APA Format: How Has Your Vision Of Nursing Changed?

APA Format how Has Your Vision Of Nursing Changed In This Semester Som

How has your vision of nursing changed in this semester? Some things you can discuss are: the history and formation of nursing to now, learning new skills and methods of thinking, the new language of the nursing process, etc. Personalize this section and also reference theory. What has been a personal change you have seen in yourself this semester? Would you consider it a good change or not?

If you have seen growth, describe it and discuss the impact this will have for you next semester. Now that you have started the process of nursing education, have you started to identify the rationale for critical thinking in your education? Why or why not and how do you support the need for critical thinking in nursing? Lastly, please summarize your plan for success in your next semester. Use correct APA format and spelling/grammar also.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of my perception of nursing over this semester has been profound, shaped by my exposure to historical perspectives, new skills, and the development of critical thinking practices essential for advanced nursing care. Initially, my understanding of nursing was primarily task-oriented, focusing on basic patient care. However, through coursework and clinical experiences, I now appreciate nursing as a complex, holistic discipline grounded in historical evolution, theory, and science. The transition from simple caregiving to a profession that emphasizes patient advocacy, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice signifies a significant change in my outlook.

Historically, nursing has transformed from rudimentary caregiving roles to a scientifically grounded profession, especially after the establishment of formal nursing education in the 19th century and the development of nursing theories like Florence Nightingale’s environmental theory and later, Jean Watson’s caring theory. Nightingale emphasized the importance of hygiene and environment in patient recovery, laying foundational principles for modern nursing (Dossey & Keegan, 2013). Today, nursing integrates complex scientific knowledge and patient-centered models, exemplified in models like the Roy Adaptation Model, emphasizing holistic patient care (Roy, 2009). This historical progression has shifted my understanding from a simplistic view of nursing tasks to a comprehensive view of the profession’s depth and importance.

My learning of new skills—such as advanced patient assessment, medication administration, and therapeutic communication—has reinforced my belief in nursing as a dynamic and continuously evolving field. Additionally, I have adopted the "nursing process" language—assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation—that structures clinical decision-making and promotes critical thinking (Newman et al., 2015). This language and framework have influenced how I approach clinical situations, fostering a more analytical and evidence-based perspective rather than relying solely on intuition or routine procedures.

A personal change I have observed in myself this semester is enhanced confidence in clinical decision-making. Initially, I often hesitated to make independent judgments, relying heavily on instructors’ directions. Now, I find myself more willing to critically evaluate patient data, ask relevant questions, and justify my actions with evidence. I consider this a positive change because it signifies increased professional maturity and readiness to advocate for patient needs. This growth has implications for my future practice, encouraging ongoing self-reflection and continued learning.

This growth in confidence and skills will undoubtedly influence my next semester. I anticipate a more autonomous approach to clinical practice, which will enable me to manage patient care more effectively while adhering to the nursing process. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of critical thinking in nursing has become increasingly clear. Critical thinking—defined as the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information—is fundamental to making sound clinical judgments (Benner et al., 2010). The rationale for fostering critical thinking in nursing education lies in its capacity to improve patient outcomes, promote safety, and support evidence-based practice. As nurses encounter complex and unpredictable situations, the ability to think critically is essential for adapting to diverse patient needs and ensuring ethical, safe, and effective care.

To support the need for critical thinking, I have engaged in reflective practice, sought feedback from instructors, and reviewed current research literature to inform my clinical decisions. These actions reinforce my understanding that critical thinking is not an innate skill but one that can be cultivated through deliberate practice and continuous learning (Facione, 2015). I believe integrating critical thinking exercises into clinical education enhances students’ ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and make ethical decisions, all crucial competencies in the nursing profession.

My plan for success next semester involves setting specific goals: deepening my understanding of advanced nursing concepts, actively engaging in clinical experiences, and practicing reflective journaling to identify areas for improvement. I will also seek mentorship opportunities and participate in study groups to enhance collaborative learning. Maintaining a disciplined study schedule, utilizing evidence-based resources, and prioritizing self-care are critical strategies I intend to implement. Additionally, I will continue to develop my critical thinking skills through case studies, simulation scenarios, and participation in clinical debriefings. Ultimately, my focus will be on cultivating resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning to excel in the next phase of my nursing education (Benner et al., 2010).

References

• Benner, P., Tanner, C., & Chesla, C. (2010). The Tanner clinical judgment model: description and implications. Advances in Nursing Science, 33(3), 203-211.
• Dossey, B. M., & Keegan, L. (2013). Holistic Nursing: A Handbook for Practice (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Facione, P. A. (2015). Critical thinking: What it is and why it counts. Insight Assessment. https://www.insightassessment.com/Resources/Importance-of-Critical-Thinking
• Newman, M., Hairr, J., & Bleich, M. R. (2015). The nursing process: An overview. Nursing Clinics of North America, 50(3), 339-354.
• Roy, C. (2009). The Roy adaptation model (3rd ed.). Pearson.