Nurses are the key to a working healthcare system and one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioners have the highest projected growth rate of any occupation in the U.S., increasing by 46% by 2031. This number will become even higher as our population ages.  

There’s no one way to become a nurse and there are many options. By understanding what each career path offers, future nurses can decide which careers suit their aspirations best. 

Entering the Healthcare Field 

Most nursing students can start working after completing a two-year associate degree and can gain direct experience with entry-level positions such as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). These nurses provide direct care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse. Many CNAs choose to further their studies to become licensed practical nurses or registered nurses. 

LPN versus RN 

Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) may be a good option for you if you want to fast-track your career. An LPN training program can be completed in as little as 12 to 15 months, and once you pass your examination and earn your licensure, you’ll be able to provide basic patient care. 

Registered nurses (RN) can provide a higher level of care and educational support to patients. To become an RN, you’ll be required to earn a four-year bachelor’s degree or other diploma from an accredited nursing program—and, like LPNs, you’ll need to make sure you are licensed in the state you plan to practice in.  

RNs are considered the backbone of the healthcare system and enjoy a median pay of about $77,600 a year, compared to an LPN making about $48,070 per year. 

Choosing a Specific Career Path 

Registered nurses with a BSN or master’s degree in nursing can pursue a multitude of advanced career options. Best of all, you don’t have to stay in one career: Your knowledge and experience is applicable to many other nursing professions. 

Nurse Practitioner (NP) 

A nurse practitioner provides primary and specialty care and often works in collaboration with a doctor. Some states even allow NPs to open their own clinics. NPs are the fastest-growing profession in the United States and enjoy a median annual pay of $123,780. 

Nurse Midwife 

Students interested in becoming a midwife will need to be a licensed RN and complete at least a BSN. Nurse midwives deliver babies, provide gynecological exams and family planning services, and advise women throughout their pregnancies. They enjoy an annual salary similar to NPs and can expect to see similar job growth. 

Nurse Educator 

RNs with a passion for teaching may consider becoming a nurse educator and training the next generation of nurses. Nurse educators usually work both in the classroom and clinical settings and earn a mean annual wage of $82,040.   

Informatics Nurse 

Nurse informaticists integrate technology and information science with patient care. These professionals work to manage projects, develop systems, and analyze data in hospital settings. A nurse informaticist can expect to make upwards of $82,000 a year. According to a 2020 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, about 51% of nurse informaticists report being highly satisfied with their position. 

Health Policy Nurse 

Health policy nurses integrate healthcare into public policy and the government. These kinds of nurses examine policies and practices in the healthcare system and can expect to make upwards of $80,000 a year. 

Nursing Manager 

Nursing managers and other health services managers oversee, plan, and direct the business activities and workflow of healthcare professionals in each department. Nursing managerial occupations are a great option if you’re planning on taking on a leadership role in healthcare, with an annual salary of around $101,340 per year and expected job growth of 28% by 2031. 

Critical Care Nurse (CCN) 

About 37% of nurses in the hospital setting work in critical care and intensive care units (ICU). 

These nurses usually perform direct care for critically ill or injured patients and provide immediate medical interventions for pre-surgery or post-surgery critical cases. CCNs can make up to $114,269 with a job growth outlook of about 9% by 2030. 

Travel Nurse 

Travel nurses are RNs with varying clinical backgrounds who are often on short-term assignments. If you enjoy traveling and new opportunities, you may find this career path–complete with higher-than-average pay and the potential to work in different countries—exciting to pursue.  

Control the Pace of Your Education. Earn a BSN Online. 

Registered nurses who are interested in furthering their career may want to consider our CCNE-accredited RN to BSN. Our courses are entirely online and designed and taught by nursing leaders that possess firsthand knowledge of the challenges experienced in the healthcare field. Our online RN to BSN program can provide the education you need to pursue virtually any career path in healthcare. 

In addition, most of our courses are asynchronous, which means you control the pace of your education. Study after shifts, during the weekends, or whenever you can make time.  

Join the next generation of healthcare leaders at The University of Texas Permian Basin. Apply to our online RN to BSN program! 

Sources: 
https://www.registerednursing.org/nursing-careers/
https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/careers-for-nurses-opportunities-and-options.htm
https://www.topnursing.org/career/informatics-nurse/
https://www.registerednursing.org/nurse-educator/

Meeting patients for the first time is like walking into the unknown. Most patient encounters are unremarkable, and those that do make a lasting impression can often be among the most challenging. You know these interactions: patients who are angry, defensive, or grieving and who can demand a substantial emotional toll — if you’re not careful.  

As a nurse, there will always be aspects of patient encounters that are beyond your control, whether it’s as trivial as an out-of-stock cafeteria item or as serious as having to deliver a bleak diagnosis. How you react to an encounter, however, is in your control. Here’s how you can deliver high-quality care in the face of challenging patient encounters. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.  

Empathize With Your Patients  

Some patients can be kind and others may be confrontational, but all are responding to a situation that’s largely beyond their control—a feeling some will have never experienced before. So don’t take it personally if a patient is uncooperative. The reason for their behavior probably has nothing to do with you, even when you’re on the receiving end of verbal abuse.  

An uncooperative patient could be having an adverse drug reaction, struggling with mental illness, frustrated with their insurance company, or grappling with their own mortality. For all you know, a stressed physician with a terrible bedside manner set the stage for a bad encounter long before you picked up a patient’s chart. 

