Reflection on the Future of Nursing

Reflection Paper
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Reflection Paper
Nurses are critical to the healthcare system. Being the primary caregivers, nurses are responsible for the care of the patients. Without nurses, the healthcare system will not function. The need for nurses has increased over the years. The ageing population in the U.S. has increased the need for healthcare professionals and especially the nurses. Moreover, the need for nurses who are educated has increased over the years. The need for nursing education has been captured in the IOM Future of Nursing Recommendations.
Currently, I am a diploma-prepared Registered Nurse. With these qualifications, I have various options available for me in the job market. In the healthcare setting, I am allowed to offer and monitor patient care. With my diploma, I am qualified to work with other healthcare professionals in meeting the needs of the clients. Additionally, I am allowed to provide medications and treatments. However, I do this under the supervision of a physician. Furthermore, I can provide emotional support to patients and their family members. Consequently, I can apply for jobs in nursing homes where I care for older adults. I can also find employment as a public health nurse where I educate people on various health aspects like dealing with chronic diseases and preventive measures.
In the future, I would like to pursue the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Nurses with a DNP have the highest level of expertise and can work in either leadership role of a clinical setting. DNP prepared nurses can work in either leadership or administration or move to direct patient care as advanced practice nursing (APRN). I would like to work in any of the two areas. Providing leadership or working in direct patient care is my ultimate goal. I would like to do DNP in the next 5-6 years.
Increasing my level of education through attaining DNP would make me competitive in the market. It will allow me to develop the required competencies in advanced care. I will be in a position to undertake complex clinical. Leadership and faculty functions. Currently, with my diploma, I am unable to undertake complex roles. Additionally, I will increase my knowledge on how to improve my practice and patient outcomes. Offering the best care to the patients requires that I have the necessary knowledge. With a DNP, I will gain the required knowledge to offer better care to the patients (Edwards, Coddington, Erler & Kirkpatrick, 2018). Fu...