Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Professional networking opportunities emphasize development of relationships and interactions among nurse practitioners and scholars. My name is Oswald Nancy and I have been a registered nurse (RN) with a BSN and over ten years’ experience in critical care settings that include intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency room. Having a family and trying to advance one’s education can be complex but I believe that my resolve to go back to school is critical in changing my career advancement and attaining requisite qualifications to improve the quality of care outcomes. My goal is to specialize in critical care as a family nurse practitioner so that I can bring social change to families and patients.

After reflection on furthering my education in nursing, I realized that getting a master’s degree as a family nurse practitioner will offer the education, knowledge and skills that I require to serve the population. Therefore, my academic and professional goals entail getting a master’s degree and probably getting a terminal degree like Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to position myself as a family nurse practitioner that can practice independently. Through the incorporation of personal and professional values like compassion, empath, integrity and hard work, I will offer patient-centered care for better outcomes.

Getting the right school is essential to meet my professional goals. The Walden University’s School of Nursing (SON) (n.d) vision and mission statement inspires me to understand that I can attain these goals. The school’s vision is having a unique learning community where knowledge is considered valuable when it allows graduates to develop solutions to critical society problems to advance the greater global good. As a master’s student, the knowledge and skills I acquire in through this university and its nursing school should be applied to effect change in communities in different areas of healthcare provision.

The MSN program outcomes and perspectives relate to my professional and academic goals as they expect one to acquire skills as an advanced nurse practitioner to implement change in their communities. The program’s perspectives include having social change and deployment of skills to generate local solutions to local challenges (Walden University, n.d b). These relate to my goals of providing quality care to families and developing interventions based on evidence-based practices. As I become a scholar-practitioner, it implies that I should show more dedication and commitment because of the challenges of the combination. As such the MSN program outcomes and perspectives will help me understand what is expected and what lies ahead for effective adjustments.

Networking is important as it allows one to interact with goals, share best practices in care, and get the motivation and inspiration to pursue professional and career development paths. Networking will help me achieve my professional and academic goals through interaction with colleagues to develop inter-professional and multidisciplinary collaborations. Through the collaborations I will enhance approaches to patient situations and offer the best optimal care interventions.

References

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

Walden University (n.d.b). Walden and Social Change.

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/social change/mission

Click here to ORDER NOW FOR AN ORIGINAL PAPER ASSIGNMENT:   Discussion: Networking Opportunities

NURS 6003 Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Networking Opportunities SAMPLE 2

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

Walden University and the College of Nursing also have a vision and mission, which include helping you to make your own vision a reality. Members of your new academic

community, such as faculty, support teams, and fellow students, can also be helpful. Current practitioners and other member of the professional community can also help you to clarify your vision.

This Module’s Discussion asks you to consider how the Walden mission and vision as well as the College of Nursing’s mission and vision apply to your professional and academic goals. You will also begin to identify individuals and teams who can help you along the way as you begin designing the “blueprint”—your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan—that will guide you toward your own vision for academic and professional success.

To Prepare:

Review the mission and vision statements of Walden and the College of Nursing, as well as Walden’s goals and University Outcomes and the MSN Program Learning Outcomes presented in this Module’s Learning Resources.
Consider your professional and academic goals in relation to your program/specialization.
Consider how the information in these resources relates to your personal goals and your desire to become a scholar-practitioner.
Consider academic and professional individuals and teams with whom you may work in support of your efforts as a university student and as a professional within your organization and career.

By the third day of Week 1,

Post a brief introduction to yourself to your coworkers. Include a description of how Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to your professional and academic objectives, as well as your desire to become a scholar-practitioner. Include a description of how the Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives relate to your professional and academic goals, as well as your desire to become a scholar-practitioner.

Hi Sarah, 

Walden School of Nursing has a chapter, PhiNU, of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.

Through this chapter, you can connect with nurses around the world to share the latest nursing research and best practices in clinical, scientific, and leadership areas.

The purpose of the society is to

• Recognize superior achievement
• Recognize the development of leadership qualities
• Foster high professional nursing standards
• Encourage creative work
• Strengthen commitment to the ideals and purposes of the nursing profession

Becoming a member of this honor society is a great opportunity for all of you when you get further along in your master’s program.