Consider things from the patient’s perspective, challenging though it may be. Empathy is one of your most important nursing skills, and by showing compassion for all patients, regardless of their behavior, you’ll be better able to manage encounters. 

Reflect on Your Interactions 

How you communicate sets the tone for every patient encounter. Meet anger, fear, and frustration with understanding and respect and patients will be more willing to meet you on your level. You can’t control your patients’ behaviors or emotions, only your own. 

Practice More Effective Communication  

Speak in a clear and calm voice, even when patients raise theirs. And don’t be afraid to set boundaries: Having empathy for patients doesn’t mean you’re their punching bag. If necessary, remind patients that it’s unacceptable to raise their voice at you and that the conversation will only continue once they’ve settled down. 

Empathy is your best tool for navigating challenging patient encounters, but when you find yourself running out of goodwill, there are strategies you can use to connect with patients more effectively. Here are a few: 

The Teach-Back Method 

The teach-back method is a simple way to confirm that your patients understand what you’ve told them about their health and the care they’re receiving. Simply ask them to repeat in their own words what they need to know or do going forward. By using this method, you’ll prevent misunderstandings, ensure patients are educated on their healthcare, and pave the way for positive patient encounters.  

Open-Ended Questions 

Ask open-ended questions that require patients to pause before answering. Questions that start with “How do you feel about …,” or “What do you think about …,” are more likely to lead to a back-and-forth conversation than a sterile call-and-response. Asking open-ended questions can reveal vital medical information and, like the teach-back method, ensure you and your patients are on the same page.  

Cultural Sensitivity 

Imagine receiving care from a medical professional who speaks a language different from your own. This is the reality for the 8.2% of Americans who speak English less than very well. When there’s a language barrier, always try to speak with patients through an interpreter or at least devote extra time to these encounters to make sure your message is received and understood. 

Active Listening 

Active listening means giving patients your undivided attention and making a constant effort to not only hear them but also understand everything they’re trying to convey. Maintaining eye contact and remaining seated during an encounter will assure patients you’re taking their concerns seriously. Give patients a chance to tell their story and talk through their feelings and they’ll be more willing to trust you with their healthcare.   

Give All You Can (Within Reason) 

By empathizing with your patients, reflecting on your interactions, and practicing more effective communication, you can navigate even the most challenging patient encounters. You may even find that some patients with a rough exterior are inwardly gentle. But be careful: compassion fatigue and burnout are real concerns for nurses, especially those emotionally invested in their patients. There is, however, a career path you can take if patient encounters are taking a toll.  

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can help you qualify for high-level nursing leadership roles. As a nursing leader, you’ll no longer be on the frontlines. Rather, you’ll provide your fellow nurses with the resources they need to deliver safe, high-quality care and achieve optimal patient outcomes. This way, you can make a significant impact on patient health without risking your own emotional health. 

Earn Your RN to BSN Online From UT Permian Basin 

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online RN to BSN program that is ideal for aspiring nursing leaders like you.  

Led by a dedicated team of nursing educators, all of whom are experienced in the nursing field, our online program will help you develop a deeper understanding of the evolving challenges facing healthcare practitioners. Under the guidance of our esteemed faculty, you’ll learn how to address these issues and foster a safe, supportive environment for patients, staff, and visitors.   

Apart from two clinical courses, our program is composed of asynchronous coursework that can be completed online and on your schedule. No UT Permian Basin campus visits are required. Dive into a course module’s readings, assignments, and quizzes after a shift or during a long weekend—it’s entirely up to you. As a nurse, your time is valuable, which is why we’re placing control of the pace of your education in your hands.  

Ready to take your career in a new direction? Apply to our online RN to BSN program and take a step closer to becoming a nursing leader.  

Sources: 
https://www.myamericannurse.com/challenging-patient-encounters/
https://nurse.org/articles/dealing-with-difficult-patients/
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/fpm/issues/2007/0600/p30.html
https://www.rn.com/nursing-news/proactive-ways-to-defuse-the-difficult-patient/

Students and graduates across the nation held their collective breath as President Biden announced his long-awaited student debt relief plan on August 24, 2022. Borrowers making less than $125,000 per year will receive up to $20,000 in debt cancelation. About 20 million borrowers will have their debt wiped out, but how many of them were registered nurses (RNs)?  

An associate degree in nursing costs as much as $20,000, or $40,000 if you attend a private school. Graduates who go on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which is becoming the norm, can take on tens of thousands of dollars in additional student loan debt—if they choose the wrong program. That can be a heavy burden, even for RNs in high-paying roles.  

What Is Student Loan Forgiveness for Nurses?  

Student loan forgiveness means you will no longer be required to repay some or all of your student loans. As an RN, you possess a highly sought-after skill set, and the government may be willing to forgive your student loans if you agree to their terms. There’s sure to be a state or federal loan forgiveness program you qualify for; we’ve included some examples in the list below to help you begin your research.   

What’s the Catch?  

In exchange for loan repayment, nurses typically—but not always—agree to serve a set number of years in a designated area, often an underserved area in need of healthcare professionals. Nurses who don’t like to be tied down may chafe at the idea, but those who are willing to relocate or already work in an HPSA probably won’t mind making the commitment if it means never having to worry about student loan debt.  

Public Service Loan Forgiveness 

The best option for most nurses, the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program is available to nurses who work full-time at a government or nonprofit organization and have made 120 monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Nurses who qualify can receive tax-free forgiveness on their remaining federal student loans.  

Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program 

Courtesy of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program covers up to 85% of unpaid nursing education debt for RNs, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and nurse faculty. To qualify, nursing professionals must agree to serve for two years in a critical shortage facility or as a nurse faculty member at an eligible nursing school.  

Indian Health Service (IHS) Repayment Program 

Nurses can receive up to $40,000 in repayment in exchange for two years of service to American Indians and Alaska Natives, who’ve long faced significant healthcare disparities. If you’re the adventurous type, you can pay off your student loan debt while practicing within an Indian health community in some of the most remote parts of the western U.S. and Alaska.  

Earn Your BSN For Free 

The University of Texas Permian Basin and the Permian Strategic Partnership are proud to offer a PSP Scholarship to undergraduate students majoring in healthcare-related fields, including nursing. This renewable four-year scholarship will cover tuition and fees while you pursue your degree in our online RN to BSN program. Earn your BSN for free! Visit our PSP Scholarships page for additional information and requirements

National Health Service Corp (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program  

The NHSC offers four loan repayment programs to providers serving communities in need, particularly those affected by the opioid epidemic. These programs are: 

  • NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Awards up to $50,000 for full-time service and $25,000 for part-time service to nurse practitioners who agree to serve two years at an NHSC-approved site.  
  • NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program: Awards $100,000 for full-time service and $50,000 for part-time service to nurse practitioners and RNs who agree to serve three years at a rural NHSC-approved SUD treatment facility. 

NHSC Students to Service (S2S) Loan Repayment Program  

It’s never too early to tackle student loan debt. Suppose you’re in your last year of nursing school. In that case, you may qualify for the S2S Loan Repayment Program, which awards up to $120,000 to students who agree to work full-time for three years at an NHSC-approved site. While working to fulfill your service requirement, you can continue your education.  

Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) 

Nurses who pursue careers with the Veterans Health Administration can receive up to $40,000 in annual reimbursements, or $200,000 over a five-year period, thanks to this VA program. Funds are tax-free, and no mandatory service is required. “I still have a very large amount of medical school debt to service,” said physician Dr. Stephen Gau. “The EDRP program helps to accelerate the pay off dramatically.” Visit the VA Careers website and search for “EDRP” to find reimbursement-eligible positions.  

Nurses: Invest in Your Future 

Imagine the relief that comes from having the weight of student loan debt lifted from your shoulders in an instant. For nurses, the benefits are even more pronounced: Student loan repayment brings not only ease of mind but also the chance to take risks and pursue new career opportunities. 

At UT Permian Basin, we offer an online RN to BSN program designed for nurses interested in pursuing leadership roles in healthcare. We know the prospect of taking out another student loan isn’t always appealing, which is why we’ve made our online program as affordable as possible. Tuition is competitively priced and the same for all students, whether they’re in or outside of Texas. Plus, scholarship opportunities and student loan forgiveness for nurses mean that students gain the training needed to pursue high-paying, high-level management roles without having to go into debt.  

Apply to our online RN to BSN program to pursue an affordable degree and career opportunities you can’t afford to pass up.   

Sources: 
https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/
https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation
https://www.vacareers.va.gov/Home/PdfViewer?issuu=edrp_va_vha_flyer_final

Nursing is a challenging, yet highly rewarding career.  There is a growing need for nursing professionals who can assume leadership roles to advocate for patients and their fellow professionals. To fill this need, The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an Online RN to BSN program for RNs to elevate their education to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

The RN to BSN program is designed by, and for, nurses. It is an affordable, convenient way to earn your BSN, preparing you for higher-acuity patients and even high-level management roles in healthcare. We’re here to discuss how our online nursing program works, detail its benefits and learning outcomes, and help you determine whether pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is right for you. Let’s begin!

The Convenience of Online Courses

Time is a precious commodity, especially in healthcare. When not with patients, nurses are likely with their family or friends, only making time here and there for their own interests. Long shifts can leave nurses feeling exhausted, challenging their work-life balance. This is why we designed our online RN to BSN program to be as flexible as possible.

With the exception of two clinical courses—we’ll talk about those later—our program is 100% online and asynchronous. This means that you can log-on to Canvas, our learning management system, and engage with course materials anywhere, and anytime, you want. Watch a recorded lecture at home after a shift or take a quiz at a coffee shop over a long weekend – you determine your study schedule.

Take On Only What You Can Handle

As a rule of thumb, one credit hour corresponds to three hours of work per week. So, expect to spend about nine hours a week studying and completing assignments in a 3-credit course. How many courses you take in a given semester is up to you. Graduate in as little as one year or take your time pursuing your BSN. You’re trusted in your nursing career to deliver effective patient care and make critical decisions, and deciding the pace of your education should be no different.

Learn Under Nursing Leaders Who Came Before

Our online RN to BSN is led by a dedicated team of educators, all nurses with firsthand experience of the challenges facing today’s nursing profession. Some faculty members are even online learning alums, so they know how to balance the rigors required of a nursing program with the flexibility students need. They also respond promptly to emails, usually within 24-48 hours, and will answer any questions you may have as you work toward your BSN.

Course Spotlight: Informatics and Innovation

Let’s take a look at our online course Informatics and Innovation to give you a better idea of how our online RN to BSN program works. This 3-credit hour course explores the impact of technology on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. Courses like Informatics and Innovation are located in our learning management system, Canvas, where you’ll submit assignments, post on discussion boards, and take quizzes. By the time you complete this course, you’ll have gained a deeper understanding of legal and ethical issues associated with technology, as well as its impact on workflow and the role of healthcare providers.

