mother with high blood pressure made me interested in the world of medicine. This long term sickness inspired me to gain more experience outside of the home and volunteer which confirmed that this was the right course for me. I am fascinated by the practical aspect that the course involves as well as the theoretical
Nurses In Psychiatric Wards: A Focus Group Study."International Journal Of Mental Health Systems 10.(2016): 1-10. Academic Search Complete. Web. 17 Apr. 2016.
After receiving my undergraduate degree in pre-medicine I knew that medicine was in my future, but I was not ready to start my career at that time. Hands on experiences are vital for me because it is how I interpret the world around me. So I became a volunteer firefighter/ EMT-b and then worked as an operating room aide at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. Through these experiences I realized that I communicate well with others, thrive in high intensity situations, and believe in treating others with respect in all situations. I learned from these experiences that my career path is in nursing. I was taught the basics of medical science during my undergraduate education; I now want to apply my educational abilities and life