 

Your discussion post was truly heart-warming to read. I love that you were able to take a devastating situation and move on with an optimistic attitude in order to be a great role model for your children; this is not something that many individuals can accomplish and goes to say much about your strong and determined character. I strongly agree with you in that “it is imperative that nurses maintain health relationships through social networking” (Schmidt). I only have one child who keeps me very busy and constantly on my toes; so, I can’t even imagine how busy you can get managing the demanding schedule of two growing children! If you’re anything like me, I can assure that at the end of the day you’re not left with much time to get out and physically establish many relationships in person.

Luckily for us, “today is the age of social media…with access to resources and tools, at the click of a tab, social media is quickly becoming the number one resource for professional networking” (Schmidt). Using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can help busy nurse moms, like us, stay connected with other members of the healthcare community. Through these platforms we may discover new information regarding healthcare, important current events, or learn about new opportunities for webinars or virtual seminars to help keep us up to date on our practices. In addition, it can help build new friendships and relationships with other nurses who share similar interests. According to Walker, “social media is one of the most effective ways to build alliances. [Since] tens of millions of people use the internet, social media is where you can find potential partners, mentors, and collaborations” (paragraph 1). I look forward to working with you as a colleague in this and future courses on our journey to Nurse Practitioners through Walden University.

By Week 1’s Day 6

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

Click on the Reply button below to reveal the textbox for entering your message. Then click on the Submit button to post your message.
Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Nurse.org. (n.d.). List of nursing organizations. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://nurse.org/orgs.shtml

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking [Blog post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Walden University. (n.d.). Connect to Walden. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/connect

Walden University. (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved October June 5, 2020, from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges-schools/college-of-nursing

Review the College of Nursing’s vision and mission.

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

Select College of Nursing, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning Outcomes on this page.

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

Select Introduction, then the link “Vision, Mission, and Goals” under the Introduction header. Review Walden’s vision, mission, and goals.

Walden University. (n.d.). Writing center. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter

Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

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

Document: Discussion Posting Exemplars (PDF)

Establishing a Network and Progression

My name is Connor McGill and i’m very excited to get started on this journey with all of you! I am currently working in the acute critical care field in a smaller community hospital in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I have been in ICU for about 5 years now and i have been extremely interested to further my education since day one, so finally getting into this is amazing and anxiety inducing too! Luckily, much of this course seems to aim at helping establish a network and outline those who can help you in times of stress. I have four brothers (two older, one younger) and we are all nurses in either Acute Intensive Care or Long Term Intensive Care.

My parents are both nurses, too. My mother has been an ER nurse for thirty years now, and my father has been a nurse for the same amount of time. My father has always pushed for furthering one’s education (he holds many degrees himself, from Bachelors in nursing to MBA). He instilled the importance of “never-slowing down” and “always utilize education to help grow”, so while looking at the vision, missions, goals and social change for Walden, i had a good feeling about what i was signing up for.

Comparison to Walden’s Mission

While reading the “Visions” provided by Walden, it became apparent that their aim is to promote the greater good. Hoping to learn knowledge to help me grow in a professional setting will hopefully reflect the impact we all hope to make, which is promoting the greatest good to those we care for everyday. The “missions” section just reinforced this by outlining the importance of having an outlet that promotes growth in an individual, in this case via educational program. Walden’s mission to aid in the transition into knowledgeable and confident nurse who provide for a greater good lines up with the perfect with the roles my father tried to instill in me at a young age as previously discussed.

Walden provides a series of goals for their program, but one of them specifically stood out to me. On their website, the final goal is “to produce graduates who are scholarly, reflective practitioners and agents for positive change” (Walden University, n.d.). This stood out because the second half is something I truly value. Change is a term thrown around too often without highlighting it’s impact, and hearing my father’s influence float around throughout my life, it’s important to note how strong change can be. Social change, from Walden’s perspective seems entirely driven on growth and development with the implication of application to a society for the greater good. The social change aspect really speaks to me, for it not only outlines the importance of this knowledge, but focuses primarily on applying the skills we will develop along the way.

I hope to further my application skills through Walden to provide for these we come in contact with everyday. Walden provides University Outcomes that seemingly wrap up everything outlined previously in a flawless fashion. The second outcome is most relatable to my hopes and desires through this program, for it encompasses everything I’ve discussed. It states that the goal is to use knowledge obtained to positively impact the community, society, and profession. Following the words of my father, I hope this program helps me encourage those I come in contact with to grow, whether it be using my knowledge to provide for an individual or an entire community I work with.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The outreach that Walden gives their community is honestly amazing, and I look forward to experiencing it first hand. The world is an ever-changing surrounding, and the healthcare field is no stranger to that. As stated in an article entitled “Missions and Organizational Performance in the Healthcare Industry”, the author writes “the diverse characteristics of the healthcare market make it essential for employees on all levels to not only have a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve, but also a feeling of support and involvement in determining the mission” (Forehand, A., 2000).

