Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan
NURS 6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan
At some point in every construction project, efforts turn from design and the focus moves to actual construction. With the vision in place and the tools secured, the blueprint can be finalized and approved. Then it is time to put on hardhats and begin work.
Throughout the course you have developed aspects of your Academic and Professional Development Plan. You have put a great deal of thought into your vision and goals, your academic and professional network of support, research strategies and other tools you will need, the integrity of your work, and the value of consulting the work of others. With your portfolio in place, it is now time to finalize your blueprint for success.
Much as builders remain cognizant of the building standards as they plan and begin construction, nurses must remain mindful of the formal standards of practice that govern their specialty. A good understanding of these standards can help ensure that your success plan includes any steps necessary to excel within your chosen specialty.
In this Assignment you will continue developing your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan by developing the final component: a review of your specialty standards of practice. You will also submit your final version of the document, including Parts 1–5.
To Prepare:
- Review the scope and standards of practice or competencies related to your chosen specialty.
- Download the Nursing Specialty Comparison Matrix.
- Examine professional organizations related to the specialization you have chosen and identify at least one to focus on for this assignment.
- Reflect on the thoughts you shared in the Discussion forum regarding your choice of a specialty, any challenges you have encountered in making this choice, and any feedback you have received from colleagues in the Discussion.
Also Read:
Strategies For Academic Portfolios NURS 6003
The Assignment:
Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.
- Write a paragraph that provides a detailed comparison at least two nursing specialties, including your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
- Write a clear and accurate 2- to 3-paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Provide sufficient evidence of incorporating feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
- Clearly identify and accurately describe in detail the professional organization related to the specialization you have chosen to focus on for this assignment and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.
Note: Your final version of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan should include all components as presented the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan template. Make all corrections to each part based on faculty feedback and submit a final and edited copy of the template (Part 1-Part 6) in correct APA format.
By Day 7
Submit Parts 1-6 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.
Remember to include an introduction paragraph which contains a clear and comprehensive purpose statement which delineates all required criteria, and end the assignment Part with a conclusion paragraph.
Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:
- Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK1Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
- Click the Week 6 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
- Click the Week 6 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
- Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK6Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
- If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
- Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 6 Assignment Rubric
Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:
Submit your Week 6 Assignment draft and review the originality report.
Submit Your Assignment by Day 7
To submit your Assignment:
Congratulations! After you have finished all of the assignments for this week, you have completed the course. Please submit your Course Evaluation by Day 7.
Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan Sample One
Nurses must advance their knowledge and competencies to fit in the current healthcare systems because of the existing dynamics and complexities surrounding quality health care. Advancing education and practical skills allow nurses to play a significant role in transforming clinical contexts and promoting interventions to address institutional challenges (Jormfeldt et al., 2018).
For instance, one of the benefits of advancing education in nursing practices is that it enables professionals to incorporate evidence-based practices (EBPs) in solving problems and making informed decisions. As an aspiring psychiatric-mental health nurse, I know that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is inadequate. Therefore, my BSN was only a gateway to higher education level, including Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). As a result, I have decided to advance my career by selecting two nursing specialties of interest.
I have the determination to enroll in the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), where I will pursue either a master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing (PMHN) or family nurse practitioner (FNP). My first choice (PMHN) entails various priority areas because it allows nurses to work with families, individuals, groups, and communities to identify issues regarding mental health. Advanced practice registered nurses in psychiatric-mental health play a significant role in providing primary care for vulnerable populations, assessing causal factors, and promoting health.
On the other hand, a master’s degree in family nursing practice (FNP) will allow me to work with families and communities while providing patient care across the lifespan, especially for the underserved population sections. Further, the FNP field will enable me to perform physical exams for patients within my specialty, develop care plans, and collaborate with other professionals in delivering primary care to the underserved population. Although the two fields are fundamental in promoting quality health care services, I prefer enrolling for an MSN in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice because its activities my strengths, knowledge, and the dream of delivering care to psychiatry patients.
The psychiatric-mental health domain is a fundamental specialty because of the issues surrounding nurses’ roles in delivering quality care for patients with mental health concerns. Lake (2017) argues that the current treatments and the dominant mental health care model do not effectively address challenges in this specialty. The reason for failing to address clinical constraints related to cognitive health is that mental illnesses account for approximately one-third of all adult disabilities (Lake, 2017). Arguably, this consideration validates the claim that mental health patients overwhelm the current global health system.
Similarly, dealing with causal factors such as depression, stress, and suicidal ideations is a daunting endeavor for nurses. Consequently, many unaddressed gaps and untapped opportunities exist in this operational area. My desire to advance knowledge in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice relies massively on the determination to help people struggling with mental concerns. Also, this field is ever-transforming, meaning I will have opportunities to develop my career and access benefits such as job promotions or increased pay.
Although psychiatric-mental health nurses require prerequisite professional and interpersonal skills, colleagues always acknowledge my ability to relate with other people, applying evidence-based practice in projects, and effective collaboration during my clinical rotations in the psychiatry department. For instance, my BSN instructor indicated that I portrayed professional attributes and personal characteristics that will allow me to excel in the psychiatry specialty.
