Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Week 1 | Part 1: My Academic and Professional Network

I have been in the healthcare field since 2006. Which occurred after I lost my position in the Automotive Industry due to downsizing. During my time working in the Automotive industry, I had a contingency plan. I was taking my core courses in nursing while I worked. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

I always wanted to be an RN ever since I helped take care of my grandmother who was dying of colon cancer when I was 14 years old. I began taking” baby steps” to achieve my educational goals. I started as a Patient Care Technician, then 18 months later, received my LPN, 6 months later, I obtained my Associate’s Degree. I earned my Bachelor of Science Nursing 2016.

I thought I was finally done with going to school, but then I have talked to my friends, and colleagues about which school should I choose to pursue my NP Degree. They continued to sing “praises” of Walden University. I have one friend who is a Walden University graduate, is currently living in Hawaii. I am so proud of her. When I told her that I am returning to school, she gave me positive feedback about Walden University. My cousin is also going to this school. She recommended this school as well; she is two classes away from her practicum.  My friends, family, and colleagues all have been incredibly supportive when I made my decision to return to school. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

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I admire Walden University’s vision, mission, and goals as they are in line with mine. My goal is to take what I have learned at this University and work as an Adult Geriatric Primary Care General Nurse Practitioner to build on what I have learned at Walden University. I will apply this new knowledge to improve the care of my patients from age 13 to end of life. Not only improve care but aid in the contribution of their quality of life. Walden’s mission is to educate its students to be prepared through advanced education that is focused on my major as an AGPC-NP specialty to participate in the transformation of society in a positive manner. (College of Nursing)

The individuals for my team that I selected is Grace Alindogan and Kendra Elebser. I see that both Grace and Regina are both AGPC-NP majors, like myself. I have reached out to both students and I feel that they will endorse the success in the MSN Program as a practicing nurse.  Starting with Grace, I was grateful that she reached out to me, we have been communicating back and forth via the discussion board. I see that we have several things in common. We both work in Med-Surg and she also envisions working in an Ambulatory Care Center or Internal Medicine Office as an AGPC-NP.

She pointed out two organizations that will be a guide to me along the way which are: Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurse Association (GAPNA). “They are the premier professional organization that represents the interest of advanced practice nurses who care for older adults. They offer opportunities for training, leadership, exploration, encouragement, networking, and advancement of evidence-based care for adults.” (gapna.org).

She mentioned in our discussion the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses  (AMSN),  is excellent in medical-surgical nursing by providing education, professional resources, and networking opportunities to its over 13,000 members (asmn.org) AMSN is the only professional association for medical-surgical nurses in the United States. Its stated mission is “to promote excellence in medical-surgical nursing.” (amsn.org). I feel that Grace will be a wonderful addition to my team. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Secondly, there is Kendra Elbeser, who is also an AGPC-NP major. What caught my attention was her greeting. We are enrolled in the same program, both have been an RN for almost the same amount of time, plus she works for a Vein Center. I used to work was am Ambulatory Care Center, caring for patients with a variety of vein issues in addition to other circulatory issues with their legs (i.e. Varicose Veins, Spider Veins, Lymphedema, Stasis Ulcers, etc.) Once we communicate more, I am sure that we will find that we have more things in common.

In closing, I look forward to working for both young ladies as we are here to accomplish a mutual goal. This can be accomplished through teamwork and collaborating. Therefore,” teamwork in an educational environment, is important because what is learned here, can be applied in real-life situations that most nurses typically find themselves involved in.” (The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Networking and Collaboration Program Transcript) Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Resources

College of Nursing, retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges-schools/college-of-nursing, Retrieved 10/3/20, c. 2020

Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association, https://www.gapna.org/about, Retrieved 10/3/20, c. 2020

Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, https://www.amsn.org/index.php/about-amsn, Retrieved 10/3/20, c. 2020

The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Networking and Collaboration Program Transcript

Retrieved from https://cdnfiles.laureate.net/2dett4d/managed/WAL/NURS/6003/01/WAL_NURS6003_01_C_EN.pdf 10/3/20, c. 2018

Week 2 | Academic Resources and Strategies

When I started my journey into the MSN program, the first week was both exhilarating and terrifying.  I was so relieved that I completed Week 1 task on time, this also gave me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Although I completed my first week’s assignment and discussions, there are several factors that I am concerned about since I have returned to school; that is time management (i.e. work, family, and school balance). I am working full-time, taking care of my mother with RA and Sjogren’s this is a full-time job on its own (making sure she takes her medications and attend her appointments).

