NURS 6003 Discussion Networking Opportunities

NURS 6003 Discussion Networking Opportunities

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I have been a registered nurse for 5 years and I could not imagine choosing a different career path for myself. Many could agree that this field may not always be the easiest, especially with recently working through a pandemic. Aside from the hardships of nursing, there is no feeling comparable to knowing that you have made a positive impact on another person while they are potentially in one of the most vulnerable times of their life. Being a nurse is more than just taking care of another human being. It is about advocating for someone who may be unable to do so for themselves. To me, nursing is about being that support system for the patient or family member who needs it the most during such a challenging time. As a nurse, you need to be an approachable and reliable resource for your patients. When I think about advancing my nursing career, I am also envisioning the significant impact that it will have on my life and the lives of others. The possibilities feel almost endless for the different career paths in nursing that can be achieved.

There are so many sources that entail the life of Florence Nightingale. This version makes me envision Florence as a very inspiring accolade. Florence Nightingale refused to be married when she was 17 years old as she chose to answer her calling despite her parents being against enrolling as a nursing student at the Lutheran Hospital in Germany. Nightingale faced a cholera outbreak in an unsanitary environment when she returned from school to London and worked at Middlesex hospital. She worked hard to improve the environment’s sanitation, significantly decreasing the number of deaths. All the hard work eventually affected Nightingale’s health. The Crimean War happened between the British and Russian Empires, and many soldiers were admitted into military hospitals. There were not enough female nurses stationed at Crimea hospitals. England then was angry due to the neglect of the soldiers who had fallen ill and injured and lacked medical care due to insufficient caregivers leading to dreadful unsanitary, and inhumane conditions. Nightingale then was called to her calling despite barely recovering from her illness. She assembled a team of nurses and sailed them to Crimea. Nightingale and her nurses warned of the conditions they were about to face but were still unprepared for what they witnessed upon their arrival.

Walden’s College of Nursing mission and vision statements are very relatable for how I plan to pursue my degree advancement. The missions and vision of Walden University (2020) highlight how it will use education to transform healthcare professionals into something that will have a positive impact on the future of healthcare. There is such a wide diversity in nursing, and it is so important to acknowledge the change and impact that advancing education for nurses will have on healthcare and patients. It is reassuring to me that with my degree advancement from Walden, I will be able to achieve something that will benefit my future self while I grow and excel in my career and benefit the lives of others.

The Walden MSN program outcomes and perspectives (2022) describe a goal of being able to evaluate and communicate with a diverse population to promote health. This is very relatable to my view of nursing as I am currently working with such a diverse population of patients that require much education. Being able to effectively communicate and evaluate patient needs is critical in a healthcare setting. Walden MSN outcomes also describes using evidence-based research to help guide decision making in nursing. Continually using evidence-based practice during this program to guide my writing will keep my research skills rigorous and I will have these skills to use throughout school and my nursing career to benefit my future patient population.

“Education makes a person aware of the social inequities and inequalities, most likely creating a desire for social change that might not have existed before the educational endeavor. With the knowledge of inequities and social ills as well as the desire to change the status quo, it can be assumed that a person is much more likely to attempt to change that status quo” (Brown & Bates, 2017). Walden University’s “mission of social change encourages all members of the academic community to strive for positive social change” (Brown & Bates, 2017). I agree with this statement as it is important to remember that social change will always be a topic in healthcare. Learning about this topic will help me use it more in my current and future career.

Networking in 2022 is a huge advancement and benefit for the healthcare world. Having access to online resources and evidence-based practice related to patient care is something that will continue to improve healthcare. Issues in healthcare can be taught and discussed easily among individuals in different areas by having access to the internet, social media, online conference meetings, etc. Having online access during this program to resources, such as Walden’s library, will benefit my writing and thought process. Reading and responding through discussion posts with classmates in different nursing fields will keep me open minded on healthcare topics. Networking will also positively impact my future career search by having easy access to job hunting and researching about specific nursing careers.

