Foundations of Nursing Education Paper

Running head: FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 1 FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 2 Introduction 4 Justification 4 Need for the Program 4 External forces 6 Recommendation for the program 7 The rationale for the selection 7 Barriers 8 Argument 9 Theory Critique 9 Key Components 10 Philosophical Approach Critique 11 Modalities of Delivery 12 Justification of modalities 12 Barriers to Implementation 13 Assessments 13 Benefits of Formative Assessment 14 Benefits of Summative Assessment 14 Limitations of Formative Assessment 15 Limitations of Summative Assessment 15 Assessment Method Analysis 15 ANA Code of Ethics 16 FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 3 Analysis of PERPA 16 Analysis of ADA 17 Analysis of HIPAA 18 Analysis of Copyright Laws 18 Accreditation Methods 18 Conclusion 19 Sources 21 FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 4 Foundations of Nursing Education The United States( U.S) public is witnessing an increasing demand for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) registered nurses (RNs) in the face of a possible nurse shortage (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2013). A higher level of education to the nurses and collaborative partnerships with other professionals are essential to meet emerging health care needs and dynamics. According to the Institute of Medicine (IOM, 2011), nurses should attain advanced levels of education and training through an enhanced education system that promotes seamless academic progression. The BSN program teaches clinical skills, communication skills, and critical thinking skills (IOM, 2011). Competent RNs should have comprehensive experience in patient education, clinical decision-making, management, and leadership. The Justification for change BSN programs provide nurses with broader medical research knowledge and educational and professional perspectives through interprofessional coursework and embracing expanding professional roles. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) coursework lacks many critical resources, especially education on research skills and knowledge, that are found in abundance in the BSN coursework. Additionally, the 2-year timeline does not allow comprehensive coverage of all essential components to equip graduates to offer the same services as an RN. Need for Program Social factors. Social factors like the increased occurrence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, childhood obesity, and other incurable conditions in the community require more education for patients and their families. Patient and family teaching can help an individual’s adaptive responses to illness and disability. Foundations of Nursing Education Paper

Educational interventions can facilitate the prevention of many diseases that cause high morbidity and mortality rates. Nurses play an FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 5 essential role in making a real difference by teaching clients to attain and maintain healthy lifestyles. Thus, it is necessary for nurses to have a high level of education to develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes in the delivery of safe patient-centered care to attend to the educational needs of patients and families (Bastable, 2019) The BSN curriculum’s focus on patient-centered care includes community and patient education. The ultimate purpose of this new curriculum is to build nursing students with the knowledge and skills to practice nursing collaboration with other health care teams to provide complete care to every patient. Political factors. Politics is another factor that is pushing the need for the BSN program. The federal government published “Healthy People 2020,” which set the national health goals and objectives for the next decade (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2010). When we meet these national goals, the cost of health care will drop, preventing the onset of disease and disability and helping all the people in America lead more productive and healthier lives. In 2010, the U.S. Congress passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is designed to provide cost-effective, accessible, equitable, and high-quality health care to all Americans (Bastable, 2019). Nurses can play a significant role in meeting the increasing patient populations demand, complexities of the illnesses and to make a real difference by teaching clients to maintain healthy lifestyles. To achieve these national goals of Healthy 2020 and adherence to the ACA, only a BSN-prepared nurse will be able to educate patients and the community. The BSN curriculum includes quality care and patient safety; interprofessional communication; and collaboration for improving patient health outcomes, health care policy, finance, and regulatory environments (American Association of College of Nursing [AACN], 2008). Therefore, the BSN program is essential to the nursing world to improve the patient outcome and for the benefit of the nation. FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 6 The AACN (2019) supports the BSN program as a minimum requirement because it embraces the dynamically evolving role of the nursing profession as well as the increased complexity that ranges from case management to home care in the health care environment. The AACN acknowledges that BSN-prepared nurses have essential skills in saving lives as well as a broad scope of practice in clinical settings. The significant differences in educational preparation between the ADN and the BSN degree are that the ADN program has substantial limitations on the scope of practice for the nursing profession in the health care sector (Andrew, 2012). A BSNprepared RN enjoys skills such as critical thinking, professional growth, and autonomy in the workplace when interacting with other professionals such as practitioners, doctors, and therapists. These factors offer justification and support for the curriculum change in support for the adoption of the BSN. External Forces The IOM (2010) offered a vision toward the policy-making and workforce-planning blueprint for the American health care system. Foundations of Nursing Education Paper

