NRS-440VN -O500 Trends and Issues in Today’s Healthcare
Table of Contents
Topic 1 DQ 1
The nursing shortage is an ongoing issue that is expected to worsen in the coming years. One of the main factors contributing to this shortage is the aging Baby Boomer generation, as a significant portion of this population reaches retirement age (AACN, 2020). Additionally, the Institute of Medicine has projected a goal for 80% of nurses to hold a baccalaureate degree by the near future, but only 64.2% of current nurses have achieved this level of education (AACN, 2020). Compounding the problem, many qualified applicants to nursing programs are being turned away due to a lack of faculty and educational resources, limiting the number of new nurses entering the profession (AACN, 2020). The growing geriatric population and the need for more nurses further amplify this issue, as nurse-patient ratios continue to increase, leading to higher levels of job dissatisfaction and nurses leaving the field (AACN, 2020).
In my experience working in two different hospitals, it is common for nurses to be assigned one or two extra patients per shift, exceeding recommended nurse-patient ratios. This leaves nurses overwhelmed and limits the time they can spend with each patient, resulting in dissatisfaction for both staff and patients. This situation also negatively impacts hospitals that rely on Medicare and Medicaid, as their reimbursements are tied to patient satisfaction scores on post-discharge surveys.
One way the nursing profession is addressing this shortage is by actively recruiting more men into the field. Currently, men make up only 9.6% of the nursing workforce and often face discrimination in the profession (Kronsberg, Bouret, & Brett, 2018). By working to reduce gender discrimination and lateral violence against male nurses, the profession can create a more inclusive environment and attract more male candidates. This could be a significant step in combating the nursing shortage, as the field is still largely seen as female-dominated, which discourages male participation (Kronsberg, Bouret, & Brett, 2018).
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2020). Nursing Shortage. Retrieved from https://www.aacnnursing.org/News-Information/Fact-Sheets/Nursing-Shortage
Kronsberg, S., Bouret, J. R., & Brett, A. L. (2018). Lived experiences of male nurses: Dire consequences for the nursing profession. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 8(1), 46-53.
Whitney, S. (2018). The future of nursing in an evolving health care system. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), Trends in Health Care: A Nursing Perspective. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs440vn/trends-in-health-care-a-nursing-perspective/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Topic 1 DQ 1
Nursing is a highly respected profession characterized by close patient interactions and a strong advocacy for patient safety and care; however, it is not suited for everyone. The nursing shortage is driven by multiple factors, including declining enrollment in nursing schools, an aging nursing workforce nearing retirement, and, notably, elevated stress levels leading to high turnover rates (Whitney, 2018). The ongoing pandemic has exacerbated this situation, contributing to a greater shortage of nurses as many retire or leave the field due to stress.
Currently, in El Paso, Texas, we are experiencing a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, which has resulted in an acute shortage of nurses and hospital beds. To address this crisis, the Governor has deployed over 1,000 medical personnel and travel nurses to help alleviate the nursing deficit. Additionally, our hospital has introduced increased bonuses for nurses who choose to work extra shifts as an incentive. The city is also implementing strategies and recommendations to manage the rising case numbers, all aimed at improving the working conditions and safety for both nurses and patients.
IOM Future of Nursing Report and Nursing
Review the IOM report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” and explore the “Campaign for Action: State Action Coalition” website. In a paper of 1,000-1,250 words, discuss the impact of the IOM report and state-based action coalitions on nursing practice, education, and workforce development, highlighting their ongoing efforts to advance nursing goals.
Your paper should cover the following:
- Initiative Overview: Describe the work of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Committee that led to the IOM report, “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.”
- Key Messages: Outline the four “Key Messages” that form the backbone of the IOM Report recommendations. Discuss how these messages have transformed nursing practice, education, leadership, and workforce development, providing relevant examples.
- State-Based Action Coalitions: Explain the role of state-based action coalitions and how they work to promote the goals outlined in the IOM report.
- State Initiatives: Research and summarize two initiatives spearheaded by your state’s action coalition and discuss how these initiatives support the nursing profession.
- Barriers and Solutions: Identify barriers to advancement in your state and explain how nursing advocates are working to overcome these challenges.
Ensure that you cite at least three sources, all published within the last five years, that are relevant to nursing practice and meet the assignment criteria.
Prepare this assignment according to APA Style guidelines as outlined in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment will be evaluated using a rubric. Please review the rubric beforehand to understand the expectations for successful completion.
Remember to submit your assignment to LopesWrite. For assistance, refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles.
Topic 2 DQ 1
Interprofessional collaboration plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of care, minimizing errors, and improving patient safety. It involves teamwork among various healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, technicians, administrators, and community liaisons. Through collaborative practices, nurses can significantly influence patient outcomes and healthcare savings.
