Level of Education in Nursing
Level of Education in Nursing
The nursing profession plays a huge role in delivering evidenced-based, safe, and high quality health care to patients. To be able to this, nurses must have the knowledge and skills that must be updated with the latest development in the medical field (Boz Yuksekdag, 2015). In the year 2010, the Institute of Medicine released a report that contains recommendations for the future of the nursing profession. It technically recommends the nurses’ continuance of knowledge through educational programs (Gooch, 2015).
As a nurse, it is important to follow IOM’s recommendations to be aware of the options on how to improve the profession. With a baccalaureate degree in nursing before the year 2020, I already contributed to the increasing proportion of nurses that can cater to the needs of patients. It is the role of a baccalaureate generalist to be a provider and coordinator of care catering to patients, which include individuals, groups, families, communities, and populations (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). However, it is quite not possible for me to have a doctorate degree in nursing, as it is essential to finish a master’s degree first. Despite this, the nursing profession requires an interprofessional and lifelong learning through either education or experience. That is why; it is a need to engage oneself in different activities that will enhance one’s knowledge in the practice of the profession.
Populations are gradually increasing every day that is why care must be established to address this growing population. Since a baccalaureate degree is only an entry level in the nursing profession, it covers a broad focus in delivering care to patients of diverse populations and demographics. A baccalaureate generalist’s first responsibility is to be prepared to follow ethical dilemmas that might arise in practice. With this, they can assist and help in making decisions regarding professional ethical framework. It is also the task of a baccalaureate generalist to recognize the essential demarcation between a disease and an individual’s illness experience (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008). Because of this, I can go to different medical settings or wards that need the help of nurses. However, those who have higher degree of education can be easily accepted in health care organizations as they have advanced knowledge compared to nurses who only completed baccalaureate degrees. It is because higher education in nursing equips students with valuable skills and knowledge that promote health, lead change, and elevate quality care in different roles and settings. It also prepares students to act critically in complex and changing systems, which include educational, organizational, and health systems (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2011). In addition, because of additional education especially doctoral degrees, nurses can have the opportunity to serve as faculty that can prepare them to teach in healthcare systems that is gradually evolving and is less focused on acute care (Gooch, 2015).
It is a need for nurses to continue nursing education. As time goes by, new diseases emerge that affect the health of every individual. Because of this, new developments in the medical field must be established to address the emergence of these diseases. In addition, nursing is technically important in achieving this goal. Nurses with higher education can definitely help in advancing and addressing medical concerns. Because of wider and advanced knowledge, they can help in the expansion of newer technology and research that will definitely help in communicating with diverse audience in the health care field. Furthermore, the ultimate goal of delivering the highest quality of health care to different patients can be achieved. Advanced education is important; however, it is also essential for nurses to gain experience in the medical field so that they can integrate it with their knowledge to serve the patients of different populations, especially with the ever-changing health care environment of today.
Reference
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2008). The Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing. Retrieved at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/MastersEssentials11.pdf
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2008). The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. Retrieved at http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/BaccEssentials08.pdf
Boz Yuksekdag, B. (2015). The importance of distance education in nursing. International Women Online Journal of Distance Education, 4(1), 8-12.
Gooch, K (2015). IOM Committee releases 10 recommendations for the future of nursing. Becker’s Hospital Review. Retrieved at http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/human-capital-and-risk/iom-committee-releases-10-recommendations-for-the-future-of-nursing.html
