The Changing Landscape of Nursing: Empowering Registered Nurses to Lead

The Evolving Role of Professional Registered Nurses: From Followers to Collaborators

The role of the professional registered nurse has transformed significantly over the past few decades. In the 1990s, for example, nurses were often expected to defer to physicians, offering them their chairs when they entered the nurses’ station and carrying out their orders without question. Nurses operated in a supportive role, following the directives of healthcare providers rather than engaging in collaborative decision-making.

Today, however, the role of professional registered nurses has evolved dramatically. Nurses no longer merely follow providers; they work alongside them, participating as integral members of a collaborative and dynamic healthcare team. Nurses now engage in informed discussions about patient care, contributing to the development of treatment plans and providing essential input based on their expertise. This shift reflects the growing recognition of nursing as a highly professional and essential component of healthcare delivery. With this enhanced role comes a substantial responsibility that begins with the education and training of nursing students.

At institutions such as Johnson & Wales University (JWU), particularly within the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, the foundation for this professional transformation is laid early. Students are expected to approach their education with a strong sense of professionalism, collaboration, and readiness to engage in complex discussions about human health, illnesses, and the demands of patient care.

A key characteristic of a professional registered nurse is a commitment to inquiry. Throughout their education and professional practice, nurses are encouraged to continually ask the question, “Why?” This inquiry is central to their academic training and as they progress through their careers, where the pursuit of evidence-based practices and ongoing improvement in patient care remains paramount.

Preparing Effective Nursing Professionals: Essential Components of Nursing Education

Nursing programs across the country must equip their students with the tools and skills necessary to succeed in this rapidly evolving profession. At JWU, the ABSN program is designed to offer students a comprehensive educational experience. Faculty members bring a diverse range of professional backgrounds, enriching the learning environment and offering students multiple perspectives on patient care and clinical practice.

The program's support structure is another key to student success. For instance, JWU employs a Student Success Coordinator to assist students throughout their enrollment, while a full-time nursing faculty member identifies students in need of additional support. Dana Mangum, DNP, RN, associate professor in the College of Health & Wellness at Johnson & Wales University’s Charlotte Campus, underscores the importance of this individualized attention. “We focus on each student’s success, offering coaching, study strategies, organizational techniques, and preparation for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses,” she explains. 

Successful nursing programs also integrate active learning strategies, such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), into their curricula. UDL is particularly effective in meeting the needs of today's diverse adult learners by encouraging flexibility and inclusivity in teaching. As Melody Sumter, EdS, MSN, RN, CNEcL, assistant professor at JWU, notes, “It is essential that nursing faculty recognize and incorporate the prior work and life experiences of students, allowing them to better relate to and engage with the material.”

Courses in the ABSN program, such as Foundations of Nursing and Health Assessment, offer students autonomy in choosing project groups and topics. This flexibility fosters engagement and helps students take ownership of their learning. Additionally, JWU’s use of a state-of-the-art nursing simulation center provides students with realistic, hands-on experiences that mirror clinical practice. The simulation center includes low-, medium-, and high-fidelity simulators, creating a multi-modal learning environment where students can refine their skills in a controlled, feedback-rich setting.

Meredith Joyner, MSN, RN, CNOR, CNE, who manages the simulation center on JWU Charlotte Campus, emphasizes the importance of continually asking critical questions in nursing practice: "Why is this happening, and how can we change and improve the outcome?"

Beyond the Classroom: Diverse Clinical Experiences

A well-rounded nursing education must also extend beyond the classroom and simulation lab. Clinical experiences expose future registered nurses to a wide variety of specialties, patient populations, and healthcare settings. JWU nursing students, for instance, gain experience caring for clients across the lifespan, from infants to older adults, in settings that reflect the full spectrum of healthcare.

Caitlin Lofton, EdD, MSN, RN, CEN, CNE, associate professor and clinical coordinator for the ABSN program on JWU’s Charlotte Campus, highlights the importance of these clinical partnerships: “We are constantly expanding our clinical partnerships to ensure that we provide the best experiences for our students.” These partnerships help prepare students to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare, while also broadening their understanding of the different career paths available in nursing.

As the nursing profession continues to evolve, it is imperative for educational programs to adapt and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed. The role of the professional registered nurse today requires not only clinical expertise but also leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to lifelong learning. By fostering an environment of inquiry, adaptability, and innovation, programs like JWU’s ABSN are shaping the next generation of nursing leaders, ensuring that they are equipped to provide high-quality care in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

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