NRS 430 Contemporary Nursing Practice GCU
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 diferentiated 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.
- Discuss the significance of applying evidence based practice to nursing care and explain how the academic preparation of the RNBSN nurse supports its application.
- Discuss how nurses today communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and how this supports safer and more effective patient outcomes.
Review the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” Write a 750‐1,000 word paper discussing the influence of the IOM report on nursing practice. Include the following:
- Summarize the four messages outlined in the IOM report and explain why these are significant to nursing practice.
- Discuss the direct influence the IOM report has on nursing education and nu
NRS 430 Contemporary Nursing Practice GCU rsing leadership. Describe the benefits and opportunities for BSN‐prepared nurses.
- Explain why it is important that a nurse’s role and education evolve to meet the needs of an aging and increasingly diverse population.
- Discuss the significance of professional development, or lifelong learning, and its relevance in caring for diverse populations across the life span and within the health‐illness continuum.
- Discuss how nurses can assist in effectively managing patient care within an evolving health care system.
Nurses remain at the core of effective care provision and a growing profession because of its evolution. The need for advanced education and training, ensures that nurses are well positioned to deliver care in a transforming health industry. Today, professional nursing entails specialization and scopes of practice based on one’s clinical skills, capabilities, and competencies. The use of innovative care models and evidence-based practice implores nurses to advance their education, focus on patient care, and work in teams to enhance quality and delivery of patient care (Graebe & Chappell, 2019). The purpose of this essay is to evaluate contemporary nursing practice and evaluate how it has changed over time and its position today in health care system.
Changing Nursing Practice and the effect of the evolution on scope of practice & Patient Treatment
The nursing profession has witnessed several changes since its establishment. Originally, nursing was about caretaking and caregiving roles that were assigned to women. The women did not have formal training or nursing education. In most instances, they were housewives and possess skills and knowledge transferred from family members who had the desire to care for the sick. The scope of their practice was not limited (Salmond & Echevarria, 2017). These women treated patients as guests in their homes. However, things changed and have been transforming since the Crimean War when Nightingale made nursing a distinct model to care for the wounded soldiers by writing “Notes on Nursing in 1854. The Civil War of 1861 also demonstrated the increased role of nurses based on women who followed their husbands, brothers, and fathers to care for them. The main responsibilities of these women included ensuring that the patients were comfortable and reported any issue to physicians.
The initial concept of nursing emanated from these two critical events as physicians wanted trained women who
became nurses. Hospitals began programs to train nurses as caregivers. These programs defined the scope of practice for the nurses. By end of 19th century, many hospitals had their nurse training programs but were not standardized (Graebe & Chappell, 2019). Over the next century, nursing practice evolved and changed leading to a contemporary nurse who is expected to use evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions, be a critical thinkers and highly trained and educated. Nurses are today better equipped and have increased scope of practice based on their specialties. The provision of advanced education has enhanced their training and allowed them to think more critically and enabled them to conduct more role in clinical setting. Nurses are not primary care providers in certain regions, have better skills and control the treatment process while advocating for patients to enhance overall care outcomes.
Differentiated Practice Competences between associate and Baccalaureate Nursing Education
In comparing the practice competencies of associate and baccalaureate nursing education, the BSN-prepared nurses are considered as professional nurses while associate-degree trained nurses are technical nurses. Further, ANDs are trained primarily on clinical skills while BSN have more focus on nursing research, clinical skills, and management. Both qualifications equip nurses with essential skills focused on meeting accepted patient care standards. However, BSN nurses are more focused on disease prevent, advocacy, research, community health, and execution of best practices.
They also examine or evaluate data and informatics and generating effective solutions to patient outcomes based on their scope of practice (Salas et al., 2018). On their part, the scope of ADNs include basic nursing care that includes recording patient’s history, recoding symptoms, and utilizing simple medical equipment as well as provision of patent education on disease prevention, healthy living and respecting physician appointments and medical reviews. In summary BSN-trained and prepared nurses have more varied differentiated practice competencies and expanded scope of practice compared to those with AND qualifications.
