NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the Plan

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NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the Plan – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the 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 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the 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 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the 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 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the 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 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the 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 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the 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 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the 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, in sentence sentence care. 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 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the Plan Instructions

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. With this as the final task in this NURS 6003 class, the next class is NURS 6050 – Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health (5 credits), which begins with NURS 6050 Week 1 Discussion Presidential Agendas.

Throughout the course you have developed aspects of your Academic and Professional Development Plan. You have thought a great deal about 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 specialties. 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 1–4.

Note: For students in Nursing Education, Executive Nursing, Nursing Informatics, or Public Health Nursing, this Assignment is the first Portfolio Assignment in your program. You will have one Portfolio Assignment in each of your courses. You will need to save these Assignments for inclusion in your portfolio that you will submit in your Capstone course.

To Prepare:

  • Review the scope and standards of practice or competencies related to your chosen specialty in the resources for this module.
  • Review the MSN specializations offered at Walden by viewing the module resource, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
  • 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.

The Assignment:

Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

  • With the resources specific to the MSN specialization and the, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), shared in this module, write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table, comparing at least two nursing specialties that include your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
  • Write a 2- to 3-paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this Module’s Discussion forum.
  • Identify the professional organization related to your chosen specialization 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.

By Day 5 of Week 11

Submit your final draft of Parts 1-4 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: Finalizing the Plan Example

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 from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.

For various 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. The American Nurses Association represents registered nurses (RNs) in the United States, 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. DOI: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000000327

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. DOI: 10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000455

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