Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

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.

Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan 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

At some point in every construction project, efforts turn from design and the focus moves to actual construction. With the vision in place and the tools secured, the blueprint can be finalized and approved. Then it is time to put on hardhats and begin work.

Throughout the course you have developed aspects of your Academic and Professional Development Plan. You have 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. Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

ORDER NOW FOR AN ORIGINAL PAPER ON Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

In this Assignment you will continue developing your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan by developing the final component–a review of your specialty standards of practice. You will also submit your final version of the document, including Parts 1–5.

To Prepare:

• Review the standards of practice related to your chosen specialty- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner.
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• Download the Nursing Specialty Comparison Matrix.
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• Examine professional organizations related to the specialization you have chosen and identify at least one to focus on for this Assignment.
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• 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.
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The Assignment:

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

• Complete the Nursing Specialty Comparison Matrix, comparing at least two nursing specialties that include your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization- Selected specialization is Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and the second -preferred specialization is Family nurse practitioner.
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• 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.
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• Identify the professional organization related to your chosen specialization for this Assignment, and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.    – American psychiatric nurses association.

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.

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

 

·   Complete the Nursing Specialty Comparison Matrix 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.–

Levels of Achievement:  Excellent 77 (77%) – 85 (85%)    Good 68 (68%) – 76 (76%)    Fair 59 (59%) – 67 (67%)    Poor 0 (0%) – 58 (58%)

Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization:

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.– Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

Levels of Achievement:  Excellent 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)    Good 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)    Fair 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)    Poor 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)

Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards:
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation–

Levels of Achievement:  Excellent 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)    Good 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)    Fair 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)    Poor 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)

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.–Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

Levels of Achievement:  Excellent 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)    Good 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)    Fair 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)    Poor 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)

Student Support and Calendar Information

So you have all key information available to you off-line, it is highly recommended that you print the following items for your reference:

• This Syllabus, including the Course Schedule that is linked on this page as a PDF
• Course Calendar
• Support, Guidelines, and Policies

Credit Hours

• 3 credits in 11 weeks

Walden University assigns credit hours based on the number and type of assignments that enable students to achieve the course learning objectives. In general, each semester credit equals about 42 hours of total student work and each quarter credit equals about 28 hours of total student work. This time requirement represents an approximate average for undergraduate work and the minimum expectations for graduate work. The number and kind of activities estimated to fulfill time requirements will vary by degree level and student learning style, and by student familiarity with the delivery method and course content.

Course Description

In this course students are introduced to Walden University and online learning. Students explore strategies for the successful participation in an online curriculum. Students also will receive a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments introduce students to resources that support success, development of graduate-level writing skills and use of APA Style, academic integrity, and the creation of a professional development plan based on each student’s chosen specialization.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:

• Develop networks for academic and professional success.
• Identify strategies for academic and professional success.
• Apply strategies to promote academic integrity and professional ethics.
• Analyze peer-reviewed research related to issues in nursing practice.
• Create academic success and professional development plans.
• Justify selection of MSN specializations using standards and scope of practice.

College of Nursing Alignment of Learner Outcomes

Click on the following link to access the College of Nursing Alignment of Learner Outcomes:

Document: NURS 6003 College of Nursing Alignment of Learner Outcomes (PDF)

Course Materials

Please visit the University bookstore via your Walden student portal to ensure you are obtaining the correct version of any course texts and/or materials noted in the following section. When you receive your materials, make sure that all required items are included.

Course Text

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

Note: If the print edition of these books are referenced here, electronic versions also may be available and may be acceptable for use in this course. If an electronic version is listed, no print version is available.

Note: Please keep this text as it will be used in subsequent courses in your MSN program.

Other readings (journal articles, websites, book excerpts, etc.) are assigned throughout the course and may be found within each Module.

Media

Assigned course media elements may be found in one or more modules of the course and are available via a streaming media player or a hyperlink to the individual item.

Course Readings List

The Course Readings List contains all of the required Walden Library resources for this course. Please click on the following link to access the list:

NURS 6003 Course Readings List

Dedicated Support for Course Media

You may use the following e-mail address and toll-free number for any questions or concerns you have about media in the course.

Primary and Secondary Sources

Review the following information prior to selecting resources for assignments.

Primary: A primary source is an original document that is the first account of what happened. A research report is primary, and you can tell because it includes materials and methods demonstrating how the research was done. Some creative work is also primary, such as poetry, novels, and interviews of people who experienced something firsthand. In nursing, which is an evidence-based discipline, we strive to use primary research that is published in scholarly, peer-reviewed journals.

Scholarly, peer-reviewed journal: Scholarly journals publish papers by professional authors and experts in the field using a peer-review process to review the work and assure quality before publishing. The focus of a scholarly journal is to provide accurate information for scholars and other researchers. The focus is on content rather than advertising, a direct contrast to popular media. Scholarly journals publish both primary and secondary papers, the former usually noted as original research and the latter as reviews and commentaries. Letters to the editor may also be published but should be recognized as opinion pieces.

Note: When selecting articles for course assignments, you are advised (unless you are referencing seminal information) to focus on work published within the past five years.

