My Personal and Professional Growth, Essay Example

The course objectives have been met by addressing a number of different issues that impact the nursing profession at the local, state, federal, and global levels. For example, nurse staffing is a challenging issue that impacts nurses throughout the world and requires an organized strategy that supports adequate staffing for nurses in many different organizations. In the United States, there has been a steady increase in staffing that has contributed to improved outcomes for patients and greater quality of care (Staggs & He 388). Furthermore, resource allocation has improved and provides nurses with a greater level of support to meet the needs of the profession over time (Staggs & He 388). Since nurse staffing is a critical issue, these changes must continue to make a difference in the healthcare industry and for the nursing profession moving forward.

Nurses must continue to explore the different changes taking place regarding healthcare reform in order to effectively manage the demand for nurses in many countries and in specialty areas (Auerbach, Staiger, Muench, & Buerhaus 1470). From this perspective, it is important to identify the different areas where there are opportunities for growth in order to accommodate any gaps in staffing that may exist, while also demonstrating the importance of providing high quality education for nurses to expand their knowledge and preparation for the nursing profession (Auerbach et.al 1471). Nurses must be able to receive effective support and guidance during their educational pursuits and throughout their careers, thereby demonstrating a need to explore the options available to ultimately impact patient care at a high level. In addition, nurses must continue to explore areas where reform may be effective and necessary, as these will improve the overall visibility and strength of the profession moving forward.

Nursing-related trends represent a means of evaluating a variety of different issues that influence the practice environment and patient care. Therefore, information technologies and communication must be seamlessly integrated into nursing in different ways in order to share data and information that will lead to meaningful results for nurses across all areas (While & Dewsbury 1302). In some cases, social media may also impact nursing in positive ways and should be explored as a feasible alternative. In addition, nurses must work collaboratively within the profession and across other disciplines in order to identify information that will impact these areas and will make a difference in recognizing key trends and strategies. These tools will ultimately influence how nurses respond to adversity and what is required to ensure that they are able to meet expectations at a high level. Therefore, technology-based tools are critical to the continued growth and expansion of the nursing profession.

Professional nursing organizations must be influential in supporting the demands of nursing practice and in supporting an environment in which there are opportunities for growth that will impact outcomes. These organizations must serve in an advocacy role in order to be effective in supporting new idea generation, in advancing areas where nurse-led reform is necessary, and in supporting an environment in which the nursing profession is at the forefront of change and progress (Matthews). Nurses must continue to explore new avenues in health policy and provide much-needed input that will impact the profession and the nurses who are employed in a positive manner, while also recognizing the need for improvements in social policy and at the community level (Matthews). It is also important for nurses to advocate for improvements in patient care quality and safety so that direct care and treatment are safe and effective in meeting the needs of patients at all levels (Matthews). These objectives must be consistent with the needs of the patient population and in supporting opportunities that promote nursing core values (Matthews). This process will demonstrate a strong commitment to improving the nursing profession and in advancing new strategies for reform that will enhance nursing practice for all patients across all areas.

Works Cited

Auerbach, David I., et al. “The nursing workforce in an era of health care reform.” New England Journal of Medicine 368.16 (2013): 1470-1472.

Matthews, Jennifer H. “Role of professional organizations in advocating for the nursing profession.” The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing 17.1 (2012).

Staggs, Vincent S., and Jianghua He. “Recent trends in hospital nurse staffing in the United States.” Journal of Nursing Administration 43.7/8 (2013): 388-393.

While, Alison, and Guy Dewsbury. “Nursing and information and communication technology (ICT): a discussion of trends and future directions.” International journal of nursing studies 48.10 (2011): 1302-1310.