Nursing Today and Beyond Essay

Nursing Today and Beyond Essay

Providing high-quality patient care presents significant problems for nursing. To protect the safety and well-being of patients, nurses must negotiate a complicated environment that includes ethical dilemmas and technical breakthroughs. Obtaining informed consent, protecting patient privacy in the digital age, addressing workload and nurse-patient ratios, and resolving ethical challenges in end-of-life care are the main explored by this paper. It also highlights the relevance of nurses practicing to the fullest extent of their education and training and the value of the five fundamental competencies in nursing practice, which contribute to improvements in patient outcomes and create collaboration in the healthcare industry.

Challenges Faced by Nurses in Care Delivery

Obtaining informed consent and upholding patient autonomy are significant challenges nurses face. It might be challenging to strike a delicate balance between preserving the patient’s right to autonomy and offering thorough treatment information. To address this issue, nurses should prioritize direct and honest communication with patients and their families. Patients are given the power to make knowledgeable decisions about their care by comprehensively explaining treatment alternatives, potential risks, and benefits (Liew & Winston, 2021). Additionally, making patient education materials easily accessible can improve patients’ comprehension and participation in the decision-making process.

Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality in the digital age is another urgent concern. The prevalence of telemedicine and electronic health records has raised the danger of data breaches and illegal access to private information (Bani Issa et al., 2020). To effectively secure patient privacy, nurses must follow stringent data security procedures. Using multi-factor authentication, encrypted communication platforms, and updating passwords frequently can all help to improve data security. Additionally, ongoing staff education on data privacy procedures will emphasize the importance of safeguarding patient confidentiality.

Another significant problem that nurses must deal with is the issue of workload and nurse-patient ratios. The growing demands on healthcare institutions frequently result in insufficient nurse-patient ratios and excessive workloads, jeopardizing patient safety, nursing performance, and general job satisfaction (Phillips, 2020). To overcome this difficulty, nurses must promote safe staffing levels. Nurses can advocate for policy reforms prioritizing patient safety and well-being by working with nurse leaders, unions, and professional organizations. To improve patient outcomes, nurses can emphasize the significance of investing in nursing by presenting evidence-based statistics on the effects of proper staffing.

For nurses, providing end-of-life care poses yet another ethical dilemma. As nurses work to offer compassionate care while honoring a patient’s desires and cultural values, navigating decisions concerning end-of-life care can be emotionally exhausting. Nursing professionals with specific training in palliative care can better navigate these ethical dilemmas. Developing strong communication skills is imperative to discuss delicate subjects with patients and their families. Additionally, by encouraging effective interprofessional communication among healthcare professionals, it is possible to offer patients holistic care during this crucial time in their lives by precisely understanding and implementing their objectives.

Key Messages from the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 Future of Nursing Report

The main takeaway from the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) 2010 report emphasizes the value of raising the standard of education and training for nurses by enhancing the educational system. This message is based on the understanding that significant adjustments to the healthcare system and practice environment in the United States necessitate profound changes in nursing education to ensure safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in all settings, focusing on primary care, community, and public health. A fundamental reform of nursing education is required to fulfill the changing requirements of an increasingly complex healthcare environment and handle the significant problems the nursing profession encounters.

Nurses’ job has had to alter with the considerable changes made to the healthcare system. The strain on nursing education and its curricula has increased due to the development of nursing competencies, particularly in community and public health, geriatrics, leadership, health policy, research, and teamwork. It is becoming more and more necessary for nurses to use advanced life-saving technologies and make crucial judgments when caring for sicker, more vulnerable patients. A change from acute care to a more preventive and patient-centered approach is taking place as they are required to perform primary care duties and assist in managing chronic illnesses.

Nurses must complete higher levels of education and training to give high-quality care and adjust to these evolving demands. Encouraging more nurses to earn a baccalaureate degree or advance to this level early in their careers is an essential first step. An increasing body of research indicates that nurses with greater education levels have better patient outcomes, lower death rates, and higher standards of safety and care (Yoder-Wise, 2021). Baccalaureate-educated nurses can better manage challenging healthcare circumstances with improved critical thinking, communication, and leadership abilities.

For the nursing profession to advance and for patient care to improve, it is crucial to address nurse faculty shortages, primary care practitioners, and researchers. Nursing education may produce a generation of nurse leaders, educators, and researchers by preparing a cadre of trained nurses to advance to master’s and doctoral degrees. These experienced nurses are crucial for training new generations of nurses, carrying out vital research, and influencing healthcare policy and practice. Increasing the number of nurses with advanced degrees would also help to meet the increasing need for primary care physicians and ensure that the workforce is diverse, including the representation of women and people of color.

