[Ryan]

Thank you for the link to the National Commission’s Foundational Report on Racism in Nursing. Considering the history of the United States, it does not surprise me that the history of nursing also reflects the same history of racism. As we can see in the Report, despite the origin of goodwill and effort to help those in need, the field of nursing was still susceptible to the dark side of humanity. Education and communication are important to helping each other understand different cultures, perspectives, beliefs, and values. Both the person providing information and the one receiving information need to have an open mind and heart. I feel that disputes usually occur because someone has built a wall in that exchange of information.

[Ryan]

I’m sorry to hear of the negative comments some students are getting in pursuing their APRN degrees. Since Avery’s initial post in 2020, I hope the passage of time in the past 3 years has decreased these occurrences. Personally, I have been very fortunate to have been met with celebration and encouragement to pursue a higher degree. I’ve received this positive energy from management, coworkers, and patients. Some individuals were happy but confused due to the lack of awareness of the position I am pursuing. I like to think that each time I explain the role of a DNP, I am helping other students and professionals pursue or practice as a DNP by spreading awareness. My manager helped to support me by working with me to create a position at the hospital that would allow me to financially support myself as best as possible while also giving me time to pursue my degree. My coworkers will ask me how I am doing with my education and aid me in covering any shifts to have time to finish assignments or attend classes. I can usually work with my manager to find a schedule to allow me to manage my time well in finishing assignments and working on the unit, so I rarely need to ask coworkers to cover shifts. I think I’ve only had to do that once. I’m not trying to boast about my experiences. I am truly thankful to my workplace and loved ones. I want to share my experiences to encourage others to find a support system to help raise them towards better things.

[Ryan]

Hello Susan,

I’m currently a DNP student in California. I think gatekeeping the title of “doctor” is frustrating, and not being able to use the title despite the education and experience being put into a higher degree is heartbreaking. From what I can see through the California legislative website regarding California AB 765, the bill is for amending current law. Most of the content of California AB 765 already exists under the Business And Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 5, Article 3, 2054. This legislation was effective January 1, 2018. However, I am just delving into the topic, so if I need clarification on the bill, I’m open to learning more.

To add to my feelings on the topic, if the main issue, as implied by the bill, is the misrepresentation of position, it should be fine to follow up with our professional designation after our name on introductions, documentation, and badges. According to the 2014 Pearson report, that’s how it used to be in California. However, from the current legislation’s language, I wonder if it changed at some point. I wonder why policymakers and proponents of this legislation felt this needed to be changed if it has. I hope as healthcare continues to change in the future, this issue also resolves as interdisciplinary teams work to support each other.

[Author]

Posts