Prior to reviewing current aspects and features of nursing, it is important to know the history of this field in general. In the 18th century, nurses usually cleaned, fed and looked after the patients. However, one century later, they were in higher demand due to the ongoing wars at the time. This helped the occupation evolve into its present day form as it is known nowadays.
Undeniably, this profession has changed over time, so it is necessary to review some of them. Primarily, the scope of a nurse’s responsibilities and qualifications has become broader than it was previously. Currently, they may partake in many tasks without the supervision of the patient’s physician (HCI News Nursing, 2021). The diversity of the occupation has expanded as well, since currently, some nurses are male. The final two valuable changes are that nurses developed more confidence, leadership and their responsibilities are more centered on better patient care. This shows the evolution of this profession compared to the past.
To better understand the qualifications of a nurse and how they may affect a patient’s treatment, one should review the features of the two education degrees: associate and bachelor (ADN and BSN). ADN accentuates a nurse’s clinical tasks, which include monitoring the patients, reviewing their records and more healthcare procedures (American Sentinel, 2021). A BSN nurse, on the other hand, revolves around other qualifications of the field, which include evidence-based practice and public health. The former is centered on simpler tasks, making it commonly known as a “technical” nursing degree. The latter is more in-depth and helps nurses provide their patients with better care, ranging from mental health to critical help. Thus, BSN represents the minimum requirements for a person working in that field, although it does not limit ADN nurses, either.
Patient care is a concept that carries a specific meaning that cannot be interpreted freely. It focuses on comforting patients and their families, informing them of all the necessary measures being taken for their treatment and providing the required procedures (Nightingale, 2021). A nurse’s degree undeniably has a significant effect on the outcome of a patient’s case. This is why the assessment of the roles of ADN and BSN nurses is rather significant.
Primarily, the number of BSN nurses and RNs without such a degree may affect the consequences of a hospital’s services. Research has shown that the most qualified hospitals have BSN nurses. Hospitals where the majority of nurses have a bachelor’s degree are known for lower mortality rates, than the ones where such nurses are the minority (Nightingale, 2021). Moreover, nurses with more in-depth training are more likely to ensure the lack of medical errors. Thus, BSN nurses tend to play a significantly more crucial role in a hospital’s positive outcomes and proper patient care.
Evidence-based practice helps review three aspects: research evidence, a patient’s needs and clinical expertise. This method helps nurses give their patients individualized care, considering their requests and preferences (Eastern Illinois University, 2018). The BSN program educates the employees on this integration, which later helps them discover objectives and strategies that are the most suitable for patient care. EBP consists of the following steps: identifying the issue with the means of a clinical question, collecting and analyzing the required evidence, involving it in clinical practice and reviewing the end result. That way, nurses are more likely to assist their patients better, while taking the needs of the latter into consideration.
As mentioned earlier, a BSN degree provides nurses with a more in-depth review of their occupation, educating them in a more detailed manner. This helps nurses with that education have a better comprehension of the risks and effectiveness of tests and treatments. Moreover, it encourages nurses to make their plans more patient-inclusive (Eastern Illinois University, 2018). That way, patients will be given the right to take part in their treatment by mentioning their fears, discuss their needs and offer ideas on better treatment.
Collaboration with others plays a significant role in nursing, as it helps them assist patients with their health problems and lets them guarantee the suitable quality of care to one or more patients. There is a large number of various specialists with whom nurses collaborate. Some of the specialists involve patient care technicians, nursing supervisors and the Vice President for Nursing Services (Registered Nursing, 2022). This diverse set of people is why nurses are required to have exceptional communicating, problem solving and decision making skills. This guarantees proper work interactions between them and the other specialists.
For example, patient care technicians work while being guided by a nurse. Their responsibilities include assistance with a patient’s daily routine, motion exercises and measuring a patient’s parameters. Nursing supervisors are crucial for assessing patient care and guarantee its quality. Thus, nurses report certain facts in accordance with the chain of command and communication (Registered Nursing, 2022). Finally, the VP of Nursing Services is responsible for all of the features of patient care. This encourages nurses to be mindful of their actions and ensure proper treatment of the patient. Thus, working with the aforementioned specialists helps the former resolve the latter’s problems in an adequate way.
Works Cited
ADN vs BSN patient safety outcomes & care situation. (2021). Nightingale College.
ADN vs. BSN: What’s the difference and which degree should you choose? (2021). The Sentinel Watch.
Collaboration with interdisciplinary team: NCLEX-RN. (2022). RN Programs – Registered Nurse || RegisteredNursing.org.
The evolution of the nursing practice. (2021). HCI College.
Why is evidence-based practice in nursing so important? (2018). Eastern Illinois University.