Importance of Continuing Education in Nursing and the Opportunities Available
Assessment Description
“The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity” report makes recommendations for lifelong learning and achieving higher levels of education.
In 1,000-1,250 words, examine the importance of nursing education and discuss your overall educational goals.
Include the following:
1. Discuss your options in the job market based on your educational level.
2. Review "The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity" report's recommendations for achieving higher levels of education. Describe what professional certification or advanced degrees (MSN, DNP, etc.) you may want to pursue and explain your reasons for wanting to attain this education. Discuss the timeline for accomplishing these goals.
3. Discuss how increasing your level of education would affect how your competitiveness in the current job market and your role in the future of nursing.
4. Discuss the relationship of continuing nursing education to competency, attitudes, knowledge, and the ANA Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics.
5. Discuss whether continuing nursing education should be mandatory. Provide support for your response.
You are required to cite a minimum of four sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years, appropriate for the assignment criteria, and relevant to nursing practice.
NOTE: Please let the selected writer write the paper. If he/she is not available let me know. thanks
Reflection Paper
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Reflection Paper
Education in the nursing niche has emerged as a fundamental component due to the constantly shifting health needs and practices. According to Wakefield et al. (2021), projections reveal that in 2030 nursing will be wholly different and caring for a rapidly changing society. These observations push the authors to underscore the importance of changing and adapting the nursing education curricula and approaches to match the shifting patient and other structural aspects. It also requires ensuring they can continue to eliminate health disparities, ensure health equity, and assure the populations of their wellbeing through adequate care. As a result, this paper explores the importance of continuing education in nursing, the different opportunities available, including certifications, and perceptions about continuing nursing education.
Options in the Job Market Based on My Educational Level
Nursing remains one of the fastest expanding healthcare-related professions in the United States and beyond. Trends demonstrate that healthcare institutions demand more advanced practice registered nurses due to the persistent understaffing in different departments (Maryville University, n.d.). These observations confirm that the job market has numerous job opportunities based on my educational level because it coincides with the qualifications sought-after by different employers. The recent COVID-19 pandemic exposed the shortages of advanced nurses in the United States. There are many opportunities in the American context, considering that I can pursue a specialization in areas such as pediatric nursing, family nursing, psychiatric niche, and adult-gerontology. Besides working within the healthcare environment, the job market also offers chances to practice in different contexts, including the school-based health clinics where nursing services are becoming critical. The government also employs advanced nurses to serve in correctional institutions, birthing centers, urgent care homes, and veteran health institutions. Many more options exist, including community health facilities, specialty clinics, and remote visiting of patients in their homes. These areas demonstrate that the job market in the nation is expansive and has different options for one to choose from depending on their interests and passion.
Potential Professional Certifications to Pursue
Specialty/professional certification receives significant recognition in the healthcare community. Stucky et al. (2020) also underline the importance of certifications as a source of credentialing and hospital privileges in the United States. This observation is consistent with the argument presented by Wakefield and Wymer. (2021) in their report investigating the benefits arising from nursing’s continued pursing of professional certifications. In this context, I will apply for nursing certification through the Virgin nursing board immediately after graduation. Stucky and Wymer (2020) acknowledge that many nurses lose recognition and growth opportunities because they ignore specialty certification, a voluntary exercise free of any compulsion from authorities. However, I intend to apply for it as a mark of my nursing professional commitment. It would also boost my marketability, employment opportunities, and capacity to receive increased compensation, in addition to the accompanied employer and peer recognition. These benefits are critical for one’s continued growth in the profession.
Advancing my education will also remain a priority. Wakefield et al. (2021) recommend that nurses should strive to continuously refine and improve their skills to stay marketable and competent in their field due to the changing health needs. In this context, I have a plan to enroll in a Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) 1 year after my graduation to advance my education. Since this advanced degree takes approximately 18 to 24 months, I can complete it part-time while continuing to practice. This advancement will be critical for improving my competence and qualifications for more specialized duties in my career. It will also assist me in taking up management and leadership roles. I plan to have completed this degree by 2027 to open up opportunities for more advancements and even research while de...