In response, extend the conversation by responding to peers who identified a different challenge than one you have experienced.
I have only been practicing for a little over a year, previously I worked in the same facility but as a CNA in a COVID ICU during the time I was obtaining my ADN. I work in a level one trauma center in South Carolina. After completing my BSN, my significant other and I are looking forward to traveling and gaining more experiences as ER/ Trauma nurses. We are both originally from the Northeastern part of the US, so the Southern climate has been a big change, (no shoveling snow is the BEST part!)
I have been able to achieve the outcomes throughout the BSN program by asking a lot of questions, lots of research, and with the help and encouragement of the staff at SNHU. The support through this program has been amazing. I have felt empowered with the ability to ask questions at any time of day. It is very difficult to work 7am-7pm and then get schoolwork done later at night. During my ADN I missed most office hours, and the support teams were only open until 5 on weekdays so I didn’t feel as supported as I have throughout my BSN.
This education has changed me professionally because I have a deeper understanding of the financials of medical facilities and how they affect staffing, keeping up to date medical equipment, medications, and other important needs of medical facilities. According to Continuous Care, studies show that if a patient is satisfied with the services they receive, they’re more likely to come back to those facilities, (2019). It has also changed me professionally because I have a deeper understanding of EBP and how to apply it to my work. Using EBP helps keep my patients safer, and happier. Maintaining good communication with patients and staff, along with being transparent about their care can help keep patients more informed and also improve their overall outcomes, (Continuous Care, 2019). This program has helped me personally because I have worked on my time management skills which I can apply to both my personal and professional life.
The program outcome that was the most challenging for me was the “Analyze trends in healthcare policy, finance and regulatory environments and their implications for healthcare access, equity, and affordability,” outcome. This was the most challenging for me because this is where I had the least amount of experience and knowledge. It was challenging also because finances, especially for the medical field, are very complex. My thinking was changed by opening my mind to how many simple changes, and also difficult ones, can affect finances. Some of those being protocols to follow for reimbursements. I did not realize how strict Medicare/Medicaid are in order for hospitals to get reimbursed for their services. I also didn’t realize how easy it is for facilities to not make money if they’re unable to keep up to date equipment and unable to maintain good patient experiences.