In addition to my concerns with the school, is turning my work in on time and the assignments that I submit, are per the rubric. As far as time management, I am aware that I still need to work with that, especially since this has been a while that I have been in school. I plan to reach to out my peers for support and utilize their information. With time, my confidence will increase, I will do the same for my fellow students. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

I have concluded that one way I can approach this is with a clear mind. According to 10 Traits of a Successful Online Learner, (Online Colleges), “You will encounter a world of ideas and perspectives that are new to you. Whether you are enrolled online or in a face-to-face course, embrace the diversity represented by your classmates and instructors. Take a professional approach to class discussions that include thoughts that may be different from your own.”

According to (Laureate Education), “Know your resources – make sure that resources are utilized in the Walden Environment.  The writing center gives wonderful resources which can help with alleviating some of the anxiety.” I am hoping to apply what I have read and reviewed in this week’s reading material, will take me one step closer to becoming a successful student

First, I choose Grace Alindogan as one of my peers I wish to collaborate with. What makes this decision much easier, is not only we are both MSN, AGPCNP majors, she has been wonderful reaching out to me and offering me some great advice. The one that stood out was her advice on how to manage time. She recommended using a calendar, this way I can be more organized to where I can plan study time, family time, work/life balance, and extracurricular activities. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

I then responded that I added a calendar using I selected the options: Institution, Personal, and Classes I am currently enrolled in using Walden Web Apps (calendar) Google Calendar. I also added this application to my cell phone. Now, I can see when future assignments are due, work schedule, and I incorporated my mother and my medical appointments into the calendar as well. I just figured this out a couple of days ago. I am proud of myself for figuring it out. I then shared with her that “I also viewed the 10 traits of a successful online learner link. I found this also to be immensely helpful. It is important to have persistence. According (Online College, 10 Traits of a Successful Learner), Trait #5, “Persistence: You will find that some courses are more difficult than others. Some courses will be more interesting to you than others. It is not always convenient to be a student and juggle the rest of life’s demands. Be persistent and keep in mind that there will be challenges along the way. Work through the tough times and engage your support network when you need to do so.” Therefore, I feel we will make a good fit for each other. We will provide the support and encouragement that is needed to be successful in this program. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Secondly, I choose Precious Dixon. Based on what I have viewed on the discussion board, she receives a lot of responses whenever she communicates. This time, I am yet another one that reached out to her this week. The reason I selected her is I see that she is highly organized from how she is going to study, work on her assignments. How to communicate, utilize technology to be successful in her program. I see that she is an outstanding communicator. This is especially important with whomever you work with whether it is peers, instructors, student success advisors, etc. According to (Tips for Effective Online Composition and Communication) (transcript), “And last, remember that timely response is part of professional communication. And at Walden University there is an expectation that emails will get a response within 48 hours for both faculty and students. In online communication, an email is comparable to sending a letter. The recipient will not receive it until he or she checks the mail. If you need information right away consider using instant messaging or online chat or making a phone call to communicate. Many Walden student services have online chat during specified hours.”, “And in a timely manner.” Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Lastly, I am enjoying the discussion board, it is allowing me to get to know my fellow students. I did make a connection with a fellow student (both on week one and week 2). This truly feels like virtual networking It is allowing everyone to get to know one another and see how others can work together to be successful in our studies and life.

