Introduction
This essay explores my personal motivations for pursuing a career in nursing, specifically from the perspective of someone studying to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), adapted to the UK context where similar roles align with nursing associates or foundational nursing training. It addresses what excites me about the field, outlines two career goals and the required education level, identifies my area of interest with supporting research on workforce needs, and examines the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) with examples and impacts. Drawing on academic sources, the discussion highlights the relevance of nursing in addressing healthcare challenges, particularly in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Excitement About Nursing, Career Goals, and Educational Requirements
What excites me most about nursing is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives during vulnerable moments, combining compassion with clinical skills to promote health and well-being. Indeed, nursing appeals to me because it involves holistic care—addressing not just physical ailments but also emotional and social needs—which fosters a sense of fulfilment and purpose (Royal College of Nursing, 2020). For instance, the dynamic nature of the role, from patient interactions to collaborative teamwork, keeps the profession engaging and rewarding.
My career goals reflect this passion. First, I aim to qualify as a registered nurse specialising in community care, enabling me to support patients in home settings and reduce hospital admissions. Second, I aspire to advance into a leadership role, such as a nurse manager, to influence policy and improve care delivery systems. These goals are motivated by the growing demand for skilled nurses in the UK, where shortages impact service quality.
The level of education required for entry into nursing, particularly for roles akin to LVN, typically involves a foundation degree or apprenticeship, leading to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). For full registered nurse status, a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing is standard, often requiring three years of study (NMC, 2018). This educational pathway ensures competence in clinical skills and ethical practice, preparing nurses for diverse challenges.
Area of Interest in Nursing and Workforce Needs
I am particularly interested in pursuing mental health nursing, drawn by its focus on supporting individuals with conditions like depression or anxiety through therapeutic interventions. This area appeals to me because it addresses the often stigmatised aspects of health, allowing for meaningful, long-term patient relationships that can transform lives. My interest stems from personal observations of mental health challenges in communities, reinforced by research indicating its critical importance.
Reflective of recent research, there is indeed a pressing need for more nurses in mental health. The NHS Long Term Plan highlights a shortage, with vacancies in mental health services exceeding 10% in some regions, exacerbated by an ageing workforce and increasing demand due to societal stressors (NHS England, 2019). For example, a report by the Health Foundation notes that mental health nurse numbers have declined by 12% since 2010, underscoring the urgency for recruitment to meet rising caseloads (Buchan et al., 2019). This shortage affects care access, making mental health nursing a vital area for aspiring professionals like myself.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice and Its Application
Evidence-based practice is crucial in nursing as it integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to inform decision-making, ultimately enhancing care quality and safety (Melnyk and Fineout-Overholt, 2018). It promotes accountability, reduces variations in practice, and ensures interventions are effective, thereby minimising risks and improving outcomes. Without EBP, nursing could rely on outdated traditions, potentially harming patients.
In mental health nursing, nurses use EBP to guide assessments and treatments. One example is the implementation of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques for anxiety management, based on randomised controlled trials showing its efficacy in reducing symptoms (Hofmann et al., 2012). Nurses apply this by conducting structured sessions, tailoring approaches to individual needs. Another example is the use of mindfulness-based interventions, supported by meta-analyses demonstrating reductions in relapse rates for depression (Kuyken et al., 2016). Mental health nurses incorporate these into group therapies or daily patient routines, ensuring practices are grounded in robust evidence.
Impact of Evidence-Based Practice on Patient Care, Nursing Practice, and Outcomes
The examples of EBP in mental health nursing have significant impacts. On patient care, CBT techniques improve symptom management, fostering empowerment and better coping strategies, which arguably leads to enhanced quality of life (Hofmann et al., 2012). For nursing practice, these methods standardise approaches, promoting consistency and professional development through ongoing training. Regarding patient outcomes, mindfulness interventions have been shown to decrease hospital readmissions by up to 20%, as evidenced in longitudinal studies, thereby reducing healthcare costs and improving recovery rates (Kuyken et al., 2016). Overall, EBP elevates standards, ensuring safer, more effective care.
Conclusion
In summary, my excitement for nursing lies in its human-centred approach, with goals centred on community care and leadership, requiring at least a BSc-level education. My interest in mental health nursing is timely given workforce shortages, while EBP’s importance is evident in its practical applications and positive impacts on care and outcomes. These elements underscore nursing’s vital role in healthcare, with implications for addressing UK shortages through targeted education and evidence-driven practice. Pursuing this path will allow me to contribute meaningfully, adapting to evolving needs.
References
- Buchan, J., Charlesworth, A., Gershlick, B. and Seccombe, I. (2019) A Critical Moment: NHS Staffing Trends, Retention and Attrition. The Health Foundation.
- Hofmann, S.G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I.J.J., Sawyer, A.T. and Fang, A. (2012) ‘The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses’, Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), pp. 427-440.
- Kuyken, W., Warren, F.C., Taylor, R.S., Whalley, B., Crane, C., Bondolfi, G., Hayes, R., Huijbers, M., Ma, S., Schweizer, S., Segal, Z., Speckens, A., Teasdale, J.D., Van Heeringen, K., Williams, M., Byford, S., Byng, R. and Dalgleish, T. (2016) ‘Efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in prevention of depressive relapse: An individual patient data meta-analysis from randomized trials’, JAMA Psychiatry, 73(6), pp. 565-574.
- Melnyk, B.M. and Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018) Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. 4th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
- NHS England (2019) NHS Long Term Plan. NHS England.
- Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) Standards of Proficiency for Registered Nurses. NMC.
- Royal College of Nursing (2020) Becoming a Nurse. RCN.