This is something I strongly believe in, and feeling understood in my missions by Walden is crucial. Another article I came across refers to the value in an organizations vision stated “Successful organizations will be those that are steadfast in pursuit of their vision, unfailingly true to their mission and unwavering in adherence to their values” (MacLeod L.,2016). In Walden’s case, every point lines up coherently and I’ve found myself truly identifying with their clear vision. I believe in the success this organization will bring and look forward to finding enhanced methods to bring forth my personal goals outlined by my father in my younger years as well as grow with the values this institution has to offer!

References

Forehand, A. (2000). Mission and Organizational Performance in the Healthcare Industry. Journal of Healthcare Management, 45(4), 267.

https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1097/00115514-200007000-00012

MacLeod, L. (2016). Mission, Vision and Values Statements: The Physician Leader’s Role. Physician Leadership Journal, 3(5), 18–25.

Walden University. (N.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved October June 5th, 2020, from

https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges=schools/college-of-nursing

PEER RESPONSE 1

It’s wonderful to know that you are surrounded by so many nurses. In my family, there are very few nurses. You are to be commended for your strong desire to make a difference, whether on an individual or larger scale. You seem to have a positive attitude about nursing as well. In a high-pressure environment such as nursing this can be very beneficial (Jackson, Andrew, & Cleary, 2013). Although I am sure you have made many connections during your career, have you considered expanding your networking skills via social media?

I am aware of some of the negativity that social media tends to bring to mind, especially when linked to nursing. However, social media can be used to advance careers as well as to find professional development resources (Reinbeck & Antonacci, 2019). Credible nursing organizations often have Facebook or Instagram pages that allow thousands of nurses to reach one another. You may also want to communicate with others and share what you know as a critical care nurse by starting a blog yourself (Wofford, 2018). Good luck to you as you complete your program.

References:

Jackson, D., Andrew, S., & Cleary, M. (2013). A reason, a season, or a lifetime? The importance

of positive collegial relationships and networks in establishing career sustainability and

resilience. Contemporary Nurse, 45(1), 2-3.

Reinbeck, D., & Antonacci, J. (2019). How nurses can use social media to their advantage.

Nursing, 49(5), 61-63.

Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved from

https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

PEER RESPONSE 2

I really enjoyed hearing about your family, how great to have a family of nurses to support you personally and professionally. I could relate to your father always encouraging you to further your education and never slowing down. This same philosophy was held in my family, that you are a life long learner. “Lifelong learning will continue to be a critical element in the nursing profession as interprofessional practice unfolds in healthcare and as the role of the nurse changes to meet the needs of the nation….by becoming engaged in educational pursuits to provide the highest quality care. In this manner, nurses can help revolutionize healthcare” Decelle (July 2015).

I too was drawn to Walden’s outreach and I value the need to stay engaged with other professionals in a rapidly changing industry like nursing. Utilizing professional networking with both experienced and novice nurses is crucial, “Nurses can develop relationships with individuals who work in their desired fields or roles with the intent of gaining knowledge…. An invaluable resource for knowledge that can be instrumental in advancing the nurse’s career”, Schmidt (Nov 2018). I am looking forward to the support and growth that will occur within our cohort as we transitions to graduate prepared nurse.

DeCelle, G. (July 2015) Advanced degrees: Meeting the needs of nurses and patients. Nursing Management,Volume :46 Number 7 , page 19 – 21.

https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=3135800&Journal_ID=54013&Issue_ID=3135728

Schmidit, K. 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking [Blog Post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from  https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Quiz: Walden’s Student Readiness Orientation

You probably have a lot of questions (and perhaps some hesitation) about the journey you are undertaking. How do I navigate the online classroom? How can I have access to a library in this environment? The Student Readiness Orientation (SRO) minicourse available on your MyWalden page provides answers to such questions and helps ensure you understand how to navigate the online classroom and utilize the many resources available to you as a student at Walden.

The Readiness Check will help you determine your prepardness for navigating the online classroom.

