NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment

NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment

Walden University NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment– Step-By-Step Guide

This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment  assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment  

Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment  depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.

After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.

How to Write the Introduction for  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment   

The introduction for the Walden University  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment  is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.

How to Write the Body for  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment   

After the introduction, move into the main part of the  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment  assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.

Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.

How to Write the Conclusion for  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment   

After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.

How to Format the References List for  NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment  

The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.

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NURS 6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 4: 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.

Thanks for your educational post. This writer is of the notion that a face-to-face method is ideal for the internal dissemination of evidence-based projects. However, for an evidence-based project on diabetic education writer is of the notion that one vital external method of dissemination can also incorporate the use of technology such as the media since diabetes is a global problem in urgent need of evidence-based interventions to improve these individuals’ quality of life. The traditional news media such as newspapers, television, and radio can be an important channel for reaching practitioners coupled with the technological use of social media. The media also ensures highlights newsworthy public health issues at a particular time. Researchers are also of the notion that the media is one of the most vital means to disseminate research findings to gain policymakers’ attention.  However, when using the media for external dissemination several key factors must be taken into consideration such as the seriousness of the problem, human interest, timeline of the story, a local angel for a national or state headline, and conflict or controversy surrounding information (Ross et al., 2018).

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.

Click here to ORDER an A++ paper from our Verified MASTERS and DOCTORATE WRITERS: NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Identify the professional organization related to your chosen specialization for this Assignment, and explain how you can become an active member of this organization. NURS 6003 Part 4 Finalizing the Plan Assignment
   

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.

Submission and Grading Information

To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

• Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK11Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
• Click the Week 11 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
• Click the Week 11 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 “WK11Assgn+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. NURS 6003 Part 4 Finalizing the Plan Assignment

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 11 Assignment Rubric

Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity

To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:

Submit your Week 11 Assignment draft and review the originality report.

Submit Your Assignment by Day 5 of Week 11

To submit your Assignment:

Week 11 Assignment

Congratulations! After you have finished all of the assignments for this module, you have completed the course. Please submit your Course Evaluation by Day 7.

Module 6 (Weeks 10–11): Standards of Practice

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Standards of Practice [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Standards of Practice [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Final Thoughts [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze difficulties in determining nursing specializations
• Compare nursing specialties
• Justify selection of MSN specialization
• Analyze nursing specialization professional organization engagement strategies
• Create Academic Success and Professional Development Plans

Due By
Assignment
Week 10, Days 1–2

Read the Learning Resources.
Compose your initial Discussion post.
Week 10, Day 3

Deadline to post your initial Discussion post.
Begin to compose Part 4 of your Assignment.
Week 10, Days 4–5

Compose your peer Discussion responses.
Continue to compose Part 4 of your Assignment.
Week 10, Day 6
Last day to post Discussion responses.
Week 10, Day 7
Continue to compose Part 4 of your Assignment.
Week 11, Days 1–4
Continue to compose Part 4 of your Assignment.
Week 11, Day 5
Deadline to submit Part 4 of your Assignment.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice, third edition – 2015. Retrieved from http://ebooks.iospress.nl/publication/12524

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L, Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517-519.

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35–38.

Truant, R., & Chan, R. J. (2017). Future ready: Strengthening oncology nursing leadership in the context of professional oncology nursing organizations. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 27(1), 2-4.

Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing

Document: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template (Word document)

Choose among the following to review your specialization’s Scope and Standards of Practice or Competencies:

Nursing Informatics

Ebook: Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author.

• “The Scope of Nursing Informatics Practice: Functional Areas of Nursing Informatics” (pp. 18–39)

Nursing Education

Website: Competencies for the Academic Nurse Educator
National League for Nursing. (2019). Nurse educator core competency. Retrieved from http://www.nln.org/professional-development-programs/competencies-for-nursing-education/nurse-educator-core-competency
Note: The competencies for the Academic Nurse Educator do not encompass the competencies or scope and standards of practice for the Nursing Professional Developer. The set of competencies associated with that specific role within the Nurse Education specialization will be examined in future competencies throughout your specialization program of study.