References

Walden University. (2020). College of Nursing. Retrieved from

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398

Walden University. (2022). Master of Science in Nursing. Retrieved from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=196&poid=78355&returnto

Brown, Michelle, and Beate Baltes. “The Relationship Between Social Change Involvement and

Education.” Journal of Social Change, vol. 9, no. 1, ser. 131-140, 2017. 131-140,

https://doi.org/131-140.

My name is S and I am a current travel nurse who, like the majority of you, has traveled coast to coast in the last year dealing with Covid. I adore my job, but it has been extremely draining recently, and like the majority of hospitals across the country, it is understaffed. That being said, I’m excited to begin this program and continue my educational journey.

Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives all center on developing practitioners who can effect positive social change for the greater good of the global community (2021). This aligns with my professional and academic objectives of becoming a scholar-practitioner, which is precisely what I want to do. I want to be a family nurse practitioner so that I can help all members of the community, not just a specific population. I have lofty ambitions and want to improve the community for everyone, from children to the elderly. I want to apply my knowledge in every situation that arises for the community’s greater good. Each class at Walden provides an opportunity for me to expand my knowledge in order to assist an increasing number of people. The MSN program’s outcomes align with my objectives because they address lifelong learning, legal and ethical integrity, applying acquired knowledge to benefit the community, communicating effectively, supporting diversity, demonstrating information literacy, and practicing positive social change (Walden University, 2021).

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To be the best scholar-practitioner, we must consider and work toward all program outcomes. I believe that information literacy is critical, because while it is important to recognize when you do not understand something, knowing where to go for information and answers is even more critical. This is consistent with lifelong learning, as a health care professional, we never cease to learn. I hope to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish and put into practice all of the program’s outcomes in order to be the best family nurse practitioner possible.

Networking is critical to achieving my professional and academic goals because it entails knowing where to look for answers or who to contact with any questions we may have. Knowing other nurse practitioners, educators, nurses, and physicians in whom we can confide and discuss educational success and personal goals is critical to our own success. Having a strong network of individuals to whom I can turn for assistance throughout the program will aid me in achieving my goals, as I may require a letter of recommendation, a job, or advice, and those individuals will be available to assist me. “Most jobs are obtained through networking” (Schmidt, K., 2020). It is critical for long-term advancement and success.
Once that network bond is formed, they may even develop into lifelong colleagues who are available to assist you as you begin your career as a practitioner and so on. There are numerous ways to network, but networking is now at our fingertips. Nowadays, social media is the primary method of networking; websites such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter are just a few examples of the numerous online platforms available for networking (Wofford, P., 2018). With almost constant access to the internet, networking has become a million times easier than it was 50 years ago.

References

K. Schmidt (2020).
There are five reasons why nurses should participate in professional networking.
BluePipes.
Source: 5 Reasons Nurses Should Participate in Professional Networking (bluepipes.com)University of Walden (2021). Vision, Mission, and Objectives Catalog of Walden University. Obtained from Vision, Mission, and Objectives Acalog ACMSTM – Walden University

P. Wofford (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved from 10 Nursing Networking Tips

This module begins to lay the groundwork for your academic and professional success.
Your efforts should begin with a vision that includes your personal definition of success.
Your vision may differ from that of your coworkers, but that does not mean you must take these first steps alone.

Walden University and the College of Nursing have their own visions and missions, which include assisting you in making your own dreams a reality.
Faculty, support teams, and fellow students from your new academic community can also be of assistance.
Current practitioners and members of the professional community can also assist you in clarifying your vision.

The Discussion in this Module asks you to consider how the Walden mission and vision, as well as the mission and vision of the College of Nursing, apply to your professional and academic goals.
As you begin to design the “blueprint”—your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan—that will guide you toward your own vision for academic and professional success, you will also begin to identify individuals and teams who can assist you along the way.
Finally, you will discuss the significance of networking and how it can assist you in achieving your professional and academic objectives.

Unless otherwise specified, initial Discussions postings are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6.
You must take part in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response).
It is critical to stick to the weekly time frame so that others have enough time to respond to your posting.
Furthermore, you are expected to respond to questions about your initial posting in a timely manner.

