Nursing Department Course A
NURSING DEPARTMENT Course A
NURSING DEPARTMENT Course Assignment NUR 390 Nursing Role & Scope Reflection Assignment The BSN-prepared nurse must understand the history, development, role and scope of the nursing profession. Consider what you learned in this course and your views on the professional nursing practice. Use Gibb’s sequence of analysis in the following page to guide your reflection as you consider the prompt above.
Create a cover page including:
- The name of the assignment
- The name of the course
- Your professor's name
- Your name
Develop your response on pages 2 and 3. There is no need for APA references.
Paper For Above instruction
The following academic paper offers a comprehensive reflection on the history, development, role, and scope of the nursing profession, aligned with the learning objectives of NUR 390. Guided by Gibb’s reflective cycle, this discussion synthesizes the respondent’s insights gained from the course, emphasizing the evolution of nursing and the current professional practice of BSN-prepared nurses.
Introduction
The nursing profession has undergone significant transformation over centuries, evolving from basic caregiving roles in early civilizations to a sophisticated discipline grounded in evidence-based practice, ethics, and specialized knowledge. As a BSN-prepared nurse, understanding this historical journey informs contemporary practice, underscores the profession’s scope, and guides ethical responsibilities. This reflection utilizes Gibb’s reflective cycle, which includes description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion, and action plan, to critically assess the development and professional role of nursing as discerned through coursework and personal insights.
Description of the Nursing Profession’s Evolution
The origins of nursing trace back to ancient civilizations where caregiving was often associated with religious or spiritual duties. During the Middle Ages, nursing became institutionalized through religious orders, with figures like Florence Nightingale transforming the profession into a scientific discipline during the 19th century. Nightingale’s emphasis on sanitation, record-keeping, and nursing education marked turning points, establishing core principles still relevant today. The 20th and 21st centuries saw rapid advancements propelled by technological innovations, expanded roles, and increased specialization, leading to a comprehensive scope defined by professional standards, ethics, and a commitment to holistic patient-centered care.
Feelings and Personal Reflection
Reflecting on this historical progression evokes admiration and pride in the profession’s resilience and adaptability. As a student aspiring to become a BSN-prepared nurse, I feel a sense of responsibility to uphold the ethical standards and pursue lifelong learning to meet evolving healthcare demands. The journey from traditional caregiving to complex clinical roles inspires confidence and motivation to contribute meaningfully within the scope of professional nursing practice.
Evaluation of Nursing’s Current Role and Scope
Today, registered nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing play a vital role in healthcare delivery across diverse settings, including hospitals, community clinics, and policy environments. The scope encompasses direct patient care, health promotion, disease prevention, advocacy, leadership, and research. BSN nurses are equipped with a broad knowledge base that enables them to provide holistic, patient-centered care while collaborating within interdisciplinary teams. The profession’s scope also emphasizes cultural competence, ethical decision-making, and advocacy for healthcare quality and safety, reflecting the expanded responsibilities of modern nursing.
Analysis of Professional Development and Challenges
The evolution of nursing underscores continuous professional development, driven by advances in science and societal needs. The establishment of nursing organizations, certification programs, and regulatory standards have strengthened the profession’s credibility. However, challenges such as staffing shortages, scope of practice limitations, and healthcare disparities persist. As a future BSN-prepared nurse, understanding these challenges fosters awareness of my potential roles in advocacy, leadership, and policy development to promote optimal patient outcomes and profession advancement.
Conclusion and Future Directions
Nursing’s history reflects a trajectory of growth rooted in compassion, science, and ethical commitments. As I prepare to join this noble profession, I recognize the importance of embracing lifelong learning, ethical integrity, and advocacy to advance nursing’s scope and societal impact. My future practice will be guided by the foundational principles established by pioneers like Nightingale, adapted to contemporary needs and guided by evidence-based practices. Continued professional development and active participation in nursing communities will be essential for evolving roles and process improvements.
Action Plan
To fulfill my professional commitments, I plan to pursue further certifications, engage in lifelong learning opportunities, and participate actively in nursing organizations. I will advocate for patient safety, cultural competence, and ethical standards, aiming to contribute to the profession’s growth and societal recognition. By understanding the historical context and ongoing challenges, I am better prepared to serve communities effectively while upholding the core values of nursing.
References
- Carper, B. (1978). Fundamental patterns of knowing in nursing. Nursing Outlook, 26(4), 181–185.
- Grove, S. K., & Burns, N. (2017). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). Elsevier.
- Hughes, R. G. (2008). Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
- Nightingale, F. (1860). Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not. Harrison.
- Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2020). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- ANA. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. American Nurses Association.
- Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice-Hall.
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice.
- World Health Organization. (2020). State of the World’s Nursing 2020.
- Roberts, S. (2014). Nursing theory: The foundation of professional nursing practice. Elsevier.