Nurse Executive

Website: Nurse Executive Competencies
American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2015). AONL Nurse Executive competencies. Retrieved from https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies

Public Health Nursing

Website: Public Health Nursing Competencies
Quad Council Coalition. (2018). Community/Public Health Nursing [C/PHN] competencies. Retrieved from https://www.cphno.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/QCC-C-PHN-COMPETENCIES-Approved_2018.05.04_Final-002.pdf

American Nurses Association. (2013). Public health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author.

APRN

Website: APRN Consensus Model
APRN Consensus Work Group & the National Council of State Boards of Nursing APRN Advisory Committee. (2008). Consensus model for APRN regulation: Licensure, accreditation, certification & education. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/~4aa7d9/globalassets/certification/aprn_consensus_model_report_7-7-08.pdf

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care and Primary Care NP Competencies

Website: AGAC and ACPC NP Competencies
Adult-Gerontology NP Competencies Work Group. (2016). Adult-gerontology acute care and primary care NP competencies. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/NP_Adult_Geri_competencies_4.pdf

Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies

Website: Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. (2012). Nurse Practitioner core competencies. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/npcorecompetenciesfinal2012.pdf

Nurse Practitioner Programs

Website: Nurse Practitioner Programs
National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education. (2016). Criteria for evaluation of Nurse Practitioner programs (5th ed.). https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/Docs/EvalCriteria2016Final.pdf

Population-Focused NP Competencies

Website: Population-Focused Nurse Practitioner Competencies
Population-Focused Competencies Task Force. (2013). Population-focused Nurse Practitioner competencies. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/Competencies/CompilationPopFocusComps2013.pdf

Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties

You have probably seen one or more of the many inspirational posters about decisions. A visual such as a forked road or a street sign is typically pictured, along with a quote designed to inspire.

Decisions are often not so easily inspired. Perhaps you discovered this when choosing a specialty within the MSN program. This decision is a critical part of your plan for success, and you no doubt want to get it right. This is yet another area where your network can help, as well as other sources of information that can help you make an informed choice.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.

To Prepare:

Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.

By Day 3 of Week 10

Post an explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program. Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member.

By Day 6 of Week 10

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 10 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 10

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 10 Discussion

Rubric Detail

Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.
Content
Name: NURS_6003_Module06_Week11_Assignment_Rubric

Grid View
List View

Excellent Good Fair Poor
Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan:

• Write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table comparing at least two nursing specialties, including your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
• Write a 2-3 paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
• Identify 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.
  Points Range: 77 (77%) – 85 (85%)
  A fully completed and detailed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided that accurately and fully describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.

A clear and accurately justified statement describes in detail the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with sufficient evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.

The response clearly identifies and accurately describes in detail the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response clearly and accurately describes in detail how to become an active member of this organization.

Points Range: 68 (68%) – 76 (76%)
A partially completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided that partially describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.

A partially justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with some evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.

The response partially describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response partially describes how to become an active member of this organization.

Points Range: 59 (59%) – 67 (67%)
A vague or inaccurately completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided describing the selected and second-preferred specialization.

A vague or inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.

The response vaguely or inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response vaguely or inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 58 (58%)
A vague and inaccurately completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided describing the selected and second-preferred specialization or is missing.

A vague and inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague and inaccurate evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum, or is missing.

The response vaguely and inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response vaguely and inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization, or is missing.
Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: NURS 6003 Part 4 Finalizing the Plan Assignment

Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria.
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.

A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided which delineates all required criteria.

Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.

Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive.

Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time. NURS 6003 Part 4 Finalizing the Plan Assignment

Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is vague or off topic.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time.

No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion was provided.
Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards:
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.

Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list.  NURS 6003 Part 4 Finalizing the Plan Assignment
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct APA format with no errors.

Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.

Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
Total Points: 100

Sample Answer for NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) pursuing advanced education, especially Master of Science in Nursing (MS) need to specialize in certain areas of care provision based on their options and desires. Deciding the choice of specialty is essential for APRNs so that they can focus on a certain area of healthcare delivery and improve overall patient outcomes (Delaney et al., 2019). Consequently, I have considered different specialties before making the decision to be a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). The purpose of this paper is to discuss and compare my primary and second preferred specialties and identify the role of each specialty based on the preparation. The paper also discusses the justification for the selected or preferred specialty and examines a professional organization related to the specialty and way of joining the organization.