Patient Care Coordination
BSN-trained or prepared nurses have a different approach to nursing care and decision making when dealing with patients in care situations (Salas et al., 2018). For instance, a patient presenting with chronic conditions like diabetes may implore on the BSN-trained nurse to make better decisions and take effective actions compared to the ADN nurse. A patient with type II diabetes may experience chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient has an NPO directive as he is scheduled for surgery at 9 am the following morning for catherization of heart. The patient takes Eliquis twice daily since getting a stent in the heart. He also takes Clonidine for chronic hypertension. The vitals show elevated blood pressure of 108/60. The patient should be given insulin per sliding scale ACHS. However, at 7am, the patient experience a FSBS of 150mg/dL. In this case, the ADN nurse may give Eliquis which is an anticoagulant medication at 9pm since she may not be aware that research evidence shows that having anticoagulant medication 12 hours or more before surgery reduces the risk of fatal bleeding. The implication is that a BSN nurse is likely to handle the situation differently by not giving these medication and insulin because of the risk they portend for the patient.
Evidence-Based Practice
The deployment of evidence-based practice is important in delivery of quality health care to patients since it is founded on knowledge and research evidence as well as clinical trials. Through EBPs, hospitals offer more reliable and high-quality patient care. Nurses enhance their critical thinking skills, enhance their observation and procession of information while practicing and brainstorming ideas to make necessary improvements in care delivery (Verot et al., 2021). The academic preparation of the RN-BSN nurse supports the application of EBP as it prepares nurses to use evidence coming from research to make better care decisions and apply their critical thinking skills in different patient situations. The BSN also supports EBP in nursing by training nurses on leadership, management and effective communication as well as having scientific research skills.
Communication and Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Teams
Nurses are effective communicators and collaborators in care delivery. Nurses communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams using different approaches. These include using electronic approaches, handwritten notes, texts and emails (McMenamin et al., 2019). Further, the integration of health information technologies has improved communication and collaboration among these teams as nurses can use electronic health records, telehealth and telemedicine means and teleconference to communicate not just with professionals but also patients and deliver quality care.
Conclusion
Nursing remains the foundation of patient care. The profession has transformed and continues its transformation for better care delivery. Nurses are at the forefront of care provision and advanced education allows them to be primary care providers in different care settings. ADNs and BSN-prepared nurses have different approaches to care provision for patients in diverse situations. therefore, by leveraging on EBP interventions, the contemporary nurse is well-positioned to offer quality care in a transforming healthcare system.
References
Graebe, J., & Chappell, K. (2019). Looking back and leaping forward—a reflection on the
evolution of nursing continuing professional development credentialing. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 50(12), 531-533. DOI: 10.3928/00220124-20191115-01.
McMenamin, A., Sun, C., Prufeta, P., & Raso, R. (2019). The evolution of evidence-based
practice. Nursing Management, 50(9), 14-19.
DOI: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000579000.09987.b0.
Salmond, S. W., & Echevarria, M. (2017). Healthcare transformation and changing roles for
nursing. Orthopedic nursing, 36(1), 12. doi: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000308
Salas, E., Zajac, S., & Marlow, S. L. (2018). Transforming health care one team at a time: ten
observations and the trail ahead. Group & Organization Management, 43(3), 357-381. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601118756554
Verot, E., Denois, V. R., & Chauvin, F. (2021). Current perceptions of cancer nurses in France
about their role and the evolution of nursing practices: Findings and perspectives. Social Science & Medicine, 277, 113896. DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113896.
Hi Papper,
It is true that competition at the workplace requires advancement in knowledge in nursing. This gives you an edge over competitors in the same field at the workplace and makes you more competent in your duties (Bouws & Weeda, 2019). The need to deliver the best to customers and the belief that the patients deserve the best care enhances best patient outcomes through evidence-based knowledge imparted by the course. Pediatric care requires meticulous application of advanced knowledge that would be best offered in BSN. Quality work-life balance is a challenge considering the demands at work and the needs of social life as well as classwork. The load requires proper time management through planning and adherence to planners for a balance of the three needs. Practicing enhances efficiency and time management as well as consistency fuels success as a BSN student who also works (Miller, 2019).
References
Bouws, M., & Weeda, J. (2019). Navigating Nursing Transitions: Joy in the Journey?. Journal of Christian nursing : a quarterly publication of Nurses Christian Fellowship, 36(1), E1–E4. https://doi.org/10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000580
Miller C. L. (2019). A Career in Nursing: Calling or Choice?. Journal of Christian nursing : a quarterly publication of Nurses Christian Fellowship, 36(4), 236–237. https://doi.org/10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000647
To excel in their professional roles, nurses should acquire diverse skills and comprehensively understand practice problems and solutions. Basic clinical skills can be acquired through certificates, diplomas, or degrees. A nurse’s competence is typically higher when they acquire the highest education possible, making nurses perceive continued education positively (Thielmann et al., 2019). As nurses continue to implement their roles, the nursing practice evolves in multiple dimensions. This evolution impacts patient care outcomes, communication strategies, and care models, among other critical aspects. Nurses should understand this evolution and adapt effectively. The purpose of this paper is to describe nursing practice today while primarily focusing on its evolution and differences between associate (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) education in nursing.
Nursing Practice Changes, Scope of Practice, and Approach to Client Care
Nursing has evolved in many aspects, profoundly impacting nursing scope and patient care approaches. One of the many changes characterizing modern practice is the evolution of care delivery models. Undeniably, remote care is increasingly dominant in the current practice as providers strive to improve access to care and reduce costs (Snoswell et al., 2020). Besides, there is an increased focus on value-based care in an attempt to improve care quality and patient satisfaction. Another significant change defining the current practice is the broadened scope of nursing. Nurses’ role is not limited to clinical care; nurses can effectively perform other roles that optimize health outcomes, including policymaking, advocacy, and health education.
The progressive changes in nursing practice have broadened nursing practice not to be limited to patient care. As the push for higher patient outcomes continues, nurses are currently playing a pivotal role in creating safer environments and promoting patient rights. This role typifies patient advocacy, where nurses serve as the voice of patients (Nsiah et al., 2019). Regarding the approach to treating the individual, there is an increased focus on patient-centeredness and patient engagement. In such approaches, healthcare providers are not the sole decision-makers. Patients should understand the treatment processes and consent to them as nurses tailor care according to patient needs.
Comparison of Practice Competencies and Scope of Practice
Nurses’ competencies impact their ability to implement comprehensive patient care and other roles. An ADN is a two-year degree that prepares students to be registered nurses (RNs). However, since it takes a short time, an ADN focuses primarily on the technical skills that prepare nurses as clinicians. As Deering (2023) stated, BSN-prepared nurses are more skilled in clinical roles and other practice areas such as research, nursing leadership, and public health. The four-year program provides BSN nurses with a larger base of knowledge than AND-prepared nurses. The BSN further provides expanded skills in critical thinking and administration. Regarding the scope of practice, BSN nurses have broader roles than ADN nurses due to more competence and a more comprehensive understanding of patient care. Research further confirms a positive link between BSN nurses’ expanded skills and higher patient outcomes, which underlines the need for more such nursing professionals (Anbari, 2019; American Association of Colleges of Nursing, n.d.). As ADN nurses concentrate on the clinical role, BSN nurses conduct research, engage in leadership, and implement change in routine practice. Importantly, BSN nurses also enjoy more independence in decision-making than ADN nurses.
