You are a nursing student observing a primary nurse completing an admission history on a 55-year-old woman. The patient shared that she was currently working as a nurse in a sub acute unit of a long-term care facility.

You are a nursing student observing a primary nurse completing an admission history on a 55-year-old woman. The patient shared that she was currently working as a nurse in a sub acute unit of a long-term care facility. She indicated that she felt pressured by her organization to continue her education and was adapting to electronic health records. She commented on the patient population being “sicker” than she remembered. Obviously frustrated, she stated, “I just want to retire and enjoy my life.” (Learning Objective #5)

What current trends in nursing do you note in her comments?

How are employers addressing these trends?

What can you do to help adapt your nursing career to these trends?

ANSWER

Adapting Your Nursing Career to Current Trends: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

 In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, nursing professionals are faced with a multitude of challenges and evolving trends. As a nursing student observing a primary nurse’s interaction with a 55-year-old woman, it is evident that the nurse expressed frustrations related to current trends in nursing. This essay aims to explore the trends highlighted in the nurse’s comments, discuss how employers are addressing these trends, and provide guidance on adapting one’s nursing career to these changing dynamics.

Current Trends in Nursing

Emphasis on Continuing Education: The nurse mentioned feeling pressured by her organization to pursue further education (Hakvoort et al., 2022). This trend reflects the growing importance of continuous professional development in nursing. Employers recognize the need for nurses to stay updated with the latest evidence-based practices and technological advancements to provide quality care.

Integration of Electronic Health Records (EHR): The nurse acknowledged the challenges of adapting to electronic health records. The widespread implementation of EHR systems has become a crucial trend in healthcare. Nurses must possess digital literacy skills to navigate and effectively utilize EHR platforms for documentation, communication, and care coordination.

Increasing Acuity of Patients: The nurse expressed frustration with the patient population being “sicker” than she remembered. This observation highlights the trend of rising patient acuity levels across healthcare settings. Factors such as aging populations, complex comorbidities, and advanced medical interventions contribute to the need for nurses with specialized skills to manage complex patient conditions.

Employers’ Response to Current Trends

Employers in the healthcare industry recognize the importance of addressing these trends to create a supportive and progressive work environment. Some strategies they employ include:

Professional Development Programs: Employers encourage and support nurses in pursuing continuing education, providing financial assistance, flexible schedules, and study leave. They may also offer in-house training programs, workshops, and conferences to enhance nurses’ knowledge and skills.

Technology Training and Support: Employers offer comprehensive training programs to help nurses adapt to electronic health records and other technological advancements. They provide access to resources, offer IT support, and foster a culture of continuous learning and skill development in using healthcare technology.

Specialized Training and Mentoring: Employers recognize the need for specialized nursing skills to handle increasingly complex patient populations. They may provide opportunities for nurses to receive specialized training or partner with academic institutions to offer advanced certifications or higher education programs. Mentoring programs may be implemented to support nurses’ transition to more demanding patient care settings.

Adapting Your Nursing Career to Trends

 To navigate and optimize your nursing career in the face of these trends, consider the following strategies

Embrace Lifelong Learning: Stay updated with the latest advancements in nursing practice through continuing education courses, conferences, and professional publications (Qalehsari et al., 2017). Seek opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills, enhancing your adaptability and marketability as a nurse.

Develop Technological Competence: Familiarize yourself with electronic health record systems and other relevant healthcare technologies. Take advantage of training opportunities provided by your employer or seek external resources to enhance your digital literacy skills.

Pursue Specialization and Advanced Practice: Consider specializing in a particular area of nursing that aligns with your interests and the evolving healthcare landscape. Pursue advanced certifications or higher education programs to gain the specialized skills needed to address the increasing acuity of patients (National Academies Press (US), 2011).

Seek Mentoring and Networking Opportunities: Engage with experienced nurses who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your nursing career. Join professional nursing organizations, participate in conferences, and connect with colleagues to expand your professional network and stay informed about industry trends.

Conclusion

 As nursing professionals, it is crucial to adapt to the ever-changing trends in healthcare. Employers are taking steps to address these trends by promoting continuing education, providing technology training, and offering specialized support. By embracing lifelong learning, developing technological competence, pursuing specialization, and seeking mentoring and networking opportunities, you can optimize your nursing career and effectively contribute to the evolving healthcare landscape. Stay resilient, adaptable, and committed to providing high-quality care to patients while enjoying a fulfilling professional journey.

References

Hakvoort, L., Dikken, J., Cramer-Kruit, J., Van Nieuwenhuyzen, K. M., Van Der Schaaf, M., & Schuurmans, M. (2022). Factors that influence continuing professional development over a nursing career: A scoping review. Nurse Education in Practice, 65, 103481. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2022.103481 

Qalehsari, M. Q., Khaghanizadeh, M., & Ebadi, A. (2017). Lifelong learning strategies in nursing: A systematic review. Electronic Physician, 9(10), 5541–5550. https://doi.org/10.19082/5541 

National Academies Press (US). (2011). Transforming Education. The Future of Nursing – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209885/