The Field Of Nursing Has Changed Over Time ✓ Solved

The Field Of Nursing Has Changed Over Time In A 7501000

The field of nursing has changed over time. Discuss nursing practice today by addressing the following: 1. Explain how nursing practice has changed over time and how this evolution has changed the scope of practice and the approach to treating the individual. 2. Compare and contrast the differentiated practice competencies between an associate and baccalaureate education in nursing. Explain how scope of practice changes between an associate and baccalaureate nurse. 3. Identify a patient care situation and describe how nursing care, or approaches to decision-making, differ between the BSN-prepared nurse and the ADN nurse. 4. Discuss the significance of applying evidence-based practice to nursing care and explain how the academic preparation of the RN-BSN nurse supports its application. 5. Discuss how nurses today communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and how this supports safer and more effective patient outcomes.

Paper For Above Instructions

The field of nursing has witnessed significant changes over time, shaped by advancements in medicine, technology, and evolving societal needs. This paper discusses how nursing practice has changed, how its scope has expanded, and the differences in competencies between Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates, along with the implications for patient care.

The Evolution of Nursing Practice

Nursing practice has undergone a paradigm shift from a task-oriented focus to a patient-centered, holistic approach. Traditionally, nurses were primarily caregivers focused on delivering prescribed treatments and medications. Over the years, however, the profession has embraced a more comprehensive view, incorporating psychosocial aspects of patient care and emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention (Bagnasco et al., 2020).

The evolution of nursing practice correlates directly with the growing body of medical knowledge and technology. The advent of evidence-based practice (EBP) has been pivotal, pushing nurses to utilize research findings to inform their care (Melnyk et al., 2014). As a result, nurses now assess patients more critically, engage in shared decision-making, and work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. This evolution has expanded the scope of practice, allowing nurses to take on roles previously reserved for physicians, such as conducting assessments, making diagnoses, and developing treatment plans (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2021).

ADN vs. BSN: Differentiated Practice Competencies

The educational pathways for nursing, namely ADN and BSN programs, create differentiated competencies that significantly influence nursing practice. ADN programs typically prepare nurses with a focus on clinical skills necessary for entry-level positions, while BSN programs provide a broader educational framework that includes leadership, management, and social sciences (Benner et al., 2010).

The scope of practice is notably different for ADN and BSN-prepared nurses. ADN graduates may have limited engagement in decision-making processes and are often assigned to bedside nursing roles that do not emphasize critical thinking and management skills. In contrast, BSN-prepared nurses are trained to consider a wide array of factors in patient care, including economic, ethical, and political dimensions (Blegen et al., 2013). The competencies of a BSN nurse extend beyond clinical tasks to include the ability to incorporate EBP, lead teams, and propose policy changes. This broader training enhances the quality of care and fosters improved patient outcomes.

Patient Care Situation: ADN vs. BSN

To illustrate the differences in nursing practice between ADN and BSN nurses, consider a patient care situation involving a patient with chronic heart failure. An ADN-prepared nurse may focus primarily on administering medications and vital signs, while a BSN-prepared nurse might engage in a comprehensive assessment that includes evaluating the patient’s psychosocial background, medication adherence, and support systems. The BSN nurse would likely utilize EBP to determine the most effective interventions for the patient, coordinate care with interdisciplinary teams, and educate the patient and family about lifestyle changes necessary to manage the condition effectively (Huston, 2014).

Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing Care

EBP is a cornerstone of modern nursing practice as it ensures that nurses provide care based on the best available evidence, rather than outdated practices or traditions. The academic preparation of RN-BSN nurses supports EBP by educating them on research methodologies and critical appraisal of literature. This knowledge equips BSN nurses to implement and advocate for evidence-based guidelines in clinical settings, ensuring that the care provided to patients is not only effective but also improves health outcomes (Melnyk et al., 2014).

Communication and Collaboration in Nursing

Effective communication and collaboration among interdisciplinary healthcare teams are essential for delivering safe, high-quality patient care. Nurses play a pivotal role in this process, acting as liaisons between patients and other healthcare professionals. BSN-prepared nurses are trained to communicate effectively across disciplines and foster collaboration, which supports comprehensive patient care (McCoy et al., 2016).

Today’s nurses utilize technology such as electronic health records (EHRs) and telehealth platforms to enhance communication and streamline patient care (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2017). By collaborating with physicians, social workers, and other specialists, nurses can advocate for their patients’ needs, address complex health issues more effectively, and promote better patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The field of nursing has transformed from a traditional care model to a complex, evidence-based practice that emphasizes holistic patient care. The differences in educational preparation between ADN and BSN nurses result in varied competencies that ultimately influence patient care. As nursing continues to evolve, the profession must embrace ongoing education, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the highest quality of care for patients.

References

1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.
2. Bagnasco, A., Timmins, F., & McCabe, C. (2020). The evolution of nursing and the need for evidence-based practice. Nursing Standar, 35(3), 50-58.
3. Blegen, M. A., Vaughn, T., & Goode, C. J. (2013). Nurse education and patient outcomes: A systematic review. International Nursing Review, 60(3), 308-320.
4. Benner, P., Sutphen, M., Leonard, V., & Day, L. (2010). Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation. Jossey-Bass.
5. Huston, C. J. (2014). The Impact of Nursing Education on Patient Outcomes. Journal of Nursing Education, 53(4), 224-227.
6. McCoy, L., & Theeke, L. A. (2016). The role of the nurse in the interdisciplinary team. Journal of Nursing Management, 24(4), 517-525.
7. McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2017). Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
8. Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2014). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
9. Timmins, F., & McCabe, C. (2019). Evidence-based practice: The bridge between research and practice. Nursing Standards, 34(2), 72-77.
10. World Health Organization. (2020). The WHO Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: Workforce 2030.