Adult Learning Theory
Due to a climbing faculty shortage, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) (2010) called upon nurses to attain terminal degrees, specifically the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) and the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), assume the role of educator, and engage in lifelong learning. In fact, centers of professional excellence have intended to double the number of nurses with doctorates by 2020 (IOM, 2010). When advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) attain doctorates, the IOM (2010) recommendations actualize, thereby strengthening the profession at a time that is critical to reduce the faculty shortage and improve the education of the next generation of aspiring nurses to meet the evolving demands of the United States health care system (McAllister, 2011). One effective approach to enhance patient learning and nursing education is through the application of Malcolm Knowles’ (1980) Adult Learning Theory. The aims of this paper are to (1) describe the major components and uses of Knowles’ (1980) Adult Learning Theory in APRN
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Newly graduated nurses lack clinical skills necessary to evolve professionally and carefully from academics to bedside practice (Kim, Lee, Eudey, Lounsbury & Wede, 2015). How scary is that not only for the patient but also for the new nurse himself or herself? While being faced with new challenges, an increasing amount of newly graduated RNs felt overcome and unqualified. Twibell and Pierre explain how new nurses express “disillusionment” about practice, scheduling, and being rewarded. Frustration and anger between employees play a huge part in NGNs resigning because of the lack of experience and knowledge of what to do in high stress situations (2012). Nursing residency programs have proven to directly improve patient care, develop critical
Nursing, as a crucial part of the health care system, keeps evolving while dealing with an increasingly complex clinical situation that involves quality of patient care. Therefore, to successfully handle these scenarios, nursing needs to become more advanced, clinically and academically. A DNP degree is needed in this situation because according to Dunbar- Jacob, Navito & Khalil (2013), a DNP degree is considered to have more impact on nursing than a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree due to the advanced clinical education a DNP provides (p. 425). Hence, the DNP degree has an enormous impact in nursing practice especially in terms of improving clinical care, promoting leadership roles, and improving educational status.
The role of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) in health care has been identified as a critical role in the goal to provide high-quality health care. APRNs have a bigger role to play in the health care system and it is important that students are provided with relevant and valuable knowledge as well as experience that improve their abilities. Achieving course objectives are critical for APRNs with the goal of contributing positively to the health care system. As a future APRN, I place high priority on life-long learning and the development of other people’s skill sets. All duties associated with health care require a dedication to excellence and selflessness. These are two components of learning that will improve the capabilities of
The white paper entitled, The Doctor of Nursing Practice: Current Issues and Clarifying Recommendations was written and published by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The AACN Board of Directors formed a task force to review and clarify the evolution of the doctorate in nursing practice as outlined in the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (DNP Essentials). This paper highlights the recommendations to describe and clarify the characteristics of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduate scholarship, the DNP project, efficient use of resources, program length, curriculum considerations, practice experiences, and guidelines for collaborative partnerships. In 2004, the AACN issued a Position Statement on the Practice Doctorate in Nursing that changed the trajectory of nursing education by recommending that advanced nursing practice education be moved to a doctoral level. DNP practice scholarships are validated when the principles of nursing scholarship are combined with the eight DNP Essentials to prepare a graduate capable of improving health and care outcomes.
Merriam S. B., Caffarella, R, S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007b). Social cognitive orientation. Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide, 287-291. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
Patient education is a process of providing patients and their families with information, knowledge and skills that are necessary for the management of their health and illness concerns (Park, 2005). It is the responsibility of nurses to follow the teaching process when providing patient education. They includes assessing the patient educational needs, planning an educational session, implementing the plan, and evaluating the educational process. Obstacles to teaching and learning are those that confront nurses in the educational process. Nurses can find that they don’t have enough time, knowledge, and teaching skills. In addition, patients’ literary level, and environment and personal conditions will affect their ability to learn. Cognitive and humanistic are two learning theories that can help nurses and patients to achieve the goals and benefits of the patient education.
