Examining Nursing Specialties Essay Paper
Week 6 discussion post: EXAMINING NURSING SPECIALTIES
You have probably seen one or more of the many inspirational posters about decisions. A visual such as a forked road or a street sign is typically pictured, along with a quote designed to inspire.
Often decisions are not so easily inspired. Perhaps you discovered this when choosing a specialty within the MSN program. This decision is a critical part of your plan for success, and you no doubt want to get it right. This is yet another area where your network can help, as well as other sources of information that can help you make an informed choice. Examining Nursing Specialties Essay Paper
To Prepare:
Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
Post:
An explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program. Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member. Examining Nursing Specialties Essay Paper
As a prospective Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program, my decision to pursue this specialty stems from personal and professional motivations. The holistic approach of family nursing aligns with my belief in treating individuals within the context of their family dynamics, recognizing the interconnectedness of health within familial relationships.
The decision-making process was not without its challenges. Choosing a specialty within the MSN program requires careful consideration of one’s values, interests, and career aspirations (Kjellaas et al., 2020). I deliberated on various options, weighing the pros and cons of each specialty, and explored the unique opportunities each presented. The FNP specialty stood out to me due to its versatility and the ability to provide primary care across the lifespan, from pediatric to geriatric populations (Dantas et al., 2023). The prospect of developing long-term relationships with patients and being involved in their overall well-being resonated strongly with my professional goals. Examining Nursing Specialties Essay Paper
Several factors influenced my decision, including the growing demand for primary care providers, the opportunity to address healthcare disparities within family units, and the ability to contribute to preventive care initiatives. Additionally, the potential for autonomy and the chance to work collaboratively with diverse healthcare teams were appealing aspects that solidified my choice. To further enhance my engagement and professional development within the FNP specialty, I plan to join the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), a prominent professional organization affiliated with nurse practitioners. AANP provides a platform for networking, continuing education, and advocacy for the NP role (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2020). I aim to stay updated on the latest advancements in family nursing, access resources for ongoing learning, and connect with peers and mentors who can provide valuable insights into the FNP profession by joining this professional organization. Examining Nursing Specialties Essay Paper
In conclusion, my decision to pursue the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty within the MSN program is driven by personal values, professional aspirations, and the desire to impact the health and well-being of individuals and families positively. The challenges in making this choice were overcome by carefully considering the factors that align with my goals. Joining professional organizations like AANP will further support my journey by providing a platform for ongoing learning and collaboration within the FNP community. Examining Nursing Specialties Essay Paper
References
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). Professional development. American Association of Nurse Practitioners; AANP Website. https://www.aanp.org/practice/professional-development
Dantas, M., Pereira, I., Luana Souza Freitas, Karine, S., Sonenberg, A., & Katherinne, I. (2023). Family Nurse Practitioners: An exploratory study. 57. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2022-0362en
Kjellaas, S., Fredheim, G., & Moen, Ø. L. (2020). Registered nurses’ experiences with master’s degree competence in the specialist health service: A qualitative descriptive study. Nordic Journal of Nursing Research, 40(4), 205715852094602. https://doi.org/10.1177/2057158520946028 Examining Nursing Specialties Essay Paper