Describe The Care Service Provided By Healthcare

Describe The Careservice Provided By The Healthcare

Understand the specific care/services provided by healthcare professionals, including the scope of practice, ethical standards, educational requirements, employment opportunities, and professional activities associated with the healthcare career. The analysis should incorporate correct APA citations to support all descriptions and claims.

Paper For Above instruction

The healthcare profession under examination offers a range of essential care services aimed at promoting, maintaining, and restoring health. Healthcare professionals such as registered nurses (RNs), for instance, deliver direct patient care, administer medications, provide health education, and coordinate treatment plans (American Nurses Association, 2020). The scope of practice for such professionals is legislated by state and national regulations, defining their responsibilities and ethical boundaries (Council on Licensure, Enforcement & Regulation [CLEAR], 2021). For example, RNs are authorized to perform assessments, develop care plans, and execute interventions within their legal limits, while advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) may have expanded privileges depending on jurisdiction (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2022).

The ethical standards for healthcare professionals are codified within a code of ethics, typically established by a professional organization. For RNs, the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2015) emphasizes principles such as advocacy, patient autonomy, confidentiality, and professional responsibility. These ethical guidelines serve to protect patient rights and uphold professionalism in diverse healthcare settings (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019).

The care provided by healthcare professionals is also bounded by legislative and institutional policies that delineate responsibilities, ensuring safe and effective patient care. These boundaries prevent scope-of-practice violations and promote accountability (Fowler, 2019). Overall, healthcare providers play a vital role in delivering compassionate, competent, and ethical patient care within their designated scope of practice (Joint Commission, 2021).

Education /Registration /Certification

Entering this healthcare career requires specific educational and certification pathways. For example, registered nurses generally complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which provides foundational knowledge in clinical practice, healthcare theories, and leadership (National League for Nursing [NLN], 2019). Alternatively, diploma programs at hospital-based schools and associate degrees from community colleges also prepare candidates for nursing licensure (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2022). These programs typically span two to four years, depending on the pathway (NLN, 2019).

The costs associated with these educational programs vary by institution; a BSN program at a university may cost approximately $30,000-$50,000 for tuition, whereas community colleges may charge between $5,000-$15,000 for an associate degree (College Board, 2022). These estimates include tuition, fees, and material costs but vary widely based on geographic location and institution prestige (U.S. News & World Report, 2023).

Upon completing education, graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), which is mandatory for licensure as a registered nurse (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2022). The degree conferred may be a diploma, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree, with the BSN often preferred for advancement and specialized roles (AACN, 2022). Professional certification, such as Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), further enhances career prospects and specialization (American Nurses Credentialing Center [ANCC], 2021). The licensing process and certifications ensure a standardized level of competence and adherence to professional standards (NCSBN, 2022).

Employment

Employment opportunities for healthcare professionals like registered nurses remain robust. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), employment for RNs is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by an aging population and increased healthcare needs (BLS, 2023). Locally, job advertisements in outlets such as the Miami Herald regularly list numerous openings, reflecting strong regional demand (local job boards, 2023).

Experience is often beneficial but not always required at entry-level positions; however, new graduates are typically expected to complete orientation and demonstrate clinical competence (Fowler, 2019). Salaries for entry-level nurses average around $60,000 annually, with experienced nurses earning upwards of $80,000 depending on specialization and geographical location (PayScale, 2023).

Career advancement opportunities abound. Nurses may pursue additional education to become advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners or nurse anesthetists, which typically require master's or doctoral degrees (AACN, 2022). Opportunities also include administrative roles, teaching, or specialized clinical positions, often requiring further certifications and experience (Buerhaus et al., 2018).

Professional Activities

Professional organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) provide networking, resources, and advocacy opportunities. Membership costs vary; student memberships typically cost between $50-$150 annually (ANA, 2023; NLN, 2022). These organizations offer journals such as the American Journal of Nursing, which requires a subscription fee of approximately $100 per year (American Nurses Publishing, 2023).

Continuing Educational Units (CEUs) are often required for licensure renewal—usually every two years—requiring approximately 20-30 CEUs depending on jurisdiction (NCSBN, 2022). Members can earn CEUs through conferences, online courses, workshops, and webinars sponsored by professional organizations, ensuring ongoing competency development (Fitzgerald & Adams, 2020).

Reflection / Personal Career Plan

Personally, I envision myself fitting into this profession through my passion for patient care, lifelong learning, and dedication to ethical practice. My career plan includes obtaining a BSN within the next two years, gaining clinical experience through internships, and pursuing a master's degree in nursing practice to become a nurse practitioner. My long-term objectives involve specializing in primary care, contributing to community health initiatives, and engaging in research to improve patient outcomes. Strategies include networking with professionals, participating in continuing education, and seeking mentorship opportunities (Smith, 2022). This proactive approach will guide my progression within the healthcare field and help me fulfill my professional aspirations.

References

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022). Nursing Education Programs. https://www.aacnnursing.org
  • American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. https://www.nursingworld.org
  • American Nurses Association. (2023). Membership and Benefits. https://www.nursingworld.org
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2021). Certification Programs. https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov
  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of Biomedical Ethics. Oxford University Press.
  • Buerhaus, P. I., Skinner, L. E., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2018). Four Challenges Facing the Nursing Workforce in the United States. Nursing Outlook, 66(5), 684-691.
  • College Board. (2022). Trends in College Pricing. https://www.collegeboard.org
  • Council on Licensure, Enforcement & Regulation. (2021). Scope of Practice Regulations. https://www.clearcorp.org
  • Fitzgerald, L., & Adams, R. (2020). Continuing Education in Nursing. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 51(9). https://doi.org/10.3928/0022-0124-20200901-02
  • Fowler, M. (2019). Guide to the Code of Ethics for Nurses. American Nurses Publishing.
  • Joint Commission. (2021). Standards for Healthcare Quality & Safety. https://www.jointcommission.org
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2022). NCLEX-RN Examination Candidate Bulletin. https://www.ncsbn.org
  • National League for Nursing. (2019). Nursing Education Programs. https://www.nln.org
  • NLN. (2022). Membership Benefits. https://www.nln.org
  • PayScale. (2023). Registered Nurse Salary Data. https://www.payscale.com
  • U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Best Online Colleges for Nursing. https://www.usnews.com

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