RN to BSN Nursing Practice Transition Plan The purpose of this paper is to help me to define my professional identity, my scope of practice, and outline how I will transition into a BSN role using the standards put in place by the American Nurses Association (ANA). In this paper I will consider specific standards of nursing practice as outlined by the ANA, and how these standards apply to reaching my objectives within the timeframe I established for myself. I will summarize the significance of these standards in relationship to becoming a professional nurse. Professional Identity Black (2014) states “the [educational] goal of socialization is the development of professionalism” (p. 118). My interpretation of Black’s statement is that by assembling a group of people together with the same goals, and by providing that group with the same training, education, and set of codified ethics or principles, you can assimilate that group of people into an established profession, or possibly create a new profession. One of sociologist Abraham Flexner’s criteria of a profession is that it “Has a strong internal organization of members and a well-developed group consciousness” (as cited in Black, 2014, p. 53.). Belonging to a like-minded group helps define an individual’s professional identity. The start of my professional identity as a nurse began in the Fall of 2010 when I began taking prerequisite courses for the associate of applied science – registered nursing [program]
The purpose of this posting is to discuss the definition of the Scope of Practice as given by the ANA and how, if at all, the definition differs from the scope of practice given by the State of Ohio. In addition, I will give an example of how I have applied the scope of practice in my life as a Nurse. The Scope of Practice for a Nurse is not defined by one specific thing, but rather it is a collection of practices that make up the definition. Collectively, the scope of practice includes the basic standards of nursing of which all nurses are to follow; mainly, what they can and cannot do as nurses. Within these standards one is to learn, maintain, and grow in their chosen field and become competent to do their work. In addition, the standard definition outlines the process of that nurse. Each nurse
According to the Institute of medicine report, advanced practice nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training. In order to meet the recommendation of IOM, APN need to secure a work setting that permit them to work to the full extent of their education and training. Scope of practice of APRN vary from State to State. Scope of practice determine what activities an APN can perform. Hence, it is important for APN to know the scope of practice of their particular State. A professional development plan is imperative for APNs as it will assist them to organize their ideas about how they can grow professionally and how to accomplish them. Role transition of an APN is a difficult process, as an expert nurse may have to revert his/ her role to a student nurse and become a novice practitioner. It is significant for APNs to prepare themselves before entering the job market. Today organizations and practices are looking for most qualified candidates to fill their position. A personal evaluation is an important step in professional development. A personal evaluation based on Benner’s novice to expert model allow the APNs to identify their strength and weakness as well as their goals and objectives. Working on the weakened areas will enable the APN to improve the performance skills and be a better candidate in job market. Marketing and networking allow the
An ongoing debate for the requirements to become a Registered Nurse (RN) has been unsettled. Several different educational pathways lead to an RN licensure; however, the minimum educational requirements must be standardized at the baccalaureate level for several reasons. Spetz and Bates (2013) published that a growing number of hospitals prefer hiring nurses with a Bachelor Science in Nursing (BSN) as this increases the status of the nursing profession (p. 1). Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), as well as a certificate on-the-job training Diploma are two other educational pathways to become an RN, which can be disadvantageous to the nursing profession in several ways (Tollick 2013; Spetz and Bates 2013). If entry-level nurses
Associates prepared nurses are able to sit for the NCLEX as well as bachelors prepared nurses. They are both able to practice and perform many of the same skills and procedures. Their differences in clinical competencies are few, but their differences in critical thinking, decision making, communication, leadership, and management techniques and abilities, are many. The bachelors prepared nurse has received a higher and more in depth level of education in their field. This additional study and preparedness gives the bachelors prepared nurse the ability to understand not only the “what” and “how” of their clinical procedures, but also the
Professional nursing practice has been developing for several centuries. Nursing as a profession can be traced back to the early Christian era. Since then the perception of nursing practice has changed significantly. “Nursing is caring, commitment, and dedication to meeting the functional health needs of all people” (Craven &
Healthcare systems and the way safe, quality health care is delivered are continually changing to better serve patients and communities. Professional nursing practice is a large component in the healthcare system today. Back in the 1960s, professional nursing leaders tried to adopt the bachelor degree programs as the only educational track to become a registered nurse (Creasia & Friberg, 2011). Due to nursing shortages and demands this motive did not hold fast. Individuals entering the nursing profession today must first decide which educational pathway to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
With an ever-increasing body of knowledge in the field of nursing, more education is being required to enter the field of nursing. Many healthcare institutions are raising the educational requirements in order to become employed or maintain employment in their facilities. Healthcare organizations are transitioning to hiring registered nurses (RN) who have a higher level of education, such as, a graduate from a Baccalaureate Degree Nursing (BSN) program. The goal of these institutions is to have nurses with a broader array of skills that can meet the growing demands of our patient population. BSN prepared nurses are recognized for their well-rounded skills in critical thinking, management, case management and health promotion versus Associate Degree nurses (ADN)/Diploma nurses that focus on direct patient care.