To Get Ready:

• Review the Walden and College of Nursing mission and vision statements, Walden’s goals and University Outcomes, and the MSN Program Learning Outcomes presented in this Module’s Learning Resources.
• Reflect on your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
• Consider how the information in these resources fit with your own goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.
• Also consider academic and professional individuals and teams with whom you may collaborate in support of your efforts as a student at the university and as a professional within your organization and career.
• Consider the importance of networking and how it may help you achieve your professional and academic goals.

By Day 3 of Week 1

Post a brief introduction of yourself to your colleagues. Include an explanation as to how Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner. Also include an explanation for how the Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner. Finally, explain why networking is important and how it may help you achieve your professional and academic goals.

By Day 6 of Week 1

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by suggesting additional individuals and/or teams with whom you wish to collaborate or by offering additional networking strategies.

Hello all,
THIS AREA IS YOUR WEEK 1 DISCUSSION. THIS AREA IS NOT YOUR CLASS CAFE.

Networking Opportunities

This week you begin to lay the foundation for your academic and professional success. Your efforts begin with a vision, which includes your own definition of success. Your vision may vary from those of your colleagues, but this does not mean you have to take these first steps alone.
Walden University and the College of Nursing also have a vision and mission, which include helping you to make your own vision a reality. Members of your new academic community, such as faculty, support teams, and fellow students, can also be helpful. Current practitioners and other members of the professional community can also help you to clarify your vision.
This week’s Discussion asks you to think about how the Walden mission and vision and the College of Nursing mission and vision apply to your professional and academic goals. You will also begin to identify individuals and teams that can help you along the way, as you begin to design the “blueprint”—your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan—that will guide you toward your own vision for academic and professional success.

Post your Main Post By Day 3 (January 13, 2021 by 11:59pm Mountain Time)
Post a brief post introducing yourself to your colleagues. Include an explanation for how Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner. Also include an explanation for how the Walden MSN program outcomes and perspectives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.

Support main post with (3) three or more current, credible sources and cite source within content of posting and on a reference list in proper APA.

Post your (2) two Peer Responses By Day 6 (January 16, 2021 by 11:59pm Mountain Time)
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by suggesting additional individuals and/or teams with whom to collaborate or by offering additional networking strategies.
Be sure to offer support from at least (2) two current, credible sources in each required response to classmates’ main post and cite per APA.
The below information is also within the Course Announcements.

Cite your sources:

Question: So, what exactly does Walden University require Dr Gatlin to evaluate regarding citations and the listing of references cited within the written work?
Answer: Per the Discussion Grading Rubric concerning source utilization Dr Gatlin will evaluate for:
Main Post: Three (3) sources listed with each of those sources cited in the written work per APA format as indicated within the Discussion exemplar within your course resources.
Peer Responses: Two (2) sources listed, with each of those sources cited in the written work per APA format.
*Concerning source utilization: In short – do not list a source in the reference list and not cite it within the written work; nor cite a source in the written work without including it within your reference list. This action cost you valuable points as the discussion post point value is weighted as indicated within the rubric.

Label your post:

Label your Discussion Post:
Main Post, Response #1, Response #2
Unlabeled Post leaves the Instructor with no choice but to grade the post as they are dated per submission. The order of grading for unlabeled post will be Main Post initially, Peer Response 1, and lastly Peer Response 2. This unfortunately can result in a tremendous value of points being deducted.