Attend an Accredited Nursing Program

UT Permian Basin’s School of Nursing is accredited by the prestigious Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This accreditation demonstrates the quality and integrity of our nursing programs that include the traditional BSN and online RN to BSN programs.  

The Practicality of Clinical Courses

As a student, you’ll be required to complete two clinical courses conducted in-person with a local nurse preceptor of your choice. Your preceptor must have at least a BSN degree and be working in a leadership role. Clinical courses will give you the opportunity to apply what you learn in class to your career. By working with a nursing leader you respect, you’ll learn what it takes to succeed in high-level management roles while developing your own leadership style.

Like the rest of our online RN to BSN program, clinical courses require no UT Permian Basin campus visits.

Who Can Enroll in the Online RN to BSN Program?

UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program is open to any Registered Nurse (RN) holding a current license from any state in the USA. 

Ready to Get Started?

We hope this discussion has shed some light on our CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program, how it works, and what you have to gain by earning your BSN. UT Permian Basin offers critical, comprehensive instruction in a convenient online format. Through our program, you’ll learn how to better provide for patients and fellow nurses by:

  • Addressing organizational issues;
  • Promoting evidence-based practice; and
  • Fostering a healthy work environment.

Join our online nursing program and gain a prestigious degree and a highly sought-after skillset. You’ll also have the opportunity to procure a Nurse Manager Certificate from Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society for an additional fee. Together, these credentials and skills will help you advance your career, advocate for change, and provide patients with the high-quality healthcare they deserve.

Interested in learning more about our online RN to BSN? Visit our Program page, and apply now to begin the next phase of your career.

There are over three million registered nurses (RNs) in the U.S., making nursing the nation’s largest healthcare profession. It’s no wonder, then, that the nursing shortage has impacted virtually every level of the healthcare system. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 270,000 registered nurses will be needed by 2030. Texas alone will be short nearly 60,000 nurses by 2032—a deficit that will surely worsen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

None of this will come as a surprise to RNs, who’ve been on the frontlines of the pandemic for months and now years. Burnout comes with the territory of being a nurse, but the long hours, heavy workloads, and widespread death brought on by the pandemic are driving many nurses away from the profession and contributing to the nursing shortage. There is, however, a way for nurses to overcome these challenges, but to understand how, we have to discuss what caused the nursing shortage in the first place.    

What’s Causing the Nursing Shortage?  

COVID-19 may be the straw that broke the camel’s back, but hospitals have been dealing with nursing shortages for years, and the problem may be an inherent part of healthcare. As historian Susan M. Reverby puts it, the problem with contemporary American nursing is the duty “to care in a society that refuses to value caring.” Limitations can keep nurses from providing the best possible care, and the limitations placed on today’s nurses range from the political to the extremely personal.   

The Silver Tsunami 
Adults aged 65 and older are expected to number 77 million by 2034, outnumbering children for the first time in U.S. history. Older adults are living longer than ever—a testament to modern medicine and the dedication of healthcare workers. However, increased longevity brings an increased risk of experiencing conditions associated with aging, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia. As the aging population, or “silver tsunami,” grows, so too will the demands placed on RNs.  

Early Retirement 
About one million RNs are older than 50 years of age, meaning we could lose about one-quarter of all nurses to retirement within the next 15 years. Nursing students will be able to fill some but not all of these vacant roles, especially when there’s a nursing faculty shortage limiting the number of students who can be accepted into nursing school. The pandemic has only made matters worse, and some nurses who planned on devoting a few more years to patient care are instead taking early retirement.  

Nurse Burnout 
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses have been caring for patients on the front lines. Having to watch patients die every shift has taken an emotional toll on nurses, many of whom feel like they’re running on fumes. “It was exhausting,” said ICU nurse Kaitlyn Chahar. “I wouldn’t eat. I wouldn’t be able to pee. I wasn’t drinking water because you’re just constantly doing things in your patient’s room to make sure that they don’t die, and a lot of them still died.” Burnout from the pandemic, combined with long hours, lack of support, and ungrateful patients, has left many nurses unsure what to do with their careers. 

What Does the Nursing Shortage Mean for RNs and Patients?  

With their workforce dwindling, hospitals have turned to increasing patient-to-nurse ratios, which has been linked to burnout, turnover, and—alarmingly—patient death. Nurses who care for too many patients at once are more likely to commit errors and less likely to provide high-quality care. It’s a frustrating situation but one that gives nurses the leverage they need to advocate for change.  

Caring for Your Career, Patients, and Fellow Nurses 

Speaking on the importance of setting boundaries, nurse manager Avery Taylor said, “You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? I am still incredibly proud to be a nurse, but I don’t feel like I have to be a nurse at the sacrifice of myself. I still need to take care of myself.” Finding a balance may seem impossible during a nursing shortage, but for the nurses who continue to care—care for their careers, patients, and fellow nurses—there are few other options.  

Earn an RN to BSN From UT Permian Basin  

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online RN to BSN program that will prepare you for leadership roles in patient care. Accredited by the prestigious Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our online program provides the knowledge needed to overcome today’s nursing challenges and foster a healthy work environment for the betterment of patients and staff.  

Within our online program, courses such as Strategy and Analysis of Organizational Process explore conflict resolution, negotiation skills, operations management and strategic planning—all areas essential for overcoming challenges created and worsened by the nursing shortage. Throughout this course, students learn how to improve population health outcomes by creating change in their units. This course, along with the rest of our online RN to BSN program, provides aspiring nursing leaders with the means to overcome staffing challenges and improve the quality of healthcare, which must be safeguarded during these difficult times. 