The questions presented on the Quiz are derived from the readiness check presented in the SRO.

Click on the Week 1 Quiz link after you have read the directions carefully.

The readiness check includes 15 questions in various formats including true/false and multiple choice. If you score 12 or below, please retake the exam. You may retake the exam as many times as you would like in order to achieve your desired score. Your highest score will be recorded. To retake the Quiz, click on “Take Test Again” (this does not appear as a hyperlink but works as a hyperlink when you click on the area).

To view the questions you answered correctly and incorrectly, click on your score in the “My Grades” area.

To Prepare:

Review the Walden’s SRO found on your MyWalden page.
Hello all,

THIS AREA IS YOUR WEEK 1 DISCUSSION. THIS AREA IS NOT YOUR CLASS CAFE.

Networking Opportunities

This week you begin to lay the foundation for your academic and professional success. Your efforts begin with a vision, which includes your own definition of success. Your vision may vary from those of your colleagues, but this does not mean you have to take these first steps alone.

Walden University and the College of Nursing also have a vision and mission, which include helping you to make your own vision a reality. Members of your new academic community, such as faculty, support teams, and fellow students, can also be helpful. Current practitioners and other members of the professional community can also help you to clarify your vision.

This week’s Discussion asks you to think about how the Walden mission and vision and the College of Nursing mission and vision apply to your professional and academic goals. You will also begin to identify individuals and teams that can help you along the way, as you begin to design the “blueprint”—your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan—that will guide you toward your own vision for academic and professional success.

Post your Main Post By Day 3 (January 13, 2021 by 11:59pm Mountain Time)

Post a brief post introducing yourself to your colleagues. Include an explanation for how Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner. Also include an explanation for how the Walden MSN program outcomes and perspectives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.

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

Post your (2) two Peer Responses By Day 6 (January 16, 2021 by 11:59pm Mountain Time)

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

Be sure to offer support from at least (2) two current, credible sources in each required response to classmates’ main post and cite per APA.

The below information is also within the Course Announcements.

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Cite your sources:

Question: So, what exactly does Walden University require Dr Gatlin to evaluate regarding citations and the listing of references cited within the written work?

Answer: Per the Discussion Grading Rubric concerning source utilization Dr Gatlin will evaluate for:

Main Post: Three (3) sources listed with each of those sources cited in the written work per APA format as indicated within the Discussion exemplar within your course resources.

Peer Responses: Two (2) sources listed, with each of those sources cited in the written work per APA format.

*Concerning source utilization: In short – do not list a source in the reference list and not cite it within the written work; nor cite a source in the written work without including it within your reference list. This action cost you valuable points as the discussion post point value is weighted as indicated within the rubric.

Label your post:

Label your Discussion Post:

Main Post, Response #1, Response #2

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

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Discussion example and additional information:

Refer to announcement #8 for a Discussion example.

Ensure you have fully reviewed the elements within course announcements # 2,4,7 and 8 regarding Discussion elements

Participation requirements: In order to receive full participation credit, you must participate in the discussions during the 6-day active discussion period on three (3) different calendar dates. The 6-day active period is from Monday (Day 1) through Saturday (Day 6).

The Week 1 discussion will close for participation and scoring purposes on (Day 6) Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11:59pm MT. At that point, the Discussion will lock and you will be unable to submit any Discussion Post even if you are actively within the discussion during that time.  For the Weeks requiring Discussion participation (Weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) there is a six (6) day active period (Monday, Day 1 through Saturday, Day 6) allowed for Discussion participation. No allowances for participation will be made outside of the six (6) day (Monday, Day 1 through Saturday, Day 6) Discussion period.

Attachments: For discussions, write or cut/paste (ctrl c/ctrl v) directly into the text box. Attachments are not allowed – nor will be graded, rather a zero -0- score will be awarded. Meaning that uploading a file will not be counted for a grade, so please make sure you to post directly in the discussion area. Note: If you want to type it in MS Word, .doc, .docx first, then copy/paste (ctrl c/ctrl v) into the discussion that is perfectly acceptable.

As a reminder, as you interact with your peers within the discussions, I will deliberately post additional information. This is intended to take advantage of every possible opportunity to share information with you regarding this course as well beneficial information and tips for your future courses.

Please review the Week 1 discussion Instructions and grading rubric before you participate in the Week 1 Discussion.

