NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan

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NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan Instructions

  • Write a 6-8 page professional development plan for your work as a nurse educator.

Introduction

In this assessment, you will create a professional development plan that will support continuous improvement in your role as a nurse educator.

The Institute of Medicine has charged nurses to be leaders in health care change, and that requires educators to be at the forefront of those changes. 

Preparation

As you prepare to complete this assessment, you may want to think about other related issues to deepen your understanding or broaden your viewpoint. You are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of your professional community. Have a look at NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 5 Teaching About Legal and Ethical Issues.

Note that these questions are for your own development and exploration and do not need to be completed or submitted as part of your assessment. 

  • What are some approaches that nurse educators can use when encountering resistance to change?
  • How might effective leadership styles be the same or different for the following roles?
  • BSN nursing faculty.
  • Community health educator.
  • Staff development educator.
  • What are some ways that scholarship fits with nursing practice?
  • Nurse educators are regularly evaluated by students and administrators. There may also be peer evaluations of teaching skills. As an educator, how do you or would you view these evaluation processes? What can be most useful to faculty from student evaluations?

Instructions

Write a 6–8 page professional development plan for your career as an MSN-prepared nurse. The professional development plan should include the following:

  • Introduction – A brief introductory paragraph that clearly states the purpose of the paper. Do not use the heading introduction—use the title of the paper in a Level 1 heading format.
  • Area of focus – A description of your specific area of focus in nursing education, the position that you wish to obtain, and the educator competencies that you will need as an MSN-prepared nurse.
  • Professional Goals – A statement of your specific professional goals (a minimum of three) and discussion of their relationship to your nurse educator philosophy.
  • Influences – A brief description of any additional forces (social, economic, political, institutional) that may influence your nursing education role.
  • Analysis – An analysis of how you will carry out scholarship activities as an MSN-prepared nurse and a specific plan for scholarship based on a model.
  • Leadership Role – A discussion of specific ways (a minimum of two) that you will develop a leadership role in the area of focus you have chosen.
  • Development Plan – Specific plans for professional growth and any additional education, certifications, or training to be acquired.
  • Reflection – A reflection in a concluding paragraph on your abilities to meet goals and achieve your professional development plan and ethical practice.
Additional Requirements
  • Format: 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, double spaced in Microsoft Word.
  • Length: 6-8 pages plus a title page and a references page.
  • Use correct APA format, including page numbers and a title page. Citations and references (if used) are to be in correct APA format.
  • Writing should be free of grammar and spelling errors that distract from content.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Analyze the historical evolution of nursing education.
  • Describe forces (social, economic, political, institutional) that may influence the nurse educator role.
  • Competency 3: Analyze professionally established nurse educator competencies and models.
  • Describe area of focus as a nurse educator, associated educator competencies, and professional goals in relation to nurse educator philosophy.
  • Competency 4: Apply knowledge of legal and ethical issues relevant to higher education and nursing education.
  • Assess abilities to meet goals, achieve professional development, and maintain ethical practices.
  • Competency 5: Articulate how nurse educator serve as change agents and leaders to help advance nursing education and nursing practice.
  • Discuss development of a leadership role in a chosen area of nurse educator focus.
  • Competency 6: Develop a plan for engaging in scholarship in an established area of expertise.
  • Develop a scholarship plan that includes analysis of how scholarship will be carried out in the nurse educator role.
  • Competency 7: Establish a plan for pursuing continuous improvement in the nurse educator role.
  • Develop specific plans for professional growth that identify any additional education, certifications, or training to be acquired.
  • Competency 8: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the expectations of a nursing education professional.
  • Write coherently to support a central idea with correct grammar, usage, mechanics, and APA format and style as expected of a nursing education professional.

NURS-FPX6103 Assessment 4 Creating a Professional Development Plan Example

Creating A Professional Development Plan

Nursing education is a dynamic and ever-changing discipline that needs continual professional development and progress. Pursuing a master’s degree in nursing education as an MSN-prepared nurse is a chance to broaden one’s knowledge and competence in the area, as well as to build the skills and traits required for success as a nursing educator (Walden University, 2019).

My professional development plan aims to outline specific goals and strategies for achieving my goals, focusing on expanding knowledge and expertise in nursing education, expanding effective teaching skills, enhancing leadership and management skills, conducting research, and continuously improving professional practice. The nurse will be well-prepared to succeed in their master’s degree and fulfill their long-term professional objectives as a nursing educator due to this approach.

My professional development plan details the measures I will take over the next year to attain these objectives and advance my nursing career. My professional development strategy includes the following components: To further my understanding of the advanced nursing practice and healthcare systems, I plan to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and specialize in medical surgical oncology, Participate in a leadership development program to strengthen my communication and decision-making abilities.