Ready to become a leader in nursing? Apply to our CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN program, and in as little as one year, you can graduate with a BSN from UT Permian Basin’s School of Nursing. Along with this prestigious credential, the knowledge and skills you’ll gain in our program will help you control the trajectory of your career, better provide for patient needs, and lead with confidence in your current or future nursing role. 

Sources: 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493175/
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2022/03/14/travel-nurse-pay-caps/
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/in-depth/2022/03/25/421835/grueling-conditions-are-fueling-a-nationwide-nursing-shortage-houston-nurses-werent-spared/

Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.

—Arthur C. Clarke

Imagine a 19th-century nurse stepping foot in a modern-day hospital. Although knowledgeable for her time, this nurse would be at a loss for what to do with commonplace technologies like defibrillators, ventilators, and vital signs monitors. Medical culture would perhaps feel familiar, but every modern medical routine would seem like science fiction to our displaced nurse.

This is what being a nursing professional may very well feel like after the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), an ongoing technological revolution that’s blurring the lines between the physical and digital world. Society is changing, accelerating in response to 3D printing, autonomous cars, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies, and this is only the beginning.

At the Heart of Modern Medicine

Healthcare is a technology-driven industry, and innovations that can improve the quality of patient care are often rapidly embraced. Consider the disruptive nature of health information technology (health IT). The shift from paper to electronic health records enabled doctors to access patient information at all hours, share up-to-date information with specialists, and write out prescriptions electronically. This transition forever changed how nurses and physicians administer care, and it was well underway before the start of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The entire world is standing at the edge of the precipice that is the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and healthcare may be the first field to go over.

Bringing New Meaning to Patient-Centered Care

The coming years will usher in a revolution in patient-centered care as medical devices are connected through the internet of things (IoT), wireless networks of devices that collect and share data. If you have an Apple Watch or Fitbit, you’re already familiar with how this technology can be used to track your steps and monitor your heart rate. However, the potential for wearables goes far beyond helping people achieve their fitness goals. The IoT will enable wearables to communicate directly with medical devices, sharing biodata that can be used to inform clinical decisions, reduce misdiagnoses, and predict disease.

For a look at how this technology can be used to find novel medical solutions, check out Abilify MyCite. Approved for the treatment of some mood disorders, this pill has a built-in sensor the size of a grain of sand that transmits data via a wearable patch to a patient’s smartphone, allowing them to track the ingestion of medication and their adherence to medication regimens.

Getting A Second Opinion

Most people will receive an incorrect or late diagnosis at least once in their life, and by one estimate, 12 million patients are misdiagnosed annually. Diagnostic errors can and do result in patient harm and death, which is why the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose disease is so promising. In a study published by the Annals of Oncology, researchers pitted 58 dermatologists from around the world against a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN). On average, the dermatologists accurately identified 86.6% of melanomas. And the AI that was trained on over 100,000 images of malignant melanomas? CNN detected melanomas with 95% accuracy.

AI is no substitute for experience and empathy, but it’s an incredible tool that’ll assist medical professionals in ways that may surprise you. Chatbots have been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of depression, personalized medications are being developed by scanning patient health and genetic records with AI, and coma patients are being given a second chance at life thanks to AI that can predict when and if they will awaken.

Tinkering With Genetic Material

Biotechnology harnesses cellular and other biological processes to develop new technologies, essentially using living organisms to solve problems. Genetic engineering, the manipulation of an organism’s genetic material, is the most prominent area of biotechnology and consists of:

  • Gene therapy: replacing a faulty gene to cure or fight disease.
  • Gene editing: making targeted changes to a genetic code. 
  • Exon skipping: splicing a gene to skip genetic mutation.

Genetics are responsible for about 30% of pediatric and 10% of adult hospital admissions (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, at least). Long thought to be oversold, genetic engineering is now opening the door to new possibilities in medicine. For example, ADA-SCID is a rare, potentially fatal inherited immunodeficiency disorder that leaves children highly susceptible to severe infections. Through the use of an experimental gene therapy, researchers were able to insert a normal copy of the ADA gene into a patient’s blood-forming stem cells and restore lasting immune functions in 48 of 50 children. Genetic therapy and engineering may cure this and many other genetic diseases as the Fourth Industrial Revolution continues to unfold.

The Revolution Is Here

Medical innovations like those brought on by the Fourth Industrial Revolution may seem like science fiction, but they’re becoming more and more of a reality with each passing day. We take an in-depth look at this topic in Informatics and Innovation, an online course offered as part of The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), our online RN to BSN program is designed to provide aspiring nursing leaders like you with a deeper understanding of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Through our program, you’ll study essential topics in nursing, including the impact of technology on patient care, and in as little as one year, you can graduate with a bachelor’s degree and an expanded skill set that will prove invaluable throughout your career.

Ready to take your first step into a new era? Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program to become a 21st-century nursing leader.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4147743/
https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF__Shaping_the_Future_of_Health_Council_Report.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7674813/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5171547/
https://www.britannica.com/technology/biotechnology

For decades, nurses have used telehealth to deliver high-quality care to patients, especially those in rural areas. Still, in-person care has remained the norm—that is, until the emergence of COVID-19. Seemingly overnight, telehealth has become the primary way for healthcare professionals to see their patients. Upon the release of COVID vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, many anticipated a return to brick-and-mortar care, but telehealth appears to be here to stay, and nurses who are unfamiliar with these auditory and visual modalities may find themselves unable to fully accomplish their duties. 