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). Your Toolbox for Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author, Retrieved 10/6/20, c. 2018. from https://class.content.laureate.net/109f88a07035dca7176a52df283a38b1.html

Walden University. (2018). 10 Tips for Being a Successful Online Learner. Laureate Education, Inc. Retrieved October 10, 2020, from https://class.content.laureate.net

Walden Web Apps (Calendar), Laureate Higher Education Group Calendar.ics retrieved October 10, 2020

Tips for Effective Online Composition and Communication Program Transcript, Retrieved from https://cdnfiles.laureate.net/2dett4d/managed/WAL/FOUN/2012/07/WAL_FOUN2012_07_A_EN.pdf, October 10, 2020, c. 2013 Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Week 3 | Part 3: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics

Part 3, Section 1: The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity

Being a new student in the MSN program, it has been a challenge to merge ideas and works towards strengthening writing skills. What is deemed of integrity, personally is viewed as one’s means of being truthful and honest.

The connection between academic integrity and writing is synonymous with an individual that conveys their message using his or her own words when borrowing ideas from an author. This is achieved by not exclusively taking credit from the original source verbatim without properly citing their sources. There are several tools on the Walden University website that ensures that their students are successful with writing their papers and to prevent plagiarism and ensures work is grammatically correct. An example of these tools utilized is Safe Assign and Grammarly.

According to (Bahrieni, F., Azodi, P., Hajivandi, A., & Jahanpour, F), “Moral sensitivity is defined as the awareness and attention to the existing moral values in a contradictory situation and individual self-awareness to the role and duty on that specific situation, in some of the studies moral sensitivity has the same meaning as “conscience”[12]”. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

The connection between professional practice and academic ethics is that both as a student nurse and an RN that is studying/working in their desired field(s) are one and the same. For starters, as expressed in Haghighat, Fariba Borhani & Ranjbar, (2020), “Professional identity is defined as “the attitudes, values, knowledge, beliefs, and skills shared with others within a professional group” [5]. The formation of professional identity is critical to the effective and safe practice of all health professions, including nurses. The development of professional identity is a continuous process, and it is critical to the effective and safe practice of all health professionals, including nurses. The development of a professional identity is a continuous process. The process is influenced by factors such as professional socialization and experiences in practice [6]. A significant amount of the development of professional identity occurs during the college years [7, 8].”

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Secondly, Per (Ranjbar, Joolaee) [13] stated, “that maybe there is a correlation between professional identity formation and development of morality in nursing students. They concluded that in order to have higher moral practice in nursing students, nursing instructors should promote the students’ professional identity.”

Part 3, Section 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity for Work

The purposeful attempt to ensure integrity and ethics of academic work whilst in the MSN Program is merging what was previously learned from prior education to new material that is included in this program. As a student, one of the plans is to adhere to Walden University guidelines is to follow instructions listed in 10 Tips for Being a Successful Online Learner, (2018). What has been helpful with this transition is reading and printing out the syllabus, becoming familiar with the classroom, formed a relationship with a couple of fellow students. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Once a relationship was formed with online classmates, had to take in mind that his and her ideas and mentation differ from one’s own; embrace these differences. It can be especially utilized when working collaborating with them on future projects. Moreover, participating in weekly discussions have been helpful as well. Being able to get to know fellow students and appreciate their point of view is helpful in looking at online learning from another perspective. It is also ideal for collaborating with peers in the future.

Taking on the role of an RN is not limited to the caregiver but expands to advocate and educator. To maintain and pursue the integrity and ethics in the workplace the plan to continue to develop trust between patients and coworkers. Patients and fellow staff members will respect a nurse more once they are deemed trustworthy and respectful. A way to establish trust is through communication.

An excellent example of this is the bedside shift report. It is initiated when the previous shift RN will perform an SBAR (IHI. 2020), (Situation, Background, Assessments, and Recommendation) with the oncoming shift RN. Reports are performed in front of the patient. Any information that was missed during handoff, the patient can address concerns then add information to report. Additional data will be added to the communication board (Readiness Rounds, 2017).

