Abstract
In this paper, the author examines the four concepts (person, health, nurse, and environment) that have been considered essential when describing the parameters of the nursing profession. In addition,
the paper discusses the relevance of these four concepts to the future of nursing as a whole and specifically to persons considering taking up nursing as a profession.

Outline:
My Philosophy of Nursing and How it Fits the Future
The Nursing Metaparadigm
Interrelationships of Concepts
Nursing Profession: Knowledge
The Nursing Process or Critical Thinking?
What About Research?
Nursing Profession: Practice
Challenges in the 21st Century: What is the Ultimate Goal?
References

From the Paper
"Nursing is a combination practice combining the fine art of caring with the scientific knowledge and skills acquired through education and career experience. Professional nurses have a vast knowledge base, as represented in the diagram and description below.
Nursing Foundation (NF) is a combination of knowledge from both the sciences and humanities. Methodology (M) applies to problem solving such as in clinical practice the staff nurse uses the nursing process strategic thinking for nursing administration, scientific inquiry for nursing research, or adult learning theory for nursing education. Nursing Essence (NE) represents the evolution of nursing as a profession. NE includes the principles of the science of nursing, legal parameters, the definition of person, environment, health, and nursing; technical skills; and all other esoteric components of nursing practice. Additionally, nursing essence accounts for the various existing nursing conceptual models and nursing theories. Disciplined Inquiry (DI) refers to investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or law in the light of new data, and the practical application of new or revised theories or laws. Nursing knowledge is influenced by disciplined inquiry (or research) from the nursing sciences and associated disciplines."

Tags:nursing, health, career, medicine, training, metaparadigm

Abstract
In this narrative essay, the author presents a personal philosophy of nursing education, and further describes why this is an important element of a nursing career. The paper encourages nurses to develop a philosophy of nursing, which provides motivation, inspiration and a firm basis from which to function as a professional. The author then states her own philosophy of nursing and nursing education. which is followed by several definitions of nursing philosophy taken from literature in the field. From these, the author addresses which is closest to her personal outlook. The paper concludes by stating the author's viewpoint, which is that nursing education should be holistic in nature and should not be restricted in any formal sense.

From the Paper
"In the first instance it is essential in the modern nursing and healthcare environment to have a broad overview of the aims, objectives and functions of the professional nurse. The nursing profession has become in the last few decades much more advanced and complex than in the past and the professional nurse must understand his or her place and responsibilities in the total medical and healthcare environment. This also impacts on the question of nursing education. Therefore a cohesive and comprehensive conception of the meaning of nursing and how it relates to other facets and aspects of the medical profession must be developed."

Tags:holistic nursing, nursing students, professionalism

Abstract
The writer relates that she believes that the practicing nurse must use multiple theories in order to address a patient's needs, as Kuhn's single paradigm suggests. Using this course of thought, the writer relates that she also believes that there are key components of theories that are essential to nursing practice, especially those that focus on nursing ethics and the patient as the central element of nursing care. Another of the key ideas that the writer has found to be beneficial to her development as a nursing professional has been Neuman's (2003) idea of resiliency. The writer explains that this theory relates to the patient's needs and mandates that the nurse consider all of the individual factors that are connected to the patient in developing a plan for care and/or treatment. Additionally, the writer discusses how "bio-psycho-social-spiritual" theory related to patient care is also an approach to nursing that she will use in practice because it does beyond the concept that nursing is only related to science, but that nursing incorporates all aspects of the individual's life, including culture, religious/spiritual beliefs and their personal ideas about health and health care.

Tags:nursing, theory, health

Abstract
The paper discusses how modern nursing legislation has been proposed to Congress that would address serious concerns in the nursing profession. These concerns have a direct affect on every individual that utilizes health care today. The paper further discusses how Clark and Clark contend that nurses in the twenty-first century are commonly having to work extended overtime hours to meet the nursing shortage, as well as contend with low wages, and insufficient working conditions. The paper describes how, because nurses are forced into positions of care that can result in medical errors to patients, many nurses are therefore leaving the profession. The paper analyzes how the Quality of Nursing Care Act of 2004, and the Safe Nursing and Patient Care Act of 2005 were introduced as legislation in the United States Congress to address these issues.

Tags:nursing, legislation, bills

Abstract
The paper looks at the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002 and provides a timeline of the 2006 leakage scandal when two former members of the Board of Nursing copied and distributed test question manuscripts to students at three review centers before the nursing exam. The paper discusses the culprits, the indictments and the decision for a partial retake of the exam. The paper then addresses the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)' decision that Filipino nursing graduates involved in the scandal would not be eligible for a VisaScreen Certificate, the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment's appeal of this decision and the resulting tarnishing of the Philippine nursing image. The paper highlights the bias towards widespread corrupt practices in the Philippines and argues that there must be concerted and coherent efforts to show the world that the Philippines is not a nation of cheats.

Outline:
The Philippine Nursing Law
The 2006 Leakage Scandal Timeline
Stiffer Penalties for Violators, but Damage Done
Approval as New NCLEX Site
Upgrade of Test Standards and a Warning
Afterthought

From the Paper
"These two former Board members were Anesia Buenafe-Dionisio and Virginia Diolola-Madeja (Torres, 2007). On June 1, 2007, the Ombudsman filed criminal charges against them for violating Section 15a of Republic Act 8981 and Republic Act 3019. Republic 8981 is an Act Modernizing the Professional Regulation Commission. Republic Act 3019 is the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The Board also filed charges against Ray Gapuz, owner of the Gapuz Nursing Review Center. Madeja was the assigned examiner for Test III on Medical Surgery Nursing while Dionisio was assigned for Test V on Psychistric Mental Health. The complaint filed said that the examinees enrolled at the RA Gapuz Review Center in Baguio City finished the exam much earlier than others. Investigation showed that keywords to 56 questions in Madeja's manuscript were written down and distributed to enrollees at the Gapuz Review Center. Of these 56, 23 were actually included in Test III. Of the 100 questions actually asked in Test V, 90 were leaked out by Dionisio in handwritten notes and computer printouts to enrollees at the Gapuz Review Center in Baguio City, the Institute for Review and Special Studies or INRESS in Manila and other review centers elsewhere in the country."

