NRS 430 Assignment Contemporary Nursing Practice

The field of nursing has undergone significant changes over the years, evolving from a role primarily focused on basic patient care to one that now involves advanced decision-making, leadership, and evidence-based practice.
This evolution has not only expanded the nursing scope of practice but also reshaped the approach to patient care.
In the past, nursing primarily focused on providing hands-on care and following physician orders.
However, today’s nurses play a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes by incorporating critical thinking, evidence-based guidelines, and interdisciplinary team collaboration.
As nursing education has progressed, especially with the introduction of more advanced nursing practice roles, such as BSN-prepared nurses, the scope of nursing practice has also expanded, leading to improvements in patient care and the overall healthcare system.

Differentiated Practice Competencies: ADN vs BSN

One of the most significant shifts in nursing practice has been the differentiation in practice competencies between nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). ADN nurses typically receive a more focused education, which is primarily clinical in nature, lasting about two years. Their training emphasizes technical skills and patient care tasks, such as administering medications and performing procedures. While ADN nurses provide essential nursing care, their scope of practice is more task-oriented and less involved in decision-making and leadership responsibilities compared to their BSN counterparts.

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In contrast, a BSN program offers a broader and more comprehensive education that spans four years. BSN-prepared nurses are trained to take on more complex patient care tasks, manage care teams, and participate in decision-making processes. They also learn about the importance of evidence-based practice in nursing and are trained to integrate theory, clinical judgment, and patient preferences to deliver high-quality care. The nursing roles and responsibilities of BSN nurses extend beyond direct patient care to include leadership, management, and advanced practice roles, which ADN nurses may not be fully equipped to handle. For example, BSN nurses may be more involved in patient education, health promotion, and coordinating care across different healthcare teams.

Patient Care and Decision-Making in Nursing

A key area where the competencies of ADN and BSN nurses differ is in patient care decision-making. For instance, in a critical situation such as managing a patient after intubation, a BSN nurse might focus on post-procedural care and long-term recovery strategies, while an ADN nurse is more likely to concentrate on immediate, hands-on interventions such as airway management and stabilization. BSN-prepared nurses, through their advanced education, are trained to consider not only the clinical needs of the patient but also the psychological, social, and ethical dimensions of care.

In complex situations like end-of-life care, a BSN nurse may play a more significant role in helping families make decisions about patient care, taking into account legal and ethical considerations, patient preferences, and cultural competence in nursing. ADN nurses, while highly skilled in direct care, are often not given the same level of responsibility or education to handle these nuanced decisions.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an essential component of modern nursing. It involves using the best available research evidence, patient preferences, and clinical expertise to make informed decisions about patient care. EBP has become a cornerstone of nursing practice, ensuring that interventions are not only effective but also efficient and tailored to individual patient needs.

For BSN-prepared nurses, evidence-based practice is a central aspect of their education. They are taught to analyze research findings, integrate these findings into patient care plans, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. This contrasts with ADN programs, which may not emphasize EBP as much. BSN nurses, because of their extended training, are better equipped to critically assess research, apply evidence-based guidelines, and contribute to nursing research, improving healthcare outcomes and patient care.

By utilizing EBP, nurses can help reduce the use of unnecessary healthcare resources, enhance patient recovery times, and ultimately contribute to better patient outcomes. This focus on evidence also helps ensure that nursing interventions are up-to-date with the latest medical advancements, improving the quality of care provided in healthcare settings.

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration for Better Patient Outcomes

Another area where BSN and ADN nurses differ is in their approach to interdisciplinary team collaboration. Nurses, regardless of their educational background, work as part of a larger healthcare team, including physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals. However, BSN-prepared nurses are often better equipped to lead and collaborate within these teams, owing to their broader understanding of healthcare systems and leadership training. They can act as bridges between patients and the various healthcare professionals, facilitating communication and ensuring that patient care is coordinated and comprehensive.

Effective interdisciplinary collaboration improves patient care by ensuring that all aspects of the patient’s health are considered. For example, in managing a chronic illness, a BSN nurse may coordinate care plans with physicians, dietitians, and physical therapists, ensuring that each aspect of the patient’s condition is addressed. This collaborative approach has been shown to reduce medical errors, improve patient outcomes, and lower healthcare costs.

Conclusion: The Future of Nursing Practice

The future of nursing practice is shaped by ongoing changes in nursing education, the increasing importance of evidence-based practice, and the growing demand for interdisciplinary collaboration. As the nursing field continues to evolve, so too will the scope of practice for nurses, especially those with higher education levels such as BSN-prepared nurses. The continued development of nursing roles and responsibilities will improve healthcare outcomes by ensuring that nurses are well-equipped to manage complex patient care situations and lead healthcare teams.

Moreover, with the growing emphasis on patient-centered care, cultural competence in nursing, and the importance of nursing leadership and management, the future of nursing looks promising. As nursing education pathways evolve, with programs such as RN to BSN and BSN to MSN, nurses will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare.