Nursing Care or Approaches to Decision Making
The differences in skills level between ADN and BSN-prepared nurses affect how they approach client care situations. A suitable scenario is where a patient presents to the healthcare setting with a persistent headache. An ADN will likely have a somatic approach to relieve symptoms while trying to calm and comfort the patient. The genesis of the headache could be established through a routine diagnosis to determine an effective treatment. On the other hand, as Kim and Sim (2020) suggested, BSN-prepared nurses are more skilled in critical thinking, communication, and decision-making. Therefore, they will likely take a more holistic approach in the assessment process to determine the potential cause of the illness. Their higher communication and assessment skills would enable them to communicate with the patient, establish a healthy nurse-patient relationship, and develop a treatment plan that integrates the patient to foster adherence.
Significance of Applying Evidence-Based Practice to Nursing Care
The current nursing practice stresses evidence-based practice (EBP) and encourages nurses to apply it to address simple and complex health matters. EBP is primarily about blending current research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values for higher patient outcomes (Abu-Baker et al., 2021). It ensures that multiple components are considered during decision-making to address patient needs comprehensively. The academic preparation of the RN-BSN nurse supports EBP application by expanding nurses’ research and leadership skills. Research skills enable nurses to explore, analyze, and critique current, peer-reviewed research. Leadership skills prepare nurses to lead change whose positive outcomes are achieved by implementing EBP.
Nursing Communication and Collaboration
Nurses work in different settings and need a shared approach to decision-making to achieve enhanced, consistent outcomes. They communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams by sharing information and approaching common issues as a team. Technologies have also allowed timely data sharing and analysis for better communication and collaboration. According to Walton et al. (2019), collaboration across disciplines supports safer and more effective practices by reducing errors and improving care coordination. Health care practitioners within the interdisciplinary team benefit from shared roles and diverse perspectives that enhance their understanding of patient care and interventions as situations obligate.
Conclusion
Nursing is an evolving practice characterized by many changes in patient care approaches occurring over time. Nurses should be competent multi-dimensionally to address patient needs comprehensively and adapt as the practice evolves. As discussed in this paper, the competency differences between ADN and BSN-prepared nurses affect how they respond to situations. Although both sets of nurses are skilled in clinical roles, BSN nurses have expanded knowledge of research, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Research skills prepare BSN nurses for a higher role in implementing evidence-based practice.
References
Abu-Baker, N. N., AbuAlrub, S., Obeidat, R. F., & Assmairan, K. (2021). Evidence-based practice beliefs and implementations: a cross-sectional study among undergraduate nursing students. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-020-00522-x
Anbari, A. B. (2019). What makes a BSN a BSN? Western Journal of Nursing Research, 41(2), 167–170. https://doi.org/10.1177/0193945918803683
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (n.d.). Fact sheet: the impact of education on
nursing practice. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/News/Factsheets/Education-Impact-Fact-Sheet.pdf
Deering, M. (2023). RN Diploma vs. ADN vs. BSN degree: what’s the difference? NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/rn-and-bsn-degree-differences/#:~:text=A%20BSN%20degree%20and%20an,school%20and%20your%20career%20goals.
Kim, A. Y., & Sim, I. O. (2020). Communication skills, problem-solving ability, understanding of patients’ conditions, and nurse’s perception of professionalism among clinical nurses: a structural equation model analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(13), 4896. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134896
Nsiah, C., Siakwa, M., & Ninnoni, J. P. K. (2019). Registered Nurses’ description of patient advocacy in the clinical setting. Nursing Open, 6(3), 1124–1132. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.307
Snoswell, C. L., Taylor, M. L., Comans, T. A., Smith, A. C., Gray, L. C., & Caffery, L. J. (2020). Determining if telehealth can reduce health system costs: Scoping review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(10), e17298. https://doi.org/10.2196/17298
Thielmann, B., Parker, K., Post, J., & Abraham, S. (2019). Factors influencing nurses’ perceptions of the Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing as minimum requirement for Professional Practice. Nursing Education Perspectives, 40 (1), 25-29. doi: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000391.
Walton, V., Hogden, A., Long, J. C., Johnson, J. K., & Greenfield, D. (2019). How do interprofessional healthcare teams perceive the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary ward rounds. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 12, 1023–1032. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S226330