Discussion example and additional information:

Refer to announcement #8 for a Discussion example.
Ensure you have fully reviewed the elements within course announcements # 2,4,7 and 8 regarding Discussion elements
Participation requirements: In order to receive full participation credit, you must participate in the discussions during the 6-day active discussion period on three (3) different calendar dates. The 6-day active period is from Monday (Day 1) through Saturday (Day 6).
The Week 1 discussion will close for participation and scoring purposes on (Day 6) Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11:59pm MT. At that point, the Discussion will lock and you will be unable to submit any Discussion Post even if you are actively within the discussion during that time. For the Weeks requiring Discussion participation (Weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) there is a six (6) day active period (Monday, Day 1 through Saturday, Day 6) allowed for Discussion participation. No allowances for participation will be made outside of the six (6) day (Monday, Day 1 through Saturday, Day 6) Discussion period.
Attachments: For discussions, write or cut/paste (ctrl c/ctrl v) directly into the text box. Attachments are not allowed – nor will be graded, rather a zero -0- score will be awarded. Meaning that uploading a file will not be counted for a grade, so please make sure you to post directly in the discussion area. Note: If you want to type it in MS Word, .doc, .docx first, then copy/paste (ctrl c/ctrl v) into the discussion that is perfectly acceptable.
As a reminder, as you interact with your peers within the discussions, I will deliberately post additional information. This is intended to take advantage of every possible opportunity to share information with you regarding this course as well beneficial information and tips for your future courses.
Please review the Week 1 discussion Instructions and grading rubric before you participate in the Week 1 Discussion.

RE: Discussion – Week 1

Who I am and What I Want to Be: based on Walden University’s Mission and Vision
I have been an RN for almost 11 years. As an RN, I have worked in Mental Health and then went to nursing homes. I tried a pediatric practice as a triage nurse (those women made my crazy people look sane), but I have always returned to Mental Health (MH) no matter what I tried. I am currently the RN Supervisor at an inpatient MH facility that opened only six months ago. I have worked in MH on and off for 20 years in various capacities, from a crisis worker to the psych intake coordinator in a very busy ER. No matter how hard I try, I can’t help but return to the MH field. That is why I am currently working on my PMHNP through Walden.

I decided on Walden because they are one of the very few online schools that offer the PMHNP program and they also came highly recommended by several of my colleagues. Two of my coworkers are attending Walden currently but are much further in their studies than I am, and one is an NP here at the facility. While these people did have some influence on my choice of Walden, it was Walden’s SON vision and mission that pulled me in. The idea of serving a diverse community of professionals to allow them to become scholar-practitioners was intriguing. I also liked that Walden is interested in how they can provide their students with the knowledge to go out into the world and make a positive change (Walden University, 2019). The SON seems to take a positive vision that their students will impact social change. I had started my journey toward my PMHNP at Aspen University, and after only two classes realized that it wasn’t for me. When my coworker suggested I check out Walden, I figured I had nothing to lose because I wanted to get on with my education to go out and practice as an NP. The RN-MSN program with a PMHNP track was exactly what I was looking for to further my education. I did not need another BS degree since I already have one in Forensic Science (a past life). The bridge courses from RN to get into the MSN program seemed feasible, so I joined up. Now that I have completed that portion of the curriculum, I am excited to start this new journey.

My student advisor has been beneficial in this process, guiding me through the program and explaining how to balance school and work (Walden, 2019). I also have a Facebook group that has managed to help each other through these first classes. When we started, there were 10-12 of us in the group, and now, we are down to five, but the five of us have been there for each other through everything. Not just supporting each other academically but also personally. We have established a network amongst ourselves that genuinely are there for one another. Since day one, we have said that we will be able to get through this if we do it together, and so far, we have. As described by Schmidt, n.d., we are a group of people with a common interest who help each other and share knowledge.
Since I have worked in the MH field, I have noticed that these patients don’t have many opportunities as other patients. One of the things that I have always wanted to do was open a transitional housing facility for MH patients. It has always bothered me throughout my career that many MH patients are discharged back to their homes with no assistance or, worse, discharged to the street with no place to go.

These individuals tend to be readmitted to our facility frequently. If there was a place they could go that would continue to help them with their medication, give them some job skills and life skills training, they might have a better chance of caring for themselves. Even patients discharged home with family support do not always receive the type of support they need. These homes’ goal is to help these individuals learn how to go back to living a productive life through management of their illness, goal setting, and assisting with education or employment (communityhope-nj.org, 2020). To start this type of housing, there needs to be a licensed master level professional involved for licensure of the facility. I hope that when I complete my PMHNP program, I can be that person. I have spoken to other professionals who want to help, and they have their networks of individuals who they feel will also be able to help. Again, this shows how important networking can be.
I look forward to starting this journey with this course as a stepping stone for my professional goals. I also hope that throughout this process, Walden University helps me to continue to grow and develop into a scholarly-practitioner.