Walden University MSN Core Nursing courses – Generic information for success:

Being graduate level adult learners – It is very unlikely that you will experience the quantity of or detailed guidance as in the announcements received in this course. Being so: Read the course announcements thoroughly and completely. Read the course announcements at least daily for any updates. Going forward the Instructors may post items at any time throughout the day or night. I have unfortunately received emails throughout this course with questions for which the information was previously addressed within the announcements. Again, reading the course announcements is imperative for your success.
The utilization requirement of APA within assignments will increase as you progress to courses that are considered “writing intense”. The APA requirement within discussions will remain as you experienced within this course. This course is not considered writing intense. Familiarize yourself with the correct usage of APA 7th edition. It is within every graded item, within every Nursing course going forward. Familiarize yourself and utilize the Walden resources for APA assistance. I have diligently posted links to those resources several times during this course.
Use ONLY your Walden student email for communication with any Walden University representative. When communicating with your Instructor ALWAYS include your course number and section. Within this course I posted in the announcements numerous times your specific course number and section, as well asked that you include that information when emailing me. Sadly, I received emails that did not include this information, this delayed my assisting you as I had to request your course number and section. This alerts me that course announcements were not being thoroughly and completely reviewed. Going forward it is highly unlikely Instructors will respond to any email other than your Walden student email as email not in Walden origin routinely gets flagged as spam then deleted. Also be fully aware that Instructors required to respond to any email other than your designated Walden Student email.
Be mindful if you do not participate in any Walden course during the 1st week (Day 1 through Day 7) – you will be removed from the course by Walden University regardless of your excuse. Your Instructor has no control over this – it is university policy!

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

The grading of any assignment cannot proceed by your Instructor unless you submit your assignments via SafeAssign, then in BlackBoard. Traditionally a -0- score will be awarded, with no resubmission availability. At the Graduate level, you are responsible for your work being submitted per instructions AND grading rubric parameters and due date/time. Again, I strongly encourage you to submit your assignments before Day 7 to ensure yourself sufficient time to seek assistance and correct the issue. Remember SafeAssign Drafts and SafeAssign are different!
For Discussions – There is a six (6) day period (Monday, Day 1 through Saturday, Day 6) allowed for the Discussion participation. No allowances for participation will be made outside of the six (6) Discussion active period. Any submitted post outside of the 6-day active discussion period will not be graded and you will receive a -0- score.

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Faculty cannot accept or grade any assignment or discussion through email.
Do not wait until Day 7 to begin or submit your assignment. Assignments are due Day 7. At the Graduate level, you are responsible for your work being submitted per instructions, grading rubric parameters and due date and time. Being so = I strongly encourage you to submit your assignments well before Day 7 to ensure yourself sufficient time to seek assistance and correct any issue encountered. I have purposely made myself available to you each day including weekends and responded to you within 12 to 24 hours. Be mindful, Instructors are not required to respond to you on a daily basis. Going forward your Instructors will respond to your Contact the Instructor communications and emails within the required 48 hours’ time period.

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

As a graduate level student, Instructors will not reach out to you to ensure your assignments/discussions are completed and submitted correctly. As a graduate level adult learner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your discussions and assignments are completed and submitted timely and correctly. As an adult learner, you need to take the initiative and reach out to your Instructor immediately when you encounter an issue. You were offered an online orientation by Walden University – Did you participate in that orientation? If not, I strongly suggest you contact your advisor and make arrangements.
If you experience technical issues, please utilize your resources and contact the Walden Customer Care Team or Walden IT for assistance. Going forward you will encounter several PowerPoint presentations, Walden Templates within your future courses at Walden University, as well be required to submit multiple items with a single submission.
Understand the Time Zones at Walden University and the applicable conversion. Your course calendar is in Eastern Time as is the time/date stamp of submission/participation for your discussions and assignments. Going forward all of your future Nursing courses require that your Discussions, any Quiz or Assignment will continue to be due submitted in Mountain Time.
Have a computer and Internet backup plan. What will you do if your computer crashes or your Internet is not working?  Computer/Internet/work issues are your responsibility. Allowances will not be made due to these issues causing a lack of participation or missed deadline, rather a -0- score will be awarded. Save your work on a flash or hard drive. Know where you can go to access the Academic Skills Center as it is an excellent resource to assist in your success.
For Assignments – Only prior communication with AND Instructor approval will late assignments be considered for grading. Assignments submitted late will be deducted 4% daily until Day 5 OR may deduct the entire 20% regardless of time/day of late submission. This is at the discretion of each Instructor and will vary course-by-course. After Day 5, in any course, the assignment will be scored a -0-.
Be familiar with how to access and utilize the Walden resources. I posted the most useful and frequently utilized resources numerous times within the course announcements.
Ensure your discussions have a substance, depth and breadth, critical analysis, and reflection element within the grading rubric. In short – if your discussion Main Post does not closely compare to the discussion exemplar located within the course resources and announcements posted within this course your grade will be drastically reduced.
Know who and where to submit any documentation if necessary, for allowances for any late or missed assignments. Remember Instructors are not permitted to accept any medical documentation.
Know who your advisor is and how to contact them.
Know where and how to locate your student feedback. This course is 6 weeks in duration – In Week 5 I received emails inquiring as to “I see my grade but don’t know why points were deducted” – It was sadly apparent the feedback being provided was not being reviewed by those students. Your numeric score and student feedback are in different locations – this was addressed in the course announcements. If you cannot locate or have not located your student feedback for discussions and assignments – I strongly encourage you to contact the Customer Care Team as you have missed a tremendous amount of information.
Student Resources: Here is a partial listing of Walden University resources that have been shared with you during this course. You will frequent these as you progress throughout your future courses. Again, I strongly recommend that you bookmark each of these for your future courses.