Also Read:

NURS 6003 Assignment specialty of psychiatric-mental health nursing

NURS 6003 Discussion Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program

NURS 6003 Transition Discussion Board Week 8

NURS 6003 Discussion Post an Explanation of your Choice of a Nursing Specialty Within the Program

NURS 6003 Describe your Approach to Identifying and Analyzing Peer-Reviewed Research

NURS 6003 Discussion Post an Explanation of at Least Two Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments into your Professional Development Goals

NURS 6003 Discussion Begin Searching for a Peer-Reviewed Article that Pertains to your Practice Area and Interests you

NURS 6003 Quiz: APA Style and Format

NURS 6003 Week 1 Assignment Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study Week 1 Quiz 

 

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

My preferred specialty is being a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). PMHNP nurses offer a full range of primary mental health care, including the psychosocial assessment, evaluation, diagnosis and developing treatment and care plans for patients with mental health needs and psychiatric disorders (Foster et al., 2020). Through the use of their knowledge and skills of psychotherapy modalities and psychopharmacology and in collaboration with physicians and other professional, PMHNP nurses place their patients on regimen of therapy and prescription medications to enhance their mental health. Psychiatric nurse practitioners also offer support and education to families and communities besides the evaluation of their patients’ progress throughout their lifespan (Jones et al., 2022). They also participate in policy development and health care reforms as they relate to mental health and treatment of mental health patients to improve access, reduce cost burden and enhance overall quality of care delivery (Delaney et al., 2019). The PMHNP specialty offers different opportunities and options for one to work in various settings that include inpatient and emergency department, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities and even in telehealth or tele-psychiatry.

The second preferred option is working as family nurse practitioner. Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) work with families to offer both preventing and secondary care through implementation of health care plans. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), FNPs maintain patient records, perform physical examination and order or conduct diagnostic tests as well as prescribe medications. They can also work in a variety of health care practice areas that include community health settings, private practice, health care systems and even in institutions like universities (AANP, 2019). FNPs can also attain additional certifications in different areas like diabetes and obesity management to meet the specific needs of their different patients across the care and age continuum. These certifications also help them to enhance their career prospects.

Similar to the PMHNP, a family nurse practitioner works with patients of all age groups in different care settings. The FNP can work independently in their own practice or be part of a team. Further, like the PMHNP, the FNP also requires similar qualifications of at least a master’s degree in advanced nursing education. However, the two specialties are fundamentally different in terms of roles and responsibilities and even the practice settings. For instance, the FNP’s primary focus is meeting the physical needs of patients, families and health populations (Kleinpell et al., 2019). Conversely, the PMHNP focuses on meeting the mental health needs of patients and even families. The two specialties are critical because they all implore providers to have further areas of focus that can include geriatrics, pediatrics, and even adolescent health.

Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty

The choice of nursing specialty depends on one’s desires as a healthcare providers based on needs within the community. The decision to select PMHNP specialty emanates from various reasons that include bridging the gap in mental health access to available resources. My qualification and practice as a PMHNP will assist address the rift between psychiatric services need and availability and access. Secondly, the misconceptions on mental health continue to rise and this affects accessibility by patients and the quality of care that one gets. Individuals and families have failed to seek mental health services because of increased levels of stigmatization and limited resources within the community settings (Foster et al., 2020). Individuals are fast to ignore and even deny the existence of signs and symptoms of mental health problems because they fear stigma from society and family, especially victimization. Therefore, as a PMHNP, I will leverage my professional background and skills to alter these misconceptions and stigma and enhance access to these services by individuals in different settings. I will ensure that I integrate mental health as part of holistic care provision to improve overall patient outcomes, especially at this time when issues like the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic continue to have devastating effects on mental health among individuals. I will practice where I am most required and meet patient needs by leveraging technologies like telehealth and telemedicine to improve access to resources and lower the overall cost burden associated with mental health provision for low-income individuals and communities

Step 3: Professional Organizations

Professional associations are an essential component for nurse as they offer them the chance to influence nursing practice, nursing education, health policy, and patient care provision through the implementation of innovative care models and evidence-based practice (EBP) interventions. These associations also generate energy, flow of idea and proactive work required to attain patient quality care delivery. The professional association related to my selected or preferred specialty is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) (2023). This professional nursing association offers members a chance to connect with fellow psychiatric-mental health nurses, have access to resources like evidence-based resources and programs as well as participate in exclusive opportunities in advancing care and treatment of individuals with health and substance use disorders and needs. The organization also provides opportunities for members to enhance their PMH nursing knowledge through over 230 online continuing education sessions, and programs. For instance, members get four free education sessions every month to improve their skills in care provision. One can become a member as a practice nurse (APRN) specializing in mental health area or as a student. The individual meets the criteria and makes online application and pays the requisite fees.

