Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS

Professional Development of Nursing Professionals Hope Adams Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V December 09, 2012

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS Professional Development of Nursing Professionals

There are many factors that play a role on the impact of nursing. One such factor is the transforming of education among nurses currently practicing and nursing students. Quality patient care depends on having well educated nurses in the workforce. According to the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) it states that research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. (AACN, 2009). Education is so important in that it increases not only clinical competency but also plays an affirmative role in patient care and outcomes. As stated in the IOM (Institute of Medicine), Nursing education at all levels must provide a greater understanding of and expertise in care management, quality improvement methods, systems-level change management, and the reconceptualized roles of nurses in a reformed health care system. (IOM, 2011). All graduates of nursing programs, whether that be for the baccalaureate degree (BSN), associate degree (AND) or diploma sit through the same testing to obtain their nursing license. As many people are aware because of working directly with other nurses, just because a nurse has passed the NCLEX-RN exam does not necessarily mean they are all competent to practice in the nursing setting. As stated in the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), registered nurses shall be educated in baccalaureate programs in an effort to adequately prepare clinicians for their challenging and complex roles. ( AONE, 2005). Because of this it is especially important to further ones education in order to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to provide the best care possible to the patients nurses come in contact with.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS Transforming practice is something that will continue to happen especially within nursing. It is incredibly important that nurses continue their education to accommodate these transforming practices as nurses are expected to carry out much higher standards. Patients in all

settings deserve care that is centered to their unique need; therefore nurses must be highly skilled and be practicing to their full extent. Without furthering education and nurses having the ambition to learn a higher skill level, it is difficult to provide the adequate care necessary that the patient deserves. Nurses have the opportunity to play a central role in transforming the health care system to create a more accessible, high-quality, and value-driven environment for patients. If the system is to capitalize on this opportunity, however, the constraints of outdated policies, regulations, and cultural barriers, including those related to scope of practice, will have to be lifted, most notably for advanced practice registered nurses. (Institute of Medicine, 2011). There are some barriers that nurses face with the transforming roles of practice such as listed in the IOM such as professional resistance to expanded roles for nurses, fragmentation of the health care system, outdated insurance policies, and high rates of nurse turnover, difficulties for nurses transitioning from school into practice, and an aging workforce and other demographic challenges. (Institute of Medicine, 2011). With that said, it is imperative to realize that nursing is one of the most multifaceted occupations within the healthcare force. Because of such versatility there have been so many different pathways a nurse can take in his or her career which broadens the scope of practice and responsibility nurses must take on. Without having barriers in any career, there would not be the drive to excel in whatever direction one chooses to go. This is exactly why the transforming of practice is so crucial. The sky is the limit and a nurse can do and be whatever they choose. That is the greatest part of being in this occupation, the possibilities are limitless.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS As a nurse in this profession and furthering our education it is important to think about

how the practice of nursing could change to meet the goals stated in the IOM report. By pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Nursing, the nurse needs to think about being able to practice at his or her maximum of extent within their training and education. This nurse would then be able to provide state-of-the-art strategies that improve patient outcomes. By volunteering to be a part of committees within their particular workforce, such as writing and implementing new policies or procedures, setting up advanced training and skills fairs, and effective communication with coworkers and physicians will help in this transforming of practice. By being highly motivated and involved in the changes taking place, it will only provide for better quality of patient care. Strong leadership is essential for a successful transformed health care system. Yet not all nurses begin their career with thoughts of becoming a leader. The IOM describes a new style of leadership which focuses on working with others in collaboration to improve patient outcomes, reduction in medical errors and less staff turnover. This new style of leadership has been proven to impact greater patient outcomes which reflects on reduced hospital stay, cost savings, increased job satisfaction, retention among nurses, and improved teamwork.(Institute of Medicine, 2011) Another great way to show leadership among nurses is by being a mentor to nursing students and a preceptor among newly hired nurses within ones facility. It is especially important to have nurses in that particular role and to step up and show leadership in their area of expertise. It is also important to work closely with all areas of the facility such as physicians, pharmacists, chaplains; housekeepers etc. to be able to provide the best care possible to the patients and be able to show other staff and family members the great teamwork that takes place in order to keep cares running smoothly.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS

Nursing has become a progressively integral part of the health care system and therefore it is important that the nursing profession be as prepared as it can be. Nursing education, practice and leadership have all been impacted and will continue to grow due to the recommendation of the IOM. Each individual within this profession must choose to further their education, to practice to their full extent, and function as extraordinary leaders to deliver excellent patient care and be able to meet the standards set in this ever changing role.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING PROFESSIONALS References:

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Enrollment and graduations in baccalaureate and graduate programs in nursing. (2009, 2008-2009). Washington, DC: Author. American Organization of Nurse Executives. (2005). Practice and education partnership for the future. Washington, DC: American Organization of Nurse Executives. IOM (Institute of Medicine). The Future of Nursing: Leading change, advancing health. (2011). Retrieved from Washington DC: The National Academic Press.