The impact of nursing education on practice is profound, and its influence will only continue to grow, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care possible. Whether through advanced nursing practice roles or ongoing professional development, nurses will continue to be at the forefront of improving healthcare outcomes and advancing the profession.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2015). Creating a more highly qualified nursing workforce. Retrieved September 30.
Dang, D., & Dearholt, S. L. (2017). Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Model and guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau.
Loversidge, J., Yen, P. Y., Chipps, E., Gallagher-Ford, L., Genter, L., & Buck, J. (2018). Top-of-license nursing practice, part 2: differentiating BSN and ADN perceptions of top-of-license activities. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 48(6), 329-334.
Ranard, C. (2015). How Nursing Has Changed Over Time – Minority Nurse. Minority Nurse. Retrieved 29 September 2020, from https://minoritynurse.com/how-nursing-has-changed-over-time/.
Rosseter, R. J. (2014). The impact of education on nursing practice. American Association of Colleges of Nursing Fact Sheet.

NRS 430 Assignment Contemporary Nursing Practice

Read “What is Nursing,” located on the American Nurses Association (ANA) website.

Assessment Description

Attachments NRS 430 Assignment Contemporary Nursing Practice

Comparing and Contrasting Differentiated Practice Competencies in Nursing Education

In this discussion, we will explore and compare the competencies of nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both groups function as registered nurses, yet their competencies differ significantly due to variations in their education.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

ADN education typically spans three years and primarily focuses on technical aspects of nursing. The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills aimed at improving patient health. ADN nurses generally perform task-oriented work and take responsibility for their actions. They are expected to assess, plan, and execute patient care, from triage to admission or discharge.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

A BSN program spans four years and covers a broader spectrum of nursing topics, including nursing roles, critical thinking, patient care, supervision, management, and community health. BSN nurses are expected to demonstrate independent decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Their scope of practice involves integrating intellectual, emotional, physical, and social competencies to enhance patient outcomes. Overall, BSN-prepared nurses offer more comprehensive care, overseeing patients from pre-admission to post-discharge.

Highlighting the Differences in Nursing Care

In patient care scenarios, differences emerge in decision-making between BSN-prepared and ADN-prepared nurses. For instance, in an emergency situation requiring intubation, BSN nurses are likely to focus on post-intubation patient management, while ADN nurses concentrate on immediate patient treatment, as they have the authority to intubate and prescribe medication.

Similarly, in end-of-life care decisions, BSN nurses consider patient rights, legal aspects, and palliative care, which ADN nurses are not specifically trained to address.

The Significance of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in Nursing

Evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing involves applying the best available evidence, patient preferences, and clinical expertise to guide clinical decisions. EBP is crucial in ensuring that nurses stay updated with the latest medical guidelines, thereby enhancing patient care and recovery.

By implementing EBP, nurses increase the chances of patient recovery and reduce the demand for healthcare resources. Healthcare organizations adopt EBP models to standardize care and provide higher-quality patient care.

Academic Preparation and EBP Application

The academic preparation of RNBSN nurses plays a pivotal role in supporting EBP application. RNBSN students learn how to integrate nursing evidence, theories, clinical judgment, and patient preferences into their practice. As healthcare becomes more complex, EBP knowledge becomes indispensable for nursing success.

RNBSN-prepared nurses have the skills to seek and apply evidence-based guidelines effectively in their daily practice.

Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration in Nursing

Interdisciplinary teams consist of healthcare professionals from various specialties. Nurses act as bridges between healthcare organizations, physicians, and patients, making effective communication within the team vital. Open communication in multidisciplinary teams ensures safer and more effective patient care, reducing medical errors and enhancing the patient’s healthcare experience. This, in turn, can lower healthcare costs.

Conclusion

The nursing profession has evolved significantly, with nurses now undertaking extensive training and bearing more significant patient care responsibilities. BSN-prepared nurses offer more holistic care compared to ADN-prepared nurses. Implementing EBP in healthcare results in better patient outcomes. Interdisciplinary team collaboration is essential for safe and effective healthcare services, ultimately leading to positive patient outcomes and satisfaction.

References NRS 430 Assignment Contemporary Nursing Practice

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2015). Creating a more highly qualified nursing workforce. Retrieved September, 30.

Dang, D., &Dearholt, S. L. (2017). Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Model and guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau.

Loversidge, J., Yen, P. Y., Chipps, E., Gallagher-Ford, L., Genter, L., & Buck, J. (2018). Top-of-license nursing practice, part 2: differentiating BSN and ADN perceptions of top-of-license activities. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 48(6), 329-334. NRS 430 Assignment Contemporary Nursing Practice

Ranard, C. (2015). How Nursing Has Changed Over Time – Minority Nurse. Minority Nurse. Retrieved 29 September 2020, from https://minoritynurse.com/how-nursing-has-changed-over-time/.

Rosseter, R. J. (2014). The impact of education on nursing practice. American Association of Colleges of Nursing Fact Sheet.

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