Conclusion

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) identify specialties to offer specialized care to selected patient populations with the aim of improving quality of care and expanding access as well as reducing the overall cost burden. Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) play a critical role in care delivery as they provide mental health care to individuals in need of these services to attain holistic care. As specialized providers, the psychiatric mental health nurses require certain qualifications and should join professional nursing organizations to improve their skills and knowledge in care provision.

 

References

American Association of Family Nurse Practitioners (AANP) (2019). Are You

Considering a Career as a Family Nurse Practitioner? https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-a-family-nurse-practitioner

American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) (2023). Welcome to Your Psychiatric-

            Mental Health Nursing Community. https://www.apna.org/

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. DOI: 10.1177/1078390318806571.

Foster, K., Roche, M., Giandinoto, J. A., & Furness, T. (2020). Workplace stressors,

psychological well‐being, resilience, and caring behaviours of mental health nurses: A descriptive correlational study. International journal of mental health nursing, 29(1), 56-68. DOI: 10.1111/inm.12610.

Jones, J. S., Jones, J. S., & Beauvais, A. M. (2022). Psychiatric mental health nursing:

            An interpersonal approach. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Kleinpell, R. M., Grabenkort, W. R., Kapu, A. N., Constantine, R., & Sicoutris, C. (2019).

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in acute and critical care: A concise review of the literature and data 2008–2018. Critical care medicine, 47(10), 1442. DOI: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000003925.

Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment

Nursing is a dynamic profession that aims to address health care needs of patients depending on the changes of patterns of disease in a society. In this regard, nurses play a significant role in optimizing quality outcomes for patients regardless of the state of health manifested by individuals (Delaney & Vanderhoef, 2019). Most often, pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing is not an end to a nursing career but it is the path that one can use to specialize in a given area of practice that guarantees quality care to patients. In a similar case, I have enrolled for Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Walden University to pursue further interest and knowledge in the specialty of psychiatric-mental health nursing to address the dynamics of healthcare system of the current society (Bingham & O’Brien, 2018). Initially, I hoped to enroll in gerontology nursing but upon guidance and with extensive consultations, I chose psychiatric mental health. PMHNP is a specialty where nurses provide direct care to clients in need of mental health assistance (Ong et al., 2017). Gerontology nursing on the other hand involves the provision of care to older patients in nursing homes or a health facility.  

As for psychiatric-mental health nursing, students are prepared to identify typical vital signs, administer medication, and how to provide ambulatory services to patients with psychological problems (Hastings, Kroposki & Williams, 2017). In addition, nurses in this specialty are trained on wound care and skills on intravenous (IV) therapy as well as competencies on grading comatose patients who need intensive care treatment. On the contrary, gerontology nurses require skills on biopsychosocial factors related to elderly patients, complications of polypharmacy, and analysis of morbidity patterns in old age (Garbrah et al., 2017). In both settings of PMHNP and gerontology nursing, students need skills to address health needs of patients.  

When compared to gerontology, psychiatric-mental health nursing is required in almost all settings of care across the world. In essence, PMHNP would be a better specialty of nursing to study as career prospects in the profession are promising being that one can work anywhere and at any time (Ong et al., 2017). However, despite the imminent and unwavering progression of aging in the present world, fewer nursing students select gerontology as a specialty due to low interest in the area. The reason could partly be due to a lack of interest in providing care at the end of life setting possibly in a nursing home or in a hospice (Garbrah et al., 2017). In this regard, psychiatric-mental health nursing is exciting and provides an avenue where nurses meet patients with different urgent needs as opposed to routine check-ups of elderly patients with degenerative diseases.  

 

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. 

