Academic Examples

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important Issues in the Profession of Nursing

Lucyna Starzec

NUR 4130 Sec 8549

Professor: Candy Dato

November 28, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issues in the profession of nursing

            The nursing profession branches into many different specialties and in the near future most care will be delivered in a community and public health. To ensure delivery of safe and quality care higher education is necessary. Because the competencies to practice in a wide variety of settings expended the IOM suggests improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression. Several recommendations have been proposed to achieve the goal of new nurses entering workforce with baccalaureate degree or receive it shortly after beginning their careers.

            Research shows that US is behind in the uniformity of nursing education as compared to other countries. Some states however, began to develop uniform curricula. Gennaro (2012) writes, “Florida and North Carolina have been leading with programs that smooth the transition between community colleges and four-year baccalaureate programs.” The uniformity ensures nurses from different schools and states can perform duties effectively and efficiently throughout the US. From my personal experience, the smooth transition from ADN to BSN in my college encouraged many students to continue their education.

            One of the recommendations by IOM is to increase the number of nurses with BSN to 80% by 2020. In order to succeed several things must be taken under consideration. For example, will the returning students receive scholarship? Or will their loans be forgiven? And part do the institutions play? Organizations and institutions should encourage their employees to enroll for BSN and reimburse the tuition. After all, better educated staff increases productivity and satisfaction. To further encourage nurses to continue education is to offer salary increase after completion of the program. According to Perala (2001), “The status of nursing in society is likely to improve when nursing is able to demonstrate consistently its effectiveness and when it becomes an equal participant in social disclosure and has a capacity to reach its objectives.” BSN programs prepare their students to work with diverse population in community setting.

            Moreover, another recommendation is to ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning. I believe this point has a great importance because it addresses the education and training of faculty. As new technology becomes available, the faculty must be familiar with it in order to pass it onto their students. The availability of new technology transforms nursing practice. Goeschel (2011) writes, “Creating a knowledgeable, skilled, energized, enthusiastic and influential nursing workforce for the 21st century depends in part on our ability to talk about why transforming nursing is important to patients.” Well trained nursing force will be capable of providing culturally relevant care with the use of innovative strategies.

            Another issue in nursing profession is violence. The definition has changed over the years from teasing to horizontal violence which is defined as “a constant pattern or behavior design to control, diminish, or devalue a peer (or group) that creates a risk to health and/or safety” (Brown & Middaugh, 2009). The bulling was serious enough in the nursing community for New York State Nurses Association to promote a bill that would make it a Class C felony to assault and cause physical injury to an RN or LPN (The America Nurse, 2007). Other forms of violence such as verbal abuse, threats, and humiliation, degradation, and harassment decreases job satisfaction and increases turnover. Some nurses refrain from verbalizing their frustrations to their managers for the fear of punishment.

            Lateral violence or bulling between nurses can lead to harm to coworkers, healthcare system, and most importantly patients. The phrase “eating our young” has been known for over 50 years in the nursing community, and because it has not been addressed in its infancy, this small problem grew into large one. Bulling can occur in all areas of nursing and managers play key role in responding to it. Study shows that master’s-prepared manager’ has the ability to address the problem and successfully defuse the tension as compared to managers who were promoted because they possessed good clinical skills (Hippeli, 2009).

            Several solutions exist to address and resolve conflicts in nursing profession. It has been proven that a “buddy system” is very effective in training newcomers. The mew nurse has someone to turn to for advice in time of need. A senior nurse has a unique position to greatly affect the new hire and be an example to her peers. Her action can show other nurses that are a community of professionals not struggling individuals. The mentoring program encourages teamwork, conflict resolution, and support to the new nurse.

            The profession of nursing is stressful enough without additional conflicts. Between the caseloads and not having enough time for meals and bathroom breaks makes nurses feel overwhelmed and agitated. Although unfortunate, new nurses are on the receiving end of their frustration. The managers should support zero tolerance for such behavior and demonstrate professionalism and keep the channels of communication open. Ignoring the problem will only hurt the profession and the institution. 

            Nursing shortage in the US lead to recruitment of foreign nurses which decreased the unoccupied positions to some effect but the issue was not resolved. In order to remain accredited, institutions must have adequate nursing staff. Foreign educated nurses, although capable of caring out orders, may lack some properties thought in the US such as HIPPA and competence. The foreign nurses must pass exams such as HESI or CGFN to be allowed to take NCLEX exam, they still find problem with calculating and converting in their practice. Language barrier attributes to prolonged uncomfortable silence.

            Communication for foreign nurses can be hinder due to slang and idioms used in conversational English. The medical abbreviations and unfamiliarity with medication names increases the risk for patient safety. Asian and Philippine nurses are not thought patient advocacy and may not petition a physician for an order or medication change (Parrone & others, 2008). Furthermore, Russian nurses are not familiar with Kubler-Ross research on death and dying therefore tends to avoid such patients. Philippines are family oriented and often healthcare decisions are reached with the family involvement. This approach however, contradicts HIPPA privacy rights. A nurse who is used to discussing a patient’s care with his/hers family may find it difficult to obey the law.

            Due to cultural complexity in the nursing community cultural awareness should be part of training program for potential nurses entering the US workforce. Because the nursing shortage continues in the US, foreign nurses will be recruited to meet the standards dictated by Joint Commission. Transition into Western culture and healthcare system can be quite difficult; therefore, the chosen nurses should demonstrate openness, understanding, and acceptance of different ethnic costumes, practices, traditions, and food preference.

            In conclusion, nursing profession has a fare share of problems and issues ranging from the education and autonomy controversy to unhealthy work environment and cultural diversity. Nevertheless, nursing offers opportunities for professional growth and fulfillment. 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Brown, L., & Middaugh, D., (September/October 2009). Nurse Hazing: A Costly Reality.

            Medsurg Nursing, 18(5), 305-307. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from EBSCO

Gennaro, S., (2012). The Future of Nursing: Accomplishments a Year After the Landmark

            Report. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 44(1), 1-3. Retrieved October 17, 2012,

            from EBSCO

Goeschel, C., (2011). The future of nursing: leading change, advancing health stories to ignite

            the transformation. British Association of Critical Care Nurses, 16(5), 217-218.

            doi: 10.1111/j.1478-5153.2011.00468.x. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from EBSCO

Hippeli, F., (2009). Nursing: Does It Still Eat Its Young, or Have We Progressed Beyond This?

            Nursing Forum, 44(3), 186-188. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from EBSCO

Lupanell, S., (2011). Incivility in Nursing: The Connection Between Academia and Clinical

            Settings. Critical Care Nurse, 31(2), 92-95. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from EBSCO

Parrone, J., Sedel, D., Donaubauer, C., Philips, M., & Miller, M., (2008). Charting the 7 C’s of

            Cultural Change Affecting Foreign Nurses: Competency, Communication, Consistency,

            Cooperation, Customs, Conformity and Courage. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 15(1),

            3-6. Retrieved October 17, 2012, from EBSCO

Perala, M., L., (2001). Nursing in the new millennium: Full utilization of the potential benefits

            of nursing for society. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 7, 61-62. Retrieved

            October 17, 2012, from EBSCO