Reflection Paper
The IOM published report, “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” makes recommendations for lifelong learning and achieving higher levels of education.
In 1,000-1,250 words, examine the importance of nursing education and discuss your overall educational goals.
Include the following:
- Discuss your options in the job market based on your educational level.
- Review the IOM Future of Nursing Recommendations for achieving higher levels of education. Describe what professional certification and advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, etc.) you want to pursue and explain your reasons for wanting to attain the education. Discuss your timeline for accomplishing these goals.
- Discuss how increasing your level of education would affect how your competitiveness in the current job market and your role in the future of nursing.
- Discuss the relationship of continuing nursing education to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics.
- Discuss whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory. Provide support for your response.
You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The nursing profession has advanced incredibly over the years. To remain competent and capable in practice, nursing education is an essential element. Education helps to build the foundation for future learning and progress in the nursing field. As a result, it’s essential for nursing students to understand the importance of education and having a clear path towards achieving their educational goals.
Importance of nursing education
Nursing education is an essential element to prepare competent nurses who can provide safe, quality care for patients. Nurses have the responsibility of providing direct care to patients and advocating for their well-being. Good education provides nurses with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to perform their roles effectively.
Options in the job market based on educational level
The job market offers different career paths based on the educational level attained. For instance, with an associate degree, one can work as a registered nurse, a bachelor’s degree in nursing offers opportunities for leadership positions, specializations, or advanced nursing roles. Higher levels of education such as a master’s degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice allows one to participate in advanced practice roles, research or leadership positions.
IOM Future of Nursing Recommendations for achieving higher levels of education
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that nurses should attain higher levels of education such as a BSN, MSN, or DNP to meet the healthcare demands of the future. I intend to pursue a Master’s degree in Nursing (MSN) in the next two years. The reason for this is to enhance my knowledge and skills in the specialization that I am passionate about. The MSN program will provide me with advanced levels of critical thinking, improved clinical reasoning, and better decision-making abilities.
Increasing levels of education and competitiveness in the current job market
Increasing one’s level of education increases their competitiveness in the current job market. With a higher degree, one is eligible for advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, or Nurse Educator. Additionally, with advanced education, one acquires specialized knowledge and skills, which sets them apart from other job seekers.
Continuing nursing education and competency, attitudes, knowledge, and ANA Scope and Standards
Continuing nursing education plays a crucial role in maintaining competencies, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for the provision of quality patient care. The ANA’s Scope and Standards of nursing practice require nurses to maintain their knowledge and skills vital for safe, effective, and competent practice. The code of ethics also highlights continuous learning and educational development as an essential element for professionalism.
Whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory
Continuing nursing education should be mandatory to maintain the competence of nursing practice. Nursing practice changes rapidly, and continuing education enables nurses to keep up with these changes. Acquiring new knowledge, and refining existing skills helps nurses to maintain their competence and deliver safe, high-quality care to their patients. Furthermore, it also ensures that the healthcare system has a workforce that keeps up with the advancement of healthcare delivery.
Conclusion:
Nursing education is an essential element in the preparation of competent, skilled nurses who have the ability to provide safe, quality patient care. Every nurse should have a clear path towards achieving their educational goals to ensure they remain competent and capable in practice. Continuing education is vital to maintaining competence, education, and professional development for a successful future in the nursing profession.