One of its key recommendations is the increased scope and extent of practice through training and education (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2013). The IOM’s 2010 report “The Future of Nursing” linked improved patient outcomes to the improved education of the nursing workforce. The IOM recognizes that BSN RN is better educated and equipped to handle the increasing demands of the American health care system. The professional skills, attitude, and knowledge attained through a BSN program are essential in providing care and adopting new technologies. The 2010 IOM report seeks to achieve a threshold of 80% of RNs holding bachelor’s degrees by 2020 as part of supporting the pivotal role nurses play in the modern-day care system (Institute of Medicine, 2010). The IOM reported FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 7 that BSN nurses enjoy better opportunities for career growth, progression paths, and better wages—$90,200 compared to the ADNs $61,300 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2019). Recommendation I have selected the IOM’s recommendation for the integration of quality and safety initiatives in the new BSN program. The Rationale for the Recommendation The IOM published a signal report in 2001 entitled “Crossing the Quality Chasm: A New Health System for the 21st Century” that called for urgent and fundamental change to the U.S. health care system to improve the quality of patient care and for positive patient outcomes (The National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicines, 2001). The report identified five competencies as essential for health professionals of the 21st century: patient-centered care; teamwork and collaboration; informatics; evidence-based practice; and quality improvement, including safety. The new BSN program is equipped with these competencies and skills to meet the complexity of future health care. Performance expectations pertinent to nursing and patient education were established in the IOM’s 2001 report to guide patient-provider relationships for the improvement of quality and safety in care delivery. One of the report’s critical recommendations for leaders in health professions is to restructure clinical education and the formal health education programs to prepare the workforce. The IOM 2001 report also recommended that future nurses practice their education and training to the fullest extent possible through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression. Moreover, nurses should be full partners with physicians and other health care professionals in redesigning health care to improve the quality and safety of health care delivery in the United States. Other suggestions the IOM made included nursing FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 8 faculty expansion, increasing the capacity of nursing schools, and redesigning nursing education to guarantee it can produce an adequate number of well-prepared nurses who will be able to meet current and future health care demands with high quality and safety (IOM, 2010). Integrating the IOM’s recommendations regarding safety, quality, and skill components into the BSN program will enable new nurses to give safe, quality care to patients. This action will help develop competent nurses and preventing medical errors with improved patient outcomes. The IOM’s recommendations will prepare the nursing professionals of the 21st century in patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, informatics, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement and safety. The IOM report added that BSN-prepared nurses are better equipped to manage the increasing complexity in nursing care (IOM, 2010). Possible Barriers During Implementation Possible barriers identified in implementing the selected recommendation are faculty shortages and financial constraints. Foundations of Nursing Education Paper

The current ADN program does not have enough instructors with masters’ degrees to teach the students. Hiring a new Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) prepared faculty may delay the program, and it may be an additional expense for the institution. Further, a lack of financial resources can affect curriculum design more seriously than other internal factors. Budget allocation, budget planning, and knowledge of the operating costs of a nursing school are crucial. Funding limits can constrain the curriculum design, and adequate financial resources are essential for successful implementation. The institution may need to explore the possible funding resources for curriculum development and innovation. Institutional budget priorities also will be necessary. FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 9 Argument Critical thinking and active learning environments facilitate problem-solving abilities. Handling new situations brought about by the dynamic range of clinical situations using current and prior knowledge and skills can be attained through the constructivism learning theory, which empowers attainment of critical capabilities associated with BSN program development. This learning theory is vital in enhancing the nurse’s accommodation of the cultural diversity in the clinical setting because the student is equipped to construct new knowledge based on meaningful analysis, reflection, and application of the acquired knowledge (Duane & Satre, 2014). The constructivist learning theory engages the use of simulations, evolving case studies, demonstration of the skills, integration of technology, role-playing, and concept mapping to enhance the BSN nursing curriculum program. Theory Critique Advantages. The constructivism learning theory is based on understanding how memory works and how ideas are linked and transformed(Iwasiw & Goldenberg, 2015). Knowledge is constructed and linked to previous knowledge and transformed in response to new experiences. Constructions of knowledge are individual and facilitated by interaction with others. One advantage of the constructivism theory is that it develops advanced skills such as critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, and creation. This theory also encourages students to reflect, evaluate their work, and acquire intermediary skills based on their needs. Students are active learners who are responsible for organizing and using knowledge. Another advantage of the constructivism theory is that it promotes diverse viewpoints among learners (Iwasiw & Goldenberg, 2015). BSN programs promote intellectual growth and facilitate critical thinking through an interactive process (Hsu & Hsieh, 2011). The theory aids in FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 10 linking concepts with practical knowledge and skills by embracing discovery learning and independent practice while promoting balanced teamwork and active participation in learning. Students receive assistance from teachers through the scaffolding process (Duane & Satre, 2014). Disadvantages. The main disadvantage of the constructivism theory is that it offers a less clear structure and rigid progress evaluation mechanism than traditional learning theories (Meleis, 2012). The lack of structure creates frustration and confusion because structured learning is necessary when gaining new knowledge and linking relationship between nursing abstracts and concepts (Duane & Satre, 2014). These are essential elements in ensuring that a student does not fall behind in the curriculum progress. The highlights on self-evaluation may be a stumbling block because students might not gain reflection and insightful knowledge creation through general awareness of their weak points (Hsu & Hsieh, 2011). Another disadvantage is that students can fall behind without a standardized grading and evaluation due to the absence of traditional grading, which is replaced by students’ evaluating their progress, and the instructor may not know students’ struggles. Key Components of Authentic learning Authentic learning is a philosophical educational approach that creates learning experiences that mirror real life (Meleis, 2012). Authentic learning focuses on providing a social learning environment that supports practical, realistic problem-solving initiatives and adoption of inquiry-based cognitive skills. This philosophy cultivates an authentic future for the learner because learning activities have a real-world professional design (Andrew, 2012). Real-life situations are filled with ambiguity and ethical dilemmas; authentic learning equips students with the fundamental professional analysis and skills necessary to navigate the demanding and dynamic health care system. Authentic learning integrates learning with the current and future FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 11 health care environments to offer practical problem-solving abilities. Foundations of Nursing Education Paper

