Hamner and Bentley (2008) report that Second-degree BSN-accelerated nursing programs are commonplace, nowadays, and many schools offer them; teaching these students is both rewarding and challenging as testified by these two scholars (Hamner & Bentley, 2008). Ouellet et al. (2008) note that different accelerated nursing degree programs have very distinct outcomes. Some programs produce a high quality of writers; whereas, others do not. According to Ouellet et al. (2008) a lot depends on the professors, motivation of the students, resources available to the students, and types of support systems in place. The evidence strongly suggests that nursing is one of the fasting growing fields in the nation. The projected nursing jobs will
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 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 determine which educational path to pursue, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in nursing (ADN). Most will initially be educated at the associate degree level, even though the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE) has recommended a baccalaureate level as a minimal for entry-level nurses. With the expanding number of RN to BSN programs available there is always the option to further one’s education at a later date. The benefits for acquiring a BSN over an ADN include a better knowledge for evidence-based practice, an increased advantage for promotion, and the necessary gateway for higher education.
Megginson, L. (2008). RN-BSN education: 21st century barriers and incentives. Journal Of Nursing Management, 16(1), 47-55.
The development of ADN programs has allowed many to reach their career goals by offering a shorter and less expensive way to complete their degrees. Some believe that Associate’s degree programs lack strong nursing theory and understanding of the actual science of nursing (Auerbach, Buerhaus & Staiger,
The Future of Nursing report provided recommendations for nursing education, expanded roles, increasing nursing in leadership positions,
Presently there are many different levels of education that produce entry level licensed nurses. These range from degree programs such Associate Degree in Nursing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However the level of education differs from program to program. Nursing programs offering the diploma option, Associate-Degree in Nursing (ADN) and the Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN), all have different educational requirements. However, it is important to consider that although different levels of nursing education students sit through the same exam, they do not possess the same level of preparation for clinical practice. (Rossetter, 2014) The problem with this is that it does not provide a clear differentiation between the skills and responsibilities that each degree withholds. (Jacobs, 1998) How is it possible to have two different levels of education in these degrees, and yet have people with different qualifications practicing in the same manner? There should be some differentiation between the two based on their objective qualifications. This is of great importance since there has been reported more positive patient outcomes associated with more educated BSN nurses. (Rossetter, 2014)
Current literature continues to reiterate the indicators of a major shortage of registered nurses (RNs) in the United States. The total RN population has been increasing since 1980, which means that we have more RNs in this country than ever before (Nursing Shortage). Even though the RN population is increasing, it is growing at a much slower rate then when compared to the rate of growth of the U.S. population (Nursing Shortage). We are seeing less skilled nurses “at a time of an increasingly aging population with complex care needs and an increasingly complex technological care environment” (Mion). According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Health and Human Services, it is estimated that “more than a million new and replacement nurses will be needed over the next decade” (Diagnosis: Critical).
This is a research paper conducted on the very highly pursuited field of nursing. Nursing is a profession in the healthcare field that focuses or assisting others. Not to mention, nurses are heroes because of the many lives they save every day. This is an example that one doesn’t need tights or a cape to be a hero. Never the less, there are many reasons one may want to become nurse. Some of those reasons may be for personal gain or the greater good. However, before becoming a nurse one needs to be educated about educational requirements, licenses and certifications, projected salaries, and the projected job outlook for the next five – ten years for nursing. This research paper will provide thorough information on those four major aspects of
The added courses in liberal arts taken by the BSN prepared nurse promotes learning as an aspect to life, opening doorways to advanced degrees (Jacobs, DiMattio, Bishop & Fields, 1998).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Employment Projections 2012-2022 released in January 2014, the Registered Nursing workforce is the top occupation in terms of job growth through 2022. It is expected that the number of employed nurses will grow from 2.71 million in 2012 to 3.24 million in 2022, an increase of 526,800 or 19 percent. Growth will take place for a number of reasons: demand for health care services due to increasing life expectancy; chronic conditions, such as arthritis, dementia, diabetes, and obesity; and the number of individuals who have access to health services.
In 1965, the American Nurses Association shared its vision for the future of nursing education. A primary goal in its message was that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) becomes the minimum requirement for entry into nursing practice (Nelson, 2002). Fifty years later, debates on this issue continue. In its report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change and Advancing Healthcare, the Institute of Medicine shared its recommendation that 80% of nurses possess a bachelor’s degree by the year 2020. A significant number of health care facilities have adopted the practice of hiring nurses with BSN over those with two year Associate’s Degree of Nursing (ADN) or a three-year hospital based diploma program. Stakeholders in the Registered Nurse (RN)
The nurse who chooses to return to school is secure, is not afraid to face change, and views education as preparation for the future (Altmann, 2011). Nonetheless, returning to school can cause disruption, which may lead to feelings of self-doubt. Developing coping strategies helps to alleviate these concerns. Personally, the decision to continue my nursing education revolves around my job. As an advocate for the mental health population, I want to become a leader who influences the future of mental health services in our region; education will help me achieve these goals.
... growth in this field is also allowing for new medical technology. Employment in the hospitals, however is said to be slow average growth. The nursing employment of home care and nursing homes will continue to grow more rapidly unlike the hospitals. Nursing specialties will also be in great demand. The chances of a registered nurse getting laid off are likely depending on what is going on at that time.
Education has prepared me for the doctorate of nursing program in many ways. Obtaining knowledge in subjects like statistics, advanced pathophysiology, and health assessment were educational but the advanced nursing research course had the greatest impact on me.
The BSN program helps the nurses in many ways including utilizing the process to the full scale and it will encourage nurses to use their skills like educating the patient as we’ll as creating new nurses. Because of the new health care reform, the BSN program will also aid in filling the gap from the influx of patients. The baccalaureate degrees and BSN program helps prepare students for the significant part they are going to play in reinforcing the new healthcare reform. At present, I utilize and develop nursing care plans in the nursing process, even though it needs some corrections due to the nature of my work. The highest standards of nursing can only be achieved through better research and advanced training.