NUR 500 Week 1 DQ Drafts
1. What differentiates the practice of a master's-prepared nurse compared to that of a
baccalaureate-prepared nurse?
The practice of a mastered prepared nurse can be differentiated to that of a baccalaureate
prepared nurse on many distinctive measures. Notable areas include that of duration, focus and
specializations.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program typically lasts four years in duration, although
accelerated programs are often available, based on previous education and experience. These
programs feature flexible course schedules to assist working nurses in continuing their education
without interrupting their existing careers. (American Association of Colleges of Nursing –
Advancing Higher Education in Nursing)
BSN degree programs are designed to provide a broad base of knowledge and experience for
entry-level nursing positions and to position graduates to move on to advanced studies. Covering
all of the coursework typically found in associate‟s degree programs, it also includes in-depth
physical science, and social sciences courses, as well as courses in research, nursing
management, the humanities and public health usually taken as electives.
A focus on critical thinking and professional development provides students with the ability to
make informed decisions about patient care, as well as to serve as integral members of an
interdisciplinary care team with physicians, masters-level therapists and other highly educated
colleagues. (Nursing Education: past, present, future – Jones & Bartlett Learning)
The master‟s degree programs on the other hand are typically two years in duration and open to
holders of BSN degrees. Some MSN programs will also offer entry to students with health-
related bachelor‟s degrees. It is also possible to enter MSN programs that accept all bachelor‟s
degree holders. Participants first cover basic nursing curriculum and become licensed RNs, and
then proceed to earn a master‟s degree, which typically takes three years. (Developing the
discipline of Nursing - Jones & Bartlett Learning)
MSN programs focus on a particular area, such as nursing administration, clinical nurse leader,
nurse practitioner or clinical nurse educator. Coursework includes advanced nursing theory,
research, management issues, nursing informatics, social and physical sciences and clinical
practice. (American Association of Colleges of Nursing – Advancing Higher Education in
Nursing)
, 2. What is the value of a master's degree in nursing?
Graduates with a master‟s degree in nursing are prepared for a variety of roles and areas of
practice, they may pursue new and innovative roles that result from health reform and changes in
an evolving and global healthcare system. Some graduates will pursue direct care practice roles
in a variety of settings (e.g., the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL), nurse educator). Others may
choose indirect care roles or areas of practice with an aggregate, systems, or organizational
focus, (e.g. nursing or health program management, informatics, public health, or clinical
research coordinator).
The degree prepares nurses for flexible leadership and critical action within complex, changing
systems, including health, educational and organizational systems. The degree equips nurses with
valuable knowledge and skills to lead change, promote health and elevate care in various roles
and settings (Initiative for the future of Nursing IOM 2010). The master‟s degree prepares nurses
who can address the gaps resulting from growing health care needs in a time when preparation
for specialty advanced nursing practice is transitioning to a higher level.
3. What do you consider to be the most essential professional competency for a master's-
prepared nurse practicing in the 21st century?
, In nursing of today it is clearly evident that the trends have changed in diverse ways especially
comparing the competencies of nursing in the times of Florence Nightingale, the most essential
professional competency of a master‟s prepared nurse practicing in the 21st century entails
advanced imagination, transformative thinking and evolutionary changes in the application of
knowledge into practice. The extraordinary explosion of knowledge, expanding technologies,
increasing diversity and global health challenges produce a dynamic environment for nursing and
amplify nursing‟s critical contributions to health care (American association of Colleges of
Nursing). In addition to developing competence in the different core areas of nursing, each
graduate will have additional course work in an area of practice or functional role. This
coursework may include more in-depth preparation and competence in one or two of the
Essentials or in an additional/ supplementary area of practice. For select areas of practice,
specialty nursing organizations have developed nationally recognized competencies and
curricular recommendations, which are required for certification and practice in these identified
areas. (American Association of College of nursing- Advancing Higher Education in Nursing)
a. Knowledge application of theory to practice- the master‟s prepared nurse
examines policies and seeks evidence for every aspect of practice, apply research
outcomes within the practice setting, resolve issues arising in the course of
practice, utilizing the results both within and outside the clinical setting with the
purpose of advancing the clinical practice. (Damschroder et al., 2009; Sobo,
Bowman & Gifford; van Achterberg, Schoonhoven, & Grol, 2008)
b. Analytical thinking and decision making – the master‟s prepared nurse applies
and integrates broad, organizational, client centered and culturally appropriate
concepts, employs evidence based and proven methods, tools performance
measures and standards related to quality into planning population care and
services to individuals and families. (The essentials of Master’s Education in
Nursing- American Association of College of Nursing)
c. Increase confidence and self-esteem – the master‟s prepared nurse is empowered
with scientific and applied knowledge which translates into increase in confidence
to question decisions relating to the provision of care. (S. M. Cortteril
Walker/Nurse education today-2012)
d. Enhanced communication- the master‟s prepared nurse has proven over time that
increased knowledge has enhanced communication skills that has positively
affected the ability to challenge practice, increased confidence in discussion and
debate particularly with medical colleagues. (S.M. Cortteril Walker/Nurse
education today-2012)
e. Personal and professional growth – the master‟s prepared nurse is able to portray
personal and professional growth in relation to role modelling and increased
mentoring activities and responsibilities. (S. M. Cortteril Walker/Nurse education
today-2012)
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