NU-626 Herzing University – Analyze nursing history to expand thinking and provide a sense of professional heritage and identity.

Please respond to the following questions based upon these course objectives:

Analyze nursing history to expand thinking and provide a sense of professional heritage and identity.

Understand other health professions’ scopes of practice to maximize contributions within the healthcare team.

Use leadership skills to teach, coach, and mentor other members of the healthcare team.

Articulate a personal philosophy and framework acknowledging professional and accrediting agency competencies relating to the role and scope of practice of the advanced practice nurse.

For each of the learning objectives, provide an analysis of how the course supported each objective.

Explain how the material learned in this course, based upon the objectives, will be applicable to professional application.

ANSWER

Analyzing Nursing History, Scopes of Practice, Leadership Skills, and Professional Philosophy in Advanced Practice Nursing

Introduction

 In this essay, we will explore how a specific course has supported various learning objectives related to nursing history, scopes of practice, leadership skills, and professional philosophy in the context of advanced practice nursing. By analyzing the course’s content and activities, we can understand how these objectives were addressed and discuss the applicability of the acquired knowledge to professional practice.

 Analyzing Nursing History

The course delved into the rich history of nursing, providing an extensive exploration of key figures, events, and milestones in the development of the nursing profession (Stolley, 2000). This historical analysis expanded our thinking and fostered a sense of professional heritage and identity. By understanding the struggles and achievements of nursing pioneers, we gained a deeper appreciation for the profession and recognized the importance of advocating for nursing’s role in healthcare. This knowledge enables us to connect our present practice to its historical roots and embrace our professional identity with pride and confidence.

 Understanding Scopes of Practice

An essential aspect of maximizing contributions within the healthcare team is understanding the scopes of practice of other health professions. Through this course, we examined the roles and responsibilities of various healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and social workers. This comprehensive understanding allowed us to appreciate the diversity and interdependence of healthcare team members. By recognizing the unique expertise and contributions of each profession, we can collaborate effectively, leverage interprofessional resources, and provide holistic patient-centered care. This knowledge enables us to function as valuable team members, optimizing patient outcomes and overall healthcare delivery.

 Using Leadership Skills

 The course emphasized the development of leadership skills to teach, coach, and mentor other members of the healthcare team. We explored various leadership theories, styles, and strategies applicable to the advanced practice nurse role. Through case studies and group activities, we honed our communication, collaboration, and coaching abilities (Lamb et al., 2018). We also learned techniques for providing constructive feedback, facilitating team meetings, and resolving conflicts. These leadership skills are crucial in guiding and supporting other healthcare professionals, promoting their professional growth, and fostering a positive work environment. As advanced practice nurses, we can now take on leadership roles, not only in direct patient care but also in mentoring and developing future healthcare leaders.

Articulating a Personal Philosophy and Framework

 The course facilitated the articulation of a personal philosophy and framework that acknowledges professional and accrediting agency competencies within the role and scope of practice of the advanced practice nurse. We explored ethical principles, legal considerations, and professional standards that guide advanced practice nursing (Benner, 2008). Through reflective exercises and discussions, we developed our own philosophical foundations, integrating the values of compassion, integrity, patient advocacy, and evidence-based practice. This personal philosophy provides a solid framework for decision-making, ethical dilemmas, and professional growth. It aligns our practice with the expectations of accrediting agencies and ensures the provision of safe, quality care.

Conclusion

The course successfully supported the learning objectives by providing a comprehensive understanding of nursing history, scopes of practice of other health professions, leadership skills, and the development of a personal philosophy in advanced practice nursing. The acquired knowledge and skills are directly applicable to professional practice. As advanced practice nurses, we can draw upon this foundation to enhance our professional identity, collaborate effectively with the healthcare team, assume leadership roles, and make informed decisions aligned with ethical and professional standards. By embracing these objectives, we are better equipped to meet the evolving challenges of healthcare and provide high-quality, patient-centered care.

 References

Benner, P. (2008, April 1). Clinical Reasoning, Decisionmaking, and Action: Thinking Critically and Clinically. Patient Safety and Quality – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2643/ 

Lamb, A., Martin-Misener, R., Bryant-Lukosius, D., & Latimer, M. (2018). Describing the leadership capabilities of advanced practice nurses using a qualitative descriptive study. Nursing Open, 5(3), 400–413. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.150 

Stolley, J. M. (2000, January 1). The Evolution of Nursing Research. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6739074/