Question Description
In your peer response, discuss how political, social, and technological trends have impacted nursing practice, roles, and patient care. How might this impact your future career goals and professional choices? How does this relate to your peers’ future educational/academic goals/career interests? How are your goals similar to and/or different from your peers goals/career interests?
ONLY NEEDS TO BE A PARAGRAPH OR SO AS LONG AS IT COVERS WHAT SHE IS WANTING.
STUDENT ONE:
“With ever-expanding developments in electronic information and communication technology, the volume of information is growing exponentially on a global level” (Cherry & Jacobs, 2016). Currently, technology plays a major role in the education of nurses, from “online education, live and web-based simulations, apps, reference guides, and electronic textbooks on mobile devices” (University of Texas – Arlington [UTA], 2016). Online degree programs are one of the biggest changes technology has brought to nursing education (UTA, 2016). A working nurse can complete a degree, without having to change jobs, due to the convenience and flexibility offered by many programs (UTA, 2016). Another benefit is asynchronous learning, where students can participate at their convenience, rather than at a specific time and location (UTA, 2016). Additionally, online programs place greater emphasis on participation, which can increase confidence (UTA, 2016).
“Another use of technology in nursing education is simulations with electronic, training mannequins” (UTA, 2016). The mannequins can simulate real-life clinical situations. This allows for students to practice critical thinking and decision-making skills in a safe environment (UTA, 2016). Online virtual reality and game-based learning allows for students to “respond to simulated patients in real-time using the appropriate tools and procedures” (UTA, 2016).
“The use of mobile technology in nursing gives students (and working nurses) instant access to drug references, diagnoses, medical textbooks and more using apps and online guides on smartphones and tablets” (UTA, 2016). Mobile devices are important in providing immediate access to drug information, nursing procedures and treatments, and disease information (UTA, 2016). Although the type of education used to teach nurses varies, there is “no doubt the future will bring more technological ways to enhance the educational process for nurses while also improving patient safety” (UTA, 2016).
Technology has greatly influenced my nursing career. If not for this online RN-BSN program, I would not have been able to advance my education. As a full-time RN, mother, and wife, my schedule is quite hectic. An online program provides me with flexibility, affordability, and convenience. Because of the online option, I have started to think about obtaining my master’s degree. This is not something that crossed my mind 16 years ago when I first graduated from nursing school. Technology has definitely impacted my educational options.
In my opinion, career readiness is having the knowledge, skills, and judgement required to perform a specific role. Basically, it is the ability to ease into nursing practice. After 16 years in Emergency Medicine, yes, I do feel prepared to effectively practice nursing. If I was asked this question at the end of my initial training, my answer would have been different. I was not confident in my skills and honestly, I was very nervous. Time and experience assisted with my career readiness.
Outside of my current nursing role, I have great interest in Forensic Nursing. “A forensic nurse is a nurse who provides specialized care for patients who are victims and/or perpetrators of trauma (both intentional and unintentional)” (International Association of Forensic Nurses, 2017). Specialized knowledge of the legal system is also required of a forensic nurse. For me to pursue this career option, I can obtain additional training, such as becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE nurse) or a death investigator (Coroner). My other option is to obtain a Master’s Degree or PhD in forensic nursing (International Association of Forensic Nurses, 2017).
Student Two:
Just as healthcare professionals must stay up to date on continued research and evidence-based practices, curriculum developers for nursing education courses must also be aware of the societal and technological changes that will affect the role of the nurse following their educational experience. For instance, Drennan (2018) explains that there is a societal shift towards seeking out patient care for many chronic and terminal illnesses that would have traditionally been treated within a facility and under the care of a rotating nursing staff. Reliance on shared knowledge and handoffs in a facility help to ensure that the patients are under continuous supervision. However, with the trend as it is, knowledgeable community and in-home or home healthcare nurses will be necessary. Another trend affecting when and where the patients will receive their care is found through the technological advancements that led to mobile and e-medicine. O’Connor and Andrews (2015) explain that this trend is growing and therefore should be added to the curriculum as a clinical experience.
When considering the challenges of location nursing, I believe that it will be necessary to continue to seek educational hours beyond those mandated for licensure. I hope to broaden my scope of knowledge and practice to improve the overall community health. Notably, this will entail reaching out to members of the community who may not have access to the traditional healthcare settings for reasons of transportation or lack of health insurance. Yet, the equipment necessary to utilize mobile medicine is expensive and also out of the reach for many residents (O’Connor & Andrews, 2015). Additional knowledge/skills that I need to acquire to function effectively in these roles include the pursuance of additional knowledge that would allow me to help to develop a program of intervention that improves access to healthcare for these vulnerable members of the population through the use of technology without increasing the overall cost of healthcare.
