NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

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NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being – Step-by-Step Guide With Example Solution

The first step before starting to write the NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being is 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 paper’s audience and purpose, as this will 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, review its use, including writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review the formatting requirements for the title page and headings in the paper, as outlined by Chamberlain University.

How to Research and Prepare for NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify a list of keywords related to your topic using various combinations. The first step is to visit the Chamberlain 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 the Chamberlain University Library, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last 5 years and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, such as 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. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next, create a detailed outline of the paper to help you develop headings and subheadings for the content. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part, as it helps provide the context of your work and determines whether the reader will be interested in reading through to the end. Begin 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 NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

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 collected from the research, and ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance, as well as how it relates to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

In-text citations help readers give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their work. 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 Morelli et al. (2024), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Alawiye (2024) highlights 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 NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restating 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. Conclude with a call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader or offers recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being

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

Morelli, S., Daniele, C., D’Avenio, G., Grigioni, M., & Giansanti, D. (2024). Optimizing telehealth: Leveraging Key Performance Indicators for enhanced telehealth and digital healthcare outcomes (Telemechron Study). Healthcare, 12(13), 1319. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131319

Alawiye, T. (2024). The impact of digital technology on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 13, 13-22. 10.4236/etsn.2024.132002.

NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being Instructions

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to explore how self-care and personal well-being as a DNP-prepared nurse leader influences team collaboration and improves patient outcomes. Have a look at NR719 Week 8 Discussion | Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness.

Instructions

Reflect on the lesson and readings this week and respond to the following:

  1. Identify strategies that you have used to manage your time and stress and determine whether they have been effective in your personal or professional life.
  2. Examine how you could alter your current strategies to provide more opportunities for self-care and personal well-being.
  3. Analyze how personal well-being as a DNP-prepared nurse leader can impact team collaboration and improve patient outcomes.

Please click on the following link to review the DNP Discussion Guidelines on the Student Resource Center program page:

  • Link (webpage): DNP Discussion Guidelines.
Program Competencies

This discussion enables the student to meet the following program outcomes:

  1. Applies organizational and system leadership skills to affect systemic changes in corporate culture and to promote continuous improvement in clinical outcomes. (PO 6)
  2. Appraises current information systems and technologies to improve health care. (POs 6, 7)
  3. Analyzes health care policies to advocate for equitable health care and social justice to all populations and those at risk due to social determinants of health. (POs 2, 9)
  4. Creates a supportive organizational culture for flourishing collaborative teams to facilitate clinical disease prevention and promote population health at all system levels. (PO 8)
  5. Translates a synthesis of research and population data to support preventative care and improve the nation’s health. (PO 1)
  6. Leads others in professional identity, advanced clinical judgment, systems thinking, resilience, and accountability in selecting, implementing, and evaluating clinical care. (POs 1, 4)
Course Outcomes

This discussion enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:

  1. Apply leadership practices that support interprofessional collaborative practice and team effectiveness. (PCs 2, 4, 5, 6, 8; POs 2, 4, 6, 8)
  2. Apply ethical leadership to the role of the advanced practice nurse. (PCs 7, 8; POs 1, 4)

NR719 Week 7 Discussion | Self-Care and Personal Well-Being Example

Self-care and Personal Well-being 

In the demanding realm of healthcare, where nurse leaders play pivotal roles in driving organizational success and patient care excellence, prioritizing personal well-being is often overlooked amidst the array of responsibilities and pressures. However, the significance of maintaining optimal mental and physical health cannot be overstated. This is especially true for Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)-prepared nurse leaders tasked with navigating complex challenges and fostering effective team collaboration. Considering evidence-based strategies to manage time and stress is crucial to enhancing one’s overall well-being.

  1. Identify strategies you have used to manage your time and stress and determine whether they have been effective in your personal or professional life.

Managing time and stress is crucial for maintaining personal well-being, especially for DNP-prepared nurse leaders in demanding roles. One effective strategy I have used is prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance, utilizing tools like to-do lists and calendars to organize my workload (Harris & Gilbert, 2023). Additionally, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps helps me stay focused and reduces feelings of overwhelm. Looking at large and complex tasks ahead can be stressful, so I write down the various components of a task, break them down into simpler parts, and set specific goals, deadlines, and milestones to accomplish them.