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Education for registered nurses provides significant benefits to the nursing career and therefore, it is imperative. As a registered nurse, education has influenced my practice at the hospital considerably. One of the major areas influenced by education is caring for patients. As a nurse, caring for patients is one of their primary responsibilities. Education for nurses emphasizes the need to show care and empathize with the patient besides providing competencies and knowledge for the nurse clinician (American Associations of Colleges of Nursing, 2014). While care is something intrinsic, educators strategize on learning situations and teaching designs
In this essay I will be discussing the importance of understanding learning styles for student nurses. I will also be focusing on the learning cycle and learning style using the Honey and Mumford 80 questionnaire. I look into the details of how learning style helps students to understand the importance of recognising one’s learning style preference. I will also provide an understanding of learning and learning theories and discuss my own dominant learning style and how I aim to deal with my weaknesses to progress well in the nursing programme.
At this point, this writer is slightly unsure of which pathway she may take, once she has completed her studies; the writer is currently contemplating education, health population, or a career as a practitioner. So, this writer had the privilege of interviewing two individuals, one practitioner, and one population health coach. Each gave this writer interesting, sometimes similar, perspectives of being an advanced practice nurse.
What led me to nursing in the beginning was having a passion for people. I love the holistic approach and level of care that nurses bring to the literal bedside table. I knew throughout nursing school that I wanted to advance my education further than bedside nursing. I debated on whether to pursue a master’s degree in nursing and just become a nurse practitioner, but ultimately, I knew I wanted to advance my education even further to help make and promote changes in healthcare. By choosing to become a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner, I hope to change the stigma that is attached with being “just a nurse” and show that nurses play a vital role in redesigning
Edward Lindeman is thought by many to be the founder of contemporary adult education. His work in the area of adult education included the writing of articles, books, public presentations, assistance in the collegiate system as a lecturer of social work and as an associate pastor in the church (Brookfield 1986). Lindeman and Martha Anderson traveled to observe and analyze the German Folk High School system and the worker’s movement. Consequently, Lindeman and Anderson’s comparative research lead to the breakthrough of the German perception of andragogy. Their studies define andragogy as the “true method of adult learning” (1986). In 1968 at Boston University, the initial use of the term “andragogy” to attain prevalent notice of adult instructors occurred when Malcolm Knowles who at the time was an instructor of adult education, presented the term via journal article. In his 1970 book publication, he defined “andragogy” as the art and science of helping adults learn. The concept of self-directed learning, or SDL, maintained below reveals Knowles’ definition of SDL:
Nurses need a seat at the table to ensure they have a voice to influence and shape their future. Nursing is constantly evolving and changing, and employers continue to raise the bar for nursing. Nurses understand early in their career the importance of continuing education to enhance future career opportunities. Professional development relates to how nurses continue to broaden their knowledge, skills, and expertise throughout their career, therefore enhancing their professional practice. This advanced knowledge is not only career boosting, but also opens a seat at the table giving nurses the power to make decisions and effect changes. Professional development and continuing education are more important to nurses now than ever before to keep up with the rapid changes in healthcare today. Numminen, Leino-Kilpi, Isoaho and Meretoja’s (2017) article contends professional development enhances personal satisfaction, rejuvenates the love of nursing, builds confidence and credibility. There are many avenues to pursue
Continuous professional development is very much part of the process of lifelong learning as it is a range of activities related to learning through which health care professionals maintain their ability to practice safely and effectively within legal boundaries. (Health and Care Professions Council, 2014 p.6).The key consideration regarding the concept of lifelong learning is that there are a multitude of definitions of lifelong learning however the concept of lifelong learning has universal connotations of learning and evolving which are essential in nursing because of the constant changes occurring in health care
More specifically, I wanted to increase my understanding concerning the role knowledge and experience have on nursing and the way in which nursing affects the community around it. For example, a day as a nurse is ever changing, from the patient supply to the randomness of patient situations and the choice of choosing how to approach those unfamiliar predicaments. Nursing would challenge me to think on my feet in a moment’s notice and thrive in diverse or educational opportunities, always adapting to new environments. Furthermore, nursing is one of those jobs appreciated by those too weak, defenseless, or sick to help themselves, where personable treatment and human interaction is needed. It takes one thing to be knowledgeable and experienced, but another thing entirely to apply emotions and feelings to treatment, such as intimate contact with others, or attentiveness and sensitivity to their needs. I want to be able to channel both my knowledge and experience on a daily basis and apply it to my career of not only helping others, but also advancing the community in which patients experience medical