Returning to School to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Running head: RETURNING TO SCHOOL TO BECOME A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
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Returning to School to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Denyse Collins University of South Alabama
RETURNING TO SCHOOL TO BECOME A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE Returning to School to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Introduction There is great benefit and reward in returning to nursing school. Returning to nursing school has a positive, transformative, and life-changing effect. This essay will explore factors contributing to nurses returning to school, barriers that returning nursing students might face,
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support required for successful completion, and my plan for a successful outcome in becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Discussion Nursing is a career that continues to demonstrate long-term demand. It can improve job security and provide long-term security. In some Oregon hospitals (I reside in the state of Oregon), the minimal educational requirements for Registered Nurses will soon be the Baccalaureate degree. “Accordingly, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing recognizes the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing as the minimal educational requirement for professional nursing practice” (Blais & Hayes, 2011, p. 4). Nurses returning to school learn more about the profession they’ve chosen. Delightfully, this may result in a change of perspectives of their previously conceived ideas of the meaning of nursing, the world around them, and themselves. Education enhances self-confidence and one’s sense of purpose. Being able to say, “I did it!” provides a great sense of accomplishment. In addition, returning to school helps one to improve computer skills, writing ability, and organizational skills. “Although RNs felt they returned to school as skilled, knowledgeable and professional practitioners, they reported growing beyond their expectations in areas of knowledge and professionalism, which they felt led the to become more effective change agents and patient
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Returning to School to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Denyse Collins University of South Alabama
RETURNING TO SCHOOL TO BECOME A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE Returning to School to Become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Introduction There is great benefit and reward in returning to nursing school. Returning to nursing school has a positive, transformative, and life-changing effect. This essay will explore factors contributing to nurses returning to school, barriers that returning nursing students might face,
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support required for successful completion, and my plan for a successful outcome in becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Discussion Nursing is a career that continues to demonstrate long-term demand. It can improve job security and provide long-term security. In some Oregon hospitals (I reside in the state of Oregon), the minimal educational requirements for Registered Nurses will soon be the Baccalaureate degree. “Accordingly, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing recognizes the Bachelor of Science degree in nursing as the minimal educational requirement for professional nursing practice” (Blais & Hayes, 2011, p. 4). Nurses returning to school learn more about the profession they’ve chosen. Delightfully, this may result in a change of perspectives of their previously conceived ideas of the meaning of nursing, the world around them, and themselves. Education enhances self-confidence and one’s sense of purpose. Being able to say, “I did it!” provides a great sense of accomplishment. In addition, returning to school helps one to improve computer skills, writing ability, and organizational skills. “Although RNs felt they returned to school as skilled, knowledgeable and professional practitioners, they reported growing beyond their expectations in areas of knowledge and professionalism, which they felt led the to become more effective change agents and patient
References: Blais, K. K., & Hayes, J. S. (2011). Professional nursing practice: Concepts and perspectives (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Orsolini-Hain, L. (2008). What’s all the Fuss? Working towards a Baccalaureate or Graduate Degree in Nursing. Retrieved from http://www.nsna.org/careercenter/fuss.aspx 5