Professional Status of Nursing, Essay Example

Introduction

The Flexner Report was created in 1910 to provide a framework for medical school education and training (Boelen, 2002). Similarly, nurses have been provided with a framework for advancing their education and credentialing to improve practice (Clarke and Aiken, 2006). These principles support nursing as a profession of its own right and an opportunity for healthcare professionals to expand their knowledge and understanding of healthcare in this role. Nurses must be properly educated and trained as professionals to have a positive impact on patient care and safety at all levels and across all units (Clarke and Aiken, 2006).

Analysis

In the modern era, there is an increased risk associated with the development of new perspectives to ensure that nursing education at the baccalaureate level is expanded to improve outcomes for patients and to reduce the risk of death in many cases (Aiken et.al, 2003). Nursing practice is an ever-changing platform that requires nurses to maintain advanced education and training to expand their knowledge base in treating patients with new and emerging conditions (Aiken et.al, 2003). This has a significant impact on improving the reputation of nursing practice and expanding advanced levels of care and treatment for all patients (Aiken et.al, 2003).

Conclusion

As a nursing student, I believe that the impact of my profession will continue to increase in scope and significance, particularly with continued education and training in the field. Upon graduation, my knowledge will serve me well in working with a variety of patient populations and health concerns that impact patients on many levels. This contribution will support my continued growth and development as a practicing nurse with an educational and theoretical background that facilitates effective decision-making that will have a positive and meaningful impact on patient care outcomes.

References

Aiken, L.H., Clarke, S.P., Cheung, R.B., Sloane, D.M., Silber, J.H. (2003). Educational levels of hospital nurses and surgical patient mortality. Journal of the American Medical Association, 290(12), 1617-1623.

Boelen, C. (2002). A new paradigm for medical schools a century after Flexner’s report. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 80(7), 592-593.

Clarke, S.P., and Aiken, L.H. (2006). More nursing, fewer deaths. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 15, 2-3.