An essential part of the improved nursing education system is smooth academic development. There should not be any unnecessary barriers in the path from a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) degree to an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and then on to a master’s degree in nursing (MSN), Ph.D., or doctor of nursing practice (DNP). With this strategy, nurses may continuously develop their knowledge and abilities, which enhances patient care and results. Throughout a nurse’s career, lifelong learning should be encouraged, focusing on collaboration with doctors and other healthcare workers to promote interprofessional teamwork.

Importance to the Nursing Profession

Nurses Should Achieve Higher Levels of Education and Training Through an Improved Education System That Promotes Seamless Academic Progression

The IOM’s central message is vital for the nursing field. It addresses the need for nursing education to keep up with the changing healthcare landscape by giving nurses the skills to deliver quality care in various challenging environments. Nurses must be knowledgeable and skilled in managing chronic disorders and promoting wellness as healthcare becomes more patient-centered.

Second, putting money into higher levels of nursing education benefits patient care and also the standing of the nursing field as a whole. Nurses with advanced degrees are more prepared to take on leadership roles, shape healthcare policy, and promote evidence-based practice. To improve working conditions and increase nurse satisfaction and retention, nurse leaders are crucial in guiding healthcare companies. Additionally, smooth academic progression presents aspirant nurses with an alluring career path, motivating them to pursue further study and advance their field. This strategy can help address inequalities in healthcare delivery and lead to more culturally competent and inclusive care by supporting a diverse nursing workforce.

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The Five Core Nursing Practice Competencies from the Institute of Medicine

1. Provide Patient-Centered Care

Patient-centered care involves recognizing, honoring, and addressing each patient’s unique differences, values, preferences, and requirements. To effectively interact with patients and involve them in the decision-making process surrounding their treatment, nurses must actively listen to them. Additionally, promoting wellness, healthy lifestyles, and illness prevention with an emphasis on population health is essential to this expertise.

Nurses should provide patients with care that is holistic to satisfy this competency. Building a solid therapeutic alliance with patients encourages open conversation and trust. Care is more likely to align with patients’ preferences and values when actively involved in care planning, discussing treatment alternatives, and setting realistic goals. Promoting community health programs and patient education underscores the need for preventative care.

In a hectic healthcare setting, time restrictions might hinder patient-centered care. Nurses can overcome this difficulty by effectively utilizing effective communication strategies like motivational interviewing to acquire critical patient information (Ilardo & Speciale, 2020). Using technology to deliver patient education materials can also help empower patients to take an active role in their care.

1. Work in interdisciplinary teams

Working in interdisciplinary teams effectively stresses the value of cohesion, communication, collaboration, and seamless care integration. Nurses must collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide thorough, ongoing patient care. Nursing practice can satisfy this skill by actively participating in interdisciplinary team meetings, exchanging patient information, and offering insightful nursing commentary. Coordination of care transitions between healthcare venues, discussing treatment alternatives, and collaborating on care plans all contribute to continuity and patient safety (Dahlke et al., 2019).

The inability of team members from different backgrounds to communicate effectively may hinder effective interdisciplinary teamwork. Nurses can combat this by participating in team-building exercises, encouraging open communication channels, and attending interprofessional education programs (Dahlke et al., 2019). Collaborative workplace environments are fostered by promoting respect for one another and appreciation of each team member’s expertise.

1. Employ Evidence-Based Practice

Combining the finest research findings with clinical knowledge and patient values is essential to provide the best possible patient care. Nurses should engage in ongoing learning and research activities to stay current on the most recent research. Nurses should regularly perform evidence-based practice (EBP) and use reliable databases and research sources to satisfy this competency. EBP integration improves the standard of care and fosters enhanced patient outcomes in clinical decision-making, treatment planning, and patient education.

The availability of time and resources is a hindrance to the implementation of EBP. Nurses can overcome this obstacle by participating in journal clubs or online discussion groups for EBP. It can also be advantageous to work with clinical leaders and nurse educators to develop a supportive atmosphere for the adoption of EBP.

1. Apply Quality Improvement

The key to quality improvement is consistently measuring the standard of care, identifying faults and dangers in care delivery, and comprehending safety concepts. To improve the quality of care given, nurses must actively participate in creating and testing interventions. Nurses can actively participate in quality improvement projects and activities within their healthcare organizations to achieve this competency. Nurses contribute to a safer and more effective care environment by assessing data, identifying areas for improvement, and putting evidence-based solutions into practice (Backhouse & Ogunlayi, 2020).

Healthcare professionals’ resistance to change could be one barrier to quality improvement. Nurses can get around this by integrating physicians, administrators, and support workers in quality improvement. Encourage buy-in and collaboration by fostering a continuous learning culture and highlighting the beneficial effects of quality improvement initiatives.