For instance, I found it overwhelming when I started collecting literature to support my DNP project. So, I set specific goals rather than letting my stress hinder my efforts. Every night, I required myself to read at least two valuable studies and to take notes of important ideas and findings. Within weeks, I had gone through dozens of studies, and the once overwhelming notion had become manageable. In truth, compartmentalization, prioritization, and incremental goal setting have been highly effective in my professional life.

Another strategy is practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or brief meditation sessions, which have proven effective in reducing stress levels and promoting mental clarity (Green & Kinchen, 2021). Nurses who meditate often are shown to exhibit lower chronic stress and a lower risk for burnout. I meditate for at least fifteen minutes each morning to become mindful, calm, focused, and live in the present. Rather than allow my thoughts to race each morning, as they often do, I take some time to calm down and set a positive tone for the day ahead.

According to many studies, physical activity can profoundly improve one’s mental health and well-being (Mahindru et al., 2023). Incorporating regular physical activity into my routine, whether a quick workout or a leisurely walk, also helps alleviate stress and boost my overall well-being. I find that some activities can profoundly influence my overall well-being. Although exercise can be daunting after a long workday or after hours of studying, I always seem to feel much better after a workout than I do before. At present, I may feel tired and unmotivated to work out. However, I think of what my future self would feel like after a productive workout in one hour. In doing so, I visualize the positive outcomes and motivate myself to complete this stress-alleviating, health-promoting task.

  • Examine how you could alter your current strategies to provide more self-care and personal well-being opportunities.

To enhance self-care and personal well-being opportunities, I could allocate specific time slots in my schedule dedicated solely to activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation (Harris & Gilbert, 2023). This could include setting aside time for hobbies, spending quality time with loved ones, or engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside work. Thus far, I have effectively deduced some each morning to mindful meditation. I also have exercised at least thrice weekly, albeit on inconsistent days. As such, it could be helpful to pre-select three days and dedicate a specific time slot to my exercise. For instance, I could walk for 30 minutes every Monday at 9:00 pm, do yoga every Wednesday at 7:30 pm, and lift some weights every Friday at 8:00 pm. Such would align with my schedule and allow me to maximize my free time.

Nonetheless, I recognize that mental, physical, and spiritual wellness is much more than that. In truth, it is about the experiences that surround our mundane responsibilities. Implementing boundaries between work and personal life, such as limiting after-hours work-related communication and avoiding excessive overtime, can also contribute to a healthier work-life balance. However, as healthcare professionals, such boundaries are often blurred.

Additionally, seeking support from colleagues, mentors, or professional counseling services when needed can provide valuable guidance and assistance in navigating challenges and stressors. Speaking to more experienced professionals has profoundly shaped how I view leisure, self-care, and “me-time.” Although I used to think these were selfish endeavors, I now see them as essential to enabling me to become the best, most attentive, and most productive clinician, student, leader, and advocate I can be.

  • Analyze how personal well-being as a DNP-prepared nurse leader can impact team collaboration and improve patient outcomes.

Personal well-being significantly impacts team collaboration and patient outcomes in the role of a DNP-prepared nurse leader. When nurse leaders prioritize their well-being, they model self-care behaviors for their team members, fostering a culture of wellness and resilience within the organization (Williams et al., 2022). By maintaining optimal mental and physical health, nurse leaders can effectively lead and support their teams, enhancing communication, cohesion, and collaboration among staff members.

Moreover, personal well-being positively influences decision-making abilities and critical thinking skills, thus leading to improved patient care quality and outcomes (Williams et al., 2022). A nurse leader who is well-rested, emotionally balanced, and mentally focused is better equipped to address challenges, adapt to changes, and promote a positive practice environment conducive to excellence in patient care. I am much more attentive, productive, and attuned to my workday after a whole night of sleep, a healthy and balanced breakfast, and a meditation session. By caring for myself, I can care for others more optimally. Hence, self-care is genuinely essential to caring for others.

References

Green, A. A., & Kinchen, E. V. (2021). The effects of mindfulness meditation on stress and burnout in nurses. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 39(4), 356–368. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211015818

Harris, B., & Gilbert, J. (2023). Resilient school leader: 20 ways to manage stress and build resilience. Routledge.

Mahindru, A., Patil, P., & Agrawal, V. (2023). Role of physical activity on mental health and well-being: A review. Cureus, 15(1), e33475. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33475

Williams, S. G., Fruh, S., Barinas, J. L., & Graves, R. J. (2022). Self-care in nurses. Journal of Radiology Nursing, 41(1), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jradnu.2021.11.001