References

Introduction. (2019, September). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=168&navoid=58167.
Restoring Hope and Changing Lives Since 1985. (2020, November 24). https://www.communityhope-nj.org/.
Schmidt, K. 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking. https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/.
Vision, Mission, and Goals. Vision, Mission, and Goals – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. (2019, September). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950.

RE: Discussion – Week 1 Main Post

My University Goals, Vision and Missions

“To be successful, you have to use each day as an opportunity to improve, to do better and to get a little bit closer to your goals”. The more you accomplish, the more you will want to do, the higher you will want to reach (Lydia Sweatt,2016). My name is Mia Christine Uy, from Washington State. I graduated with Bachelors of Nursing ’93 in the Philippines. I have been in a different area in Nursing. In 2004, My Nursing journey had change and I continue to explore myself by coming here in the United States. I may look so experienced because I have been on a nursing field for 27 years, but I have something to say, It’s the opportunity and the search of how I make myself best in my purpose in life.

Walden understands the dreams and nurses. Developed and taught by real practitioner, offers online programs which empowers to further education without pausing one’s life, make your voice be heard and shape nursing career you have always wanted to be (Walden University, n.d). The vision is for graduate to transform nursing to meet the needs of the communities (Walden University,2011a). When the Covid crisis came and changed our lives, it is a lot to ponder and realization of how my life and career is important. How I valued my career knowing of what I do and offer it to people. Being a nurse is a continuum, seeking advancement and new learning makes you one step higher among others. Transforming self from a novice nurse to an expert nurse (Laureate Education, videofile2 0.16sec)
While I am searching for an online school, Walden University pop out on my screen. Started the application and the enrollment officer called back and give me information. Walden University practices a policy of non-discrimination in admission to, access to and employment in its program and activities (Walden University,2020). Walden is efficient, flexible and navigating resources in helping their student to be successful (Laureate Education, videofile2). As I am new in an online classroom environment, I want to seek the best school there is. When I search their history as online school, I know I will never go wrong of my choice. Importantly, the track records of their professors. My academic goals resonate the mission and vison of Walden. I will not settle for less. I want to reach the finish line knowing I choose the best school for me. The support and resources are endless, and they make you feel that you are important in achieving your dreams.

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Incorporation of Social Change
Nursing is a fast pace to change. You have to be innovated and determined to accelerate self. It is not stagnant, and it keeps on changing that you have to adapt the modernization on this field. Even in reality of life, we are multi-tasking. I have this vison in mind, that I can be worth of what I do by adapting to change. I can be an invaluable resource for knowledge that can be instrumental in advancing nursing career (Schimidt, K.(n.d.). Using Professional Networking will lead the way that changes can happen. Two heads are better than one. Seeking connections will be an instrument that will assist to change whether looking for a new opportunity. Getting referrals or access to people that will change and move you up step higher. Coming from an old school and updating self on this fast modern technology is the reason of choosing Nursing Informatics. I will be excited to finish this program and apply in the modern nursing.

References

Laureate Education, (ExecutiveProducer), (2018) The Foundation of Success (videofile). Baltimore, MD: Author
Lydia Sweatt, (2016), 17 motivational quotes to inspire you to be successful, SUCCESS. Retrieved from November 3,2016
Schimidt,K. (n.d.). 5 Reasons Nurses should engage in professional networking (Blog Post) Retrieved October 12,2018. from

Walden University. (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved June 5, 2020. from
https://www.waldenu.edu/college-of-nursing
Walden University. (2011a). About the school. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/Colleges-and-Schools/College-of-HealthSciences/15863.html
Walden University. (2011b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from
https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

