Nursing Role And Scope Discussion ✓ Solved

Nursing Role And Scope Discussion

The number of pathways, namely BSN, ASN, and LPN, are crucial in professional nursing practice. The pathways are an asset, and thus, they are not confusing. The main reason why these assets are not confusing is that they need various educational levels for them to qualify as nursing professionals. For instance, the Licensed Practical Nurses need almost twelve months in order to finish education. The ASN needs almost 24 to 36 months of complete training.

However for students to acquire the Licensed Practical Nurses, students have to complete a high school diploma and then attain a certification from a well accredited LPN program. Soon after the Licensed Nursing Practitioners have fully completed their course, they can undertake a BSN (Chitty & Black, 2020). On the other hand, the BSN needs four complete years of training, and therefore, students can join the training anytime. Therefore, this is important, and it will help increase the number of health care attendants and, to be precise, the nurses (Heglund et al, 2017).

From the Tri-Council for Nursing and the IOM's key findings and recommendations, I fully agree that entry into the nursing practice should occur at the baccalaureate level, and the nurses need to further their studies.

For instance, in May 2010, the Tri-Council for nursing issued a consensus that will require all the Nurses who are registered to further their studies. The main reason for this was to enable the nurses to enhance safety and quality throughout healthcare facilities (Fotsch, 2018). According to the Tri-Council statements, it is evident that the nursing organization requires more educated professionals who will be able to handle the patients better. This will be essential in improving the healthcare system in the country.

Paper For Above Instructions

Nursing plays a crucial role in the healthcare system, and understanding its various educational pathways and professional scopes is essential for improving healthcare delivery. The primary nursing pathways include the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Each of these pathways provides distinct levels of preparation and expertise, contributing to the complexity and effectiveness of modern nursing practice.

The BSN program typically requires four years of education and encompasses a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip nurses with critical thinking, leadership, and clinical skills necessary for advanced nursing roles. This pathway not only prepares nurses with essential practical skills but also offers a strong foundation in health policy, management, and community health. The ASN takes approximately two to three years to complete and provides a more streamlined, practice-oriented education that focuses directly on fundamental nursing skills (Chitty & Black, 2020). Conversely, LPN programs are shorter, usually lasting about twelve months and offering basic nursing training that allows graduates to perform essential care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians.

The differences in these educational pathways highlight the importance of advancing nursing education. Higher education levels in nursing correlate with improved patient outcomes, enhanced safety, and overall better quality of care (Heglund et al., 2017). The Institute of Medicine (IOM), in its landmark report, advocates for increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020. This recommendation stems from the recognition that higher education equips nurses with the skills necessary to meet the complexity of modern healthcare needs.

Moreover, as health care continues to evolve, demands on nursing professionals grow. The Tri-Council for Nursing supports the advancement of nursing education by emphasizing the need for registered nurses to engage in lifelong learning. Following the consensus issued in May 2010, it became clear that continued education is vital for nurses to adapt to changing healthcare environments and technologies (Fotsch, 2018). As new healthcare practices and technologies emerge, thorough education becomes a pivotal element in ensuring that nurses can provide safe, knowledgeable care and maintain competency in their field.

The nursing landscape is not static; it continually changes in response to societal needs, technological advancements, and health care reforms. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)—including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives—exemplify the growing trend toward specialization and further education in nursing. These roles require both master's education and specialized training, reflecting the trend toward more educated nurses engaging in higher levels of clinical practice (Gonzalez et al., 2020).

The necessity for more educated nursing professionals extends beyond just fulfilling job requirements; it encompasses improving the overall health system. With increasing complexities in patient care and the need for innovative solutions to healthcare challenges, nurses with a robust educational background can positively impact healthcare systems. They are better positioned to engage in policy-making, research, and leadership roles that contribute to healthcare transformation (Sullivan et al., 2017).

Furthermore, the focus on higher education within nursing aligns with global health strategies emphasizing quality healthcare delivery and patient safety. Nations globally recognize that investing in nursing education enhances healthcare systems and promotes population health (World Health Organization, 2020). Effective nursing leaders advocate for policies that increase access to education, support ongoing professional development, and promote collaborative practice among healthcare teams.

In conclusion, the role and scope of nursing are significantly influenced by education pathways such as the BSN, ASN, and LPN programs. As the healthcare environment grows increasingly complex, it is imperative that nurses receive the education necessary to meet these challenges. Advances in nursing education create a foundation for improved patient care, safety, and healthcare innovation. Ultimately, enhancing nursing education is not solely about professional advancement; it is about ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care possible in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

References

• Black, B. P. (2020). Professional nursing: concepts & challenges. Elsevier.
• Fotsch, R. (2018). States React to Advancement of Nursing Education. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(2), 60-61.
• Gonzalez, J., Reyes, A., & Smith, K. (2020). The evolving role of advanced practice nurses in response to healthcare changes. Nursing Outlook, 68(2), 190-198.
• Heglund, S., Simmons, J., Wink, D., & Leuner, J. D. M. (2017). Thirteen years and counting: Outcomes of a concurrent ASN/BSN enrollment program. Journal of Professional Nursing, 33(6), 646-653.
• Institute of Medicine. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. National Academies Press.
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2020). The evolution of nursing education: Pathways for advancement. NCSBN.
• Reinhard, S. C., & Hassmiller, S. (2017). A lifelong commitment to nursing education: The role of the nurse in improving healthcare. Nursing Education Perspectives, 38(5), 260-265.
• Sullivan, N., Black, S., & Jones, R. (2017). The intersection of nursing education and practice: Bridging the gap for positive outcomes. Journal of Nursing Education, 56(6), 327-333.
• Tri-Council for Nursing. (2010). Agreeing on the need for a more highly educated nursing workforce. Nursing Outlook, 58(1), 1-2.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Nursing and midwifery: Towards global health for all. WHO.