N108: Transition to the Registered Professional Nurse

N108: Transition to the Registered Professional Nurse Role Study Guide Baccalaureate Degree Nurse This degree occurs in a four-year college or university setting and is championed by many to provide the minimum educational preparation for professional practice. The BSN program combines courses in liberal arts, as well as the behavioral and physical sciences, in the first two years with concentration in the theory and the practice of nursing in the junior and senior years. The nursing curriculum has emphasis on the performance of skills rather than on the philosophic and theoretic approaches with courses in community health, leadership, and research, as well as clinical instruction in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in critical decision making, exercising independent nursing judgments that call for broad background knowledge, and working in complex nursing situations. The BSN nurse is prepared to practice in a variety of settings which include preventative and rehabilitative services, health counseling, and education. They also provide care in acute care and long-term illnesses. Roles of the Baccalaureate Nurse o Role as a client advocate o Collaborates with other members of the health care team in structured and unstructured settings o Supervises those with less preparation and leadership role o Skills in managing information and patient care technology o Provider of care o Designer, manager, and coordinator of care Master’s Degree/Advanced Practice Nurse Most programs require at least a full year for completion andmany have expanded to two years where the education is completed in senior colleges and universities. Many have the option of seeking voluntary accreditation from the NLNAC (National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or from the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). The Master’s graduate is prepared to give direct patient care in several settings including hospitals and nursing homes. There is also a recent shift to community based practice. They are expected to participate with members of the healthcare team such as LPNs, nurses’ aides, physicians, and other registered nurses rendering care to patients. Role of the Master’s Prepared Nurse • Many seek leadership positions in nursing • Clinical specialization or Clinical Nurse Leader • Minimum requirements as a nurse educator • Advanced Practice Nurse: advanced physiology/pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology

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