Q1: Select two initiatives or landmark report that moved the nursing profession from one focused on training to one focused on competency based profession. Explain why each was important. Discuss how the impact to nursing practice or nursing education was measured. What was the impact of each on nursing program accreditation and nursing program quality. Purchase the answer to view it
In the early days of nursing, the profession was primarily focused on training nurses and equipping them with basic skills and knowledge. However, as healthcare evolved and became more complex, there was a growing recognition that nursing needed to shift towards a competency-based approach. This new approach emphasized the mastery of specific skills and abilities that are essential for providing high-quality patient care. Two key initiatives that played a significant role in this transformation are the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” and the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project.
The IOM report, published in 2010, was a landmark publication that called for a series of recommendations to transform the nursing profession. It emphasized the need for nursing education to shift from a model that solely focused on the acquisition of knowledge to one that prioritized the development of competencies. The report emphasized the importance of competencies such as patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. By highlighting these key competencies, the IOM report set the stage for a shift in nursing education towards a more skills-based approach.
The impact of the IOM report on nursing practice and education was measured through various strategies. One of the key measures was the launch of the Campaign for Action, a collaborative effort between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the AARP. This campaign aimed to implement the recommendations from the IOM report at both the state and national levels. It focused on advancing nursing education, removing barriers to practice, and expanding the scope of nursing to better meet the needs of the population. Through surveys and data collection, the Campaign for Action tracked the progress of various initiatives and provided a framework for evaluating the impact of the IOM report on nursing practice and education.
Another initiative that played a crucial role in shifting nursing towards a competency-based profession is the Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project. This project, launched in 2005, aimed to close the gap between nursing education and practice by integrating quality and safety competencies into nursing curricula. It emphasized the need for nurses to possess critical thinking skills, effective communication abilities, and an understanding of systems thinking. By focusing on these essential competencies, the QSEN project aimed to improve the overall quality and safety of patient care.
The impact of the QSEN project on nursing practice and education was measured through various means. One of the key measurement tools used was the QSEN Competencies Self-Assessment Tool, which allowed nursing faculty and students to assess their level of competency in various areas. Additionally, the QSEN project facilitated the development and implementation of innovative teaching strategies and curriculum changes in nursing education programs. Through evaluation and assessment measures, the impact of these changes on nursing program accreditation and quality was ascertained.
Both the IOM report and the QSEN project had a significant impact on nursing program accreditation and quality. The emphasis on competencies in both initiatives led to a closer alignment between the curricula offered by nursing programs and the expectations of employers and healthcare organizations. As a result, nursing programs had to demonstrate the incorporation of competency-based education into their curricula to meet accreditation standards. These initiatives also influenced the assessment methods used in nursing programs, with a greater emphasis on evaluating students’ mastery of specific competencies.
In terms of nursing program quality, both the IOM report and the QSEN project highlighted the importance of preparing nurses who are competent in delivering high-quality, safe, and patient-centered care. The focus on competencies allowed nursing programs to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them. This emphasis on quality improvement and patient outcomes led to a higher level of accountability in nursing education and a greater commitment to continuous improvement.
In conclusion, the IOM report and the QSEN project were two crucial initiatives that propelled the nursing profession from a training-focused approach to a competency-based profession. These initiatives emphasized the importance of specific competencies and their integration into nursing curricula. The impact on nursing practice and education was measured through various strategies, including the Campaign for Action and the QSEN Competencies Self-Assessment Tool. Both initiatives had a significant impact on nursing program accreditation and quality, leading to a closer alignment between nursing education and the expectations of employers and healthcare organizations.