This helps ease the anxiety of patients, especially upon admission. In addition to performing bedside shift reports and keeping patient and family communication up to date, one must perform regular chart checks. Lastly, when charting provide your own information, such as assessments, nurses’ notes, adhere to policy, and ensure doctor orders are verified and executed.

In accordance with Tippit et al. (2009) who called for a strong preemptive approach that “ builds an environment of academic integrity with expectations of honesty, trust, respect, integrity, and responsibility. Similarly, Kenny (2007), in her article about plagiarism and its relationship to behaviors in professional practice, has called for nurse educators to build and role model a culture that supports integrity. Kenny wrote: Plagiarism is clearly a serious issue for students who are undertaking training to enter a profession where integrity, honesty, and trustworthiness are paramount to the nurse-patient relationship. It is thus essential that nurse educators contribute to building a culture of integrity and professionalism demonstrable throughout the academic community from the commencement of training” (p.18).” Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Resources

Safe Assign Drafts (2020) https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_16746286_1&content_id=_57179477_1&mode=reset

Lai, P. (2014). Academic guides: Grammarly: Overview. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammarly

Bahrieni, F., Azodi, P., Hajivandi, A., & Jahanpour, F. (n.d.). The effect of education in nurse’s moral sensitivity. Pharmainfo.In. Retrieved October 17, 2020, from http://jpsr.pharmainfo.in/Documents/Volumes/vol9Issue10/jpsr09101735.pdf

Haghighat, S., Borhani, F., & Ranjbar, H. (2020). Is there a relationship between moral competencies and the formation of professional identity among nursing students? BMC Nursing, 19(1), 49.

(N.d.). Retrieved October 18, 2020, from Laureate.net website: https://class.content.laureate.net/b743ab2f4deb5b9ec832e3e98ab5d0b1.pdf

Moral Distress in Academia. (n.d.). Nursingworld.Org. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol152010/No3-Sept-2010/Moral-Distress-in-Academia.html

SBAR Tool: Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation. (n.d.). Ihi.Org. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from http://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Tools/SBARToolkit.aspx

Donald Death, C. E. O. (n.d.). Patient Satisfaction: Communication boards – use them or remove them! Readinessrounds.Com. Retrieved October 18, 2020, from https://www.readinessrounds.com/blog/patient-satisfaction-communication-boards

Week 4 | Part 4: Research Analysis

Step 1: Research Analysis

Complete the table below Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

The approach taken for identifying and analyzing the pee-reviewed research was utilizing the a reliable resources on Walden’s website. There was a wealth of knowledge; it was challenging to narrow an article down to one.  The article chosen was JAMA’s report titled “Awareness of Sources of Peer-Reviewed Research Evidence on the Internet.” Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Although many sources that are not on the Internet are not reliable, it is best to adhere to the resources that are provided by the school; sources are more credible. This research will prevent errors and increase accuracy with papers turned in. One of the strategies of being effective is utilizing the Research Analysis Tool. By filling in the boxes, it helped a great deal with organizing thoughts. Another approach was checking the discussion board and viewing fellow students’ information, which helped give insight.

Lastly, each week has been challenging, but it has helped gradually building as a student and writer. Collaborating with fellow students has been very helpful with this transition into the MSN Program. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Resources

JAMA. 2002;287(21):2867-2869. doi:10.1001/jama.287.21.2867, Sigouin, C., & Jadad, A. R. (2002). Awareness of sources of peer-reviewed research evidence on the Internet. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 287/jama/fullarticle/194973

Table 1

JAMA. 2002;287(21):2867-2869. doi:10.1001/jama.287.21.2867, Sigouin, C., & Jadad, A. R. (2002)

Week 5 | Part 5: Professional Development

I have developed a curriculum vitae to capture my academic and professional accomplishments to date.

The results of my efforts are below.

Directions: Complete Step a curriculum vitae (CV) in the space provided.

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Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Use the space below to write your CV based on your current education and professional background. Alternatively, you may write this in a separate document and copy/paste the results below.

