Future of nursing?

[Matt8700, RN, EMT-B]

I enjoy reading articles related to the nursing and medical profession...especially the ones that talk about what nursing is going to become in the future. However, when I read the nursing articles it always seems to just focus on what it will be like to be an NP in the future and rarely addresses the bedside RN. I really have no desire to get my NP and would like to see / hear some literature that pertains to those of us that would like to remain bedside nurses....or nurses that pursue MSN in other ares (education, leadership, informatics). I don't know why everything seems to focus on the nurse practitioner. Believe it or not there are still people out there that do not want to the an NP...but everyone seems to forget that. For instance, I would love to blend politics and nursing. Maybe work between the ANA and AMA to improve provider/RN relationships. It just gets frustrating when all you hear about is the future of the NP. ..what about the rest of us?

Any thoughts?

[firstinfamily, RN]

The bedside is where you as a nurse, can make the most impact on patients. There may be machines that can help us with our work,but until robotics is quite advanced it still takes a human pair of hands and eyes to give bedside care. Plus, it is a people serving people business. I am sure most patients would not want a robot taking care of them. It may come to that in the next 20 years or so. Yes, it does seem the bedside nurse gets the lowest review. I have never really understood this. It is almost like you are seen as an under-achiever if you decide to remain at the bedside. NPs are in the news mostly because of the changes in healthcare environment and the lack of supply of family MDs, hopefully NPs will be able to pick up the slack and a lot of states are endorsing NPs to practice independently from the MDs. Advancing in nursing is hard, and it truly depends on where you live and what is in demand at the time. As well as where you work. There is that "buddy helps buddy" mentality in nursing just like any other field. It is easy to get discouraged. Instead of getting discouraged challenge yourself by going for a higher degree, some more continuing education courses that will set you out from the other nurses. Sometimes we just get over whelmed by our environment and need to be encouraged by others. I found going to college on line helped me to feel better about myself and so what if others still thought I was "just a bedside nurse!" I know what I am capable of and being a bedside nurse is just the first path to many other successful achievements. It is how YOU look at it, not what others think that matters!! Good luck!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I have participated in some very exciting workshops lately in which the primary focus was 'future nursing' at the bedside. Most of the experts believe that the major changes will involve integration of technology & streamlining of support systems to ensure that RNs are practicing at the "top of license" rather than consumed with task work and 'hunting and gathering' that we do today. They are predicting increased utilization of LV/PNs & UAPs to deliver routine patient care as part of an integrated care team under the direction of the RN (back to team nursing?).

The scenarios were great - integrated knowledge resources available instantaneously... "now, what was that drip rate again?" Bedside supply delivery (Hallelujah!!). Fully integrated "smart" EHRs that automatically scan patient status indicators and provide early warning of any changes (sepsis, bleeding, etc). But I didn't see one that I have imagined... a robotic exo-skeleton "

" like the one Sigorney Weaver wears in the original Alien movie... so we can safely move those heavy patients. Now, if we only could have a self-replenishing coffee pot as well.... heck, a girl can dream, right?