Introduction
Given the ongoing evolution of healthcare delivery systems and patient needs, nursing education is crucial in shaping the direction of the nursing profession. “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity” paper emphasizes the value of pursuing higher levels of education in nursing and lifelong learning (Flaubert et al., 2021). The job market offers various opportunities for registered nurses holding an associate degree in hospitals, clinics, long-term care centers, and home healthcare settings.
However, earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing or a related field may open up prospects for advanced practice, leadership, and higher pay. Additionally, the ANA emphasizes the value of CNE in nursing practice, stating that nurses must stay current on new advances, methods, and technologies in the medical field. In light of the report’s recommendations, this essay will examine the value of nursing education and discuss individual educational aspirations.
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030
“The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity” emphasizes the importance of pursuing higher levels of education in nursing and continuing to learn throughout one’s nursing career. In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of enhancing the diversity of nursing educators and leaders (Flaubert et al., 2021). For my part, I am interested in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs offered by various universities.
Through the Master of Science in Nursing program, I could concentrate on a particular nursing subfield, such as nursing administration, education, or advanced nursing practice. I am confident that obtaining this degree will provide me with the education and training to assume a leadership position in the future. Additionally, holding a Master of Science in Nursing degree would make me more marketable in the job market, as many advanced practice and leadership positions require a master’s degree.
I plan to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree within the next two years and then enroll in a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program within five years. This is the timeframe for reaching my educational goals. I intend to continue my education while working as a nurse to gain valuable experience and apply my newly acquired knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
Increasing Level of Education and Competitiveness in the Job Market
As a registered nurse with an associate degree, I have multiple career opportunities in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare environments. Higher education is crucial for developing my work and becoming more competitive in the employment market. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing can open doors to leadership positions, advanced practice, and higher pay.
A clinical nurse specialist, a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist, or a nurse midwife are some specializations available to nurses with advanced degrees. Advanced knowledge and skills are required for these tasks, including conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, and educating patients. Nurses with advanced degrees can also manage teams of nurses and other healthcare workers while acting as clinical leaders and educators.
Higher-educated nurses are more in demand from employers for leadership and advanced practice positions. This highlights the importance of pursuing higher education levels to maintain competitiveness in the job market (Flaubert et al., 2021). Additionally, nurses with postgraduate degrees are more likely to be paid and have more job freedom. The median annual wage for nurse practitioners with a master’s degree is $117,670, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, as opposed to $75,330 for registered nurses with an associate degree (Flaubert et al., 2021). This pay disparity may strongly incentivize nurses to obtain advanced degrees.
Continuing Nursing Education and Competency
To maintain and advance nursing competency, attitudes, and knowledge, continuing nursing education (CNE) is essential. The Scope and Standards for Practice and Code of Ethics of the American Nurses Association (ANA) strongly emphasize the value of continuing education and lifelong learning in nursing. CNE can be presented in various ways, including seminars, conferences, online courses, and internal training initiatives (Hagopian, 2019). It enables nurses to stay informed about cutting-edge scientific discoveries, industry best practices, and evidence-based recommendations that can improve patient outcomes.
Nurses are responsible for upholding their competence and meeting professional development requirements. As a result, nurses have a moral and professional duty to pursue continual education. Enhancing one’s competitiveness in the job market and improving career prospects are two additional benefits of competency maintenance through CNE. To qualify for certain professions, employers may prefer or require that nurses hold specific credentials or pursue additional education. CNE can broaden nurses’ skill sets and prepare them for leadership and advanced practice positions.
Mandatory Continuing Nursing Education
Deciding whether continuing nursing education (CNE) should be required is a complicated issue. Supporters argue that requiring CNE is crucial to ensure that nurses maintain the knowledge and skills required for their roles (Khrais & Nashwan, 2023). Ensuring that nurses are aware of the most recent research findings, best practices, and evidence-based guidelines can also enhance patient outcomes. Mandatory CNE can also ensure that all nurses receive equal training, thereby helping to standardize care.
Opponents contend that the required CNE can be expensive and that the demand for nurses, especially those who work in rural or underprivileged regions, is high. Additionally, finding the time and resources to attend training courses may be challenging for nurses with families or other obligations. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the required CNE always leads to better patient outcomes. Despite these objections, nurses must continually seek opportunities for learning and growth (Khrais & Nashwan, 2023).
Whether CNE is required or not, nurses must take charge of their own education and continually seek opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills. This can entail participating in seminars, conferences, and internal training programs, as well as pursuing certifications or higher education degrees (Khrais & Nashwan, 2023). By doing this, nurses can ensure they give their patients the finest care possible while maintaining competitiveness in the job market.
Conclusion
It is worth noting that nursing education is a vital component of the nursing profession, essential for maintaining proficiency and improving patient outcomes. The Future of Nursing 2020–2030 report emphasizes the importance of higher education and lifelong learning to promote health equity. A higher degree can open up more employment options, offer higher pay, and provide nurses with more autonomy.
To keep up with the latest innovations in healthcare, nurses must participate in continuing nursing education (CNE). While there are arguments in favor of and against requiring CNE, it is crucial that nurses take responsibility for their own education and actively seek opportunities for growth. Nurses can enhance their job marketability and contribute to shaping the future of nursing by pursuing professional certifications or advanced degrees.
References
Flaubert, J. L., Le Menestrel, S., Williams, D. R., & Wakefield, M. K. (2021). The future of nursing 2020-2030: Charting a path to achieve health equity. National Academies Press (US). Web.
Hagopian, C. O. (2019). Ethical challenges with nonsurgical medical aesthetic devices. Plastic and Aesthetic Nursing, 39(1), 5-9. Web.
Khrais, H., & Nashwan, A. J. (2023). Leadership practices as perceived by emergency nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of structural and psychological empowerment. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 49(1), 140-147. Web.