NOTE: If needed there are a variety of online resources available with tips and samples of graduate nurse CVs.

xxx

Med-Surg Telemetry Registered Nurse

Skilled healthcare specialist with a noteworthy history as a Charge Nurse, Case Manager, Psychiatric Charge Nurse, Medical Case Manager, Patient Care Facilitator, Travel Nurse, and Staff Nurse. Over 10 years of bedside nursing, skilled healthcare professional, and a genuine desire to support patients and family members. Medical education and advancement help a considerable range of proficiencies in the healthcare industry, as well as competent in utilizing electronic medical records in addition to the use of Microsoft programs and proficient with charting patient data. Pursuing a recognized organization that can utilize my experience in a meaningful position. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Areas of Expertise

Professional Experience

xx| xxx | Med-Surg Telemetry RN | xxx 20xxx

Staff Nurse employed with a hospital that specializes in short-stay and outpatient surgical procedures. It is a 43-bed facility with private rooms and 6 inpatient ICU beds.

Notable recognitions:
Provided care to 5 to 6 patients per shift.

• Medication administration and documentation utilization facility’s electronic medical records.
•  Documented plan of care utilizing recognized nursing findings, expected outcomes, and executed interventions.
•  Assessed signs and symptoms of changes in the patient’s condition. Supervised and delegated patient care assistants within their scope of practice.
• Performed frequent admissions of various surgical patients (i.e. appendectomy, cholecystectomy, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, orthopedic surgeries, etc.)

xxx | Boca Raton, FL | Travel RN | July 20xx – November 20xx
A part of xe, headquartersx is in Salt Lake City UT. This company has contracts with hospitals nationwide. Providing education to its RNs to prepare its workers to acclimate to their constant changes in the nursing field. Each assignment consists of 13 weeks.

Notable recognitions:
Provided care to patients according to the facility’s nurse/patient ratio per shift.

• Medication administration and documentation utilization facility’s electric medical record charting. Provided patient/caregiver education.
• Document plan of care using identified nursing diagnoses, expected outcomes, and selected interventions.
• Assessed patients and monitored for any changes in the patient’s condition. Supervision of patient care technicians; delegated tasks within their scope of practice.

xx| Greer, SC | Med-Surg Telemetry RN | January 2019 – July 2019

Staff Nurse for a hospital comprising of 48 inpatient rooms. The Hospital system is constantly growing services to meet the needs of the patients. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Notable recognitions:
Provided care to 5 to 6 patients per shift.

• Provided clinical documentation required for admission and assessments using EPIC.
•  Wound care, IV insertions, medication administration, and patient/caregiver education.
•  A patient advocate by collaborating with an interdisciplinary team. Make appropriate updates plan of care after the meeting.

Bon Secours Home Health| Case Manager | Greenville, SC | July 2018 – January 2019

Case Manager: Assist in the management of care for adults and geriatric patients post-hospitalization or after referrals from the physician’s office.
Notable recognitions:
Facilitate caseload of 5 to 6 patients per day and 25 to 40 cases per week.

• OASIS Assessments for Start of Care Admissions, Discharges, Recertification
• Wound care, IV administration, and patient/caregiver education.
• Patient advocate

xxx| Staff Nurse | Greenville, SC | March 2018 – July 2019

A facility that offers the latest in technology regarding the diagnosis and treatment of venous disorders, as well as cosmetic treatment of varicose veins.

Notable recognitions:
Caring for patients in a fast-paced work environment. Work as an OR Nurse, assured proper sterilization of surgical instruments, and patient advocate. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

• Work as a circulation nurse during in-office procedures, chart pre-op, intra-op, and post-op data.
• Perform weekly chart checks to better familiarize self and healthcare provider with patients.
• Responsible for autoclaving surgical instruments after office procedures are completed.
• Educate patients/families on health care needs, conditions, options, etc.
• Assist with medical referrals, Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and short-term disability forms.
• Patient advocate (regarding prior authorizations, medication assistant programs, etc.)

