Additional Nursing Education Ochoa Statement
Furthering one’s education promotes professionalism in the nursing field. Obtaining degrees such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Advanced Practical Registered Nurse (APRN), Doctorates degree (PhD) or Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) show others that nursing does not just involve an associate degree education. Limitations imposed by some states’ board of nursing unfortunately do not let the nurse practitioners (NP) fully practice to their extent. New Jersey (NJ) has one of the strictest guidelines regarding APRNs scope of practice. In NJ, an advanced practice nurse must “have joint protocol with a collaborating physician who is licensed in NJ, prior to prescribing any medication or device” (New Jersey Consumer Affairs, 2015, p. 2). Working so closely with physicians sometimes make RNs weary about furthering their degrees.
There is also a bridge between nurses and doctors. From what I hear from fellow RN’s that work in the hospital, physician residents sometimes talk down to the nurses due to the large gap in education requirements. Additionally, the doctors understanding of certain diagnosis is much more advanced in comparison to the RN. If RNs obtain higher level degrees, the stigma between the two-to-three-year education of the RN can be broken and RNs can be seen more professionally.
A study done regarding barriers to APRN practice suggests that the “NP workforce can play an important role in increasing access to primary care. Factors identified as facilitators or barriers to NP independence should be scrutinized to develop more efficient models of primary care delivery” (Martsolf et al., 2022, p. 5). One of those factors in the state of NJ is that APRNs do not have the ability to practice by themselves. If these barriers are addressed, more RNs may look to further their education so that they can practice independently.
Entry level competencies for RNs in my opinion could use some more work, especially those who have graduated during the COVID pandemic. Unfortunately, they had limited access to clinical sites thus their experience with direct patient care is subpar. I believe they should receive more orientation hours prior to being allowed to practice on their own.
Everyone has their different opinions regarding obtaining their bachelor’s degree in nursing. In the facility I work at, those who have a BSN vs RN are not paid any differently. This is common in most facilities. The lack of monetary incentives and lack of tuition reimbursement programs deter many from furthering their education. My greatest motivator is the ability to apply for an administrative position. RNs working in administration positions in hospitals or other facilities also promotes professionalism.
References
Martsolf, G. R., Kim, D. K., Germack, H. D., & Harrison, J. M. (2022).Determinants of nurse practitioner independent panel management in primary care.ProQuest Central. Retrieved April 11, 2022, from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.11.002
New Jersey Consumer Affairs. (2015, April 7). Prescriptive authority.njconsumeraffairs.gov. Retrieved April 11, 2022, from https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/Pages/APN-Certification.aspx