1. Utilize Informatics

Effective communication, knowledge management, error reduction, and decision assistance are all critical components of contemporary nursing practice. Using electronic health records and other informatics technologies should come naturally to nurses. Nurses can receive training in healthcare informatics to ensure they can efficiently use electronic health record systems and access pertinent patient data to satisfy this competency. Improving communication and enabling remote patient monitoring by utilizing telehealth and mobile health technologies is possible.

Resistance to new technology or lacking training resources could hinder informatics adoption. Healthcare organizations can invest in thorough informatics training for their nursing staff and ensure they have access to user-friendly technology to get around this. Encouragement from peers and sharing success stories can help inspire nurses to use informatics in their clinical settings.

Conclusion

The difficulties nurses experience in providing care highlight the need for continual assistance, education, and legislative modifications to empower nursing practitioners and improve patient care. Nurses can effectively deal with problems relating to informed consent by prioritizing open communication, respecting patient autonomy, and offering accessible patient education. Strong data security measures, ongoing staff training, and encrypted communication channels are crucial to protect patient privacy despite technological breakthroughs. Promoting safe staffing ratios and investing in the nursing workforce will greatly influence patient safety and effectiveness. Compassionate end-of-life care is ensured by specialized training in palliative care and effective interdisciplinary communication. By embracing the five core competencies, nurses may provide patient-centered care, adapt to changing healthcare demands, and help build a robust and patient-centered healthcare system.

 

References

Backhouse, A., & Ogunlayi, F. (2020). Quality improvement into practice. BMJ, 368(1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m865

Bani Issa, W., Al Akour, I., Ibrahim, A., Almarzouqi, A., Abbas, S., Hisham, F., & Griffiths, J. (2020). Privacy, confidentiality, security and patient safety concerns about electronic health records. International Nursing Review, 67(2), 218–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12585

Dahlke, S., Hunter, K. F., Reshef Kalogirou, M., Negrin, K., Fox, M., & Wagg, A. (2019). Perspectives about interprofessional collaboration and patient-centred care. Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue Canadienne Du Vieillissement, 39(3), 443–455. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0714980819000539

Ilardo, M. L., & Speciale, A. (2020). The Community Pharmacist: Perceived barriers and patient-centered care communication. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020536

Liew, J., & Winston, M. (2021). Informed consent. British Dental Journal, 230(2), 59–59. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2614-y

Phillips, C. (2020). Relationships between workload perception, burnout, and intent to leave among medical–surgical nurses. International Journal of Evidence-Based Healthcare, 18(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.1097/xeb.0000000000000220

Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2021). Lifelong learning: Part 1. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 52(7), 303–303. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20210611-01

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Nursing: Today and Beyond

Write a 1500-2000 word essay addressing each of the following points/questions. Be sure to completely answer all the questions for each bullet point. There should be three main sections, one for each bullet below. Separate each section in your paper with a clear heading that allows your professor to know which bullet you are addressing in that section of your paper. Support your ideas with at least five (5) sources using citations in your essay. Make sure to cite using the APA writing style for the essay. The cover page and reference page in correct APA do not count towards the minimum word amount. Review the Signature Assignment rubric criteria for this assignment.

Describe at least three challenges nurses face today in care delivery. These can be ethical, legal, financial, or social. Provide at least one way to successfully overcome each challenge.

In the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 Future of Nursing report, the committee developed four key messages. Choose one message, explain the message in detail, and why it is important to the nursing profession.

Explain each of the Institute of Medicine’s five core competencies and describe ways in which nursing practice can meet each of these. Identify at least one obstacle for each and explain in detail how it can be overcome.

M8 Assignment UMBO – 1, 2, 3

M8 Assignment PLG – 1, 4, 6

M8 Assignment CLO – 2, 4

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Instructions & SpecificationsSubmissionsRubric

Start by reading and following these instructions:

Study the required chapter(s) of the textbook and any additional recommended resources. Some answers may require you to do additional research on the Internet or in other reference sources. Choose your sources carefully.
Consider the discussion and the any insights you gained from it.

Review the assignment rubric and the specifications below to ensure that your response aligns with all assignment expectations.

Create your assignment submission and be sure to cite your sources, use APA style as required, and check your spelling.

The following specifications are required for this assignment:

Length: 1500 to 2000 words in length; answers must thoroughly address the questions in a clear, concise manner.

Structure: Include a title page and reference page in APA format. These do not count towards the minimum word count for this assignment. Your essay must include an introduction and a conclusion.

References: Use appropriate APA style in-text citations and references for all resources utilized to answer the questions. A minimum of five (5) outside scholarly sources are required for this assignment.

Rubric: This assignment uses a rubric for scoring. Please review it as part of your assignment preparation and again prior to submission to ensure you have addressed its criteria at the highest level. You cannot pass this class without passing this assignment.

Format:  Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or PDF document (.pdf)

Filename:  Name your saved file according to your first initial, last name, and the assignment number (for example, “RHall Assignment 1.docx”)