The Future of Nursing - Essay Example

According to the Institute of Medicine (2011), in the United States context, time has brought forth substantial changes within the healthcare system and practice environments. To address these changes, the IMO devised a strategic plan whose outcomes would be most effective (Ibid, 2011). One of the long-term goals recommended by the IMO is the improvement of the nursing education system (Ibid, 2011). This improvement seeks to promote academic progression indefinitely, for all the nurses. In addition, this is a move that is essentially a response to the necessity of the emerging changes.

According to recommendation 4 of the health reforms, it is desired that by 2020, the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to have increased to 80 per cent (Institute of Medicine) (2011). This is a 30 percent increase from 2010’s 50 percent. In addition to the attainment of the baccalaureate degree, the recommendation is also concerned with the diversity of those who attain it (Ibid, 2011). IOM (Institute of Medicine) (2011) the essence of the diversity of the nurses with baccalaureate degree holders is to cater for the diverse population’s demands. Increasing my level of education will affect how I compete in the current job market in profoundly beneficial ways. Strong evidence has established a desirable “relationship between higher education for nurses and improved patient outcomes” (Ibid, 2011). About the requirements for entry-level practice, the expectations from the general public are that more people interested in nursing will pursue the baccalaureate degree (Ibid, 2011). Therefore, settling down with a baccalaureate degree will not offer me a competitive advantage. In the business world, employers are being hired with preference to those with BSN and Higher degrees (Ibid, 2011). My goal is to pursue a doctorate in nursing since unlike the baccalaureate degree this gives me the competitive advantage that I need in the current job market.

Institute of Medicine (2011) recommendation 5 pursues that by 2020, the number of nurses with a doctorate to have doubled. The multiplication of the current number of nurses is also closely associated with catering to the diverse populations’ demands. Moreover, an increase in the number of nurses with a doctorate will contribute to the research of the nursing faculties. Pursuing a nursing course so far has opened up my mind to heightened interests in the field. Increasing my level of education is expected to substantially affect my role in the future of nursing. It will affect my role in primary care provision as well as managerial responsibilities. Pursuing an MSN will require imparting me with essential research skills which will considerably affect my role as a nurse. Moreover, a pursuit of a DPN will enhance my practice skills which will in turn affect my nursing.

Institute of Medicine (2011) recommendation 6 seeks “the engagement of nurses in lifelong learning”. The reforms in the healthcare system not only seek to provide education to healthcare learners at the student stage but also to those already in the nursing career. Thus students and professionals in the nursing field are provided with the appropriate learning environment throughout their lifespan (Ibid, 2011). This continuous learning will enhance my competencies about the changes that are occurring indefinitely. Consequently, my provision of health care as a competent nurse will be improved.