RE: Discussion – Week 1

My name is Lindsay Barrientos, I have been an RN for 6 years now. I initially graduated from an ADN in 2014 and later obtained a BSN online in 2017. To say the least, my journey in nursing has taken many turns during these six years, I have dabbled in travel nursing and many different specialties. In 2020, I came to the conclusion that in order elevate the quality of my treatment I would have to get back to school and obtain my master’s degree. I’ve reviewed many universities and Walden seems like the right fit for me. Walden’s values revolve around advocating for the advancement of global health. “Walden University envisions a distinctively different 21st-century learning community where knowledge is judged worthy to the degree that it can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good (Walden University, 2020).” Needless to say global health is more important now than ever, and as a healthcare provider I agree. As far as the mission is concerned, I would like to also share my point of view that positive societal change will essentially fall in place when the world becomes healthier. And according to Walden University students, alumni and faculty are committed to improving the human and social condition by creating and applying ideas to promote the development of individuals, communities, and organizations as well as society as a whole (Walden Introduction, 2020).
But how do we reach that? Well, this university has put a roadmap called outcomes. I believe these outcomes will inevitably bring communities closer to health. The outcome that resonates with me more is the ability to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning (Walden University, 2020). To practice this commitment every day would help mold any of the future practitioners in this class, we could never be unprepared. This is so applicable to the nursing word, I see it day in and day out. During the pandemic nurses have had to quickly adhere to new protocols and learn new treatments. I have nothing else but to continue to remain open to knowledge as I continue to dive deeper into this degree.
It also stands to reason that global health would have to take into consideration multi contextual education. Graduates who fully engage with multicultural communities gain a broader understanding of health disparities and social determinants of health. (Bryan-Moore, Williams, 2018). Along with this understanding I believe my many experiences as a traveler nurse would help me become a more well-rounded and humble practitioner.

References:

Introduction. Walden University. Catalog (2020, September). Retrieved from:https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=168&navoid=58167.
Vision, Mission, and Goals. Walden University. Catalog (2020, September). Retrieved from: https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950.
Bryant-Moore, K., Bachelder, A., Rainey, L., Hayman, K., Bessette, A., & Williams, C. (2018). Use of service learning to increase master’s-level nursing students’ understanding of social determinants of health and health disparities. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 29(5), 473–479. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/1043659617753043

My Goals Align with Walden

I knew from the time I completed nursing school just under 3 years ago, that I desired to advance my education and grow as a healthcare professional. Early on, I began the tedious task of researching different schools and paths to take towards completing an advanced nursing degree. As an active duty officer in the Air Force, I knew I would need a program that was flexible with the often unexpected changes inherent to military life. Having work experience in both inpatient and clinic settings, I was better able to refine my broader professional goal to advance my education into the goal of becoming a family nurse practitioner that serves a population across the lifespan. I found Walden’s Vision and Mission connected to my own personal academic and professional goals.
Walden University’s nursing vision states their objective is to provide nursing services across the life span to meet the needs of individuals and communities (College of Nursing Mission and Vision, 2020). This falls in line with my desire to care for individuals at all stages of life as a family nurse practitioner. The Walden University mission states the importance of cultural relevance to transform society (College of Nursing Mission and Vision, 2020). One of my professional goals is to advance my knowledge and understanding of social concepts, culture, and the impact they have on communities and individuals. This will allow me to better listen, learn, and empathize with the patients I serve. This professional goal aligns with Walden University’s mission to produce graduates who are agents of positive social change (Vision, Mission, and Goals, 2020).
After starting the first steps of this program I have come to realize the amount of support I have to help me pursue my professional and academic goals. Being in the military, I have a senior ranking nurse whose entire job is to help guide myself and other nurses in my unit in our career as active duty nurses. I am fortunate to have that mentorship and guidance as I work full time and begin this education on my own. I am also part of a networking group designed for nurses in the Air Force, which allows me to connect with other active duty nurses stationed all over the world. It is beneficial to hear from other nurses with firsthand experience regarding different nursing positions, leadership opportunities, and educational opportunities. I used this networking group when I was researching graduate schools, and found Walden was highly recommended by several other active duty nurses. This solidified my decision to attend Walden University.
The MSN learning outcome that connects with my own ambitions states the importance of commitment to professional development by encompassing values such as human dignity, integrity and social justice (Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), 2020). My own professional objective is to display values such as those mentioned in order to incorporate a change in our society to improve healthcare. This fact is reiterated in Walden University’s statement that positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions (Vision, Mission, and Goals, 2020).
It is our responsibility as professionals in health care to never stop learning and improving our practice. An academic goal of mine is to continue my education, regardless of whether I am actively in school or not. The value of using current, practiced, methods of improving healthcare and education is addressed in Walden’s MSN learning outcomes; the outcome addresses using evidence-based literature to guide decision making to provide the best practice as an advanced nursing specialist (Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), 2020). To continue to grow academically and challenge myself is a personal academic goal that Walden University’s MSN-FNP program will help me to accomplish. After initiating this advancement in both my career and education, I am confident that the MSN-FNP program at Walden University will pave the path to completing my academic and professional goals.