Attend seminars and workshops on specialist areas of nursing, particularly cancer and informatics, to broaden my knowledge, Seek for a mentor in my intended field of study to acquire insight and advice on professional progress, and Participate in professional groups and networking events to extend my contacts and prospects (Walden University, 2019). This paper aims to describe a thorough professional development plan for me as an MSN-prepared nurse interested in pursuing a master’s degree in nursing education. The plan will concentrate on defining precise goals, tactics for reaching those goals, and techniques for assessing progress and success.

Area of Focus

My special area of interest in nursing education is medical-surgical oncology. I hope to work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the oncology medical and surgical unit, teaching students about the care of cancer patients, including palliative care, where I will be able to apply my advanced knowledge and abilities to enhance patient outcomes and provide specialized care. To be successful in this profession, I will need to acquire the following educator skills and use them as my area of focus.

My first area of focus is to Increase my knowledge and expertise in medical-surgical oncology. This may be accomplished by taking oncology courses including medical-surgical oncology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology. Again, I can attend medical-surgical oncology conferences and seminars. Seeking mentoring from experienced medical-surgical oncology nurses and educators should also aid in the accomplishment of my professional development goals. Finally, evaluating my coursework performance, presentations at conferences and workshops, and good comments from my mentorship experience is a means to expand my knowledge and competence.

My second area of interest is improving my teaching skills in medical-surgical oncology. This can be accomplished by participating in medical-surgical oncology, teaching practical training and clinical instruction experiences, observing and assisting skilled clinical oncology nurses and educators in the classroom and clinical settings, seeking feedback on teaching skills from supervisors and coworkers in medical-surgical oncology, and receiving positive evaluations from students and colleagues after successful completion of teaching practicum and clinical instruction.

My third goal is to improve my leadership and management abilities in medical-surgical oncology. Because MSN nurse educators consider themselves leaders, enrolling in coursework and training on leadership and management in healthcare, with an emphasis on medical-surgical oncology, should be a primary area of attention as an MSN. Seeking chances for leadership roles through my professional organizations or inside the workplace in medical-surgical oncology is another crucial area of attention that will serve as a bridge to further leadership opportunities. Participate in mentorship and relationship building with experienced medical-surgical oncology nurse leaders as part of the area of focus of MSN nurses.

My fourth area of interest is medical-surgical oncology research. This is an important field in which I can work as a researcher. This can be accomplished by identifying a research subject of interest in medical-surgical oncology, obtaining advice from a research mentor or adviser with expertise in medical-surgical oncology, and attending medical-surgical oncology research workshops and seminars. I can also strive to continuously improve my professional practice in medical-surgical oncology by soliciting regular feedback from colleagues and supervisors, participating in ongoing professional development opportunities in medical-surgical oncology, and staying up to date on relevant research and trends in medical-surgical oncology nursing education.

Professional Goals
  1. Education Advancement: Pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree to broaden my understanding of advanced nursing practice and healthcare systems (USM, 2020). This goal is consistent with my nurse educator philosophy, as I believe in lifelong learning and staying up to date on the latest advancements in the field.
  2. Oncology Specialization: I plan to broaden my knowledge of oncology by attending conferences and workshops and pursuing mentoring opportunities. This objective stems from my philosophy statement that specialist treatment may enhance patient outcomes and provide a higher quality of care (USM, 2020).
  3. Participate in a leadership program to strengthen my communication and decision-making abilities. This aim is consistent with my philosophy that nurses should be thought leaders in their fields and actively contribute to the progress of the nursing profession (USM, 2020). These professional objectives are closely related to my nurse educator philosophy since they focus on my growth and development as a nurse, as well as my dedication to providing outstanding care to my patients via further education and specialization (Miles & Scott, 2019).

Other Professional goals include providing expert care where I stay up to date on the latest treatments and advancements in the field to ensure that all clients receive high-quality, evidence-based oncology care, Interdisciplinary Collaboration Promotion to offer complete patient care, encouraging successful collaboration across interdisciplinary teams, Oncology Nurse Mentoring and Development where I mentor and coach new oncology nurses to ensure they have the information and abilities needed to offer excellent patient care.

These objectives are consistent with my nurse educator philosophy, which is focused on giving the best possible care to my patients while also encouraging the growth and development of future nurses. I am better able to deliver professional care to my patients if I remain up to date on the newest therapies and breakthroughs. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams ensures that patients receive complete treatment, and mentoring future nurses guarantee that high-quality cancer care is offered in the future. As an MSN-prepared nurse and prospective cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, I am dedicated to utilizing my advanced education and knowledge to improve the lives of my patients while also contributing to the nursing profession’s continuous growth and development.

