Assessment Traits Requires Lopeswrite Assessment Description The field of nursing has changed over time. In a 750-1,000 word paper, discuss nursing practice today by addressing the following: Explain

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Introduction:
As nursing practice has evolved over time, the scope of practice and approaches to treating individuals have also changed. Additionally, the level of education and competencies required for nursing practice has also evolved, with a focus on evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration for safer and more effective patient outcomes. In this essay, we will discuss how nursing practice has changed over time, the difference in competencies between associate and baccalaureate education in nursing, the significance of applying evidence-based practice to nursing care, and how nurses communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

1. Explain how nursing practice has changed over time and how this evolution has changed the scope of practice and the approach to treating the individual.

Over the years, nursing practice has undergone significant changes, driven by new research, technological advancements and societal changes. Nursing used to be seen as a task-oriented profession, with a focus on providing care under physicians’ supervision. However, nursing practice has now been recognized as an independent profession with its own unique body of knowledge, skills, and roles. The nursing process, which involves assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, has become the foundation of nursing practice. Nurses now also have a more prominent role in disease prevention, health promotion, and management of chronic illnesses. This change in nursing practice has resulted in an expanded scope of practice for nurses, with more emphasis on patient-centered care and the development of therapeutic relationships with patients.

2. Compare and contrast the differentiated practice competencies between an associate and baccalaureate education in nursing. Explain how scope of practice changes between an associate and baccalaureate nurse.

Associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate degree (BSN) in nursing programs differ in the length of education and the competencies they focus on. ADN programs are typically two years long and focus on basic nursing skills, while BSN programs are four years long and provide more in-depth education in leadership, patient education, and research. BSN programs also promote the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for evidence-based practice. The scope of practice for BSN nurses is more extensive, with the ability to work in leadership roles, research, informatics, and clinical practice.

3. Identify a patient care situation and describe how nursing care, or approaches to decision-making, differ between the BSN-prepared nurse and the ADN nurse.

A patient care situation where nursing care would differ between BSN-prepared and ADN nurse is in the case of a patient with multiple chronic illnesses. A BSN-prepared nurse would use a more holistic approach, considering the patient’s overall health condition, mental health, and other factors that could affect their well-being. They would work with the patients to develop a care plan that promotes their overall health, and explore community resources that could help them manage their chronic conditions. In contrast, an ADN nurse would focus on more basic nursing skills, such as administering medications and monitoring vital signs, and may not have the in-depth knowledge and skills required to manage complex chronic illnesses.

4. Discuss the significance of applying evidence-based practice to nursing care and explain how the academic preparation of the RN-BSN nurse supports its application.

Evidence-based practice involves using the latest researched-based evidence to make clinical decisions. This approach has been recognized as a key component in providing safe and effective patient care. BSN nurses are better equipped to apply evidence-based practice in nursing care due to their in-depth education and training. BSN programs focus on courses in research, informatics, and critical thinking, which are essential for applying evidence-based practice. BSN-prepared nurses are also trained in applying a more comprehensive approach to nursing care, which involves a better understanding of disease prevention, health promotion, and management of chronic conditions.

5. Discuss how nurses today communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and how this supports safer and more effective patient outcomes.

Collaboration within interdisciplinary teams has been recognized as critical in providing better patient outcomes. Nurses today work in interdisciplinary teams with healthcare professionals such as physicians, physical therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, to provide comprehensive care to patients. Collaboration involves effective communication, sharing of information, and understanding each other’s roles and responsibilities. Nursing education has also focused on interprofessional education, which is essential for working collaboratively with healthcare professionals from different backgrounds. Interdisciplinary teams can reduce medical errors, improve patient safety and improve patient satisfaction. Effective communication and collaboration also help develop a culture of safety, which is essential in promoting patient-centered care.