Identify 3 ahas? as you have progressed through the program. What are your thoughts now regarding the role of the professional nurse? How will your integrate related cultural and

Nurs 4685 Module 7 Discussion Board

Identify 3 “aha’s” as you have progressed through the program.

I have had numerous “aha” moments as I progressed through the RN-BSN program. One of these moments was when I understood the importance of nursing research. One research study pointed out that nursing practices based on research findings are more likely to result in the desired patient outcomes across various settings and geographic locations. Researchers stated that nursing research maximizes the effects of good clinical judgement. When evidence is used to define best practices rather than to support existing practices, nursing care keeps pace with the latest technological advances and takes advantage of new knowledge developments (Youngblut & Brooten, 2018). Another research study pointed out that nursing research has helped advance nursing practice, shape health policy, and improve health on a global scale. Researchers stated that nursing research has a tremendous influence on current and future professional nursing practice, thus rendering it an essential component of the educational process. Nursing research is critical to the nursing profession and is necessary for continuing advancements that promote optimal nursing care (Tingen et al., 2019). Researchers have stated that raising consciousness about the clinical significance of nursing research should be an important priority among nurse researchers (Polit, 2017).

The second “aha” moment I would like to discuss is when I learned that most healthcare errors and mistakes occur due to healthcare facility system problems rather than human error. A research study pointed out that it is important to recognize that errors occur in healthcare facilities; learn from them; learn how to prevent them; and improve patient safety. Researchers stated that fear of punishment makes healthcare professionals reluctant to report errors. While they fear for patients’ safety, they also dread disciplinary action, including the fear of losing their jobs if they report an incident. Unfortunately, failing to report contributes to the likelihood of serious patient harm. Healthcare workers who work in an environment where they feel comfortable enough to speak up provide safer patient care. Research has proven that most errors made in healthcare facilities are due to system errors rather than human errors. This study discussed some common reasons that healthcare systems fail and errors occur. Researchers stated that system errors occur when there are communication issues; when there is no insight into the hierarchy, when there is no solid leadership, when facility staff does not know whom to report problems to; when staff fails to disclose the issues; and when a disjointed system has no problem-solving ability. System errors can occur because there are deficiencies in education, training, orientation, and experience. Other system errors include inadequate policies to guide healthcare workers; lack of consistency in procedures; inadequate staffing; poor supervision; technical failures with medical equipment; lack of audits in the system; having staff that is unprepared to accept the blame and change the system; etc. It is important to have peer review committees present in healthcare facilities, to investigate errors and come up with solutions to prevent these errors from being repeated in the future (Rodziewicz et al., 2021).

The third “aha” moment I would like to discuss is when I understood the importance of nurses continuing their education. A research study pointed out that in addition to increasing the number

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of BSN-educated nurses, schools of nursing must also improve their capacity to prepare more graduate-level students who can assume roles in advanced practice, leadership, teaching, and research. Only 13% of nurses hold graduate degrees, and less than 1% hold a doctoral degree. Nurses with doctorates are needed to teach future generations of RNs, provide care in advanced practice roles, serve in leadership positions, and conduct research that becomes the basis for improving nursing science and practice. Nurses with graduate and doctoral degrees are needed in direct patient care, to meet the growing demand for chronic disease management and health promotion in today's complex healthcare system. The Institute of Medicine recommends doubling the number of nurses with doctorates. Researchers stated that the current rate of academic progression, particularly from the ADN to the BSN, is simply not high enough to meet future needs. National nursing organizations have been focused on improving access to seamless academic progression programs for some time. Leaders in nursing practice, education, and leadership have issued a powerful call to action by focusing on academic progression for all nurses, but it is not enough. Another critical aspect of the transformation of nursing education is the need to produce a nursing workforce that is reflective of the rich diversity of the communities in which nurses practice. In a perfect world, patients would have access to a nursing workforce that is similar to them in terms of race, ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status (Gorski et al., 2017).

What are your thoughts now regarding the role of the professional nurse?

My broader philosophy of nursing and the knowledge I acquired in the RN-BSN nursing program have changed my behaviors and attitudes in my role as a professional nurse. I now make sure I am aware of the latest evidence-based healthcare interventions and laws by reviewing the American Nurses’ Association website, the Texas Nurses’ Association website, and reading nursing research journals published within the past five years. I have developed lists of community resources that are available outside the hospital for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, poor, and minorities. I use better communication skills to collaborate with interprofessional teams, patients, and families. I mentor other nurses by suggesting educational and career advancement opportunities. I strive to create a hospital environment, in which employees do not feel threatened if they speak-up. I try to holistically take care of myself and continuously improve my education. I continuously strive to improve my perceptual acuity, clinical judgment, skilled know-how, ethical component, and ongoing experiential learning. My professional conduct is socially embedded, lived, and embodied in my nursing practice, way of being, and response to clinical situations.

