Introduction
The vision of nursing among officials and educators has recently changed and become oriented toward continuous education and raising the prestige of the profession through producing skilled and well-rounded professionals with a solid theoretical background (Davis, Taylor, & Reyes, 2014). In light of this, changes will likely occur in the job market. Therefore, it is paramount to review my own prospects in nursing.
IOM Future of Nursing
The U.S. Institute of Medicine Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing (2011) has proposed several transformations of nursing practice that would shape the nursing profession into a new form by 2020. One of these transformations is an 80% increase in nursing specialists with a bachelor’s degree. I imagine myself enrolling in a nursing bachelor’s program. However, I do not know for sure yet in what field I want to have more advanced knowledge. As of now, I am rather fascinated with leadership and management, and I plan to become a team leader.
Another transformation proposition aims to double the number of nurses with a doctorate degree by 2020. I do not see myself as a doctor of medicine because it requires a passionate love for in-depth study and research, which I am lacking at the moment. In addition, studying for a doctorate degree requires time and immense effort, while allocating less time for practice. I want to advance my practical skills and build experience first and foremost.
Lifelong learning is a third transformational concept proposed by the IOM. I am fond of this idea. It enables each nurse to advance not only his or her practical skills but also builds theoretical knowledge that is essential for ensuring the quality of service (Chinn & Kramer, 2013). It will also improve my usage of evidence-based practices by being constantly aware of new achievements.
Job Market Options and Education Level
Education greatly improves one’s chances of finding a decent job opportunity. Despite the fact, that nowadays many employers put forward experience as the main criterion for job applicants, education level still matters. Education will enable me to be aware of modern practices and theories of nursing by using which I will be able to perform better than other less educated employees. In addition, higher education provides me with a multitude of learning opportunities allowing me to build diverse knowledge that is also valued in clinics.
Building my knowledge and honing my skills through continuous education will help me advance as a professional and a human being. I believe that my role in the future of nursing is to perform at maximum capacity and deliver the best quality of service. Additionally, I would like to advocate for the nursing profession as an autonomous field of practice and study and further its role in the hierarchy of medical professions. If nursing becomes a more respected trade than it is now, then it will probably become a better-paid one and will attract new people. The future of nursing will likely see a nurse of a totally different quality that will advance its position in the job market. My colleagues and I will certainly benefit from that, which is why it is paramount to believe in the vision of the future that IOM proposed.
Conclusion
All things considered, the future of nursing will only be as bright as IOM imagines if all nurses contribute to advancing it. By employing lifelong learning principles and studying towards further degrees, I bring this future closer. From both short and long-term perspectives, it will boost my chances to be competitive in the job market.
References
Chinn, P. L., & Kramer, M. K. (2013). Integrated theory & knowledge development in nursing-e-book. New York, NY: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Davis, L., Taylor, H., & Reyes, H. (2014). Lifelong learning in nursing: A Delphi study. Nurse Education Today, 34(3), 441-445.
The U.S. Institute of Medicine Committee on the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Initiative on the Future of Nursing. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.