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As Nursing Has Evolved Over The Years There Have Been Many Ways The P

As nursing has evolved over the years, there have been many ways the profession has tried to define itself and the roles nurses play in health care. From the infancy of nurses of the past to the high level of care nurses provide now in a healthcare setting, models have helped nurses develop roles and functions. Models have guided and organized the basic beliefs of nursing professional roles, development of knowledge, and competencies in providing comprehensive care in the healthcare setting (Hamric et al., 2019).

One of the first models used to help distinguish the roles of the advanced practice nurse was the Calkin’s model. Developed to provide and define a difference between the level of nursing, Calkin’s model proposed matching the skill level of the nurse to the health problem of the patient (Hamric et al., 2019).

Calkin’s model in today's healthcare environment still rings true. Different levels of nurses work at different levels of patient care. From the Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse to Nurse Practitioners, each has a role at a different level of care for the patient. Currently working as a Registered Nurse, I have a defined role to play in healthcare. Looking toward the future, working as a Nurse Practitioner, understanding my new role will give me a more guided understanding by expanding my knowledge base and working at a higher level of care as expressed in Calkin’s Model.

Calkin’s advantage over other models is that the skills, education, and knowledge held by nurses are relative to the patient's needs. Understanding the patient's needs at all levels is the framework used by scholars in the research of the function used by Nurse Practitioners (Hamric et al., 2019). Patients arrive at healthcare facilities with many different needs and at all levels of complexity, and over the years Calkin’s model has provided perspective on different points on the spectrum of care. Nurses work at various levels but as they continue to educate themselves, they can move up the spectrum to care for more critical patients. As nurses learn and take on advanced practice roles, understanding their responsibilities and how to maximize their potential will be vital for delivering complete, holistic care at every patient level.

Calkin’s model leaves other models to define the process, but it offers an understanding that there are differences among nursing levels (Hamric et al., 2019). From entry-level nurses to seasoned experts with extensive experience, Calkin’s model emphasizes matching patient care needs with the appropriate level of nursing care (Hamric et al., 2019). With nursing constantly evolving, having a clearly defined scope of practice, roles, and levels of care remains a fundamental principle of nursing. Recognizing this structure and understanding the framework of advanced practice nurses will be key to integrating these roles effectively. As nursing professionals, we possess the skills, understanding, and knowledge to utilize these values effectively to meet patient needs and improve health outcomes.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Nursing has undergone significant transformation over the decades, driven by the need for improved patient care, technological innovations, and evolving healthcare models. The historical development of nursing roles has been shaped by various theoretical models that define and delineate the scope of practice, competencies, and responsibilities of nurses at different levels. Among these models, the Calkin’s model remains particularly influential, offering insights into how nursing roles have adapted to meet patient needs across a broad spectrum of care.

The Calkin’s model was developed to clarify differences in nursing roles based on education, skill level, and the complexity of patient care. It emphasizes matching the nurse’s skills to the patient's health problem, ensuring that the appropriate level of care is provided. This model serves as a foundational framework for understanding the progression of nursing responsibilities from basic care to advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioners (Hamric et al., 2019). The model's relevance persists today, as healthcare delivery becomes more specialized and complex.

In contemporary healthcare settings, nursing roles are highly diverse and structured across different levels of expertise. For instance, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) each function within a specified scope of practice that correlates with their education and experience. As a practicing RN, I recognize my role in providing fundamental patient care, education, and support within a defined scope. However, as I aspire to become a Nurse Practitioner, I understand that my responsibilities will expand to include diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing complex patient cases—functions aligned with the higher levels outlined in Calkin’s model.

The strength of Calkin’s model lies in its emphasis on the alignment of nurse competencies with patient needs, which promotes efficient and effective care delivery. This alignment ensures that patients receive care tailored to their complexity level and promotes continuous professional development for nurses aiming to ascend the care spectrum (Hamric et al., 2019). The gradual transition from entry-level roles to advanced practice underscores the importance of ongoing education and specialization, which enhances the quality of care and patient safety.

The model also highlights the importance of understanding the difference in roles among nurses, which is essential for interdisciplinary collaboration. As nurses advance their knowledge and skills, they become better equipped to handle critical and complex cases, thereby elevating the standard of care. For example, nurse practitioners are equipped to provide comprehensive primary care services, which can alleviate physician shortages and improve access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas (Naylor et al., 2011).

Moreover, Calkin’s model supports the ongoing professional development of nurses by clearly defining the scope of practice at each level. This clarity reduces role ambiguity, enhances job satisfaction, and fosters a culture of continual learning. As healthcare continues to evolve—with technological advancements, evolving disease patterns, and changing patient needs—this model provides a flexible framework for nurses to transition across roles as their expertise grows, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.

The integration of Calkin’s model with other contemporary model frameworks—such as the Nursing Process, the Roy Adaptation Model, and the Neuman Systems Model—further enriches nursing practice. These models collectively promote comprehensive care that addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of patient well-being (Alligood, 2018). Understanding the synergy among these frameworks is critical for developing adaptable, holistic, and patient-centered care strategies.

In conclusion, Calkin’s model remains a pivotal reference point for understanding the evolution of nursing roles within a complex healthcare environment. Its focus on matching nurse competencies with patient needs ensures that the profession continues to meet emerging health challenges effectively. As the nursing workforce advances professionally, this model reinforces the importance of lifelong learning, role clarity, and the seamless transition between different levels of care, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and the healthcare system as a whole.

References

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