Go back to the discussion topic in Week 1 and review your discussion posts.
Have any of your thoughts or concepts of trends in nursing have changed since week 1. Please share specific examples.
THIS IS WHAT I POSTED IN WEEK 1:
In my opinion when I think of nursing issues and trends, I think of the nursing staff shortages, increase in patient ratios, nursing advocacy, growth of telehealth, and advances in technology in the field. In this present time, things are changing rapidly and with that comes change in the field as well. An example is telehealth, which allows patients to have consults via phone/video with a medical professional. Nurses are also exploring IT nursing with all these new technical advances. Which brings to nurses also leaving the clinical setting for a nonclinical nursing career which leads to shortages in the hospitals with this growth of nonclinical nursing careers.
- Nursing Staff Shortages: Nursing staff shortages have been a long-standing issue in healthcare, and this problem continues to persist. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue in many regions. There may have been developments or changes in policies related to addressing nursing shortages since Week 1, but the core problem remains largely unchanged.
- Patient Ratios: The issue of nurse-to-patient ratios remains critical for patient safety and nurse workload. Depending on your location and the healthcare facility, there may have been changes in regulations or guidelines regarding staffing ratios. It would be important to stay updated on any such changes in your region.
- Nursing Advocacy: Nursing advocacy continues to be an essential aspect of the profession. Nurses play a crucial role in advocating for their patients, profession, and healthcare policies. It’s possible that your understanding of the specific advocacy issues or strategies has evolved, but the importance of advocacy remains unchanged.
- Telehealth: Telehealth has seen significant growth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s likely that telehealth has become even more integrated into healthcare systems since Week 1. Nurses may have adapted to new practices and roles within telehealth, and this trend is expected to continue evolving.
- Advances in Technology: Technology in healthcare is constantly evolving, and nurses are increasingly relying on it for various aspects of patient care, documentation, and communication. Staying updated on the latest technologies and their applications in nursing practice is crucial.
- Nonclinical Nursing Careers: The growth of nonclinical nursing careers can indeed impact clinical staffing. Nurses leaving clinical settings for nonclinical roles can contribute to shortages in hospitals. This trend is influenced by factors such as career opportunities, work-life balance, and personal preferences. It’s important to recognize that nursing is a diverse field with various career paths.
In summary, while the core nursing issues and trends you identified in Week 1 have not fundamentally changed, there may have been developments or shifts in these areas over time. Staying informed about these changes and adapting to new roles and technologies is essential for nurses to provide high-quality care in an evolving healthcare landscape.