I prefer psychiatric-mental health nursing for MSN specialization to gerontology nursing even though the former requires one to work in a high-stress environment. I find the setting in mental health nursing exciting as one works at every instant to address urgent needs of patients as opposed to care of older patients which can at times be boring due to repeated cases of service delivery (Bingham & O’Brien, 2018). Most of the colleagues I work with have observed keenly my good speed in care delivery and excellent communication skills which can be instrumental in providing urgent care in a mental health setting. Coupled with my good relationship with patients, I have a conviction that an MSN in mental health nursing will help me offer utmost care to clients presented at the psychiatric unit of the health facility.  

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. 

My specialty area in the MSN program operates under the umbrella of American Psychiatric Nurse Association (APNA) in the United States of America. Founded in 1986, APNA is not meant for profit and is exclusively organized for charitable, educational as well as for scientific purposes (Hastings, Kroposki & Williams, 2017). The professional organization requires that each member must have been a registered nurse and completed a masters of science in nursing with a specialty in psychiatric-mental health nursing (Delaney & Vanderhoef, 2019). Upon completing my MSN program at Walden University, I will seek a state license with APNA so that I receive certification needed for. With the document, I will be able to assume membership with the organization and comply with the financial obligations stipulated in its policy.   

Conclusion 

Pursuing degree in nursing may not be an end to studies in the nursing profession. This could be supported by the premise that the patient care strategies continue to change which also necessitate improved care option. As for the case of psychiatric-mental health nursing, an advanced degree will be necessary to optimize care to patients. An MSN will also offer an avenue for a psychiatric-mental health nurse to be registered with the APNA professional body so the one works with a uniform standard for improved care.  

 

References 

Bingham, H., & O’Brien, A. J. (2018). Educational intervention to decrease stigmatizing attitudes of undergraduate nurses towards people with mental illness. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 27(1), 311-319. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12322  

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://doi.org/10.1177/1078390318806571 

Garbrah, W., Välimäki, T., Palovaara, M., & Kankkunen, P. (2017). Nursing curriculums may hinder a career in gerontological nursing: An integrative review. International Journal of Older People Nursing, 12(3), e12152. https://doi.org/10.1111/opn.12152  

Hastings, T., Kroposki, M., & Williams, G. (2017). Can completing a mental health nursing course change students’ attitudes?. Issues in mental health nursing, 38(5), 449-454. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2017.1278810 

Ong, H. L., Seow, E., Chua, B. Y., Xie, H., Wang, J., Lau, Y. W., … & Subramaniam, M. (2017). Why is psychiatric nursing not the preferred option for nursing students: A cross-sectional study examining pre-nursing and nursing school factors. Nurse education today, 52, 95-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2017.02.014 

Sample Answer 3 for NURS 6003 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Assignment

My passion for the nursing profession started way back when I was only 10 years old. I would take care of my grandma, who was diabetic, by making sure that she took her diabetic medication in time, and always remind her to always monitor her blood sugar levels. I however started working as a registered nurse in 2005, in an acute healthcare setting. The lead nurse in this hospital portrayed all the leadership skills I hope to get someday. She was always compassionate, with good communication skills, and could find solutions to any problem despite the magnitude (Reynoso, Bueno, & Pavlic, 2017). She is the reason behind my inspiration for advancing my nursing education in attaining a master’s degree and become a nursing leader someday.

Upon thorough consideration of available options, I found Walden University’s mission, vision, goals, and social changes to align appropriately with my desire in advancing my education so that I could become a nursing leader. The nursing profession is evolving and as a result, I need to acquire relevant knowledge and skills for sustainable positive social change. In line with my objective, the university mission, vision, and goals are aimed at promoting and facilitating collaborative alliances, through research and community engagement in providing a sustainable positive social change (Walden University, 2020).

The main reason behind advancing my education and becoming a scholar-practitioner is to better my knowledge and experience in critical thinking and decision making to help in promoting service delivery to community members. Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives are quite consistent with my professional and academic goals. For instance, the University is committed to empowering changemakers, building the community, and raising social change outcomes across the university (Walden University, 2020). These are exactly what I expect at the end of my training period.

 

References

Reynoso, D., Bueno, M., & Pavlic, D. (2017). Development of a Formalized Mentorship Program for Newly Licensed Registered Nurses at a Large Community Medical Center. https://repository.usfca.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1745&context=capstone

Walden University. (2020). College of Nursing. Retrieved August 31, 2020, from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges-schools/college-of-nursingTop of Form

 

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