Learning Self-Analysis for Nursing Program During My

Learning Self-Analysis for Nursing Program

During my time in the nursing degree school program (INSERT NAME OF YOUR PROGRAM HERE), I have undergone a continual process of experiential learning, direct instruction, and observation in the clinical setting. As part of this Learning Self-Analysis, I have attempted to track my own progress from a nursing student with aspirations of working in a major hospital, to my current status as (INSERT YOUR CURRENT POSITION HERE, INTERN, ETC.). This continual process of self-reflection has allowed me to identify both strengths and weaknesses within my own studies, as well as to gain a greater appreciation for the physicians, nurses, doctors, and other hospital personnel who work in collaboration to provide nursing students with assistance in the clinical setting. One of the most important lessons I've learned during my time in the program is that I am capable of performing tasks at a high level when I am full focused on the medical ramifications of my actions, rather than becoming consumed by fear, pressure, or uncertainty. Early in my clinical experience, I found myself worrying about grades, schedules, personal politics, and other aspects of the program that ultimately have little bearing on patient outcomes. By focusing solely on providing the most competent and qualified healthcare services to patients, either through direct interaction or by assisting hospital staff in the performance of their duties, I found my confidence grew by leaps and bounds, enabling me to gain a greater grasp on the material covered in class sessions. My time in this program has improved me both as a nurse and as a person, and I am grateful for the knowledge, experience, and skills I have been exposed to.

1.) What are the 4 types of Advanced Practice Nurses? What is the educational preparation for each and what role do they commonly have?

In order to be classified as an Advanced Practice Nurse, one must attain either a Master's or Doctoral degree in the field of clinical nursing. There are four types of Advanced Care Nurses: Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Clinical Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Nurse Practitioner (NP), and Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM). Each niche of the Advanced Practice Nursing industry requires targeted qualification and training to assure that CNSs, CRNAs, NPs, and CNMs are capable of delivering the specialized care and treatment their position entails. The educational preparation involved in becoming an Advanced Practice Nurse is as follows:

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) -- When a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) attains Master's or Doctoral accreditation, they can parlay their educational advancement into certification as a CNS. To perform sufficiently as a CNS in the clinical setting, one must develop a thorough knowledge of theoretical- and research-based nursing practices, and many CNSs also serve in educational, administrative, and management roles within hospitals and universities.

Clinical Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) -- Licensed RNs can also elect to enroll in a graduate level program dedicated to the proper administration of anesthesia, and after completing approximately 2,500 clinical hours over the course of a 24-36-month program, a certification exam stands as the last hurdle before becoming a CRNA. Those nurses who work as CRNAs must also be recertified every two years to assure that their base of knowledge does not become outdated. CRNA's assist doctors and surgeons with the proper administration of anesthetics prior to operations, tests, and other medical procedures.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) -- After completing the Master of Science in Nursing graduate-level program offered by an accredited institution, one is eligible to become an NP, providing patients with primary care. Although the Master's degree is needed to enter the profession, most working NPs elect to pursue their Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in an effort to advance their career.

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) -- In order to work as a CNM, a licensed RN must demonstrate evidence of certification in conjunction with the requirements set forth by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. The work of a CNM is extremely intensive, involving the independent management of a woman's healthcare during the advanced stages of pregnancy, as well as assisting in the birthing process.

2.) What is driving the need for Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in this country?

With the American healthcare system now the focus of public dissatisfaction and political debate, one issue that patients and providers alike can agree upon is the growing shortage of primary care providers throughout the nation's hospitals, healthcare centers, and community clinics. The disturbing trend of medical students avoiding the path of primary care in favor of more lucrative specialties or private practices has left the average patient with little option but to wait for hours in a waiting room simply to be seen. The driving need for APNs is this shortage of primary care physicians, as many APNs are qualified to perform many of the same medical duties, but are prohibited from doing so according to outdated regulations.

3.) What is the current debate about the educational entry level for APNs?

Currently a licensed RN must complete a Master's level program to become an APN, and with the knowledge base needed for these positions constantly expanding, many APN Master's degrees no require more than 3 years of graduate level study. Many organizations, including the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), are now advocating that APNs attain the Doctorate as a condition of certification. The AACN believes that because so many RNs are completing sufficient coursework to earn their Doctorates, but simply choose not to secure the actual degree because they only need a Masters to become APNs, a shift to the Doctorate standard would create thousands of highly trained nursing professionals who are vested with the same authority as physicians, pharmacists, and other doctors.

4.) What are the scope of practice issues for APNs? Do they exist in NY state?

When patients are unfamiliar with the distinctions between the four types of APNs, there are a number of conflicts that inevitably arise concerning the scope of practice. Simply put, the nursing profession is highly stratified, and only those nurses with the proper accreditation and licensure are legally allowed to perform certain functions. A patient may ask their CRNA to offer a diagnosis concerning their condition, but only doctors are granted diagnostic power. The following link: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/nursepracticefaq.htm describes the scope of practice regulations for New York state.