D225 – Task 1: Emerging Trends in Professional Nursing Practice
Student Name
Western Governors University
D225 Emerging Professional Practice
Prof. Name
Date
D225 – Task 1: Emerging Trends in Professional Nursing Practice
Current Employment and Career Goals
I am currently employed as a registered nurse in a county jail, where my responsibilities encompass both medical and mental health care for the inmate population. My primary role is based in the booking area, where I conduct initial health assessments for inmates upon their arrival and begin their healthcare plans. The facility also has a medical education department dedicated to staff training and development. My short-term career goal is to join this education team to enhance and standardize the training protocols for new and existing staff.
Looking forward, my mid-term objective is to transition into a management role, specifically as the assistant director of nursing (ADON). This position would allow me to oversee nursing staff and proactively address healthcare deficiencies within the facility. Ultimately, my long-term ambition is to serve as the health services administrator, managing the entire healthcare operation to ensure the provision of quality medical care to the underserved inmate population.
Certifications and Licensure
| Certification | Maintenance Requirements |
|---|---|
| Multi-State RN License | Complete required continuing education every two years according to Florida state regulations |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | Renew every two years by attending an American Heart Association-approved course demonstrating BLS skills |
Currently, I hold a multi-state registered nurse license and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Both credentials require ongoing maintenance; the RN license mandates biennial continuing education per Florida law, while the BLS certification must be renewed every two years by completing an approved course where life support skills are demonstrated.
Educational and Professional Development
In my current facility, many members of management do not hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). For instance, the current health services administrator is a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Although a BSN is not a formal requirement for management positions here, I believe earning this degree will provide me with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to improve healthcare delivery standards.
I am actively pursuing my BSN at Western Governors University (WGU), with only a few courses remaining. The primary hurdle is completing the required field experience hours. Fortunately, I have arranged to complete these practical hours at my current facility under the supervision of my preceptor, the assistant director of nursing and former member of the education department. This hands-on experience is invaluable in aligning my academic learning with real-world professional aspirations.
Gaining Diverse Work Experience
To develop into an effective educator and leader, I recognize the importance of gaining experience in multiple departments within the facility. Although I have worked primarily in booking for over five years, my exposure to the jail infirmaries is limited, and I have no experience in the acute care clinic. While cross-departmental experience is not mandatory for career advancement here, I believe it is crucial for cultivating a comprehensive understanding of the facility’s healthcare operations.
I plan to request additional training opportunities and volunteer for shifts in other departments to broaden my clinical expertise and operational insights.
Current Training Practices and Proposed Improvements
How is staff training currently conducted, and what improvements do you propose?
At present, new staff training involves shadowing various randomly assigned employees over three shifts without a designated trainer or standardized training materials. This inconsistent approach often results in trainees receiving fragmented information or missing essential policy reviews.
If I join the education department, my goal would be to develop a structured training program featuring clear learning objectives and comprehensive materials. Additionally, I would advocate for the creation of dedicated trainer roles within departments to ensure consistent and accurate onboarding aligned with facility policies.
Impact of Additional Certifications and Courses
How have your additional certifications and courses influenced your professional practice?
The Advanced Molecular and Nursing Health (AMNH) certification deepened my understanding of how genetics influence drug interactions. This knowledge highlights the importance of collecting detailed medical and family histories to customize medication regimens. Given the high incidence of substance abuse disorders among inmates, understanding genetic predispositions enables safer medication decisions, such as avoiding controlled substances in at-risk patients.
The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) certification emphasized a holistic nursing approach, integrating emotional, spiritual, and mental health with physical care. This perspective is essential in a diverse inmate population where cultural and religious beliefs strongly influence health choices. For example, accommodating a hypertensive inmate’s preference for meditation over medication respects patient autonomy and fosters trust.
The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) course, Introduction to Healthcare Improvement, introduced the Six Aims for Improvement framework—safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered care (Provost, Lloyd, & Murray, 2020). In correctional health, where patient autonomy is often limited, applying this framework involves prioritizing inmates’ rights and informed consent, ensuring they understand treatment benefits and risks.
Application of Learning to Facility Improvement
How do you plan to apply knowledge gained from your courses to improve your current workplace?
I plan to collaborate with the education department to develop educational materials that emphasize the role of genetics in pharmacokinetics and the importance of incorporating family history into routine inmate assessments. Institutionalizing this practice through policy would significantly enhance medication safety and personalized care in the facility.
Moreover, by adopting holistic nursing principles, I aim to improve communication and interpersonal skills among healthcare staff. Emphasizing patient-centered care will foster a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, which is vital in the challenging correctional environment.
Ultimately, I aspire to use this knowledge to influence policy changes and raise the overall quality of healthcare as I progress into leadership roles.
Reflection on Healthcare Improvement Challenges
What insights have you gained regarding challenges in healthcare systems?
The IHI course shed light on common systemic challenges in healthcare worldwide, many of which are relevant to correctional health. These include resource limitations, inconsistent staff training, and difficulties in patient engagement. Learning about effective strategies for overcoming such challenges has inspired me to consider tailored solutions for my facility, such as standardized training programs and enhanced patient education efforts.
Addressing these challenges proactively is essential to advancing healthcare quality and outcomes for incarcerated individuals.
References
Provost, L., Lloyd, R., & Murray, S. (2020). Introduction to Health Care Improvement. Institute for Healthcare Improvement. https://education.ihi.org/topclass/topclass.do?CnTxT597826735-contentSetup-tc_student_id=597826735-item=1348&view=1