GHS Marshall I Pickens| Charge Nurse | Greenville, SC | June 2015 – March 2017

Managed care of patients of children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients that are suicidal/homicidal, addicted to drugs that are going through withdrawals. Our units occasionally receive other general surgical patients as well. As a staff nurse, delegate care to nursing assistants (NAs) through ongoing communication; assisted preceptors with new RNs. As a charge nurse, manage the day-to-day functions of directing and assisting RNs and NAs, and MHTs.

Notable recognitions:
Charge Nurse to LPNs and CNAs; Provided care to patients with a variety of psychiatric conditions on the geriatric unit.

• Evaluate staffing requirements including floor assignments.
• Admit/Discharge patients.
• Assess and notify the physician of clinical changes.
• Educate patients/families on health care needs, conditions, options, etc.
• Documentation of patient care using EMAR.
• 12 Lead EKGs on patients per order. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

GHS Roger C Peace Rehabilitation Hospital| Charge Nurse/Patient Care Facilitator | Greenville, SC | November 2010 – June 2015

A Facility that aids in helping with the quality of life and rehabilitation of individuals to reach their maximum functioning potential.

Notable recognitions:
Managed care for stable to acutely ill orthopedic, spinal cords, CVAs, and other general surgical patients. As a staff nurse, delegate care to nursing assistants (NAs) through ongoing communication; assisted preceptors with new RNs. As a charge nurse, manage the day-to-day function of units directing and assisting RNs and CNAs.

• Evaluated staffing requirements including floor assignments.
• Assist with patient admissions.
• Assess and notify the physician of clinical changes.
• Educate patients/families on health care needs, conditions, and options.

Fountain Inn Nursing and Rehabilitation| Charge Nurse | Greenville, SC | May 2010 – November 2010

A facility that aids with achieving quality of life for the elderly and Rehabilitation Facility helping individuals get stronger so they can eventually go home to their loved ones.
Notable recognitions:
Charge Nurse to the Rehabilitation Unit. Delegated to LPNs and CNAs.

• Assisted with admissions and discharges.
• Assess residents and notify the physician of clinical changes.
• Educate patients/families on health care needs, conditions, options, etc.
• Provide wound care and measurements weekly and record in wound book.
• Evaluate staffing requirements including floor assignments Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

Roger C Peace Rehabilitation Hospital, Greenville, South Carolina
Patient Care Facilitator (6-month Trial Run)/Charge Nurse – Spinal Cord Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Sub-Acute Units

Marshall I Pickens Hospital, Greenville, South Carolina
Psychiatric Nurse, Psychiatric Charge Nurse of the Geriatric Psychiatric Unit

Bon Secours Home Health, Greenville, South Carolina
Home Health Case Manager for occupational, catastrophic case management
RN Case Manager, Home Health

Education & Certifications

xxx

Affiliations

Week 6 | Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

Introduction

There was several of choices explored before selecting my nursing specialization, including a closer look at my desired specialty of Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, and second-preferred was Family Nurse Practitioner.  I have also established a rationale for my chosen specialization.  Finally, I focused my attention on a professional association linked to my favored area of specialty. The plan is to become a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

#1 Comparison of Nursing Specialties

(Southern University, n.d.) The Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is a nurse practitioner who focuses on providing care of patients varying from age 13 years through late adulthood. AGPCNPs integrate urgent, chronic, and preventive healthcare services, collaborating with specialists and other health care providers when necessary.

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners typically provide regular check-ups, examinations, immunizations, and one-on-one clinical consultation and instruction in addition to diagnosing, testing, and treating their patients. Providing education is a massive part of their day. These nurse practitioners work directly with their patients to establish and incorporate a healthier lifestyle and preventive disease strategies, often including topics like food choices, fitness, and physical therapy, in addition to every prescribed medication. Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners will also work with the patient’s families to ensure that relatives are just as active and informed to maintain the patient’s health.