Complements from my preceptor and peers are icing on the cake because they enhance the determination to transform the psychiatry department. Although I possess the necessary skills that will help me execute my responsibilities well, I am aware of various challenges facing psychiatric nurses. In this sense, the primary challenge when delivering care to patients with different mental health concerns is establishing meaningful relationships with them, their families, and other professionals. Also, nurses face challenges in embracing patient-centeredness principles when dealing with psychiatry patients.
One of the most prominent strategies to address these challenges is joining a reputable organization in the specialty to facilitate information sharing, consultation among nurses, and access to vital resources in the field. Therefore, I am looking forward to joining the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). Since 1986, APNA has been in the frontline to help nursing students with various education programs and professional services to enable them excess in psychiatry departments (Delaney, Drew & Rushton, 2018). Today, the organization services nurses of different qualifications, including registered nurses (RNs), associate degree (ADN), advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), and baccalaureate (BSN).
The most profound strengths of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) are the ability to accommodate nurses from the different healthcare setting. In this sense, it is an ideal avenue where nurses, scholars, and communities can access education opportunities, scholarly resources, and other relevant information regarding the psychiatric domain. Therefore, joining APNA will advance my professional skills, enhancing knowledge, and transforming my capabilities to care for patients with different mental health concerns.
References
Delaney, K., Drew, B., & Rushton, A. (2018). Report on the APNA national psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurse survey. Journal Of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 25(2), 146-155. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390318777873
Jormfeldt, H., Doyle, L., Ellilä, H., Lahti, M., Higgins, A., & Keogh, B. et al. (2018). Master’s level mental health nursing competencies, a prerequisite for equal health among service users in mental health care. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, 13(sup1), 1502013. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2018.1502013
Lake, J. (2017). Urgent need for improved mental health care and a more collaborative model of care. The Permanente Journal. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/17-024
Sample Student Approach on Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan
The current healthcare system is dynamic with changes aimed at improving the quality of care provided. As nurses, we play a significant role in helping revolutionize the provision of care services. Attaining my BSN was only a beginning to pave way for further advancement in my career life. Currently, I have decided to enroll in the masters of science in nursing (MSN) program at Walden University to gain the required knowledge and skills in specialized nursing practice.
My main focus out of the available specialty option is to peruse a master’s degree in gerontology or psychiatry. Gerontology focuses on providing healthcare services to the elderly patients which have gained more market in the current healthcare system, whereas an MSN- PMHNP program mainly equips nurses with adequate knowledge and skills in delivering a full spectrum of care among patients suffering from psychiatric disorders including substance abuse issues and organic brain disorders (Endsley, 2017). Out of the two, I prefer enrolling in an MSN- PMHNP program, which aligns with my strength and prior knowledge in taking care of psychiatry patients.
The current healthcare system is overwhelmed with psychiatry patients as a result of increasing mental illness cases such as depression and anxiety. As such, there is an increased demand for psychiatry healthcare specialists across all disciplines including nurses.
Consequently, nurses working in this field enjoy several benefits such as increased pay, with numerous job opportunities. Additionally, most of my colleagues have observed my good communication skills and a good relationship with my patients, which is crucial when taking care of patients with psychiatry disorders (Vargas et al., 2017). In the course of my BSN program, my preceptor, during my clinical rotation in the psychiatry department also observed my keen insight and good relationship with patients suffering from different mental disorders.
Consequently, in my report, she pointed out a good clinical outcome, among most of the patients who were under my care. As such, I find it very convenient and life-changing to focus on specializing in psychiatry, to help patients suffering from mental illness. However, it is very important to note that, the main challenge facing psychiatric nurses is forming a strong therapeutic relationship with patients suffering from mental illness together with their families.
In my professional line, I am looking forward to becoming a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). This organization was founded in 1986 to provide leadership aimed at promoting psychiatric-mental health nurses, and improving the quality of mental health care services for patients from different cultural backgrounds, and shape the healthcare policies associated with improved mental health services (Delaney, Drew, & Rushton, 2019).
APNA membership incorporates all PMH nurses (RN), including baccalaureate (BSN), associate degree (ADN), and advanced practice (APRN). Members of this organization come from different healthcare settings such as inpatient, academic, community, and research settings, in both private and public sectors, and healthcare institutions at both federal and state levels.
APNA has made it easier for nurses to advance their education hence improving the quality of services provided to patients with mental illness, as such, becoming a member of this organization will help in advancing my career, and advance my knowledge and skills in taking care of psychiatry patients.
References
Delaney, K. R., Drew, B. L., & Rushton, A. (March 01, 2019). Report on the APNA National Psychiatric Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Survey. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 25, 2, 146-155. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390318777873
Divane de Vargas, Janaina Soares, Talita Dutra Ponce, & Bruna Batista de Oliveira. (January 01, 2017). PSYCHIATRIC URGENCY AND EMERGENCY CARE NURSES: AN ANALYSIS OF THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROFILE. Cogitare Enfermagem, 22, 4.) https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/b73d/25882372abdd7f69079cd553b590845f441f.pdf.