Influences

Several other factors may have an impact on my employment as a Clinical Nurse Educator in Oncology and my ability to meet my professional development objectives. These are some examples:

  • Social: Changing demographic trends and cultural attitudes toward universal health care and disease can have an impact on the demand for oncology nursing services as well as patient and family expectations, this in turn, influences my professional development as a nurse educator (Piotrkowska et al., 2019).
  • Economic restrictions and resource allocation choices can all influence the money and resources available for nursing education and research efforts (Piotrkowska et al., 2019).
  • Political: Government rules and laws governing healthcare delivery and reimbursement can have an impact on the provision of cancer nursing services as well as the function of nurse educators (Piotrkowska et al., 2019).
Analysis: Scholarship Activities

As an MSN-prepared nurse, I intend to engage in scholarship activities such as continuing education, research, and sharing my findings with the nursing community (Oermann, 2019). To guide my scholarship efforts and guarantee that my practice is influenced by the most recent research and evidence, I will use the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice.

  • Ongoing Education: I am constantly looking for educational opportunities, including conferences and seminars, to broaden my expertise and keep up with the newest discoveries in cancer (Oermann, 2019).
  • I can also identify a clinical question about oncology nursing that I would like to research further.
  • Conduct a comprehensive search of the existing literature to locate the best available evidence to address my clinical query.
  • Assess the evidence’s quality and relevance to my clinical question.
  • To enhance patient outcomes, I incorporate the best available evidence into my training.
  • Evaluate the outcomes of my training regularly to ensure that my measures are having a positive impact.
  • Introduce my findings and their influence on patient outcomes at seminars and through publication in professional journals.

Following this strategy and participating in continuing scholarship activities will allow me to continue to enhance my practice, develop the area of oncology nursing, and give the best care possible to my patients.

Leadership Role

As an MSN-prepared nurse and prospective Clinical Nurse educator in cancer, I hope to take on leadership responsibilities in the following ways:

Mentorship: As a mentor and role model, provide guidance and support to novice oncology nurses. I will share my expertise and experience, as well as create possibilities for professional development and progress.

Collaboration: Collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and administrators, to encourage multidisciplinary collaboration and enhance patient outcomes. I will utilize my leadership abilities to help team members communicate and collaborate effectively and resolve any difficulties that may occur.

I hope to make a positive difference in the lives of my patients and to participate in the growth and advancement of the nursing profession by engaging as a mentor and supporting multidisciplinary teamwork. I am certain that my extensive education and knowledge, together with my leadership abilities, will enable me to play an important role in creating the future of cancer nursing and enhancing patient care.

Development and Education Plan

To meet my objectives as an MSN-prepared nurse and potential Clinical Nurse Specialist in cancer, I have devised a thorough development plan that includes the following: Education and Training: Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to broaden my knowledge and remain up to speed on the newest discoveries in the field of cancer nursing, Certification: The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation will certify you as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology (ONCC).

This certification will demonstrate my dedication to the field as well as my knowledge of oncology nursing. Training: To improve my abilities and patient outcomes, I will participate in specific training programs such as patient safety and quality improvement efforts, participate in research initiatives and share my results at conferences to promote the profession of cancer nursing.

I will be well-equipped to meet the demands of my work as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology and to have a good influence on patient care if I pursue continued education and training, get the certification, and participate in research. My professional development plan will allow me to consistently enhance my practice, broaden my knowledge and experience, and realize my full potential as a nurse educator.

Reflection

I am confident in reaching my professional development objectives and carrying out my growth and progression plan as an MSN-prepared nurse. My nursing enthusiasm and dedication to patient care, together with my extensive education and experience, have successfully equipped me for a successful career as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Oncology.

Furthermore, I feel that my dedication to ethical conduct will be a crucial aspect of my success. In all of my professional activities, I will always prioritize the needs of my patients and uphold the highest ethical standards. I am certain that I will be able to attain my professional goals by constantly reflecting on my practice, pursuing opportunities for advancement, and adhering to ethical norms.

References

Caldwell, B., & Vaughan, T. (2021). Transforming education through the arts. Routledge. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209885/

Miles, J. M., & Scott, E. S. (2019). A new leadership development model for nursing education. Journal of Professional Nursing: Official Journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 35(1), 5–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2018.09.009

Oermann, M. H. (2019). Building your scholarship from your teaching: Plan now: Plan now. Nurse Educator, 42(5), 217. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000000417

Piotrkowska, R., Jarzynkowski, P., Książek, J., & Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska, W. (2019). Satisfaction with life of oncology nurses in Poland. International Nursing Review, 66(3), 374–380. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12521

USM. (2020). Nurse educators’ career outlook with. Usm. https://online.usm.maine.edu/degrees/healthcare/msn/nursing-education/what-nurse-educators-do/

Walden University. (2019). Professional development for nurses: The role a nurse educator plays. Walden University. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/msn-nursing-education/resource/professional-development-for-nurses-the-role-a-nurse-educator-plays