A research article pointed out that the nursing role is rapidly evolving as nurses are tasked with an even wider range of healthcare responsibilities. Caring for the sick has certainly gotten more complicated. Hospitals are understaffed, and budgets are tight. Today's nurses aren't just caring for the sick. They are also changing our very notion of modern medicine and healthcare delivery. Nurses are giving motivational TED talks, publishing scientific research, developing mobile medical applications, and actively addressing healthcare policy. They are collaborating with their colleagues, from social workers and oncologists, to hospital administrators and public safety

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personnel. The field is growing and so are opportunities for nurse practitioners, DNP and PhD nurses, nurse educators, nurse-anesthetists, and nurse researchers. New technology invites nurses to be digitally ambitious. The opportunity to obtain many different medical specializations is available. There are opportunities to master complex, multifaceted issues that impact our healthcare system and our nation. Nursing has become a profession for the intellectually curious, lifelong learner. Getting an advanced nursing degree means preparing yourself for a changing world of possibility. With the right skills and knowledge, nurses can make a bigger difference for patients, communities, and our national healthcare environment. Research suggests that the implementation of advanced practice nursing roles in the emergency and critical care settings improves patient outcomes (Tiffin, 2017).

How will you integrate related cultural and/or spiritual aspects into your role as a professional nurse?

There are many ways that cultural and spiritual aspects of nursing care can be integrated into my role as a professional nurse. A research study stated that the goal of providing culturally competent healthcare services means providing consistent, quality care to every patient, regardless of their cultural, ethnic, racial, or religious background. I have several strategies for improving cultural competence. I plan to encourage families to participate in healthcare decision- making. I will incorporate culture-specific values into health promotion. I plan to participate in cultural awareness training and education. I will encourage a healthcare environment that includes traditional healers. I plan to continue to provide interpreter services and recruit minority staff. Researchers stated that by providing a positive environment of cultural competence that meets the religious and spiritual needs of those who are cared for, the outcome for patients improves, and the healthcare system as a whole becomes a more positive environment. I will take into consideration the fact that religion and spirituality can impact decisions regarding diet, medicines based on animal products, modesty, and the preferred gender of their health providers. I plan to respect the fact that some religions have strict prayer times that may interfere with medical treatment. I will continue to be respectful of a patient’s religious and spiritual needs. This study pointed out that many patients’ anxieties are reduced when they turn to their faith during healthcare challenges. Because many patients turn to their beliefs when difficult healthcare decisions are made, it is vital for me to recognize and accommodate the patient's religious and spiritual needs. I plan to provide an opportunity for patients to discuss their religious and spiritual beliefs and tailor their assessment and treatment to meet their specific needs (Swihart et al., 2021).

References:

Gorski, M. S., Gerardi, T., Giddens, J., Meyer, D., & Lewis, A. (2017). Nursing education transformation. American Journal of Nursing, 115(4), 53-57. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000463029.34765.8a

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Polit, D. F. (2017). Clinical significance in nursing research: A discussion and descriptive analysis. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 73(2), 17-23. https://doi.org/10.1016;/ijnurstu.2017.05.002

Rodziewicz, T. L., Houseman, B., & Hipskind, J. E. (2021). Medical error reduction and prevention. American Journal of Nursing, 120(6), 17-22. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000751025.13025.74462.ae

Swihart, D. L., Yarrarapu, S. N., & Martin, R. L. (2021). Cultural religious competence in clinical practice. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(4), 680-694. https://doi- org.ezproxy.uta.edu/10.1002/jclp.22539

Tiffin, C. (2017). The changing role of today’s nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 15(1), 105- 111. https://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.uta.edu/10.1186/s12960-017-0237-9

Tingen, M. S., Burnett, A. H., Murchison, R. B., & Zhu, H. (2019). The importance of nursing research. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(3), 167-170. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834- 20190301-10

Youngblut, J. M., & Brooten, D. (2018). Evidence-based nursing practice: Why is it important? AACN Clinical Issues, 12(4), 468-476. https://doi.org/10.1097/00044067-201811000-00003

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