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

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

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

Nurses taking an MSN program with a nurse practitioner focus become certified nurse practitioners (NPs). NPs are advanced practice nurses who work directly with patients but have greater roles and responsibilities than registered nurses (RN). The purpose of this assignment will be to compare my nursing specialty of choice with my second preference, discuss why I selected the specialty, and explore a professional organization related to my preferred specialty.

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

My selected nursing specialty is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and the second-preferred specialization is Family nurse practitioners (FNP). PMHNP graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills to address the mental health needs of individuals across the lifespan (Gabrielsson et al., 2020). The PMHNP coursework encompasses psychiatric assessment and symptom management, psychopharmacology, and therapy modalities. PMHNPs provide a full range of primary mental health care services, such as biopsychosocial assessment and diagnosis of patients with mental illness, psychiatric disorders, and co-occurring disorders (Gabrielsson et al., 2020). Treatment approaches used by PMHNPs include both medication, counseling, and psychotherapeutic interventions. Besides, PMHNPs practice in various settings, including emergency, inpatient, private psychiatrist practices, clinics, and community-based mental health services (Gabrielsson et al., 2020). They also provide mental health services in domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, residential substance abuse facilities, and schools.

The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty prepares NP students in clinical care, research, and policy. FNPs provide primary care to persons of all ages, from pediatric to adults (Poghosyan et al., 2017). Graduates are trained to provide high-quality community-based primary care to a wide range of patients with complex health care needs. Primary care is the core of FNP practice. FNPs assess, diagnose disorders, and develop treatment plans for individuals (Poghosyan et al., 2017). FNPs also educate patients and their families about disease prevention and wellness care and make referrals to specialists. They are trained to advocate for and empower patients and their families. In a majority of states, FNPs have independent practice privilege, which gives them prescriptive authority and allows them to treat patients independently in hospitals, clinics, or private practices where they take the role of a primary healthcare provider (Poghosyan et al., 2017).  FNP graduates work with diverse populations in various clinical settings, including clinics, hospitals, doctor’s offices, private practice, and health insurance organizations. Unlike PMHNP, FNP graduates can undertake sub-specialties in their training in Cardiology, Emergency Medicine, Endocrinology, Geriatric care, and Oncology.

Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty

PMHNP is my preferred specialty because mental health has been my area of interest since I was an RN. My job experience working in various mental health hospitals and providing mental health care to individuals across the lifespan created an interest in mental health. I selected the PMHNP specialty to be equipped with a broad range of knowledge and skills that will increase my capacity in providing mental health services to clients in my organization (Chapman et al., 2019). Taking the PMHNP specialty will increase my autonomy in my workplace, which is a great motivational factor. The PMHNP program will equip me with knowledge and skills to perform a myriad of clinical roles, such ad conducting psychosocial and physical assessments and developing differential diagnoses of mental health conditions (Chapman et al., 2019). Besides, I will have the capacity to manage the care of patients, including treating symptoms and behavioral change through medication, psychotherapy, and education. I will also promote mental health in my community since I will be well-versed with the cultural differences in providing mental health care. Furthermore, the PMHNP program will equip me with skills to utilize data to evaluate patient outcomes and work with families, other healthcare providers, and communities.

The PMHNP role is steadily growing in the field of mental health. PMHNPs in my state have full authority, which allows them to assess and diagnose mental health illnesses and develop treatment plans independent of physician supervision. I chose PMHNP because I will not be limited to patient care since I can engage in administrative, educational, and research activities. Besides, there is an increased demand for mental health services, and the demand is expected to grow further in the coming years (Chapman et al., 2019). The demand is attributed to the growing number of insured Americans and the requirements of the Affordable Care Act on the provision of mental health care. The growing demand for mental health care and the decreasing stigma surrounding mental health disorders has resulted in a major void in psychiatric care (Chapman et al., 2019). As a result, PMHNPs are in high demand take the mental health jobs. Besides, mental health jobs are projected to be in high demand in the future years. Therefore, I chose the PMHNP since it has a high job prospect and it is financially rewarding.

Step 3: Professional Organizations

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a professional nursing organization for PMHNPs. APNA is devoted to the practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing, promotion of health and wellness through identification of mental health issues, prevention of mental health disorders, and the care and treatment of individuals with mental health disorders (APNA, 2021). It advocates psychiatric-mental health nursing and mental health care by developing positions on key issues and disseminating current knowledge and developments in PMH nursing (APNA, 2021). APNA collaborates with stakeholders to foster advances in recovery-focused assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation of individuals with mental health disorders.

APNA membership is inclusive of all Psychiatric mental health nurses, including those with an associate degree (ADN), baccalaureate (BSN), advanced practice (APRN), nurse scientists, and academicians. In addition, it has memberships for nursing students in full-time study, retired nurses, and PMH nurses on full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces DOD (APNA, 2021). APNA also provides affiliate membership to other mental health professionals and nurses interested in supporting PMH nurses.

Conclusion

My preferred MSN specialty is PMHNP, which focuses on addressing the mental health needs of individuals across the lifespan. PMHNP graduates are trained in psychiatric assessment and symptom management, psychopharmacology, and therapy modalities. PMHNP differs from FNP, which focuses on providing primary care to individuals across the lifespan. FNP deals with acute and chronic medical conditions, while PMHNP focuses on mental health disorders. I selected the PMHNP specialty because of my interest in mental health, increased demand for mental health care, and the high job prospects. APNA is a professional organization related to psychiatry mental health specialty. It focuses on promoting health and wellness, preventing mental health disorders, and caring for and treating persons with mental health disorders.