References

College of Nursing Mission and Vision. College of Nursing Mission and Vision – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. (2020, September). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=176&navoid=62706.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. (2020, September). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=178&poid=70112&returnto=64000.
Vision, Mission, and Goals. Vision, Mission, and Goals – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. (2020, September). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=178&navoid=63595.

RE: Discussion – Week 1

Goals and University Vision and Mission

Greetings, fellow Walden Colleagues; I have been a registered nurse for the past 14 years and presently enrolled in the Adult and Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program. Foremost, I believe that the curriculum set out by Walden will satisfy the necessary academic requirements I need for certification as an Adult and Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. In addition, Walden’s vision, mission, and social change initiatives can satisfy my professional and academic goals and path in becoming a scholar-practitioner.
I chose to major in Adult and Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner because of the desire to provide care to individuals across the human life span. Walden School of Nursing envisions the same, “contributions of nursing and its’ related disciplines at Walden will be seen as a source of education to satisfy the need for nursing services for every individual throughout their life span at an individual, societal, and global level. (Walden University, 2015).
In an ever-changing society, nurses would face situations requiring a critical thinking approach to finding a resolution. One of my professional goals is to be a critical thinker, in which I can provide valid and applicable solutions to different clinical and social situations that may arise. After reading Walden’s Vision statement, I believe they can help me attain my professional goal to be a critical thinker. “Walden believes that knowledge gained at the institution would allow students to affect solutions to societal challenges and by extension global society” (Walden University, 2018).
Incorporation of Social Initiative/Change
No one individual is a team, nor can they individually affect social change. Therefore, I believe that communication and interaction with other professionals will improve my professional goal of affecting social change. Walden University affords social and professional networking through its student café initiatives, discussions, and projects. In addition, Walden School of Nursing holds my same belief of “positive social change can lead to an improvement in both the human and social conditions” (Walden University, 2015).
Additionally, due to the nursing field’s dynamic changes, there will always be a continuous expansion of knowledge. Therefore, “Both the development and maintenance of professional networking relationship would allow for ideas and information exchange to keep nurses knowledge base relevant” (Schmitt, n.d.).

References

Schmitt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. BluePipes Blog.

Walden University. (2018, March). Vision, mission, and goals. Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

Walden University. (2015, March). School of nursing mission and vision. Walden University –
Acalog ACMS™. https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=117&navoid=32441

As a nurse with 15 years of various specialties experience to include medical, surgical, and forensics I became more interested in obtaining master’s degree in Adult Gerontology to further enhance my nursing career. My goal is to practice as a full-time AGPCNP in one of INOVA’s primary care facilities in my hometown. After months of researching for online schools that offer flexible schedules while pursuing MSN degree online, I found Walden University. I have applied to the program and was pleased to read that “The College of Nursing provides academically rigorous and culturally and contextually relevant educational programs to nursing professionals seeking enhancement of critical thinking skills, abilities to select and implement evidence-based practices, and core and specialty nursing knowledge in order to transform society”. (Walden, 2021).

