Write a formal paper of 750 words that addresses the following: Refer to the “American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Fact Sheet: Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce” as a resource.Refer to the assigned readings for concepts that help support your main points.Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style G Purchase the answer to view it
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) plays a significant role in shaping and advancing nursing education in the United States. In their fact sheet titled “Creating a More Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce,” the AACN presents several key points that outline the importance of improving the qualifications of nurses. This paper will analyze the AACN fact sheet and discuss concepts from assigned readings that support the main points presented.
One of the main points highlighted by the AACN is the need for advanced education for nurses. The fact sheet emphasizes the importance of advancing the education of nurses from the entry level to advanced degrees, such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). According to the AACN, advanced education enhances the quality of patient care, improves patient outcomes, and increases the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
This notion is supported by the assigned readings, particularly the work of Linda H. Aiken and colleagues (2014). Aiken et al. conducted a comprehensive study that examined the impact of nurses’ education on patient outcomes in eleven European countries. The results of their study revealed that a higher proportion of nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher was associated with lower mortality rates and better patient satisfaction. This study provides empirical evidence that supports the AACN’s assertion that increasing the educational qualifications of nurses leads to improved patient outcomes.
Another key point highlighted in the AACN fact sheet is the need for nurses to possess skills in areas such as leadership, critical thinking, communication, and cultural competence. The fact sheet emphasizes that these skills are essential for nurses to provide high-quality and patient-centered care in today’s complex healthcare environment. Additionally, the AACN emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork.
The assigned readings also highlight the significance of these skills and qualities for nursing practice. In “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” the Institute of Medicine (2010) stresses the importance of nurses possessing leadership skills. The report argues that nurses should be active participants in shaping healthcare policies and practices, as they play a critical role in the delivery of care. Moreover, the reading emphasizes the need for nurses to possess strong critical thinking skills to make sound clinical judgments and decisions. These skills are crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients.
Furthermore, in “Cultural Competence in Nursing: A Concept Analysis,” Perez et al. (2015) discuss the significance of cultural competence for nursing practice. The authors define cultural competence as the ability to effectively interact with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. They argue that cultural competence is essential for enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare disparities. This concept aligns with the AACN’s emphasis on the importance of cultural competence in nursing practice.
The AACN fact sheet also highlights the growing need for nurses to possess knowledge and skills in technological advancements and informatics. The fact sheet suggests that incorporating technology into nursing education and practice is necessary to meet the evolving healthcare demands of the 21st century. This is further supported by the assigned readings.
In “Informatics, Evidence-Based Practice, and Quality Improvement,” Darvish and colleagues (2014) discuss the role of informatics in improving healthcare outcomes. The authors assert that nurse informaticists play a crucial role in designing and implementing health information technology systems that support safe and efficient care delivery. This reading aligns with the AACN’s emphasis on the importance of technological proficiency in nursing practice.
In conclusion, the AACN fact sheet highlights the importance of improving the qualifications of the nursing workforce through advanced education, the development of specific skills and qualities, and knowledge of technological advancements. The assigned readings support the main points presented by the AACN, providing empirical evidence and highlighting the significance of these concepts for nursing practice. By implementing the recommendations put forth by the AACN and integrating the concepts discussed in the assigned readings, nurses can enhance their qualifications, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare.