Five Year Professional Projection in Nursing Field

FIVE-Year PROFESSIONAL PROJECTION

The objective of this study is to located evidence-based research articles in nursing peer-reviewed journals that relate specifically to five-year professional projection and to summarize the articles. Included will be suggestions and applications of each five-year professional projection plan.

Courtney and McCutcheon (2010) report that evidence-based medicine is defined as "The conscientious, explicit and judicious use of current best evidence in making decision about the healthcare of patients." (p. 4) It is reported additionally in the work of Courtney and McCutcheon (2010) that Sackett et al. (2000) that evidence-based practice is the practice that "integrates clinical expertise and patient values with the best available research." (p. 4) The use of evidence-based research in this study will include the use of articles in nursing peer-reviewed journals that provides supporting evidence on the five-year professional projection of the nursing professional.

I. Career Pathways in Nursing (Raines and Taglaireni, 2008)

The work of Raines and Taglareni (2008) published in the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing reports "The national dialogue about the nursing shortage has helped to underscore the critical role nurses play in healthcare delivery. First noted in 1998, the current shortfall in the number of nurses needed to provide care in the United States (U.S.) is expected to increase to more than 500,000 by the year 2025 according to the latest projections by workforce analysts." (p. 1) It is stated that enrollment in entry-level nursing programs has witnessed an increase according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN). Over the past ten to fifteen years there has been "new and innovative pathways to prepare nurses for increasingly complex, uncertain, healthcare environment" reported to have emerged. (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1) In addition it is reported that "Nursing continues to offer multiple ways for students to enter the profession and has consistently advocated for creative and innovative opportunities for academic progression that meet the needs of a student population that is diverse along numerous dimensions." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1)

According to Raines and Taglareni (2008) there are various entry pathways into nursing including diploma programs, Associate Degree Programs and entry-level masters programs. Those who desire to change their career and who possess undergraduate degrees in fields other than nursing" may enter into 28 to 36-month programs which build on the individual's previous experiences in learning and prepare the graduates 'for teaching, research and specialty nursing roles." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1) It is reported that the entry-level master's degree programs are such that "nurses for advanced generalist roles, including the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL®). Gaining in prominence, CNLs are lateral integrators of care who put evidence-based practice into action to ensure that patients benefit from the latest innovations in care delivery. Evidence-based nursing practice integrates the best research available with clinical expertise and patient values for optimum care (Institute of Medicine, 2003). The CNL role combines expert clinical practice with microsystems-level advocacy, centralized-care coordination, outcomes management, risk assessment, and quality improvement." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1)

In addition it is reported in the work of Raines and Taglareni (2008) that accelerated baccalaureate programs exist that "offer the quickest route to licensure as a registered nurse for adults who have already completed a bachelor's or graduate degree in a non-nursing discipline." (p. 1) These programs are reported to "take between 11 and 18 months to complete, including prerequisites." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1) As well, there are reported to be bridge programs offered by community colleges and four-year institutions for Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses, Emergency Medical Technicians and other allied health professionals who wish to transition into the Registered Nurse role." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1)

For the AND-prepared nurses with a desire to expand their previous knowledge it is reported that RN to BSN programs fulfill this need. RN's who move to advance their education further than initial preparation are reported to "choose to complete a baccalaureate nursing program. RN to BSN programs build on initial nursing preparation with course work to enhance professional development, prepare for a broader scope of practice, and provide a better understanding of the cultural, political, economic and social issues that affect patients and influence care delivery." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1) it is reported that these programs "are growing in importance since many professional practice settings, including Magnet hospitals and academic health centers, now require or prefer the baccalaureate degree for specific nursing roles." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1)

Finally Raines and Taglareni (2008) report baccalaureate to doctoral programs which are being offered by nursing schools throughout the United States in response to the need in the nursing professional for more nurse faculty and researchers. It is reported that these type programs enables graduates of baccalaureate nursing programs to "move quickly into graduate study." (Raines and Taglareni, 2008, p. 1)