In 2008 the Alliance for Advanced Practice Credentialing and the National Council of State Board of Nursing published specific masters educational, accreditation, licensure, credentialing, certification processes. The masters educational, accreditation, licensure, credentialing, certifications are based on a set of values steps to practice will ensure that NPs have the skills training to place themselves to serve an fundamental role in national health care reform (Graduate NursingEDU,
The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the differences in the scope of practice between Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) nurses. There are numerous variances and similarities identified. These variances will be explored to show distinction between the two educational preparedness expectations by the Board of Nurse Examiners (BON).
Nursing can be a demanding career, but the benefits far much outweigh the challenges. Most importantly, it’s the rewards it offers by allowing an opportunity to make a difference in another person’s life through the provision of care when they need it. Just as Patricia Benner theorized in her book “Novice to Expert,” nursing encompasses both educational knowledge and extensive clinical experience acquired throughout one’s career. This far, I continue to acquire knowledge and clinical knowhow which will promote proper and efficient care to patients. Since I began practicing one year ago in a long-term healthcare facility, I have interacted with patients, families, physicians and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate patient’s care which has enabled me to gain confidence in myself. While I cannot deny that it was difficult to transition from a student to a licensed nurse, I learnt to overcome these challenges and focus on my strengths. Practicing as an LPN has provided a platform to learn and gain experience even though the duties and responsibilities are limited by the scope of practice.
Nursing is an occupation in which professionalism (or lack thereof) can have a significant effect on not only patients and their health, but the nurse’s relationships with colleagues, patients’ families and even their community. A nurse must exemplify professionalism, especially in an environment that creates increased risk for loss of life or further injury. There are many aspects that are involved with professionalism in nursing, and many expectations set up on the nurse.
American Nurses Association (ANA) Standards of Professional Performance explains how all registered nurses do their work and activities consistently according to their professions that promote the wellbeing of their patients and communities (ANA, 2010a). The standards provide a mechanism to patients that they are been taken good care of and that the nurses know exactly what to do so as to provide high-quality care and the measures are in place to determine whether nursing care meets the standards. These activities are related to performance like ethics, quality of practice, education, communication, resources, leadership, environmental health, professional practice evaluation, and evidence-based practice and research. Registered nurses are responsible for their professional actions to themselves, their patients, their peers, and the community at large.
Nursing is a profession that requires individuals to be skilled and knowledgeable in several different arenas. From the use of science in order to apply theories and research into practice, to using critical thinking and advocating for the improvement of healthcare, the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) must be able to integrate these skills into practice. This paper will review the competencies set forth by the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). In order to better grasp how an APN implements the use of such competencies, an interview has been conducted with a leader in the profession. This interview was done in person with the use of a tape recorder while the interviewer took notes. To better understand just how instrumental these competencies are to the profession, the APN student must be able to see how it is used in everyday practice by one who is already working as an APN. APN students can review materials concerning the competencies needed; however, the student is able to have a better grasp of the role of the APN by becoming aware of how one in the profession applies these competencies in the real world.
Nursing practices manifest in different forms in terms of different nursing roles. The same as you, I have been practicing as an educator for patients and families on a daily basis, also have been assigned as a charge nurse periodically, and recently have been a preceptor for our new grad nurses on board. All these different nursing identities provide us abundant professional experiences and aid career development, yet require nursing knowledge, judgments, skills, and responsibilities. Also, we have to practice within and beyond the standards in order to teach, mentor, even lead. For example, my current preceptor role requires me to constantly check the nursing regulations and our own updated hospital policies and protocols to ensure safe patient
Throughout my life, I have had amazing examples of the selflessness required of BSN prepared nurses. My mother and my neighbor both exemplified qualities of helpfulness and selflessness in every part of their lives, and their examples are what motivate me on my journey to become a BSN prepared nurse. My mother displayed these qualities whenever I saw her helping my grandparents. There were other family members that were capable of being caretakers, but my mother focused on my grandparents’ physical and emotional needs before she focused on hers. It never mattered what time of day my grandparents needed her, because she would drop everything to be by their side. The same went for my elderly neighbor, who was a nurse in the army. I never saw