As a profession, nursing has evolved into evidence, research, and theory-based practice. Nursing training is done at different levels that substantially vary from each other in terms of educational requirements and scopes of practice. In this paper, I will be reviewing my journey towards becoming a BSN Registered Nurse.
Before the RN-BSN Program
Anbari (2015) observes that BSNs are associated with consistently improved patient outcomes. He further adds that there are more than 700 RN to BSN transition courses in the United States. Nurses prepared at the degree level have more career advancement opportunities, responsibilities, autonomy, and involvement in an institution’s decision-making processes (Berman et al., 2014). After completing my RN-BSN program, I feel that I have undergone a professional transformation.
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One area I have experienced change is in decision-making. The RN-BSN program has bestowed in me more leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. As mentioned earlier, the skills have increased my proficiency at work, something I would not have attained had I not enrolled in the RN-BSN course.
For a long time, I have had a passion and interest in matters about mental health. As I was beginning my nursing career, I envisioned a time to interact and take care of patients with mental illnesses and their family members. Completing my BSN program has brought me closer to attaining this higher professional advancement. I desire to become an advanced practice nurse specialized in psychiatry and mental health. Cherry and Jacobs (2016) ascertain that to become an APN, one needs to have baccalaureate licensure. Completing my RN-BSN program, therefore, has undoubtfully brought me closer to my career dreams.
Lifelong Learning
Lifelong learning involves searching for new ideas to gain new perspectives in an environment (Davis, Taylor & Reyes, 2014). Throughout their careers, nurses continue to learn to fill their scopes of practice and standards of care. Human beings have a lifetime potential that can be realized by making deliberate efforts to increase the skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary to succeed. Sikorski (2019) states that learning can be formal or informal and may involve watching online videos and webinars, attending conferences, and receiving on-job-training. It may also include enrolling in online degree programs, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, obtaining specialty certification, and joining nursing associations. Lifelong learning equips nurses with decision-making and critical thinking skills that enable them to handle issues encountered while taking care of their patients (Sikorski, 2019). Nurses can also foster collaborative relationships with coworkers and patients, reduce margins of errors, improve patient outcomes, and decrease mortality rates.
I have grown in the profession as a result of enrolling in my RN-BSN program. The leadership, critical thinking, and decision-making skills that I have gained have enabled me to become more confident in performing my nursing roles. As a lifelong learner, I have also increased my knowledge base on conditions, diagnoses, treatment options, and procedures. This has enabled me to provide better and exceptional care to meet the rising needs of my patients. Finally, I have been happier and gained more satisfaction in my job.
Novice to Expert
The transition from being an RN to a BSN involves several steps that the individual must take. The first step is the right motivation. In this step, besides the fact that skepticism and fear are involved in the individual’s decision-making process, it is crucial to note that a BSN degree improves direct nursing practice and improves professionalism, which is essential in drawing the RNs to the increased professionalism the BSN degree offers. The next step in the transition process is the right time. The right time is essential. Various factors make the time favorable for the individual, such as the children and family. The next step involved in the right program. In this step, the individual decides to navigate a journey as they choose to enroll in any school. The individual chooses the most convenient program that favors their interests, which will make them focus on the selected program. The right price is the final step involved in this transition, and this is because financial obligations involved should be addressed since they are often termed as an obstacle to enrolling for a BSN degree. In light of the financial obligation, access to tuition reimbursement is a key facilitator in the decision-making process (Anbari, 2015).
Cherry and Jacob (2016) define philosophy as the beliefs and values of a profession. A personal nursing philosophy contemplates one’s beliefs, values, and principles relating to their practice. One’s philosophy explains their mission and what led them to join a profession (Murphy, 2020). According to Marchuk (2014), nursing philosophies enable individuals to apply their knowledge to the fullest and inspires some nurses to create nursing theories.
My nursing philosophy is characterized by culturally sensitive care, empathetic, and holistic care to my patients and their relatives. To me, nursing is not all about the procedures and interactions with patients, but having compassion and empathy. I also believe that nurses should also embrace lifelong learning in their profession. In providing care to my patients, I individualize their plans, address their physical, spiritual, and emotional needs, and include their relatives in care to provide holistic care. I have also been able to positively embrace the concept of cultural humility, which enables me to handle all my patients in a respectable and honorable way.
Evaluation
I would recommend the program to my colleagues and friends even without a second thought. The course has assisted me in my professional growth and development. I feel that nurses can improve overall patient care and respond to rising healthcare needs and challenges with ease.
References
Anbari A. B. (2015). The RN to BSN Transition: A Qualitative Systematic Review. Global qualitative nursing research , 2 , 2333393615614306. https://doi.org/10.1177/2333393615614306
Anbari, A. B. (2015). The RN to BSN transition: A qualitative systematic review. Global qualitative nursing research, 2, 2333393615614306.
Berman, A., Snyder, S. J., Kozier, B., Erb, G. L., Levett-Jones, T., Dwyer, T., ... & Parker, B. (2014). Kozier & Erb's Fundamentals of Nursing Australian Edition (Vol. 3). Pearson Higher Education AU.
Davis, L., Taylor, H., & Reyes, H. (2014). Lifelong learning in nursing: A Delphi study. Nurse Education Today , 34 (3), 441-445.
Marchuk, A. (2014). A personal nursing philosophy in practice. Journal of Neonatal Nursing , 20 , 266–273. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2014.06.004
Murphy, J. (2020). Nursing Philosophy | Transitions to Professional Nursing Practice. Retrieved 30 September 2020, from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-delhi-professionalnursing/chapter/nursing-philosophy/
Sikorski, K. (2019). Being a Nurse Means Pursuing Lifelong Learning. Retrieved 30 September 2020, from https://learnonline.eiu.edu/articles/rnbsn/nurses-pursue-lifelong-learning.aspx