SafeAssign
library
Walden Customer Care Team
Walden IT
Time Zones at Walden University
Academic Skills Center
Writing Center
Walden Student Resources
Integrity and Writing At Walden University
Scholarly Ethics at Walden University
APA citation at Walden University
Peer-Reviewed Research
Walden Library Databases
Walden University Library Databases dedicated to Nursing
Phi Nu
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/nursing
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarly
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/nursing
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarlyvoice/tone
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarlyvoice/academicdiction
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarlyvoice/writingconcisely
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/discussionpost/writing
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/paperreviews
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/multilingual
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/ask
https://www.waldenu.edu/experience/support-services

My Goals and the Mission and Vision of Walden University

According to the website for Walden University’s College of Nursing, its mission is to “change the provision of nursing services along the continuum of care and across the human life span to fulfill the needs of individuals and local and global communities.” This ambitious vision is implemented by Walden’s mission to “seek enhancement of critical thinking skills, capacities to select and apply evidence-based methods, and core and specialty nursing knowledge to transform society” When searching for a university to increase my nursing education and abilities in order to give the best possible nursing care, I had no idea where to begin or even what I was looking for. However, when I discovered Walden University through a mutual acquaintance and alumnus, its mission and goal struck a chord with me. I ought to begin by introducing myself. I am known as Elizabeth. I was born in Southern California and reared there. I did not know what I wanted to be when I grew up as a child.

I did, however, know that I wanted to assist others and make a difference in their lives. Through the years, my passion for nursing evolved into a vocation, and I set out to become a critical care nurse, where I thought I could make the greatest impact. As a critical care nurse for five years, I began to reflect on my career over the past five years and realized that I had reached a stage in my nursing career where I had transitioned from “novice to expert” (Benner). Obviously, there is always more to learn in nursing, and I do not mean “expert” in the sense that I know everything and have nothing else to learn; rather, I am referring to a “nurse who no longer relies on principles, rules, or guidelines to link circumstances and select actions” (Benner). I was able to complete my shift with sufficient critical thinking, nursing skills, and knowledge to be 100 percent confident that I was providing the best possible care to my patients. I reached a point where I thought I needed to expand my knowledge in order to better serve my patients and their families.

This was a watershed moment in my career, as I felt adrift for the first time in five years. How could I possible choose the best nursing choice from so many alternatives? This is when I discovered Walden University, at which point so many things were immediately evident. I felt drawn to Walden’s mission and vision, which seeks to “address the needs of individuals and local and global communities” and “change society” via critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and specialized nursing expertise.

Although I was unsure of how I wanted to expand my nursing career, I knew that my goal and vision for the future was to increase my nursing knowledge through evidence-based practice in order to promote my critical thinking skills and make a difference in the lives of the individuals and communities with whom I am fortunate to work. In addition to mastering Walden’s MSN learning outcomes, such as “exhibit[ing] an ongoing commitment to professional development and the value of nursing theories/ethical principles,” I would feel truly accomplished as a nursing professional providing care to others if I were able to accomplish all of these things in order to transform myself and create positive social change at the individual, community, and global levels, as Walden’s mission states.

