New Graduate Nurses Transition and Learning Needs - Essay Example

"New Graduate Nurses Transition and Learning Needs" is a worthy example of a paper on care. The challenges associated with the transition process of the nursing students to a working nurse are immense. Undertaking or participating in research work as a student, prepares a student for the practical nature of a working nurse. Research educates a nursing student about the opportunities and challenges associated with being a working nurse.  Research work is important for registered nurses as it enhances the practical knowledge and skills that one has acquired as a nursing student and professional.

According to Koutoukidis et al. (2008) participating in research ensures that a newly registered nurse is able to respond to cases in the work environment. Additionally, including research as part of your profession in nursing prepares nurses for the changing roles and professionalism of nursing. Dyess & Sherman (2009) affirm that as a registered nurse working in a health care facility, research comes in handy as these nurses are able to develop their skills. Clinical practice provides nurses with the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills into practice. This is achieved through the prioritization, delegation, and supervision of care by a nurse.

The importance of research comes into play here as nurses will brow the knowledge gathered during this process to administer care or medication. Research is effective for a registered nurses as it prepares them to effectively recontextualize their knowledge in the field. This means that the working nurse will effectively deliver, organize and supervise care or medication as directed. Thus taking part in research work acts as a supporting tool for working nurses as it prepares nurses on how to organize, delegate, and supervise their duties (Fitzpatrick and Kizer, 2011).

Observation, interviewing and analytical skills that nursing students gain through research, enables newly registered nurses to gain insight into what is expected of them in the work environment. These skills are effective in evaluating and monitoring patient signs and symptoms. Through observing a patient, a working nurse is able to identify the cause of symptoms that a patient is exhibiting. Interviewing, on the other hand, allows the patient to understand how to approach a patient and ask questions depending on a patient’s age, health, and communication skills. These skills equip nurses with the necessary knowledge they need during the transition period from being a student nurse to a working nurse (Koutoukidis et al. 2008).

Dyess & Sherman (2009) argue that research courses as part of the nursing curriculum act as an orientation program for the transition process of students to professionals. Thus the knowledge and skills gained during this course, enable newly registered nurses to understand the amount of time and commitment required for them to be considered as competent practitioners in the field of medicine. As a result, a working nurse is able to manage their time and remain competent by being flexible and adapting to the changes that occur in the health care service. Research courses enable one to maximize the health care facilities offered at their work station.