Go Back To The Week 1 Discussion Topic And Review You 425074
Go Back To The Discussion Topic In Week 1 And Review Your Discussion P
Review the discussion topic from Week 1 and reflect on whether your thoughts or concepts regarding trends in nursing have evolved since then. Share specific examples illustrating any changes in your perspective.
Paper For Above instruction
Since the initial discussion in Week 1, my understanding of current trends in nursing has indeed evolved, especially concerning technological advancements and workforce dynamics. At the start, I identified key issues such as nursing staff shortages, patient ratios, advocacy, growth of telehealth, and technological progress. Initially, I viewed these trends as separate but interconnected facets shaping the nursing landscape. Over time, I have developed a more nuanced understanding of how these elements interplay and impact patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare systems.
One significant change in my perspective concerns the growth of telehealth. Initially, I saw telehealth primarily as a tool to increase access to healthcare for remote populations, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, I recognize its implications for nursing practice more broadly, including how it alters traditional nurse-patient interactions, requires new competency development, and influences care delivery models. Telehealth has accelerated the adoption of informatics and digital health, demanding that nurses acquire new skills in virtual communication, data management, and technical troubleshooting. This shift not only transforms patient interactions but also affects workflow, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration (Dorsey & Topol, 2016).
Furthermore, I have come to understand more profoundly the impact of nurses leaving clinical roles for nonclinical careers, which I initially considered a minor trend. Now, I realize this phenomenon significantly contributes to ongoing staffing shortages. The allure of nonclinical roles such as informatics, policy, education, and consultancy offers opportunities for professional growth, work-life balance, and better compensation. However, this migration leaves a vacuum in direct patient care, exacerbating staffing challenges and increasing workload for remaining nursing staff (Kaiser et al., 2018). As a result, nurse leaders and policymakers must address retention strategies and create appealing career pathways within clinical settings to mitigate these shortages.
Another aspect I have expanded my understanding of is the importance of advocacy. At first, I assumed advocacy was primarily a role for individual nurses championing their patients’ needs. Now, I see it as a systemic mandate to influence healthcare policies, promote safe staffing ratios, and ensure equitable access to care. The increasing recognition of nurses as key stakeholders in healthcare delivery emphasizes their influence beyond bedside care, shaping health policy and reform (ANA, 2010). This broader view emphasizes the role of nurses not just as caregivers but as agents of systemic change.
In summary, my evolving perspective highlights the interconnected nature of technological innovation, workforce shifts, and advocacy within the broader context of healthcare reform. These changes underscore the necessity for nurses to engage continuously in professional development, adapt to technological advancements, and participate actively in policy advocacy. The dynamic landscape of nursing demands resilience, flexibility, and a proactive approach to stay current and effectively serve diverse patient populations.
References
- American Nurses Association (ANA). (2010). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA Publishing.
- Dorsey, E. R., & Topol, E. J. (2016). State of telehealth. The New England Journal of Medicine, 375(2), 154-161.
- Kaiser, S., et al. (2018). Nursing workforce challenges and solutions: An integrative review. Journal of Nursing Management, 26(3), 167-178.
- World Health Organization. (2020). State of the world's nursing report. WHO Press.
- Fitzgerald, M., et al. (2017). Integrating telehealth into nursing education: Challenges and opportunities. Nurse Education Today, 55, 181-185.
- Juarez, T., et al. (2020). Impact of nonclinical nursing career options on staffing shortages. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 445-454.
- Adler, K. S., et al. (2019). The future of nurses and nursing: A strategic vision. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(3), 229-237.
- National Academy of Medicine. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030. NAM Press.
- Chen, J. A., et al. (2021). Telehealth and nursing practice: Revolutionizing patient care. Nursing Economics, 39(4), 194-201.
- Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. The National Academies Press.