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

APNA. (2021, August 17). About association for psychiatric nursing and mental health. https://www.apna.org/about-apna/

Chapman, S. A., Toretsky, C., & Phoenix, B. J. (2019). Enhancing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner practice: impact of state scope of practice regulations. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(1), 35-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(19)30081-X

Gabrielsson, S., Tuvesson, H., Wiklund Gustin, L., & Jormfeldt, H. (2020). Positioning psychiatric and mental health nursing as a transformative force in health care. Issues in mental health nursing, 41(11), 976-984. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2020.1756009

Poghosyan, L., Liu, J., & Norful, A. A. (2017). Nurse practitioners as primary care providers with their own patient panels and organizational structures: A cross-sectional study. International journal of nursing studies, 74, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2017.05.004

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

Throughout the course you have developed aspects of your Academic and Professional Development Plan. You have put a great deal of thought into your vision and goals, your academic and professional network of support, research strategies and other tools you will need, the integrity of your work, and the value of consulting the work of others. With your portfolio in place, it is now time to finalize your blueprint for success.

Much as builders remain cognizant of the building standards as they plan and begin construction, nurses must remain mindful of the formal standards of practice that govern their specialty. A good understanding of these standards can help ensure that your success plan includes any steps necessary to excel within your chosen specialty.

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

To Prepare:

• Review the scope and standards of practice or competencies related to your chosen specialty.
• Download the Nursing Specialty Comparison Matrix.
• Examine professional organizations related to the specialization you have chosen and identify at least one to focus on for this assignment.
• Reflect on the thoughts you shared in the Discussion forum regarding your choice of a specialty, any challenges you have encountered in making this choice, and any feedback you have received from colleagues in the Discussion.

The Assignment:

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

• Write a paragraph that provides a detailed comparison at least two nursing specialties, including your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
• Write a clear and accurate 2- to 3-paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Provide sufficient evidence of incorporating feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
• Clearly identify and accurately describe in detail the professional organization related to the specialization you have chosen to focus on for this assignment and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

Use the space below to write 2-3 paragraphs comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration –  to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.

 

Specialty	Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)	Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
Role Description	PMHNPs provide comprehensive mental health care to patients suffering from mental illness and psychiatric disorders. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions and offer services like psychotherapy and prescription medication management.	FNPs provide holistic healthcare services to individuals and families throughout their lives. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and conduct routine check-ups. FNPs have a strong focus on health promotion and disease prevention.
Work Environment	PMHNPs often work in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, and psychiatric care facilities.	FNPs work in various settings, such as private practices, schools, clinics, hospitals, and community health centers.
Education and Certification	PMHNPs must have an MSN or DNP with a specialization in psychiatric mental health. They must also pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC).	FNPs require an MSN or DNP with a specialization in family practice. They also need to pass the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-C).

 

Note: Your final version of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan should include all components as presented the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan template. Make all corrections to each part based on faculty feedback and submit a final and edited copy of the template (Part 1-Part 6) in correct APA format.

By Day 7

Submit Parts 1-6 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

Remember to include an introduction paragraph which contains a clear and comprehensive purpose statement which delineates all required criteria, and end the assignment Part with a conclusion paragraph.

Submission and Grading Information

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

• Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK1Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
• Click the Week 6 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
• Click the Week 6 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
• Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK6Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
• If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
• Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.

Assignment: Academic Success & Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 6 Assignment Rubric

Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity

To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:

Submit your Week 6 Assignment draft and review the originality report.

Submit Your Assignment by Day 7

To submit your Assignment:

Week 6 Assignment

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

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

Learning Objectives
Students will:
 Analyze difficulties in determining nursing specializations (D)
 Compare nursing specialties (A)
 Justify selection of MSN specialization (A)
 Analyze nursing specialization professional organization engagement strategies (A)
 Create Academic Success and Professional Development Plans(A)

Learning Resources

Required Readings

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.

Quinn-Szcesuil, J. (2016). Why you should join a nursing association. Retrieved from
https://dailynurse.com/join-nursing-association/

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 October 12, 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:

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

Nursing Informatics

E-book: Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice

 “The Scope of Nursing Informatics Practice: Functional Areas of Nursing
Informatics” (pp. 18–3

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 Nurse Competencies
Quad Council Coalition. (2018). Community/Public Health Nursing [C/PHN] competencies.
Retrieved from http://www.quadcouncilphn.org/documents-3/2018-qcc-competencies/

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

Public Health Nursing

E-book: Public Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice

Optional Resources

Walden University. (n.d.). Subject Research: Nursing. Retrieved November 9, 2018, from
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/subject/nursing

Nurse Educator Core Competencies

Assignment: Academic Success & Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan Rubric Detail

Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.

Name: NURS_6002_Week_6_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:

· Compare 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.

77 (77%) – 85 (85%)

A detailed comparison 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.

68 (68%) – 76 (76%)

A partial comparison 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.

59 (59%) – 67 (67%)

A vague or inaccurate ciomparison is provided that describes 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.

0 (0%) – 58 (58%)

A vague and inaccurate comparison is provided that describes 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:

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.

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.

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.

3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time.

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

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

5 (5%) – 5 (5%)

Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.

4 (4%) – 4 (4%)

Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)

Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
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, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list.

5 (5%) – 5 (5%)

Uses correct APA format with no errors.
4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.
3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.
0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
Total Points: 100
Name: NURS_6002_Week_6_Assignment_Rubric