The Field Of Nursing Has Changed Over Time In 750–1000 Words

The Field Of Nursing Has Changed Over Time In A 750 1000 Word Paper

The field of nursing has changed over time. In a 750-1,000 word paper, discuss nursing practice today by addressing the following: 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. 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. 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. 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. Discuss how nurses today communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and how this supports safer and more effective patient outcomes. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of nursing practice over time reflects profound changes in healthcare delivery, education, and patient-centered care. Historically, nursing was primarily task-oriented, focusing on basic physical care under the supervision of physicians. Over decades, nursing has transformed into a highly autonomous and specialized profession that emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and holistic patient care. This transformation has broadened the scope of nursing practice, shifting from solely providing physical care to involving complex decision-making in diverse settings, including community health, acute care, and advanced practice roles.

Initially, nursing practice was limited to assisting physicians and performing routine tasks. However, advancements in healthcare technology, increased understanding of disease processes, and the recognition of nursing's role as a critical component of healthcare have significantly expanded the scope of practice. For instance, the introduction of licensure, standardized nursing competencies, and advanced roles such as Nurse Practitioners (NPs) have enabled nurses to independently assess, diagnose, and manage patient care in many contexts. Consequently, nurses today are educators, advocates, researchers, and independent practitioners, capable of influencing health policies and leading quality improvement initiatives.

The differentiation in practice competencies between associate degree nurses (ADNs) and bachelor’s degree nurses (BSNs) is substantial, impacting scope of practice and clinical responsibilities. ADN programs typically prepare nurses for direct patient care roles, emphasizing foundational clinical skills, technical proficiency, and immediate patient needs. Conversely, BSN programs incorporate a broader curriculum that includes leadership, research, community health, and critical thinking skills. This comprehensive education prepares BSN nurses to assume roles that involve coordination of care, health promotion, and management tasks, often in leadership or specialty positions.

Scope of practice differs accordingly; BSN-prepared nurses are more likely to engage in evidence-based decision-making, assess complex patient situations, and participate in multidisciplinary care planning. For example, in a congestive heart failure patient’s care, a BSN nurse may develop discharge plans incorporating the latest clinical guidelines, assess psychosocial factors, and coordinate community resources. In contrast, an ADN nurse may focus primarily on executing care plans developed by others, such as administering medication or monitoring vital signs. Although both nurses play vital roles, the BSN’s expanded scope fosters advanced clinical judgment and leadership.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is fundamental to modern nursing, serving to improve patient outcomes through integrating the best current research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences. The academic preparation of the RN-BSN nurse enhances their capacity to apply EBP, as BSN curricula emphasize research literacy, critical appraisal of studies, and the integration of evidence into practice. This foundation enables BSN nurses to advocate for practice changes, participate in quality improvement projects, and implement innovative interventions grounded in robust evidence. For instance, a BSN nurse might lead an initiative to reduce hospital-acquired infections by applying the latest protocols supported by recent research, thereby elevating care standards.

Communication and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams are essential components of contemporary nursing practice. BSN-prepared nurses often take on leadership roles in care coordination, communicating effectively with physicians, therapists, social workers, and patients to ensure holistic, patient-centered care. Interdisciplinary teamwork fosters safer outcomes by reducing errors, streamlining processes, and ensuring that all aspects of the patient’s needs are addressed efficiently. For example, in a stroke rehabilitation setting, the BSN nurse collaborates with physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, and social workers to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan tailored to the patient’s functional goals.

In conclusion, nursing has undergone substantial evolution, expanding in scope, complexity, and importance within healthcare systems. The move from task-based care to a profession grounded in critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration has significantly enhanced patient outcomes. Distinctions between ADN and BSN education reflect differing levels of responsibility, critical judgment, and leadership capacity—elements essential for advanced practice and quality improvement initiatives. The ongoing emphasis on EBP and teamwork underscores the dynamic and integral role of nurses in delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care in today’s complex healthcare landscape.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021). The Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing as Minimal Education for Professional Nursing Practice. AACN. https://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/position-statements/baccalaureate-position

Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Prentice-Hall.

Cherniack, E. P. (2014). History of nursing. Nursing History Review, 22, 133-150.

Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, Advancing health. National Academies Press.

Lynch, P. S. (2018). The evolving role of the BSN nurse. Journal of Nursing Education, 57(9), 531-534.

National League for Nursing. (2019). Nursing Education in the United States. NLN. https://www.nln.org

Peate, I., & Wildmuth, M. (2017). Fundamentals of Nursing. Pearson.

United States Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. Washington, D.C.

Zerwekh, J., & Garneau, A. (2017). Illustrated Study Guide for Nursing Pharmacology. Saunders.