What Exactly Is Telehealth?

Telehealth is defined as “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.” Not to be confused with telemedicine, telehealth refers to the delivery of both clinical and non-clinical services. Nurses can now schedule appointments and educate patients on symptom management during video conferences or monitor patient vitals with home monitoring equipment, all without ever coming face-to-face with patients. Telehealth is a cost-effective way to provide care for acute and chronic conditions, but no one expected it to grow at such an explosive rate.

Telehealth is estimated to have grown by 80% during 2020, far greater than the 16.8% predicted prior to the pandemic. Today, an estimated one out of every three visits will be conducted virtually, and up to 65% of patients plan on using telehealth going forward. Telehealth became a household word in a matter of months, and the reason is clear: Thanks to Zoom and other teleconferencing software, COVID-19 patients can connect with family members and non-COVID-19 patients can receive care without fear of spreading the virus.

With teleconferencing, patients can also avoid having to clear their schedule, wade through traffic, and spend time in a waiting room. “It’s a very easy way to get an expert opinion without leaving your apartment,” patient Charlie Freyre told NPR. “We all know what going to the doctor can be like.” Despite the benefits, however, telehealth’s rapid adoption has left many nurses struggling to adopt telecommunication technology.

The Four P’s

In their mad dash to adapt to the pandemic, hospitals and healthcare facilities invested in telehealth equipment and platforms without carefully considering which technologies suited their needs. As a result, many nurses were handed unfamiliar technology while unaware of the nuances of telehealth, such as privacy and consent. To educate nurses and other healthcare professionals on emerging technology, researchers have developed the Four P’s of Telehealth:

Planning

Not every patient encounter can be conducted online, and nurses must know when virtual visits are appropriate. For example, patients in rural communities may not have access to high-speed internet, although they would benefit greatly from telehealth services. Alternatively, loss of sight or hearing may prevent a patient from communicating via teleconference. There are also the various laws governing telehealth to consider (Zoom is not a HIPPA secure platform). As overwhelming as it may be, it falls on nurses to be mindful of the nuances of telehealth. 

Preparing

Once a plan is in place, it’s time to put it into action. To provide optimal telehealth services, healthcare facilities will establish protocols, designate a setting for delivery, and provide training for providers. Everything from scheduling conflicts to telehealth emergencies must be addressed. Nurses should take this time to develop their telehealth etiquette and familiarize themselves with the technology they’ll be working with. At The University of Texas Permian Basin, registered nurses can enroll in Theories and Issues in Professional Nursing and Health Care, an online course that helps students overcome issues impacting nursing, including the emerging role of health information technologies.

Providing

Providing high-quality care and improving patient outcomes is the goal of every nurse, regardless of the medium. Nurses should be able to not only determine a patient’s health status using home monitoring equipment but also walk them through the use of that equipment. Nurse-patient encounters should conclude as usual, with nurses documenting the visit, setting a follow-up appointment, or collaborating with other healthcare professionals, if necessary. Nursing professionals are already expected to perform to the highest standards. Now, they must maintain this level of excellence whether meeting patients online or offline.

Performance Evaluation

The final phase may be the most important, as it helps to gauge the effectiveness of protocols and training programs. To improve upon these processes, healthcare professionals evaluate the impact of telehealth on patient experiences and outcomes, among other factors. Telehealth nurses must have an appreciation for these evaluation techniques and be able to incorporate them into their patient encounters.

The Ever-Changing Healthcare Field

By no means is telehealth replacing brick-and-mortar care. Thorough and personal, in-person visits allow healthcare professionals to build a rapport with patients and identify medical concerns that may otherwise go unnoticed. The convenience of telehealth, however—especially during health crises—means that many patients will request and prefer virtual visits.

As healthcare evolves in this way (and in so many others), nurses with their eyes on the horizon can invest in their future by enrolling in UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program.

Designed exclusively for registered nurses, our online RN to BSN program can help you become a nursing leader. Through our program, you’ll explore emerging trends and obstacles in nursing, including social determinants of health, patient-centered care, and information technologies. Upon graduating, you’ll be awarded a BSN from UT Permian Basin. This prestigious credential, along with your honed knowledge and skills, will help you advance your career and succeed in the ever-changing field of nursing.

Are you ready to become a 21st-century nursing leader? Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program.

Sources:
https://nurse.org/resources/telehealth-nurse/
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-26-2021/No1-Jan-2021/Preparing-Nurses-for-Roles-in-Telehealth-Now-is-the-Time.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8395962/

A BSN, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing, is a respected undergraduate degree that many nurses use as a stepping stone from working as an RN to taking on greater professional responsibilities. Here we’ll discuss the BSN and its benefits in greater detail. But before we go deeper into that specific topic, let’s establish some context with the basics of what a bachelor’s degree is and why you might want to pursue one.

What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor’s degree is designed to give you the foundation for a satisfying, successful career and a more fulfilling life overall. (If you’re interested in knowing the reasons why it’s called a bachelor’s degree, you’ll find that information here.) Bachelor’s degree programs begin with courses in general studies, which may include English composition, literature, history, communication, public speaking, and mathematics, among others. From that well-rounded educational cornerstone, students move on to courses that focus on different aspects of their chosen major.

Most bachelor’s degrees are either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). What’s the difference? A BS may be more technically oriented and sometimes puts more focus on a topic by requiring more core courses (as opposed to electives). A Bachelor of Science may have more required math and science courses than a BA, as well as related lab sessions and/or clinical courses.

