Why I am Becoming a Nurse

As the health care environment become much more complex, with sicker patients, there is an increased need for coordinated care and critical care decisions for chronic disease management. Resolution recommendations by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) regarding the Future of Nursing, seek to increase the percentage of baccalaureate degree nurse from 50 to 80 percent by 2020. My decision to embark on this experience was not based on this recommendation but I am privileged to be amongst that percentage called to expand our education to a higher level thereby fulfilling that requirement. This training is preparing me to be more equipped for leadership, and more advanced roles in the management of practice, research skills, collaboration, teamwork gaps, care of various populations and evidence based practice. With 29 years of experience, coupled with a BSN degree, ensures me the knowledge and capability to effectively function in these capacities with improved mentoring and critical thinking skills. The Institute of Medicine, requires nurses to be better able to master innovative technological tools required to improve patient care. As I move into leadership roles, I am already assisting with recruitment and retention of nurses for advancement by encouraging my colleagues and new grads to pursue higher education and providing information regarding financial assistance. Being an experienced preceptor will only broaden my ability to ensure their success (Academic Progression in Nursing, 2014).

The Affordable Care Act of 2010, has driven a lot of challenges into the health care system and specific expectations have been placed on the nursing profession to deal with the evolving changes. Nurses are encouraged to advance to the Doctoral level, doubling the percentage by 2020. Once I have accomplished the BSN degree, within a few weeks, I will be positioned to pursue the Master’s and the PhD levels to serve in the capacity of researching, nurse faculty or as a primary care provider, presently in dire need, as less than one percent of advanced level nurses are said to be PhDs. I am passionate about precepting and mentoring so I do consider advancing to this level (Institute of Medicine of the National Academics, 2011). Achieving the PhD degree will furnish me with the expertise to face the challenges, and for better interaction with physicians and executives within the health care sector (Sacred Heart University, 2013). A PhD degree will definitely allow me more involvement in providing safe, accessible, cost effective, quality patient centered care with a focus geared toward primary care and public health within the community setting.