Secondary: A secondary source is one step removed from the original source. This work interprets and often compiles other work, and it includes review articles, textbooks, fact sheets, and commentaries about a topic. It also includes news reports of original research. Secondary work is more prone to error and bias than primary work because it is being filtered through an additional person or persons. Review papers can be useful to glean information about a topic and to find other sources from the reference list, but it is the original, primary research that should be relied on most heavily in demonstrating scholarship, depth, and validation of factual information.

Course Assignments

1. Participation in weekly Discussions: The exchange of ideas among colleagues engaged in scholarly inquiry is a key aspect of learning and is a requisite activity in this course. You are expected to participate each week by posting a response to a prompt or question in the weekly Discussion area. In addition, you are expected to respond to your fellow students’ postings. To count as participation, responses need to be thoughtful; that is, they must refer to the week’s readings, relevant issues in the news, information obtained from other sources, and/or ideas expressed in the postings of other class members. You may ask questions or offer further information or links about the subject. Please pay attention to grammar and spelling, as consistently poorly written posts will receive grade penalties. In grading the required Discussion postings, your Instructor will be using the Discussion Posting and Response Rubric, located in the Course Information area.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.
2. Assignments: The Assignments provide you with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained through the Learning Resources and the practicum experience. See the Assignment area of specific weeks for detailed descriptions of the assignments. In grading the required Assignments, your Instructor will be using rubrics located in the Course Information area.Note: The course Assignments will require that you completely and accurately demonstrate critical thinking via assimilation and synthesis of ideas when using credible, outside and course specific resources (i.e. video, required readings, textbook), when comparing different points of view, highlighting similarities, differences, and connections, and/or when lending support to your Assignment responses.
3. Portfolio Assignment: Each course in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program for the following specializations includes a Portfolio Assignment: Nursing Education, Nurse Executive, Nursing Informatics, and Public Health Nursing. The Portfolio Assignment is designed to measure specific professional knowledge and skills as outlined in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials. Students submit the Portfolio Assignment in the online classroom and a criterion-based scoring rubric is used to grade the assignment. The rubric is aligned with American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials and provides specific and informative feedback on your performance. The Portfolio Assignment is evaluated by the course Instructor.

Advanced nursing education requires students to select their specialty area so that they become experts in the chosen part and look forward to fulfilling the careers as nurse practitioners. Imperatively, after a consideration of various choices for my specialty, including a critical analysis, I have selected the following options based on the justification. I have also identified a professional organization related to my selected and preferred specialties and considered membership requirements.

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

The first specialty is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). Psychiatric nurse practitioners work with individuals and populations with different mental and psychiatric problems across the care continuum; from children to adolescents and the elderly. They can also work in forensic settings and offer psychotherapeutic services to different patient populations (DeNisco, 2019). The implication is that their main role is to diagnose and treat mental health needs of patients and offer therapies as well as prescribe medications for individuals with mental health issues and substance use problems.

The second specialty that I have chosen is family nurse practitioner (FNP). The FNP role includes offering primary care services for patients across the care continuum, from infants to seniors. FNPs offer guidance and necessary care services to meet diverse patient needs, and help manage caseloads at different care settings and medical practices (Zaccagnini & Pechacek, 2019). They work alongside physicians and specialists to offer care to individuals and promote health and wellness. The implication is that just like FNPs, psychiatric nurses can also be general or have a specialized population like geriatrics care based on mental health issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 

Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty

Today, many people face mental health challenges at different parts of their lives and due to issues like the opioid epidemic that has led to substance use disorder (SUD). The choice to specialize in psychiatric mental health nurse practice (PMHNP) is due to personal and also public interests. I have two older siblings that are in the mental health field. They are Licensed mental health counselors and growing up I was able to witness their passion for helping those with mental health. Over the years, they shared many stories with me, and I started to develop an interest in wanting to enter the mental health field. They have made an impact in the lives of many of their patients and I wanted the opportunity to do the same. I also realized that there was a shortage and high demand for mental health workers and thought I would help alleviate the shortage by joining the field. I wish to help people overcome the myriad of mental health challenges that they encounter and have devastating effects on their overall health.

Step 3: Professional Organizations

Professional nursing organizations help nurses to improve their skills and expertise as well as network with others in the industry. The professional organization associated with my specialty is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). All psychiatric nurses are members of this organization (APNA, 2022). The organization empowers psychiatric NPs and promotes professional development by encouraging members to enroll for continuing education, and offering resources for different cadres of psychiatric nurses. Membership requirements for the organization include being a psychiatric nurse practitioner and making an application obtainable from their website. The organization boasts of over 13,000 members.

Conclusion

Advanced practice nurses specialize in different areas based on their interests and career goals. Nursing specialties allow nurses to be experts in the area and offer quality care services to patients. The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a professional organization that offer immense benefits to psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan References

American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) (2022). About Psychiatric-Mental

            Health Nursing. https://www.apna.org/about-psychiatric-nursing/

DeNisco, S. M. (2019). Advanced Practice Nursing: Essential Knowledge for the

            Profession. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Zaccagnini, M., & Pechacek, J. M. (2019). The doctor of nursing practice essentials: A

            new model for advanced practice nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.