(UAMS, 2020) The specialty of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner is not specific. The focus of the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner on patient preferences (NONPF, 2012). Practice settings can include clinics, home healthcare, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, community corrections centers, and other locations offering primary care services.   The career prospects for the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Practitioner are due to an increase in the elderly population expanding health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act will continue with the growing need for primary care nurse practitioners by 2020 (HRSA, 2013). Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

(Staff Writers, 2017) A Family Nurse Practitioner is a professionally trained registered nurse that delivers essential care or specialized treatment to patients of all ages. Advanced-practice registered nurses usually operate under a doctor but do have a significant degree of autonomy and, in some instances, have their private clinics. They have much of the same services a physician delivers, and it is the preferred form of care to most people. FNPs perform wellness assessments, provide health education, diagnose diseases, and prescribe medications, among other functions.

A family nurse practitioner may be working in a myriad of medical services and settings, as they offer a broad array of professional medical services throughout their lifetime. They are especially useful because they are knowledgeable about performing many of the duties that physicians usually undertake.  In many rural communities where there are not enough physicians to service the population, the family nurse practitioners can fulfill the role of primary care provider to a patient. FNPs occasionally pursue careers as hospital administrators due to their specialized medical education and clinical expertise. Family Nurse Practitioners work in the following settings: Clinics, Hospitals, Family Practices, Telemedicine, Outpatient Centers, and Health Insurance.

The factors that helped me decide to select Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner are my mother. She has been a large part of my life. It is hard to see her suffer every day with complications from rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s Syndrome. During my time at Roger C. Peace Hospital, my Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition, and Stabilization (PEARS) Certification allowed me to work with smaller children. With this being part of my nursing responsibility, the parents were also my patients. It was challenging to care for smaller children with parents and other family members hovering over you when performing assessments. It was challenging to see infants sick; they are unable to tell you what is wrong. Therefore, my choice of specialty was more comfortable to care for adolescent patients to the elderly population. Most of my nursing career consisted of patient caseload adolescence to end of life. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

# 2 Justification of Nursing Specialty

(AANP, 2012-2020) During my next job as a home care nurse, I fell in love with caring for senior citizens, so this set the tone for the rest of my career.  Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners now have the opportunity of maintaining a long-term association with their patients and family. Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners care for both adolescents and the elderly population.  For me, this specialty has a narrower age range, which allows us to explore further diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses present in this demographic.  Adult Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners also serve in-home visit services, campus healthcare facilities, and specialty clinics, such as pulmonary, pulmonary, and rheumatology. They can function as providers of hospice, long-term, or palliative care services.

Previous places of employment were in Ambulatory Outpatient Centers, Assisted Living, Geriatric Psychiatric Nursing, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Taking on the role of primary care will be a rewarding experience.  One must believe the connection between provider and patient is authentic.  Since many of my patients will be adolescents and older adults, expanded knowledge can boost their quality of life.  The support will be received from patients and families reinforces that confidence. My specialty’s function means that some of my patients are older teens, and it is also satisfying to lead them to healthier lifestyles that will sustain them through their lives. Academic Success and Professional Development Plan example

#3 Professional Organizations

(AANP, N.D.) Once a membership is established with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, my name will be added to its list of growing members. So far, this organization has more than 114,000 members and counting.  Becoming an affiliate of this organization, the Nurse Practitioner collaborates on behalf of our patients. The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner ® speaks. It advocates for the elimination of systemic barriers, for complete and comprehensive service.

Trusting in the value of patient-centered care. Users agree that establishing relationships with their patients, knowing their backgrounds, and recognizing their everyday routine contributes to improved individual experiences and healthy communities.  Education is continuous and that it makes a significant difference in a career. As a future participant in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, its members inspire quality healthcare practice, education, research, and advocacy.

Resources

The role of adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioners. (n.d.). Southuniversity.Edu. Retrieved November 8, 2020, from https://www.southuniversity.edu/news-and-blogs/2019/08/the-role-of-adult-gerontology-primary-care-nurse-practitioners

RegisteredNursing.org Staff Writers. (2017, July 28). Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Registerednursing.Org; RegisteredNursing.org. https://www.registerednursing.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/

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