Endsley, P. (January 01, 2017). School Nurse Workload: A Scoping Review of Acute Care, Community Health, and Mental Health Nursing Workload Literature. Journal of School Nursing, 33, 1, 43-52. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840516681423
Module 6 | Part 4: Finalizing the Plan
I have considered various options for my nursing specialty, including a close look at my selected (or currently preferred) and second-preferred specialty. I have also developed a justification for my selected (or preferred) specialty. Lastly, I have examined one professional organization related to my selected or preferred specialty and considered how I could become a member of this organization.
The results of my efforts are below.
Directions: Complete Step 1 by writing 2-3 paragraphs in the space below comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration – to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
Complete Step 2 by writing a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
Complete Step 3 by examining and identifying one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties
Use the space below to write 2-3 paragraphs comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration – to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
My primary area of interest within the nursing profession is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). The chosen specialty of comparison is the family nurse practitioner (FNP). PMHNP is a subspecialty of nursing concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, and management of mental health issues in patients of all ages. PMHNPs provide holistic mental health treatment by coordinating efforts between patients, families, and other medical professionals (Delaney & Vanderhoef, 2019). Psychological and mental health illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, are just some of the many that PMHNP graduates are equipped to diagnose and treat. They could do their jobs anywhere from private practices to mental health clinics to hospitals.
Family nurse practitioners, on the other hand, treat patients of all ages and focus on disease prevention, wellness promotion, and the management of both acute and chronic conditions. FNPs have the knowledge and experience to evaluate patients, prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and determine treatment regimens (Owens, 2019). They also teach people how to take better care of themselves and how to prevent illness. Graduates of FNP schools are qualified to find employment in a wide range of medical facilities, including those providing primary care, outpatient care, and urgent care as well.
The emphasis/focus of each field is a key distinction between them. The main role of an FNP in care contrasts with the specialty care role of a PMHNP. PMHNPs and FNPs deal with distinctively different types of patients. FNPs treat patients of all ages who have a wide range of acute and chronic medical disorders, while PMHNPs focus primarily on those with mental health issues (Hodges et al., 2019). The context in which they do their work is also distinctive, contributing to another difference. Both PMHNPs and FNPs can practice in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient care facilities. I can state that one’s personal preferences and professional aspirations should guide their decision between the two fields of study.
Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty
Use the space below to write a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received For a variety of reasons, I decided to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). To begin, I feel strongly that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. By becoming a PMHNP, I will be able to deal with people of all ages and give them the full range of services they need for their mental health (Kverno & Fenton, 2021).
Secondly, I hope to have a positive impact by assisting people and families who are dealing with mental health issues because there is a rising need for mental health providers in our community. Finally, my colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum provided insightful criticism, drawing on their experiences and perspectives as PMHNPs to offer suggestions for improvement. Their advice strengthened my resolve, and I came away from our conversation with a deeper appreciation for the work of PMHNPs and the difference they can make in patients’ lives. I am confident that focusing on PMHNP is the best route for me, and I look forward to beginning this journey to promote better mental health for all.
Step 3: Professional Organizations
Use the space below to identify and examine one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Professional Organization that serves as a network for PMHNPs and other mental health nurses. Registered nurses (RNs) in the United States are represented by the American Nurses Association, and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses’ Programme is a subset of the ANA dedicated to improving the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing via practice and education. To become a member of the organization, the person needs to be a current member of the ANA to join the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses’ Programme (Foster et al., 2019).
Members of the ANA must be registered nurses who are currently licensed to practice in the United States or one of its territories. Anyone who has already joined the ANA and paid the membership cost can also join the PMHNP. The American Nurses Association offers its members the chance to stay abreast of the newest research and advancements in the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing through continuing education courses, professional networking events, and newsletters (Bradshaw et al., 2021). One of the benefits of membership is the opportunity to take part in lobbying initiatives to expand the field of psychiatric-mental health nursing and raise public awareness of mental health issues.
References
Bradshaw, M., Gericke, H., Coetzee, B. J., Stallard, P., Human, S., & Loades, M. (2021). Universal school-based mental health programs in low-and middle-income countries: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Preventive Medicine, 143, 106317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106317
Delaney, K. R., & Vanderhoef, D. (2019). The psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurse workforce: Charting the future. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 25(1), 11-18. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1078390318806571
Foster, K., Roche, M., Delgado, C., Cuzzillo, C., Giandinoto, J. A., & Furness, T. (2019). Resilience and mental health nursing: An integrative review of international literature. International Journal of mental health nursing, 28(1), 71-85. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12548
Hodges, A. L., Konicki, A. J., Talley, M. H., Bordelon, C. J., Holland, A. C., & Galin, F. S. (2019). Competency-based education in transitioning nurse practitioner students from education into practice. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 31(11), 675–682.
Kverno, K. S., & Fenton, A. (2021). Specialization within a specialty: Advanced practice psychiatric nursing pathways for the greatest good. Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 59(10), 13-18. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20210513-02
Owens, R. A. (2019). Nurse practitioner role transition and identity development in rural health care settings: a scoping review. Nursing Education Perspectives, 40(3), 157–161.
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