A professional nurse is an individual who does not only care for patients but also acts as an advocate of a broad range of people of all ethnic backgrounds, religions, colors, or socioeconomic statuses. Becoming a professional nurse also means educating the population about how they can be effective in self-care and self-management. To reach the desired objective, a strategic plan is essential because it could designate the key steps that an individual should take. The current plan aims to discuss the factors that influence the decision of obtaining a BSN degree, discuss the differences between the current RN role and the baccalaureate, determine opportunities for future degree completion, as well as examine the models of socialization. It is also necessary to expand upon the challenges and barriers that a nurse can encounter on the way to reaching professionalism as well ad identify the support systems that could help overcome the barriers.
The factors that influence the decision to obtain a BSN degree include the interest in professional advancement and career development, the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, improve social welfare skills, as well as be a positive role model for others (Asiimwe, Muwema, & Drake, 2019). Important intrinsic motivators include the desire for reaching desire for personal and job satisfaction, which will result from the ability to effectively address the healthcare challenges of individuals requiring help. Also, as the healthcare system changes and evolves, especially at present associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a high need for nurses with Bachelor’s degrees that could address the emerging public health challenges.
The difference between the role of a baccalaureate and the current RN role lies in a broader range of opportunities, including the financial factor. While working as an RN is possible when having an associate’s degree, professional nurses with a BSN usually have more responsibilities in the workplace, can be given supervisory roles, as well as also have higher salaries. Since one envisions pursuing a career in health care on a long-term basis, earning a BSN can also be a strategic move because RNs are in lower demand in the modern industry.
The new opportunities available after the completion of the degree imply having a better salary because a BSN diploma will ensure the wider availability of jobs because are in good demand with the rising healthcare needs. In addition, after attaining a baccalaureate in nursing science, a person gets one step closer to a master’s degree or a doctorate in case if one wants to become an advanced practice nurse. When working as an RN currently, the opportunity of pursuing a BSN is important because it can advance one’s education and facilitate a better position in the workplace. A BSN program will enhance the knowledge in emergency care, health assessment, nutrition, research and evidence-based practice, trends and issues in nursing, as well as family, community, and population-based care, all of which are essential for improving the overall health of the population.
Benner’s model of socialization suggests that professionals go through a series of different stages that are associated with the acquisition of new skills and knowledge through a nursing experience. The model includes such stages as a novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert, all of which are connected to the experience of the nursing practice (Masters, 2018). I can be placed on the third stage of competence within the model. The rationale for such placement within the model is associated with the fact that I am already effective in analyzing problems and prioritizing some tasks. I also have developed a solid grasp of the key rules and principles associated with the nursing practice. The current TN role has allowed me to experience a variety of clinical situations and draw on prior experiences and knowledge that can also facilitate planning and the altering of plans.
Personal professional short-term goals include reaching the stage of proficiency within the nursing practice. This will allow me to become effective in grasping a certain situation contextually and in general. A solid grasp of the norms and solid experiences can allow one to reflect upon the variations of a norm. By doing so, I will be proficient in implementing the rules and theories as well as looking at the causes that can lead to the development of alternative steps and processes. The next stage would mean becoming an expert and a professional nurse who operates beyond a fixed set of rules. The main long-term goal is associated with integrating myself into the professional practice of a nurse and becoming an essential part of the process associated with helping individuals overcome their healthcare challenges. Ultimately, becoming an expert means to learn constantly and always question the processes that are taking place from a perspective of rigor and objective knowledge. I would like my knowledge and experience to be used as a valuable resource for reducing the burden of disease for the population. I aim to become a mentor and a positive role model for other generations who consider becoming participants in the healthcare process.
The challenges and barriers associated with pursuing the short-term and long-term goals are mostly associated with the problems of adjusting to a new community or group that is unfamiliar. Professional socialization is important because caring for people implies collaboration and the sharing of unique perspectives and experiences between the participants of the process. However, I have found it challenging to adjust to new environments, and it could be complicated for me to fit in with the group of students pursuing a BSN degree. Another personal challenge, which applies to both long- and short-term goals, involves the challenges of feeling empowered and doubting oneself in being successful. Insecurities are complicated to overcome in a short period, and can often limit the care process because a professional lacks confidence in acting upon one’s decisions. To overcome the challenges of self-doubt and the issues of adjusting to new environments, it is necessary to have a support system that could provide comfort and encouragement. Learning to build trusting and strong relationships with people is imperative to facilitate a reciprocal process of exchanging support for one another. However, I am also confident that becoming a part of someone else’s support system would give me power and confidence in myself and my abilities. Overall, becoming a professional nurse is a challenging journey filled with ups and downs, but it is worth it because the ultimate goal is to be helpful to people and support them when they battle healthcare problems that reduce their quality of life.
References
Asiimwe, J., Muwema, M., & Drake, K. (2019). Factors that influence transition to advanced roles by RN to BSN nurses, in three selected hospitals of Central-Uganda. BMC Nursing, 18.
Masters, K. (2018). Role development in professional nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.