To foster future growth, nursing educators should incorporate interprofessional collaboration into nursing program curricula. This approach will prepare nursing students to understand and develop collaborative skills essential for patient care (Prentice et al., 2015). Clearly defining each team member’s role not only reduces errors but also facilitates skill-sharing when it benefits the patient. It is essential for all team members to contribute collectively to provide optimal care, reduce care gaps, and streamline transitions. Sometimes, meeting patient needs efficiently requires team members to step beyond their traditional roles (Bosch & Mansell, 2015). By participating in interprofessional teams, nurses can lead initiatives that drive improvements in outcomes and processes.
Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient Care
Interprofessional collaboration is vital for delivering high-quality care, reducing errors, and enhancing safety (Grand Canyon University [GCU], 2018). Effective collaboration among healthcare team members fosters better communication, which is crucial, particularly in complex patient cases (Didier et al., 2020). When healthcare professionals from various disciplines collaborate, care coordination becomes more seamless, and patient involvement increases. Patients appreciate knowing their care plan and the steps they must take.
When interprofessional collaboration is executed effectively, patients notice, which boosts their confidence in their healthcare team and leads to improved outcomes and fewer errors (Reeves et al., 2017).
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) has facilitated better interprofessional collaboration through the establishment of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). ACOs comprise healthcare providers, facilities, and service organizations that work together to deliver coordinated patient care (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid [CMS], 2020). In return, CMS offers financial incentives for efficient multidisciplinary care coordination. For instance, when a patient is discharged from the hospital, an electronic summary note can be sent to their primary care physician (PCP). This enables the PCP to follow up with the patient if they miss a post-discharge appointment, thereby improving safety and reducing medication errors.
References
- Bosch, B., & Mansell, H. (2015). Interprofessional collaboration in health care: Lessons to be learned from competitive sports. Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 148(4), 176–179. https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163515588106
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). (2020). Accountable care organizations (ACOs). Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/ACO
- Didier, A., Dzemaili, S., Perrenoud, B., Campbell, J., Gachoud, D., Serex, M., Staffoni-Donadini, L., Franco, L., Benaroyo, L., Maya, Z. (2020). Patients’ perspectives on interprofessional collaboration between health care professionals during hospitalization: A qualitative systematic review. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 18(6), 1208-1270. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBISRIR-D-19-00121
- Grand Canyon University (Ed). (2018). Trends in health care: A nursing perspective. Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs440vn/trends-in-health-care-a-nursing-perspective/v1.2/
- Prentice, D., Engel, J., Taplay, K., & Stobbe, K. (2015). Interprofessional collaboration: The experience of nursing and medical students’ interprofessional education. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 2, 2333393614560566. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393614560566
- Reeves, S., Pelone, F., Harrison, R., Goldman, J., & Zwarenstein, M. (2017). Interprofessional collaboration to improve professional practice and healthcare outcomes. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 6(6), CD000072. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD000072.pub3
- Whitney, S. (2018). The future of nursing in an evolving health care system. In Trends in Health Care: A Nursing Perspective (chapter 1). Retrieved on November 5, 2020, from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs440vn/trends-in-health-care-a-nursing-perspective/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Professional Development in Nursing Reflection Paper
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) published the report “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” which provides critical recommendations for lifelong learning and achieving higher levels of nursing education.
Assignment Overview: In a reflection paper of 1,000 to 1,250 words, explore the significance of nursing education and outline your educational aspirations.
Key Points to Address:
- Job Market Opportunities:
Discuss the implications of your current educational level on job market options. - IOM Recommendations:
Review the IOM’s recommendations for advancing nursing education. Detail the professional certifications and advanced degrees you aspire to obtain (e.g., MSN, DNP) and explain your motivations for pursuing these educational advancements. Outline your timeline for achieving these goals. - Impact of Education on Competitiveness:
Analyze how advancing your education will enhance your competitiveness in the current job market and your future role in nursing. - Continuing Education and Nursing Competence:
Discuss the relationship between continuing nursing education and essential competencies, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics. - Mandatory Continuing Education:
Argue whether you believe continuing nursing education should be compulsory, providing supporting evidence for your position.
Research Requirements:
Cite at least three sources published within the last five years that are relevant to nursing practice and assignment criteria.
Formatting Guidelines:
Prepare your paper in accordance with the APA Style Guide as outlined in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Submission Requirements:
This assignment will be graded using a rubric; please review it prior to beginning. Ensure you submit your paper to LopesWrite, and refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 3 Discussion Question 1
Examine the correlation between nursing education and positive patient outcomes. Discuss current research that links advanced nursing degrees to patient safety outcomes. Reflect on your personal experiences to support your agreement or disagreement with this research.
Topic 3 Discussion Question 2
Compare and contrast the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in nursing. If you choose to pursue doctoral education, which degree would you select and why?
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