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Online Companion: Fundamentals of Nursing Standards and Practice 2E
Chapter Summary
In chapter 3, the reader discovers the issues surrounding educational preparation
for nursing. The two entry levels into nursing practice, the licensed practical
nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) and their educational preparation are
described. Advanced nursing education to the master's and doctoral levels are
available for nurses who wish to expand and specialize their roles. The need
for nurses to engage in lifelong learning through continuing education and staff
development is emphasized. The PEW Health Professions Commission report entitled
Healthy America recommended a critical review of educational programs in nursing
and other health professions. The Commission developed a list of competencies
needed for needed by individuals who are functioning in the health care field.
The Commission also proposed strategies for change specific to nursing education.
Four trends in nursing education are predicted in the areas of competency development,
licensure, size of the work force and delivery of care.
In the second part of Chapter 3, the uses of research to strengthen nursing
science and practice are discussed. The basic concepts and process of research
are defined. The roles of the nurse in the field of research include nurse scientist,
principal investigator, research team member, research consumer and advocate
for research clients. Guidelines to protect the rights of research participants
have been developed for use by nurses who are part of clinical research studies.
The National Institute for Nursing Research and the Agency for Health Care Research
and Quality are two organizations that support and promote nursing research.
There are increasing numbers of doctorally prepared nurses who are contributing
to the building of the science of nursing. The nursing profession is challenged
to bridge the gaps between scientific evidence and daily nursing practice.
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