Core Values, Advanced Level Nursing Education, and Future Contributions to the Profession

The philosophy of nursing is a dynamic and multifaceted concept that guides a nurse’s approach to patient care. At the heart of this philosophy lie core values that shape how nurses interact with patients, colleagues, and the healthcare system as a whole. These core values, including advocacy, compassion, collaboration, and respect for autonomy, serve as the foundation for ethical and professional practice (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2021).

Advanced Level Nursing Education and Expanding Scope

Nurses seeking to elevate their practice and impact can pursue advanced level nursing education. This education equips nurses with specialized knowledge and skills, allowing them to function in expanded roles like nurse practitioners (NPs) or clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2023). NPs provide primary care services, manage chronic conditions, and order diagnostic tests and medications (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2023). CNSs serve as experts in specific patient populations or clinical areas, providing education, consultation, and research (NCSBN, 2023).

Future Contributions: A Vision for Progress

Advanced level nurses are poised to make significant contributions to the future of the profession. They can:

• Address the growing healthcare needs of an aging population: Advanced practice nurses can provide primary care services, manage chronic conditions, and reduce hospital readmission rates (National Academy of Medicine, 2010).
• Bridge the gap in access to healthcare: Advanced practice nurses can practice in underserved areas, improving access to quality care for all (Institute of Medicine, 2011).
• Lead quality improvement initiatives: With their clinical expertise and leadership skills, advanced practice nurses can drive evidence-based practice and improve patient outcomes (American Organization of Nurse Executives [AONE], 2022).
• Contribute to healthcare innovation: Advanced practice nurses can participate in research, develop new clinical protocols, and champion patient-centered care models (American Association for the Advancement of Nursing Science [AAN], 2023).

Conclusion

By upholding core values, pursuing advanced education, and embracing innovation, advanced practice nurses can shape the future of the profession. Their contributions will be vital in addressing healthcare challenges, ensuring equitable access to quality care, and ultimately, improving patient outcomes.

References

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2023, March 1). Master’s education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/

American Association for the Advancement of Nursing Science (AAN). (2023). Vision & mission. https://aann.org/

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2021). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/

American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). (2022). Nursing leadership: A shared vision for health care. https://www.aonl.org/sites/default/files/aone/nec.pdf

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Future of Nursing at the Institute of Medicine. (2011). The future of nursing: Leading change in an age of health reform. National Academies Press.

National Academy of Medicine. (2010). The role of advanced practice registered nurses in transforming health care. National Academies Press.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2023). Nurse practice acts and regulatory information.

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https://www.ncsbn.org/