The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Future of Nursing recommendations aims at motivating nurses to take a deeper role in America’s complex health care system, and bringing reforms in the current nursing practice. The present paper would reflect on how I see myself fitting into three of these recommendations in the near future. The paper would also highlight the options in the job market based on my educational level, and how increasing my education level would affect the competition in the present job market and the role in future of nursing.
The IOM future of nursing recommendation 4 states “Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020.” I would contribute to this aim as I would be completing my RN to BSN course in April, 2018. The IOM future of nursing recommendation 5 states “Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020”. I would like to mention in this regard that I aim to do a doctorate in nursing in 2020. The IOM future of nursing recommendation 6 states “Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.” At present, I ensure that I engage myself in seeking and appreciating novice ideas and concepts emerging in the field of nursing for gaining knowledge of the nursing domain. Since I understand that lifelong learning is the dynamic process of constantly enhancing own skills and competencies, I am motivated to engage in lifelong learning in future. I plan to take part in reflective learning through which I can seek new learning opportunities and pave the way for professional development. Further, translation of knowledge into practice is essential, and thus I would ensure to deliver better quality nursing care based on evidence gathered from research.
As a registered nurse (RN), one can earn the Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree that enables a nurse to have an array of career options. RN to BSN programs is there for equipping nurses with the skills required for delivering a better level of care in the complex healthcare system of the present time. The course focuses on three key areas: skills building, professional development and cultural awareness. After completing this degree, I would be prepared to practice in all kinds of healthcare settings, unlike the diploma or associate degree nursing programs. The different options would include unit manager, neonatal nurse, a pediatric nurse and clinical staff nurse (Buerhaus et al., 2016).
Increasing my education level would have a direct influence on the competition faced in the present job market and the role in future of nursing. Armed with the RN to BSN degree, I would be able to demonstrate a certain set of skills that other nurses without the course would not have. These would include direct consultations with healthcare providers, participation in collaborative projects, working with community leaders, creating healthcare policies and leading a strong nursing workforce (Wojnar & Whelan 2017). It is noteworthy that my role as a nurse would evolve for the betterment as I would be in a better position to translate my nursing knowledge into practice.
References
Buerhaus, P. I., Auerbach, D. I., & Staiger, D. O. (2016). Recent changes in the number of nurses graduating from undergraduate and graduate programs. Nursing economics, 34(1), 46.
Wojnar, D. M., & Whelan, E. M. (2017). Preparing nursing students for enhanced roles in primary care: The current state of prelicensure and RN-to-BSN education. Nursing outlook, 65(2), 222-232.