Relationship-Building and Networking Opportunities

In addition to learning all of the book information and strengthening my critical thinking abilities from my Walden classes, it is essential that I begin to build relationships and a “social network” that will assist me in achieving my goals. Schmidt states that “a social network is a network of social interactions and personal relationships.” Developing this network and building these contacts early on can result in a greater long-term influence. For instance, the first step toward achieving my job and educational objectives began with a prior mutually beneficial connection. A former coworker who attended Walden many years ago and with whom I had maintained contact introduced me to the university when I was at a crossroads in my nursing career, unsure of which path I wanted to take. If I had not maintained this contact, I might never have found Walden and might still be in the same lost place I was six months ago.

In the same way, many professionals uncover once-in-a-lifetime possibilities, such as nursing conferences, volunteer opportunities, and even employment prospects, that they otherwise would not have known existed. In fact, “both Yale University and Cornell University… assert that 70 percent of employment are obtained through networking” (Schmidt). I look forward to further expanding my networking skills at Walden and utilizing these relationships in any way possible to continue assisting others and positively advancing social change. The adage “there is power in numbers” could not be more accurate when it comes to establishing relationships and networking, particularly in the health care profession.

References

College of Nursing Mission and Vision. Walden University. (n.d.). https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398.

Dr. Patricia Benner. Nursing Theory. (2020, October 17). https://www.nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Patricia-Benner.php.

MSN Learning Outcomes. Walden University. (n.d.). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=179&poid=72167&returnto=65560.

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking. BluePipes Blog. https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/.

Vision, Mission, and Goals. Walden University. (n.d.). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=179&navoid=65155.

Professional networking opportunities emphasize development of relationships and interactions among nurse practitioners and scholars. I have been a registered nurse (RN) with a BSN and my intent is to specialize as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Having a family and trying to advance one’s education can be complex but I believe that my resolve to go back to school is critical in changing my career advancement and attaining requisite qualifications to improve the quality of care outcomes. My goal is to specialize in psychiatric mental health as nurse practitioner to help individuals, households, and communities as well as the health system deal with the opioid epidemic and associated mental health issues. Through this, I can bring social change to families and patients.

After reflection on furthering my education in nursing, I realized that getting a master’s degree as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) will offer the education, knowledge and skills that I require to serve the population (ANCC, n.d). Therefore, my academic and professional goals entail getting a master’s degree and probably getting a terminal degree like Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to position myself as a psychiatric-mental nurse practitioner who can practice independently. Through the incorporation of personal and professional values like compassion, empath, integrity and hard work, I will offer patient-centered care for better outcomes.

Getting the right school is essential to meet my professional goals. The Walden University’s School of Nursing (SON) (n.d) vision and mission statement inspires me to understand that I can attain these goals. The school’s vision is having a unique learning community where knowledge is considered valuable when it allows graduates to develop solutions to critical society problems to advance the greater global good. As a master’s student, the knowledge and skills I acquire in through this university and its nursing school should be applied to effect change in communities in different areas of healthcare provision.

The MSN program outcomes and perspectives relate to my professional and academic goals as they expect one to acquire skills as an advanced nurse practitioner to implement change in their communities. The program’s perspectives include having social change and deployment of skills to generate local solutions to local challenges (Walden University, n.d b). These relate to my goals of providing quality care to families and developing interventions based on evidence-based practices. As I become a scholar-practitioner, it implies that I should show more dedication and commitment because of the challenges of the combination. As such the MSN program outcomes and perspectives will help me understand what is expected and what lies ahead for effective adjustments.

Networking is important as it allows one to interact with goals, share best practices in care, and get the motivation and inspiration to pursue professional and career development paths. Networking will help me achieve my professional and academic goals through interaction with colleagues to develop inter-professional and multidisciplinary collaborations (AANP, n.d). Through the collaborations I will enhance approaches to patient situations and offer the best optimal care interventions.

References

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (n.d). Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse

Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC). https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner/

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) (n.d). The Importance of NP Networking

 and How to Get Involved. https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/the-importance-of-np-networking-and-how-to-get-involved

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

Walden University (n.d.b). Walden and Social Change.

