Change In Nursing

Nursing changes have evolved in various ways over the years. Change has come in forms of advanced technology, education, and roles the nurse must adhere to. From the beginning of nursing, the common goal was to care for the ill. Florence Nightingale was an avid supporter and advocate for her patient’s health and safety. Even though, it has been many years since she practiced, the concept she exhibited is still the foundation of every nursing professional today. Advocating and educating continues to be important, so advancing nursing education is needed and recommended. Some education comes from hands-on experience. I find this to be the best way for me. I can read all day and never understand how something works. For example, when my employer …show more content…
We are no longer just “pill pushers and boo-boo healers.” We have gained the notoriety of being an elite force. We tend to be the front lines of healthcare. It is not just a job. According to Huber (2000), “It’s a calling, vocation, or form of employment that provides a needed service to society and possess characteristics of expertise, autonomy, long academic preparation, commitment, and responsibility” (p. 54). Numerous advanced nursing opportunities are now available. Some may stay at the ADN level whereas others may surpass to higher degrees. Opportunities for licensure limitations have been changed over the years. Eligibility for endorsements and nurse licensure with compact recognition gives nurses the opportunity to travel to different states to practice. Even though the education grid is endless, the laws and standards of nursing have set limits. The standards of care for nurses are universal. The American Nurses Association and State Nurse Practice Acts give conditions and limitations of the practicing nurse. Each nurse should become accustomed to their facilities policies and procedures and legal risks involved with nursing …show more content…
Society as a whole is changing. New diseases and disorders are discovered every year driving up healthcare cost. Lifestyles have changed causing an increased need for healthcare. Poverty has increased which has led to a substantial amount of people without proper housing, food, and healthcare. As health professionals, we see how this has impacted the health profession. Nurses have become on the front lines of education and communication to our communities. The national health initiative, Healthy People 2020 is fervently trying to improve the health of the nation as a whole by gaining medical care to everyone and providing means and education to