Magnet Recognition Program for Nurses Research Paper

Magnet Recognition Program for Nurses - Research Paper Example There was a distinction between the two roles in the 1960’s but today the role of the RN is not as distinct; each level of education received the title of RN after successful passing of the state boards of nursing licensure test to become a practicing registered nurse (Pellico et al., 2009). Previous distinction of role included the definitions of the technical nurse and the professional nurse. The technical nurse was in the beginning educational preparation stage and attended a 2 year community college. The professional nurse was enrolled in a four year nursing program at a colleges or university; the distinction of roles is consistent with accreditation standards of thinking at the time (Donley & Flaherty, 2008). The goal was to expand the nursing programs and assist the technical nurse to transition into professional practice (Donley & Flaherty, 2008 & Nelson, 2002). These attempts notwithstanding, the needs of the educational curriculum were still not fulfilled for the RN at both levels after taking the state board licensure exam receives the same title, â€Å"RN†. There is a continued effort for nursing to elevate the profession at a higher educational level. healthcare facilities with Magnet ® status help to push this process forward with the continued excellence in nursing practice outcomes. In 1965, the American Nurses Association’s First Position on Education in nursing was published to describe the need for educational reform in nursing (ANA, 1965). This argument continues today. The goal for a standardized nursing entry level of education has yet to be resolved. According to Smith (2009) the environment of nursing has evolved considerably and educational advances need to be changed.... Magnet Recognition Program for Nurses With the advent of the Magnet Recognition Program ® more healthcare facilities are seeking attainment of a higher level of professional nursing practice. The rationale for healthcare facilities in seeking Magnet Status is driven by healthcare institutions wanting to serve the communities with the highest level of care possible in the use of innovative technology and excellence in care. Bargagliotti, West-Sands, Burchum & Selbe, note that in year 1960s, most nurses were trained at a diploma level, which was a two or three year hospital based nursing program where nursing students learned the basic skills to care for patients in the hospital. In the 1960’s, undergraduate programs were recognized as a path that nursing students should take to function at the professional level of nursing. This system was generally quicker and cost effective to utilize the diploma programs to produce a high functioning nurse to care for the large number of patients. The diploma programs were the first to be extinguished from the education framework as the profession moved into the ADN and BSN programs of study. All nurses at every level should be encouraged to go back to school and continue the path of lifelong learning in the profession of nursing. Lacey, Cox & Lorfing (2007) anticipated that the entry level for nursing will be the BSN which consists of entry level by the year 2020. This process continues and will continue until all can agree to the level and expectations of the professional entry level of the nurse.