Fast-Tracking In Nursing

There are two different routes to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). You have the Associates Degree Nursing (ADN) program which is considered the fast track program taking approximately two years to complete, and you have the Baccalaureate Nursing (BSN) program which requires approximately four years of schooling. What are the differences? Here are a few of the differences that will be discussed; schooling, mortality, safety, and positions that each degree can obtain.

There are two major educational pathways to become a Registered Nurse (RN): an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). Typically, an ADN degree takes 2 years to complete while a BSN degree takes 4 years to complete. Both allow the nursing graduate to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) consequently allowing the graduate to enter the field of nursing as a Registered Nurse. It is important to discuss and understand the differences in educational preparation as well as resulting competencies for both degrees. Prospective nursing professionals are

The national shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) has helped generate formidable interest in the nursing profession among people entering the workforce and those pursuing a career change. According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service in 2002, the national population is continuing to grow and age and medical services continue to advance, so the need for nurses will continue to increase. They report from 2000 to 2020 the predicted shortage of nurses is expected to grow to 29 percent, compared to a 6 percent shortage in 2000. With the projected supply, demand, and shortage of registered nurses and nursing salaries ever-increasing, the nursing profession can offer countless opportunities. But first one must

However, many students take five years to complete the BSN, and many advanced nursing programs also require that applicants have at least a year of professional experience as RNs. As a result, even the most direct path to becoming an NP can take seven or eight years.

Education increases both clinical competency and quality care. Associate degree in Nursing can be completed in three years. It was initially started to fill the shortage of nurses. BSN degree is four year nursing education and it helps the nurses to be well- rounded academically. ADN versus BSN have been in discussion for some time now. According to “HRSA’s 2013 report, titled The U.S. Nursing Workforce, found that 55% of the RN workforce held BSN or higher degree. In a separate study conducted by National Council of State Boards of Nursing found that 61% of RN workforce in U.S. was BSN or Higher degree”

Can you imagine back when you were a child and the feeling you had that was associated with going to the Doctor? Do you remember the image of that long, skinny needle that the doctors would have in their hand in preparation to stick you with? If so, you may remember those memories not always being pleasant ones. However, as adults looking back, we may think to ourselves how important that it was to go to the doctor and how important it is now. Despite the importance of the medical profession, nursing in particular requires a tremendous amount of training and further education. However, it is known that becoming a nurse is not an easy task to accomplish which means a greater shortage of nurses. As Lisa Seldomridge and Mary DiBartolo ,two professors of nursing notes in 1998 that “ The current shortage of nurses. . .” led up to the conclusion that precautions need to be taken to determine students that are likely to fail which does not benefit the nurse shortage(361).

The beginning of a new graduate nurses career rarely begins easily, there seems to be a distinct disconnect between the fantasy of what it means to be a nurse and the reality of bedside nursing. Nursing school seems to feed into this disconnection, in that it does not prepare the new graduate registered nurse (NGRN) for their professional practice. What nursing school does is give the NGRN the basics, a peak into what is to come. The NGRN has to find out for themselves what the true meaning of being a nurse is and if it fits their preconceived ideas.

Being a nurse not only means compassion, dedication, and intelligence, but the profession also requires endurance, personal sacrifice, and the need for continuous education. I have learned that nurses are some of the most caring and selfless people that anyone will ever meet. Nurses are more than willing to complete challenging tasks and care for others in a way that the majority of people are unwilling to. I am driven to bring all of these qualities into my role as a future nurse practitioner, which is why I am committed to pursuing my Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Keynote speaker, Donna Wilk Cardillo once wrote, “Nursing is not for everyone. It takes a very strong, intelligent, and compassionate person to take on the ills of the world with passion and purpose and work to maintain the health and well-being of the planet. No wonder we are so exhausted at the end of the day!” In high school, there was no question that I wanted to be a nurse. I had even decided that I wanted to specialize in emergency medicine. Caring for others has always been a passion of mine and I imagined I would enjoy the fast pace of the emergency room. However, competing in a regional competition for CPR and first aid opened my eyes to the reality of my desired specialty.

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.

As a new graduate entering the nursing profession, I am hoping to further my skill set and nursing knowledge by working in a specialized nursing setting following graduation with my associate’s degree in nursing. While gaining knowledge in the clinical setting my first year after graduation, I will also be gaining knowledge in the classroom as I work to complete my bachelor’s degree through the Hickory Collaborative RIBN (Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses) Program at Lenoir-Rhyne University. I hope that this combination of clinical experience and advanced nursing education will enable me to excel at this profession as I assist my patients in achieving optimal health outcomes best suited to their needs. Clinically, my heart lies in

I once heard someone say, “Find something you love to do and you’ll always be successful.” If you want to be in a field where you are continually learning, nursing would be the top pick. This paper will reflect the journey I have taken from Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the incorporation of my learning objectives from my clinical course.

In order to fully understand the life and importance of a nurse, the road leading up to becoming a nurse must first be examined. A senior high school graduate must be accepted into a nursing program of his or her school of choice. Because so many graduates are crowding the health care field, it has become extremely hard to be accepted into nursing school. In order to help become accepted, an applicant must set themselves apart from other hopeful students. He or she can do this by having an outstanding academic backgrounds including, high grades, excellent work or volunteer background, and or good letter of recommendation (“Emory”).

The profession of nursing is truly an astounding career. It provides men and women in the profession with flexibility, substantial benefits, sometimes tuition reimbursement, and above all a meaningful line of work that not only allows, but requires us to be a light for those in need. The field allows nearly endless possibilities for job opportunities everywhere around the world.

During my long journey in nursing school, I realized that the idea I had of the nursing career and the reality of it are two different things. Before starting in this path the only knowledge that I had about the medical field was of caring and helping some sick family members. Eventually, those experiences awoke a feeling in me to help those in need. Later on, that feeling turned into a calling, and that was what influenced me to pursue a career in nursing. Nursing is the nation’s largest health care profession. At all times more nurses are needed to meet the growing demand for nursing care. But in order to be a nurse you cannot enter into this profession with a money sign on your head. People are not machines. What guide my practice are my personal philosophies, which are centered on my strengths beliefs and personal values.