Tags:Board, of, Nursing, examinees, retake, cheaters, VisaScreen, Certificate

Abstract
The paper asserts that one of the most significant issues affecting nursing practice today is the shortage of nurses ("Nursing Shortage", 2008, sec. 1). The paper discusses how nursing shortages affect the nurse to patient ratio at facilities throughout the globe. The paper explains that when there is a high nurse to patient ratio the nurse is tasked with delivering quality care to all patients assigned and the more patients that are depending on the nurse for care, the harder this becomes. The paper discusses how this is because the nurse may have difficulty in treating two patients with severe illness, injury or disease at the same time, or administering life saving procedures to more than one patient in a given time period. The paper asserts that this creates a situation in which some patients suffer needlessly, do not have their needs met and/or may be faced with fatal consequences.

Tags:nursing, shortage, model

Abstract
This paper considers the reasons for using non-nursing personnel to perform nursing tasks and then takes a look at the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. The paper also discusses the outlook for using non-nursing personnel in the nursing profession as well as the decline in qualified nurses in the labor pool.

From the Paper
"Much has been written about the nursing shortage that plagues physicians, hospitals and nursing homes in the United States. At the same time that there are fewer qualified nurses available in the work force a number of states and municipalities have passed regulations regarding the nurse-to-patient ratio that is making the situation even more acute. As a result, healthcare providers have been forced to be innovative in the way that they attract nurses to their institutions and recruiting efforts..."

Tags:nursing, non-nursing personnel

Abstract
This paper explores the introduction of the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, its pros and cons, and how this certification will affect patient care. The paper further discusses how it is hoped this degree will lead to more professional satisfaction and retention in the nursing field. This is explored in light of the current nursing shortage, for which several reasons are proposed for this problem. Suggestions are made to find a solution to the nursing shortage and to entice more young people into the nursing profession, one being the DNP. The paper concludes with a summary of the current situation in nursing and by making a clear distinction between the fields of nursing and medicine.

Outline:
Introduction, Necessity of Discussion, and Historical Background
Exploration and Analysis: Current Information
Relevance and Conclusion

From the Paper
"A large problem that is very significant is the fact that nurses are leaving at a rate that is higher than the rate of new nurses entering the profession. This is a particularly troubling problem, because this indicates that the nursing shortage that began some years ago is only getting worse. One of the reasons that people are not entering the profession in the numbers that they used to is that most nurses are women, and women are choosing many different and varied career paths today. Another reason is that those that are considering a career in nursing see how terribly unhappy nurses currently seem to be, and this causes them to reconsider what they are going to do with their lives (Beu, 2002). Whether the DNP degree could or would change that is up for debate and will be discussed."

Tags:medicine, nursing education, nurse practitioner, hospitals

Abstract
This paper examines the four concepts that guide the nursing philosophy; secondly, a personal take on the philosophy of nursing is proffered; thirdly, the characteristics of a nurse are asserted; fourthly, nursing itself is defined along with an overview of how nursing care is delivered; fifth, wellness, health and illness is defined; sixth, the role of the client is defined and finally, the nursing field is examined from a global, cultural and local perspective.

From the Paper
"Nursing has been referred to as both an art and a science. Examination of this field reveals both definitions are correct. Nurses are entrusted with delivering the proper health care to a patient while at the same time relying vital information and ensuring the patient is comfortable throughout the process. In many respects the role of the nurse is more important than that of the primary care physician. What makes nursing such a vital aspect of our health care system? One could argue that with the fragmentation of our..."

Tags:philosophy, nursing, practice

Abstract
This paper examines the emerging complexities and challenges faced in the nursing profession. Professional socialization is defined and further elaborated upon. In particular, socialization is considered as it relates to nurses enhancing their skills to adequately perform their roles. The paper also describes the importance of state licensure for nurses and nursing standards. Also touched upon is the process of revoking a nurse's liscence and legal recourse when a nurse is negligent.

Outline:
Socialization's Impact on the Practice of Nursing
State Licensure into Nursing
Utilized Measures to Perform Self-Monitoring and to Promote Ongoing Self-Evaluation
Ways in Which the Profession and the Public Utilize Measures to Ensure Ongoing Safe Practice
The Process of "Self Policing" as a Means to Provide Continued Accountability, Ethical Actions and Decision Making
The Process of License Revocation in Nursing
Historical Elements that Led to the Need of Allowing Individuals to Seek Legal Recourse
References

From the Paper
"Undoubtedly, nursing standards and measures define a strong vision of quality care. They refer to the professional's use of the nursing process in order to deliver care. The main purpose of monitoring programs is to measure essential components of practice so that healthcare can be significantly improved. The measures utilized within the profession of nursing suggest proper concentration on tasks, procedures and certain aspects of documentation ("Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice," 2004). Successful self-monitoring reflects in the integration of process and outcome measures of quality. In addition, self-monitoring should incorporate the specificity of the professional nurse's care. "

Tags:nursing, socialization, skills, communication, professional development