In this course, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of nursing as a profession and explore their new role as scholar-practitioners. They analyze shifts in the U.S. healthcare delivery system, the significance of information technology, and strategies that promote quality, safety, and better patient outcomes. Students examine key issues and trends in modern nursing and healthcare, including the impact of socioeconomic, ethical, legal, political factors, and professional values.
Weekly discussions and assignments provide opportunities to explore contemporary nursing challenges such as workforce shortages, healthcare financing, professional organizations, and diversity in practice. Students are encouraged to propose solutions for these issues and reflect on their experiences in the workplace. The course emphasizes Walden’s mission of social change, preparing students for future practice as scholar-practitioners. As the first nursing course in the RN/BSN program, students develop writing skills and become familiar with Walden University’s resources for academic success.
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NURS 3101 – Issues and Trends in Nursing Essays
NURS 3101 Issues & Trends in Nursing: Welcome & Course Readings Welcome & Course Readings Welcome to your course guide NURS 3101 – Issues and Trends in Nursing Course Readings Other Readings Week 3 Assignment Week 4 Assignment Welcome to your course guide Below are your required library readings. If you experience issues with the links, please contact the Library. For APA-related questions about these materials, reach out to the Writing Center.
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NURS 3101 Course Readings Click on a citation below and enter your myWalden credentials when prompted.
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- Bradbury-Jones, C., & Taylor, J. (2014). Applying social impact assessment to nursing research. Nursing Standard, 28(48), 45-49.
- Fowler, M. D. M. (2015a). Guide to the code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements: Development, interpretation, and application (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
- Fowler, M. D. M. (2015b). Guide to nursing’s social policy statement: Understanding the profession from social contract to social covenant. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.
- Gilmartin, M. J. (2013). Principles and practices of social entrepreneurship for nursing. Journal of Nursing Education, 52(11), 641–644.
- Hart, C. (2015). The elephant in the room: Nursing and nursing power on an interprofessional team. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 46, 349-355. doi:10.3928/00220124-20150721-01
- Heege, M. (2011). The empty carriage: Lessons in leadership from Florence Nightingale. Nursing Science Quarterly, 32, 121-25.
- Hinds, P. S., Britton, D., Coleman, L., Engh, E., Kunze Humbel, T., Keller, S., Patterson Kelly, K., Menard, J., Lee, M. A., Roberts-Turner, R., & Walczak, D. (2014). Creating a career legacy map to help assure meaningful work in nursing. Nursing Outlook, 63(2), 211–218.
- Ma, C., Shang, J., & Bott, M. (2015). Linking unit collaboration and nursing leadership to nurse outcomes and quality of care. Journal of Nursing Administration, 45(9), 435-442. DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000229
- Martin, D., Godfrey, N., & Walker, M. (2015). The Baccalaureate Big 5: What Magnet Hospitals Should Expect from a Baccalaureate Generalist Nurse. Journal of Nursing Administration, 45(3), 121-123.
- Tinkham, M. R. (2013). Pursuing magnet designation: The role of structural empowerment. AORN Journal, 97(2), 253—256.
5 Nursing Trends to Watch- NURS 3101 – Issues and Trends in Nursing Essays
Nursing is continuously evolving—sometimes rapidly, sometimes gradually. To stay ahead in the field and remain prepared for new challenges, it’s essential to review some of the biggest trends shaping nursing today. Below are five trends to watch.
More Outpatient Care
The demand for outpatient care is increasing, driven by factors like cost-containment efforts, advances in medical technologies, and treatments that reduce the need for extended hospital stays. Financial constraints, including high insurance deductibles, are also contributing to delayed elective procedures, which nonetheless often require significant outpatient care. Nurses will find opportunities in settings such as ambulatory care clinics, rehabilitation centers, assisted-living facilities, and telehealth providers.
The Importance of Cultural Competency
Healthcare is fundamentally about people, and nurses today are caring for individuals, families, and communities from increasingly diverse backgrounds. Nurses who understand the cultural habits, traditions, and beliefs of their patients can provide more effective care. For example, language barriers, religious dietary restrictions, and cultural preferences for family-centered care can all influence treatment plans. Cultural competence is essential for patient-centered care.
Preventive Health
As the focus on wellness and cost reduction grows, preventive health measures are becoming increasingly important. Patients are more informed about health, from diet modifications to wearable fitness trackers. Nurses play a critical role in promoting wellness, preventing chronic illnesses like diabetes, encouraging healthy aging, and educating patients on ways to improve their overall health.
Increasing Consumer Sophistication
Today’s patients often come to medical appointments armed with information they’ve found online. While this can be empowering, it also poses challenges, as nurses must assess whether the information is accurate or applicable. Nurses help patients navigate through potential misinformation and provide professional assessments and recommendations.
The Rise of Nurse Informatics
With the increase in healthcare data and improved record-keeping, nurse informatics is becoming a critical area in nursing. Nurse informaticists analyze data to enhance evidence-based practice and improve patient care, enabling easier collaboration among healthcare professionals and identifying patient trends. Nurses with informatics expertise are well-positioned to play a significant role in healthcare decision-making.
To succeed in today’s healthcare environment, nurses need higher levels of education. Programs like the online RN to BSN and MSN at the University of Saint Mary equip nurses with the critical-thinking skills and knowledge required for advanced practice. For more information, contact an admissions advisor at 877-307-4915.
Emerging Trends in Nursing
RNs are embracing new roles beyond bedside care. Dr. Seun Ross, DNP, MSN, CRNP-F, NP-C, NEA-BC, and Director of Nursing Practice at the American Nurses Association (ANA), discusses the evolution of nursing roles and technology. Nurses are increasingly working in community-based care, leading innovations, and stepping into the political arena. Ross highlights the push for automated caregivers and advanced tech, but stresses that robots should complement rather than replace nurses’ intuition and critical thinking.
Technology is reshaping healthcare delivery, with pop-up clinics and wearables like Fitbits providing real-time health monitoring. Nurses are finding opportunities in concierge healthcare and public health nursing, which offer diverse roles and impact. Ross encourages nurses to explore community health education and entrepreneurial options, emphasizing that nursing careers are no longer confined to hospital settings.
For more insights into these trends, stay connected with nursing publications, industry leaders, and organizations like the ANA.
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