Exploring Nursing

INTRODUCTIONThe objective of the following assignment is to analyse and critique a chosen research article, using a particular critical framework as guidance the student will critique and justify the article's relevance and current nursing pratice. Nursing research will briefly be defined and its importance and how it plays an essential part in nursing pratice will be explained. In accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC) Code of Professional Conduct (NMC, 2005) regarding safeguarding patient information no names or places will be divulged.

Nursing is an emotionally, physically, and demanding profession. It truly takes a distinct individual to become a nurse, although, anyone could complete the course work and sit for the NCLEX exam to pass the licensure to become a nurse, with that being said, not everyone that completes the requirements to become a nurse will exhibit the quality nurses should. Nurses require empathy, compassion, knowledge of expertise, time management skills, superb communication and writing technique, and calmness amongst an emergency situation are beneficial attributes to possess. Sarah Cook, RN, BSN, OCN has been a nurse for over seven years, working inpatient oncology for four years and the last one and half years in oncology administration facilitating the building of Parkview Regional Medical Center’s Cancer Institute. Sarah attended college at Ivy Tech Community College where she attained her Associate in Science Nursing degree, continuing her education at Indiana Wesleyan obtaining her Bachelors of Science in Nursing and currently pursuing her Masters of Science in Nursing and Masters of Business Administration.

There are many challenges aspiring nurses have to grapple with in order to attain the license. These challenges dramatically influence the drop-out rate in many instances. A study conducted by the University of Cincinnati, cites that the drop-out

“The curriculum provides learning experiences that prepare graduates to assume roles that are essential to quality nursing practice, including but not limited to roles of care provider, patient advocate, teacher, communicator, change agent, care coordinator, user of information technology, collaborator, and decision maker”

Critical events and life changing factors are the main reasons I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. Excelsior College has given me the opportunity to obtain my degree by giving me flexibility and the ability to study on my own pace. Being a nurse is something special and very rewarding. A nurse will have different functions in her career either assisting the Doctor she or just give bedside care to a resident. Having the love and compassion for her patients is a must. The responsibility of the nurse is to be of some assistance to the patient no matter if they are sick or well, by helping with their activities of daily living that contributes to the patient's health or rehabilitation (or the serene passing away) that the patient will be able to function by

The American Nurses Association (ANA) views the nursing process as a six-step process, however the most widely used by registered nurses (RNs) is a five-step process (Taylor, Lillis, LeMone, & Lynn, 2011). The nursing process can be described as an organized and appropriate method to explain the nursing essence, its scientific bases, technologies, and humanist assumptions. These assumptions encourage critical thinking and creativity and permits solving problems in professional practice (Hagos, Alemseged, Balcha, Berhe, & Aregay, 2014). The nursing process used today is widely

Pursuing a career that allows me to enhance people’s wellbeing has always been my strong desire and by becoming a nurse, l feel will enable me to fulfil this. Nursing is considerably a challenging and yet a demanding profession, therefore will require various skills which l believe l have in order to embark on this career and make a difference in people’s lives.

Nursing is not only a profession, but it is an opportunity to provide compassion and support for those in need. I realized that nursing called upon me when I came across a heartwarming, yet rewarding experience. On a few occasions, I served breakfast to the children and their families coping with illness at the Ronald McDonald House. Interacting with these children developed my appreciation for the medical field. Despite the challenges that I may face while in this nursing program, I will be honored to deliver the best possible care to patients. I will be able to manage the stress that comes along with unpredictable clinicals and taxing homework due to my patience. I am determined to overcome the conflicts that are involved in obtaining my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing because of my interest in this field.

However, to me, being a nurse is not just about learning how to cure illness. It’s about helping others in a time when they feel vulnerable. I’ve experienced the scared, nervous feeling that accompanies hospitals and I want to be the nurse that changes that impression on her patients. I want my patients to feel hopeful and strong. Before I can even begin to help others, I need to attain my nursing degree by attending college.

The Future of Nursing report of 2010 called for the increase in the number of bachelor-prepared nurses in the workforce to 80% by 2020 (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2015). The goal is to encourage nurses to achieve higher education and seek lifelong learning. Lifelong learning, however, goes beyond advanced degrees, required CEU credits, annual inservices, and orientations. Lifelong learning goes above and beyond normal duty. From the first day of nursing school to graduation day to the first day of orientation to a promotion into leadership roles; the learning never stops. Learning is necessary to to meet the demands and needs of a changing technological world that relies on health professionals, like nurses, to provide up-to-date,

Nursing is a unique field full of knowledge, skills, values, and most importantly, commitment. It is not just a simple commitment, but also more of a professional commitment. Within the nursing field, there are specific goals that must be met in order to become a competent nurse. High standards and expectations are required to achieve a certain level of competency to prepare for the role of taking care of lives. Therefore, nursing should not just be considered a job, or a career, but also a profession with heart.

With the many leadership opportunities, nurses were motivated to be lifelong learners, whether through continuing education or advancing degrees as per Blais and Hayes (2016). The future of nursing, especially with the Affordable Act 2010, will transition to primary caregivers to fulfill the public demand. Achieving a higher degree with organization’s support should be considered by students as they practice in the future.

To apply for licensure, it is a lengthy process. The timeline includes applying for licensure, registering for the NCLEX, completing a background check, and receiving an Authorization To Test (ATT) (KBN, 2017). I will not receive the ATT until after I graduate. My diploma is sent to the Kentucky Board of Nursing at end of December, beginning of January. After I receive my ATT, I can schedule my exam. Before taking the exam, I plan to sign up for the HURST review and study three to four times a week until the night before my exam.

“New programs, courses, experiences and changing requirements for the development of new skills pave the way for different opportunities for students to prepare for initial and continuing practice in a rapidly changing society” (Cherry & Jacob, 2014, p. 36). As a nurse there are so many great opportunities. You can become a nurse by enrolling in different types of programs. Those available programs today include diploma, associates, or bachelor’s degree. The most popular form is to attain an associate’s degree. “AND programs were so successful that they became the new career pathway for nurses, and now the majority

The nursing profession has evolved tremendously over the years. Although we often work as a part of a health care team, as nurses, our role is so critical to the clients we serve that it cannot be replaced by any other team member. We are constantly striving to expand our capabilities, either through formal education or years of experience. We are fortunate enough to be part of an influential and rewarding field that enables us to impact the lives of a diverse community on a physical, mental, and emotion level.