What a BSN Can Mean for You

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, also called an RN to BSN or an RN to BS in Nursing, can transform your career—and your life—in significant and enduring ways. A BSN represents:

  • A tangible way to demonstrate that you are committed to furthering your nursing skills and knowledge.
  • An opportunity to experience greater esteem among supervisors and professional peers.
  • The ability to compete for promotions and new duties with your current employer or to seek a new position with a new employer.
  • A way to prepare for future leadership roles with greater decision-making duties.
  • A respected education credential that can strengthen your resume.
  • An accomplishment that you’ll always be proud of.

The Advantages of Earning an Online RN to BSN From UT Permian Basin

Experience an RN to BSN program of exceptional quality and convenience, 100% online. Through a variety of courses on topics including social determinants of health, healthcare research methods, public health systems, and healthcare leadership and policy, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s CCNE-accredited online RN to BSN enhances your proficiency in providing evidence-based, patient-centered care and meeting the many challenges of treating multicultural patients. Most courses in the general studies portion of our degree program and all of the nursing major courses last just eight weeks. You can complete your RN to BSN in as little as one year.

Acclaimed Faculty

UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program features the same accomplished faculty who teach the program on campus and the same robust curriculum. You’ll be led on your journey toward nursing leadership by proven nursing leaders who have moved beyond their RN status and who can help steer you toward greater success. Our program is guided by master’s- or doctorally prepared nurses, including some who have decades of experience working in the nursing field.

Convenient Online Classroom

As nurses, we understand the busy life you’re living, and we want to make sure that earning an RN to BSN is not only possible but as convenient as possible for you. That’s why we designed our online RN to BSN program to give you the freedom you need to manage professional and personal responsibilities while you earn your degree. Delivered in an online format, our program allows you to complete all coursework (with the exception of our two clinical courses, conducted at a location convenient to you with a local preceptor of your choice) from just about anywhere in the world and on your own schedule. With that 24/7 flexibility, you won’t have to choose between earning a career-enhancing degree and meeting your ongoing work and family responsibilities.

Flexible Clinical Experience

Any future leader can benefit immeasurably from having a mentor to personally guide them. As a student in our online RN to BSN program, you’ll work closely with a preceptor, who will help you understand how you can translate the nursing theories you’ve learned into real-life practices in various work settings. You may choose the individual who will act as the preceptor for your two required clinical courses, as long as they have completed their own BSN and are presently employed in a nursing leadership role. As with all the other program courses, our clinical courses do not require any campus visits.

Prepare for an even more rewarding nursing career by earning your online RN to BSN from UT Permian Basin.

Sources:
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/bachelor.doc
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/understand-the-difference-between-a-ba-and-bs-degree
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2015/02/02/whats-the-purpose-of-college-a-job-or-an-education/
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2016/10/06/5-the-value-of-a-college-education/
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2016/10/06/5-the-value-of-a-college-education/

Nursing is one of the most important professions in the world. With the long hours, hectic pace, and often life-or-death nature of the work, it’s also one of the most stressful. Nurses regularly perform, and perform well, under extreme stress. But they’re also human, and every person can get burned out once their stress level reaches its upper limits.

The COVID-19 pandemic created an environment for healthcare workers that had not been seen in generations. Hospital ICUs reached capacity, and many didn’t have sufficient equipment, such as ventilators, to treat patients. Coping with patient deaths has always been part of the job for nurses, but COVID-19 had many nurses witness death in numbers unprecedented outside of wartime. The pandemic made it exceptionally clear that finding ways to reduce stress and burnout is critical for nurses. Regardless of what health issues nurses contend with, there are some techniques that can be helpful to any nurse at any time.

Suggested Ways to Reduce Stress

If you’re a nurse who’s concerned about burnout, do yourself a favor and follow these tips to minimize your stress:

  • Realize that you’re entitled to your stress. You will feel it. That doesn’t mean that you’re a weak or poor nurse but simply that you’re human. Don’t feel guilty for acknowledging that you might be getting overwhelmed.
  • Avoid unnecessary information that can add to your stress. The media and its running death toll during the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, provided information that some people wanted to know, but this information doesn’t necessarily help you do your job or stay centered. Limit your exposure to social media and television unless necessary.
  • Take a break when you’re able to, however brief. Every little bit helps. And don’t feel guilty about doing so.
  • Don’t be afraid to seek expert help. Mental health professionals are trained to give you techniques that can help you navigate tough times. Make yourself aware of any such services your employer offers. Many medical facilities also have members of the clergy available to address the spiritual needs of patients and their families.
  • Reach out to your personal support network. If you have family members or friends you can depend on when life gets rough, a quick call or text can provide the morale boost you need.
  • Stretch and relax. You may not always have the space, privacy, or the quiet that you’d prefer, but even if you get to step outside for a few moments, stretch, do some yoga, or meditate when taking a break. You can also lower your overall stress level by incorporating these practices into your off hours.

When you get stressed on the job, allow yourself some relief. With all you do as a nurse, you deserve it! As you progress in your nursing career, gaining new skills and credentials such as an RN to BSN, you’re likely to take on additional professional duties. Stress management will remain crucial to your own physical and mental health, no matter the stage of your career.