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/social change/mission

I am Kathrine Deedon, I currently live in Dayton, Ohio and I have been practicing as a Registered Nurse in step down units for the past 12 years. I have an 8 year daughter and a 3 year old dog. My daughter is my motivation in everything that I do and I strive to be better for her and of course for myself. I have begun this journey to challenge myself and to progress in my Nursing career. I am excited to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I have been at the bedside for 12 years and I have learned a lot. I believe that the wealth of knowledge and experience that I have gained from my practice definitely will help me to be the best Family Nurse Practitioner that I can be. I have a desire to help others in need and to provide a safe space for them.

My professional and academic goals are in sync with Walden’s vision, mission, goals and social change initiatives. For example, I believe that diversity is essential in achieving my goals. We all bring something different to the table and I believe that bringing our different ideas and perspectives can bring positive change. I also strive to be a life-long learner and furthering my education is one way I can continue that journey. Walden university will help me achieve my professional goals by preparing me academically with the tools and knowledge I need to become the best Nurse Practitioner that I can be.

My definition of success may differ from my classmates and colleagues but I think the foundation of success is similar across the board. I want to be able to graduate with my degree as well as pass boards so that I can ultimately practice as a family nurse practitioner once I graduate. Some of my examples of success include: learning something new from the class, passing the class and ultimately learning how I can use what is taught in my classes in my practice. Another example of success to me is when the lightbulb goes off in my head and I get the Eureka! moment. Also, success to me is for my daughter to see me graduate and receive my degree.

I find that it is very important to network with other professionals in my field to be able to succeed because the field of nursing is always changing. As a healthcare professional, I believe that our ultimate goal should be to provide high-quality care to our patients. We cannot do this alone and we must work together. Specifically I think that it is important to network with other Nurse Practitioners, Physicians Assistants and Medical Doctors so that I can learn what they have gone through to get where they are at in their career. They have a wealth of knowledge that I find to be valuable and beneficial to my learning. Healthcare is fluid and books can only prepare so much. We need hands-on experience to be able to learn, grow, and succeed in the field of nursing and healthcare. By networking, we can build the relationships we need with with other members of the healthcare team.

The relationships that I form can ultimately help me with finding someone who is willing to teach me and take me under his or her wing during my practicum. I will be able to form rapport and trust between myself and other leaders in healthcare. Networking is essential in becoming the Family Nurse Practitioner that I strive to become. Humans by nature thrive on relationships and I think that networking will also help me along in my journey because I will also build friendships along the way. I know that I will benefit from networking and being able to bounce my ideas back and forth between my colleagues. I also believe that there is strength in numbers.

iscussion: Networking Opportunities 

Offering care to those in need is something instilled in me at an early age. Growing up with a chronically-ill parent enabled me to understand the significance of health care and the important role that nurses play in care delivery. My desire to become a nurse was inspired by these moments and I remain focused as I undertake this program at Walden University. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse leader and mentor young graduating nurses to provide support and advice to patients in need (Walden University, 2020b). To attain these goals, I knew that I needed to advance my education at a more professional level.  

I joined Walden University after being referred by a colleague who had completed her program here and obtained an advanced practice degree. In my research on different programs, Walden’s program interested me since it is flexible and shows a commitment and dedication to professional development. As a future nurse leader and perhaps a scholar, I want to uplift and contribute to change to the emerging and upcoming nurses. This goal relates to Walden University’s mission statement which focuses on the provision of a diverse community of career professionals with the chance to transform themselves so as to offer social change (Aerts et al., 2020). The university’s social change concept is based on growth and development with the implication of translating these for greater good of society.  

The Walden’s MSN program offers an opportunity for one to network with other students; both online and offline in campus through discussion boards. The provision of a better education to the community and nurturing future leaders is essential to my vision which relates to the Walden’s mission, vision and program outcomes (Walden University, 2020). Networking opportunities offer the chance for one to develop effective strategies to attain their goals and share the perspectives with colleagues. 

References 

Aerts, N., Van Bogaert, P., Bastiaens, H., & Peremans, L. (2020). Integration of nurses in  

general practice: a thematic synthesis of the perspectives of general practitioners, practice nurses and patients living with chronic illness. Journal of clinical nursing, 29(1-2), 251-264. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15092. 

Walden University (2020). Learning Outcomes.  

http://www.waldenu.edu/colleges-and-schools-college-of-health-sciences/15863.htm 

Walden University (2020b). About Us. Walden University.  

https://www.waldenu.edu/about/who-we-are/history.