Thus, the learner is exposed to relevant social context and perspective of real-life task and problems. Authentic learning is associated with the constructivism theoretical concept because of their shared focus on active learning and hands-on experiences (Andrew, 2012). The philosophy of authentic learning creates awareness on the relevance and meaning of the material learned in the classroom and their importance in enhancing professionalism leadership and expertise in the clinical setting (Billings & Halstead, 2012). The immediate realization of the relevance of the skills and experiences creates value and commitment in the learning process. Developing continuous commitment among students in the use of technology, teamwork, and collaboration in articulating and verbalizing their thinking and knowledge is essential in their future practices (Billings & Halstead, 2012). The learners are positioned to convert clinical knowledge and experience to arrive at relevant and applicable solutions as they address challenges in practice. These skills are essential in enhancing the BSN RN and undergraduate curricula to influence and contribute to the world outside the classroom. Critique of Authentic Learning Advantages. Authentic learning is a style that encourages students to create an actual, useful product in real life. In authentic learning, students can integrate and connect unfamiliar knowledge and get exposed to a variety of activities and viewpoints, practice tasks and skills, solve problems, and collaborate with other students. All these advantages of authentic learning are apt for a BSN program. The philosophical approach promotes practical skills such as collaboration, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving skills essential in handling real-life nursing tasks (Billings & Halstead, 2012). FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 12 Disadvantages. Authentic learning demands strategic planning because it entails some time-consuming activities that may frustrate the overall learning process if poorly executed (Andrew, 2012). Another disadvantage is that the learners may struggle in the initial period of learning if they are accustomed to receiving direct instructions. In the BSN program, direct instructions are not available; instead, the learner should use real-life experience. Current Modalities Favorite modalities are available for delivery of the new BSN program; the first is online education, and the second is competency-based training. Online Education and Competency-Based Learning Online education seeks to offer a flexible schedule and environment that allows students to plan their time economically. It accommodates students who need control over their lives, work, and study. As long as students have access to the internet, they can study from anywhere and at any time, at their own pace. Online education saves time and money spent on renting space for the institution and transportation costs to the students associated with attending traditional face-to-face classes. Success while attending online classes demands self-discipline, self-motivation, and a sense of responsibility. These skills are essential in a real-life clinical setting as well due to working overload and diversity of challenges that weigh on the staff. Competency-based learning empowers the development of core skills for a particular specialty; hence, students gain expertise and relevant competencies. Competency-based learning allows students to take more classes in their competencies and areas of specialty. Competencybased learning leverages technology and is available online, which makes it more cost-effective and shifts focus from time in class to gaining competency in a specific area. The self-paced environment that is accessible online makes it possible to study from anywhere at any time. FOUND ATIONS OF NURSING EDUCATION 13 Competency-based learning allows the instructor to plan and manage a wider variety of online courses and programs. Foundations of Nursing Education Paper

Thus, students might opt for new courses that offer broader career opportunities, unlike traditional classrooms where office space and infrastructure might limit expanding course and program offerings. Potential Barriers to Implementation Possible barriers in implementing online learning are (a) hiring skilled online educators and (b) instructors who lack computer expertise. Insufficient computer and typing skills can inhibit an educator’s ability in the delivery of online learning. The probable barrier in implementing competency-based learning will be insufficient financial support, time, and personnel. Another barrier in implementing competency-based learning is that it requires a shift in the foundation of traditional education philosophies about teaching and learning among facilities and students. Further, regulatory barriers exist because federal aid depends on tracking credit hours. The sponsors use credit hours rather than competency-based approaches as a measure of quality assurance and evaluation of the students’ academic progress (Hughes, 2002). Lack of support systems such as universal quality assurance and consistent standards promoting competencybased learning by professional, disciplinary, and employer-based organizations compromises broad adoption …