Incorporating social change

My role as an advance nurse practitioner will include effective communication, education, health promotion, diagnosis, and treatment of patients in community in which I live and work. All of these are going to be learned outcomes after graduating with advance degree from Walden University. For example, “Scholar-practitioner model help students become scholar-practitioners by challenging them to integrate scholarly research with their own expertise as skilled practitioners in their fields”. (Walden, 2021). In addition, as a new nurse practitioner with a fresh view in the field, I might be able to provide a positive social change at my future place of employment. My goal as an advance nurse practitioner is to make a difference in patients’ lives and establish healthy and well-educated community.

Importance of networking

            Walden provides multicontextual educational opportunities which include career planning and development, archived webinars, career connections and events, and networking groups such as Facebook and LinkedIn to their online learners. Using and exploring these resources will prepare me to become a well-established scholar-practitioner. Building a professional network can be as authentic and natural as building social networking. Professional networking is a network of professional interactions and professional relationships where group of people who have similar interests and share similar knowledge assist each other in some way to perform at their best. (Schmidt, K. n.d.). Networking is important to me because it offers career advancement and placement. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 70% of jobs are found through professional networking” (Walker, 2018).

References

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. (Blog Post) https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Wofford, P. (2018) 10 Networking Tips for Nurses Who Hate Networking. https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

Walden University. (n.d.). College of nursing. Retrieved August 30, 2021, from

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved August 29, 2021, from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=179&navoid=65571

Graduate Goals

   My nursing career began two years ago in a medical intensive care unit. As a new graduate, I knew I required more guidance and education for the ICU. I completed a nurse residency program to strengthen my skills and knowledge. Through this, I have made connections with staff within my department as well as other specialties. I found my passion in palliative care which left me yearning for more education.

During my search for a program, I found Walden University to be a perfect fit. The accreditation, flexibility, and education tailored for better patient care suited my goal in becoming a scholar-practitioner. The university has the intent to make positive societal changes through educating professionals (Walden University, n.d., social change). I aim to make a difference in the lives I serve within my community. The College of Nursing has a mission to shape professionals to better healthcare outcomes through evidence-based practice and help eliminate health disparities among diverse populations (Walden University, 2022). I am seeking to grow personally and professionally by attending Walden University.

Additionally, I found the MSN-FNP program learning outcomes to align with my academic and professional goals. The program lays the foundation for graduates to apply best practice while advocating for patients. I found value in the program because it prepares graduates to strategize cost-effective care and reduce healthcare disparities (Walden University, n.d., MSN Family Nurse Practitioner). At the end of this program, I plan to be a knowledgeable practitioner who makes a difference in my organization and society as a whole.

Networking Importance

There are many advantages to networking in academics and as a professional. For example, I have established relationships with other staff in my current position who have supported my decision to advance my degree. These contacts will be utilized for advice, resources, and specifics in their role as practitioners.

Outside of work connections, I can use other sources of professional networking such as attending conferences and joining professional associations. As Schmidt (n.d.) mentioned, 70 percent to 80 percent of jobs are found through networking along with an abundance of knowledge sharing. Collaborating with others can drastically increase my likelihood of becoming a successful palliative care practitioner.

Networking is not limited to a workplace setting. Social media platforms have expanded the ability to engage with others across the globe. Organizations at local, state, and national levels allow for information sharing among people of similar interests and goals. The opportunities are endless. I look forward to gaining insight from graduates in this program, specifically about their work sector and practitioner goals. This will lead way in becoming a well-rounded professional. With that being said, I plan to maintain connections in my organization while finding networking options to contribute to my success.

References

Schmidt, K. (n.d.) 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. Blue Pipes.https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take professional-networking-seriously/

Links to an external site.

Walden University. (2022). College of Nursing. In 2022-2023 Walden University catalog. https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=76023

Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). Social change. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change

Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). MSN family nurse practitioner. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/msn-nurse-practitioner-family