Reflection Paper

Nurses can be taught through school and work training how to perform tasks. The next generation nurse needs to transform from task worker to knowledge worker. To obtain this knowledge nurses must use experiences and observations over time. The actual definition of knowledge worker varies from author to author, but the main key points is that a knowledge worker in healthcare is creative and innovative. They have abilities to identify problems and work ... ... middle of paper ... ...for themselves, allowing them to be discharged earlier and more involved with their own care.

Upon graduation, a nurse is a competent caregiver, and chosen an area of specialization. In these first 2-4 years, new nurses learn to master their new profession and start specializing in their fields of interest. Depending on how that field captures the nurse’s passion, determines how fast they become specialized. However, at the five-year mark, an experienced nurse should know if they should continue their education, and how they would like to proceed with their career. Some nurses choose to advance by and becoming a nurse practitioner, or return to academia in order to teach the next generation, and many will be content with remaining in their specialty.

Educators must be lifelong learners, and flexible enough to adapt curriculum and teaching methods in response to innovations in nursing science and ongoing changes in the practice environment” (Bartels, J., Jan. 2005). It is a role that Florence Nightingale, who is so ahead of her time, has envisioned for nurses so long ago. In one of her excerpts, she summarized: “Training is to teach a nurse her business, that is, to observe exactly, to understand, to know exactly, to do, to tell exactly, in such stupendous issues as life and death, health and disease. Training is to enable a nurse to act for the best in carrying out her orders, not as a machine but as a nurse; as an intelligent and responsible being”.

Challenges as an Evolving Leader Today’s nurse, as an evolving leader, must be compassionate, professional and treat the patient as a whole. Professional development and ongoing, lifelong learning is also an expectation for a nurse (Castell, 2008). The learning experience of this course ha... ... middle of paper ... ..., D., & Lartey, G. (2013). Measurement of Critical Thinking for the RN to BSN Student. Kentucky Nurse, 61(3), 6-7.

Additionally, I will be including my strategies for capitalizing on my strengths and overcoming my weaknesses to become a successful nurse. At the

Throughout this semester, I have gained so much more knowledge on what it truly means to become a professional registered nurse. A nurse needs to have concern for the well-being of others and also want to make a difference in a person’s life. Nurses play critical roles as a caregiver, educator, listener, and advocate. Nursing is a field where there will be continuous learning, which is a crucial component in providing optimal care. Becoming a Registered Nurse The field of nursing is constantly evolving which results in lifelong learning.

Boyer’s Model is used in many ways and I plan to use it as my model as I become a nurse educator. The world of nursing is full of new discoveries and as a nurse educator I hope to encourage my students to embrace the discoveries and to continue to learn as they care for their patients. Leadership

Completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) has been one of my goals after I graduated from my Associate Degree in Nursing, and I said one of my goals because my ultimate goal is to become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse. It is the first time I am taking classes online and all my efforts will be in turn this journey into a positive experience to achieve my goals. One of the biggest challenge is to overcome the lack of time between my family and my work, but it is essential for my career to achieve the Bachelor Degree in Nursing, as well as personal development. Although I have had experience as a student, as a nurse, and as a leader, I would like to have more challenging job opportunities in my future. From my college experience,

Their professional outlook on how education should be has allowed me to envision a better future for students for all ages. Smaller classes, but more classes for only a certain number of students to learn will be a must. Also, teaching students of all ages “things to know for the adult life” is a requirement. This will help glue what should be and what is to grow into a question of the past. My plan will create a growth of love for learning for the young generation.

Committing myself to lifelong learning is my second goal. Nurses need to cultivate and internalize a passion for learning throughout their careers, which provides a foundation for excellence in practice. I would like to become a Critical Care nurse since I work as a Health Technician in the ICU at the VA Hospital –Madison. I love taking care of people at their sickest. The intensity of the care and challenges presented at the job excite and motivate me.