Pursuing my Bachelors of Science in Nursing has given me a tremendous amount of knowledge. Throughout my nursing education, I have learned that the nursing profession encompasses numerous career paths. In addition, it is a profession that requires lifelong learning as new evidence-based practices are made. During the Associate Program of Nursing, the main focus was learning about the fundamentals of nursing and health conditions. Although I learned the foundation of my nursing skills in the associate’s program, I believe I would not have been able to reach my fullest protentional without taking the courses in the Bachelors Program.
Prior to starting the bachelor’s program, I lacked knowledge on the different aspects of nursing outside of the clinical setting. The bachelor’s program gave me an opportunity to interact with people from the community setting. I was used to interacting with people in the acute or long term care setting, but being out in the community setting expanded my knowledge of how to target health disparities. It also brought more awareness of the importance of teaching. Without the resources in the hospital or clinic, nurses must rely heavily on education and working with resources accessible to the community. During my community and urban clinical rotations, my classmates and I provided short educational lectures on ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It was a great experience to witness how receptive and interested people were to the material presented.
One of the most important topics discussed throughout the program was providing culturally competent care. In the associate’s program, we briefly learned about it during our nursing lectures and clinicals; however, I was so focused on understanding a disease process and its treatment, that I often dismissed this important area. I, now, feel confident in the care I provide because I have a better understanding of how care plans can differ from culture to culture. I understand the needs of individuals from various cultures which allows me to be a better advocator. It allows me to connect better with patients because they trust that I would advocate for their individual needs.
I also learned how to improve my leadership skills during the program. By observing and attending meetings, I learned how important effective collaborative work is for the patient. By using efficient communication skills and collaborative efforts, goals for the patient can be met effectively. I am also more aware of issues that affect the nursing profession such as workplace violence and staffing ratios.
I am extremely proud of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. I am confident to say that I am ending this program with a greater amount of knowledge. I cannot wait to see what the futures holds for me in my nursing career.