One CCNE-Accredited Program, Two Career-Enhancing Credentials

Make your nursing career even more rewarding as you prepare for greater responsibilities with an online RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) from The University of Texas Permian Basin. Our CCNE-accredited degree program helps you prepare to move into leadership positions with greater decision-making responsibilities through courses such as Leadership Immersion & Capstone. Most courses last just eight weeks and will help you develop a deeper grasp of evidence-based, patient-centered care and master the unique challenges of caring for a multicultural patient base. In as little as one year, you can finish your RN to BSN.

Expert Faculty

When you earn your RN to BSN online from UT Permian Basin, you’ll learn from the same acclaimed faculty who teach on campus. Our RN to BSN is led by master’s- or doctorally prepared nurses, some of whom have been working in the nursing field for decades. Who better to guide you than the people who’ve been where you are now and have gone on to become nursing leaders? Their real-world experience informs our robust RN to BSN curriculum.

Online Convenience

We know how busy life can be for a nurse. (Remember, we’re nurses, too!) Completing a BSN program shouldn’t complicate it even more. We’ve designed our online RN to BSN program with your work and family responsibilities in mind. Our asynchronous, 100% online format enables you to complete your coursework from any location with internet access, at any hour of the day. With the flexibility to set your own schedule, you don’t have to choose between earning a respected BSN degree or giving your ongoing commitments the attention they deserve.

Flexible Clinical Requirements

Every leader has a mentor. An essential part of our online RN to BSN program is guidance from a preceptor. Working closely with this individual, you’ll discover how to translate the nursing concepts you’ve learned into practice in various working environments during two required clinical courses. You may choose your own preceptor, provided that they have already completed a BSN and are currently working in a nursing leadership position. Like all other program courses, your clinical courses do not require you to visit campus.

Make an even more significant impact as a nurse. Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program to get started!

Sources:
https://rcni.com/nursing-standard/features/how–covid-19-affecting-nurses-mental-health-and-what-to-do-about-it-159456
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/12/09/us/covid-hospitals-icu-capacity.html
https://www.apna.org/m/pages.cfm?pageID=6685
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7663126/

Think back to your first placement as a nursing student. No matter how many hours you spent poring over notes or quizzing yourself with flashcards, it likely wasn’t enough to quell the butterflies in your stomach. Becoming a registered nurse may have felt like a far-off goal as you cared for patients, shadowed shift nurses, and learned the ropes. Yet here you are, preparing to take the next step in your career.

The University of Texas Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program for registered nurses who aspire to transition into leadership roles. We’re here to ensure that prospective students know exactly what they’re getting into before enrolling in our undergraduate program, so they can dive into online lectures and group discussions without reliving the nervousness of clinical placements.  

Progress Through Online Courses at Your Own Pace

Time is a precious resource for nurses, especially after a 12-hour shift. Many of our prospective students are responsible for not only their patients but also their family, and finding the time to participate in a college program poses a major concern. Our program allows busy nurses to pursue their BSN without having to sacrifice personal or professional commitments.

Incorporating the latest in online learning best practices, courses can be completed from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection—your local coffee shop, for example. With the exception of practicum courses, our program is composed of asynchronous elements that will enable you to complete coursework on your schedule. Log on after a shift, or wait for a long weekend before diving into a course module’s readings, assignments, and quizzes. Interactive discussion boards are also available 24 hours a day, meaning that a helping hand and a different perspective are always a click away. 

Learn From Experts Who Came Before You

Online courses like Informatics and Innovation empower nurses to overcome today’s healthcare challenges. Through our program, students gain a deeper understanding of the needs of Spanish-speaking patients, intricacies of organizational culture, and the importance of patient-centered care, among other learning outcomes. Graduates are given the skill set needed to step into leadership positions, where their medical knowledge and poise under pressure will be relied upon by doctors, nurses, and, most importantly, their patients. 

UT Permian Basin’s College of Health Sciences and Human Performance prides itself on being led by experts in the field of nursing and champions of student success, and our BSN program is no different. Each of our faculty members is a master’s- or doctorally prepared nurse, some with decades of experience in the field. Rather than spend time on hypotheticals, you and your fellow students will explore the demands placed on nursing leaders with professionals who’ve lived it. These are the very same professors who teach on campus, and they can be reached via the same communication tools you’ll use to reach your nursing peers. 

Complete Clinical Requirements With Your Preceptor of Choice

Learning under an experienced professional is essential for all aspiring nursing leaders. Mentoring, for example, teaches nursing students how to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, which may differ from those of their mentors. UT Permian Basin’s RN to BSN program requires students to complete two clinical courses conducted in person and with a nurse preceptor of their choice.

By working closely with a nursing leader—listening, observing, and problem-solving—you’ll gain experience that will prove vital as you take on additional professional responsibilities. Furthermore, clinical courses offer the chance to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting. Returning to work as a graduate of our program, you’ll have already practiced and perfected the skills you’ll need to transition into leadership roles.

Expect Great Things of Yourself and UT Permian Basin

What can you expect from UT Permian Basin’s RN to BSN program? A flexible online learning environment, professors eager to pass on their knowledge, and content covering key issues in the nursing field. Above all else, our program prioritizes your development as a nursing leader. In this role, you’ll be expected to manage financial resources, maintain a safe work environment, and promote quality patient care. You may one day have a shadow of your own: an aspiring nurse who, like you, is taking a step in a new direction. When that day comes, we want you to be a leader that staff and patients can look to as a pillar of support. Interested in achieving your full potential? Apply to UT Permian Basin’s online RN to BSN program. In as little as one year, you can graduate with the knowledge, skills, and credentials expected of a qualified, capable nursing leader.