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Two recommendations for nursing education I believe will be the most effective in creating change within the healthcare industry are preparing more nurses at the baccalaureate level and increasing the diversity in the nursing workforce to incorporate cultural competency in nursing practice.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing Programs have a wide range of coursework compared to undergraduate nursing programs such the Associate’s Degree in Nursing program or licensed vocational or practical nursing or obtaining the nursing diploma. Nurses at the baccalaureate level develop complex critical thinking skills, implement evidence-based nursing practice, develop teamwork and collaboration skills, and become nursing leaders through leadership classes and have exposure to the community through public health (Institute of Medicine, 2011). BSN nurses can also enter higher levels of education through the master’s and doctoral programs as the demand for advanced practice registered nurses increases. The entity I currently work at San Diego, CA strives to become Magnet certified by encouraging Registered Nurses to continue their education if they have not obtained at least their Bachelor’s Degree. By becoming magnet recognized, it shows the empowerment of nurses in leading healthcare change.

With America being known as the melting pot of cultures, increasing diversity in the nursing workforce through representation in the nursing student body is recommended. The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) recommendation to identifying ways to increase minorities in the healthcare field through developing programs can help the minority undergraduate nurses obtain higher level of education (IOM, 2011). Having taken care of patients with different ethnic and cultural backgrounds becomes a great challenge as it requires cultural competency and awareness. Being culturally competent as a Registered Nurse at San Diego, CA is a great skill to have with its population being very diverse. Increasing the diversity in the nursing workforce promotes a sense of security and safety to patients as they are confident their nurse can provide quality care while being mindful about their cultural beliefs/background.

I agree with the IOM’s transformation in the advanced practiced registered nursing roles; The American healthcare system is constantly evolving and in order to provide quality patient care to individuals and populations, the advancement of nurses through higher level of education to provide quality and holistic care to patients is essential.