NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing Full Class
NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing Full Class
Discussion – Week 1
My name is XX. I am currently a WHNP (Women’s Health NP) and have practiced for about nine years. When the world initially shut down for the pandemic, I had life-changing events that pushed me to look at my career path.
I was indeed burned out in my current practice and was looking for a change.
The pandemic helped me to clarify the true definition of essential workers. My husband and I were classified as such and were unable to work from home. Our jobs were not concerned that we didn’t have extended family in the area or our children’s school and childcare setting closed. They wanted us there for our required 40 + hours a week, and we complied. So, we learned to be creative; we kept our brave faces on, covered them with the best PPE, and continued to work.
I was getting less time with my children, and I knew that I needed a change. This past September, I took a break from practicing as a WHNP and accepted a job for one year with my children’s school district as a school nurse. Many were surprised that I had “left” my NP role and accepted an RN position, but I knew that I needed to give my children more time with their mom. During this year, I have been able to have the same schedule as my children.
I made a plan that I would also evaluate my next career move during that time.
Initially, I had considered getting a postmaster certificate in either public health or going back for a postmaster in family NP. Many of the programs I had considered didn’t recognize the coursework I had already completed, which was disheartening for me.
Walden’s vision, mission, and belief that quality and integrity are the basis of education (Walden, 2020). If you had the opportunity to ask my children, I would often discuss my thoughts about integrity with them. I often tell them integrity is where you demonstrate when no one is looking.
Reading those words about Walden spoke directly to my heart. I have always had interest in psychiatric mental health, and I was impressed with the program layout. I also had the opportunity to speak with two colleagues who had started in women’s health but had made the transition to psychiatric mental health. Both colleagues were happy about their decision and reported that they had been able to balance their family and work needs.
As I think back about my career path, I can think of how many times psychiatric mental health was of the critical issues in the list of problems for my patients. I recall my collaborating physicians always encouraging me to refer to mental health providers instead of spending too much time on my mental health needs. I remember the dismay as the feedback was always that my patients would have to wait several months even to begin an evaluation for mental health needs due to the shortage of mental health providers.
A lightbulb went off one day, and I was like, why you don’t help close that gap.
I am choosing to learn more about the area of psychiatric mental health. I do not have extensive psychiatric mental health experience, but I believe the opportunity to learn more is available. I wanted to expand from just women’s health. My current position has also opened my eyes to see the psychiatric mental health issues that impact children, and I also hope to serve that population.
Thus, the reason I can see how networking is so important. Networking is imperative to foster professional growth (Schmidt). At one time, I was great with networking, but as my life got busier, the balancing act of networking went to the wayside. I want to get back to networking, and I feel slightly nervous about this.
However, I know that I must break out of the bubble to achieve my professional and academic goals.
I am choosing to take one course this summer. I want to venture into a new specialty as I can see the potential to marry my expertise in women’s health to the arena of mental health.
But I am choosing to take this walk slowly.
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself, and I look forward to this new venture.
.
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 2020: A vision for social change. (2017). Retrieved on May 28, 2022, from
https://www.waldenu.edu/-/media/walden/files/about-walden/walden-university-2017-
social-change-report-final-v-2.pdf
6 months ago
chinwe chukwumerije
RE: Discussion – Week 1
XX awesome reference of “Walden’s vision, mission, and belief that quality and integrity are the basis of education (Walden, 2020). If you had the opportunity to ask my children, I would often discuss my thoughts about integrity with them. I often tell them integrity is where you demonstrate when no one is looking.” yes anything with building integrity is a sound doctrine, you can do no wrong with having integrity. I also understand that someone can be burned out on a given job. change they say is constant.
Wow, what an interesting story. Thank you so much for sharing it. I applaud your dedication to working to become a mental health provider– there is definitely a need for more. I think your expertise in women’s health and experience in school nursing will bring a unique perspective to the role of the mental health nurse practitioner.
Networking is a daunting thing, and it is even more overwhelming when you feel like it has fallen off to the side to prioritize other needs in your life. I feel like the word “networking” is really overwhelming in itself. I try to reframe it as “connecting” in my head, to help me not feel so overwhelmed. Networking to me means I am connecting with people and building relationships with them that will help support my professional goals. It doesn’t sound as overwhelming when I frame it that way in my head.
I have had a lot of success networking through professional organizations. Perhaps you could consider joining a nursing organization for psychiatric health nurses? That would provide you with many opportunities to meet people, and would likely offer a lot of learning opportunities and continuing education focusing in mental health nursing as well. A lot of the organizations provide forums that would allow you to ask questions and feedback on the role from other providers which I value as a great way to meet people and gather knowledge. And it may be easier because they are all professionals passionate about the same specialty as you, so you already have something in common with many of the other members.
Professional conferences also provide an opportunity to network, if time allows you to attend one. I was surprised that even during the pandemic when most conferences were virtual, I still made many connections with nurses in neuroscience through email and asking questions in virtual forums at the conference I had attended. Time and money can always be an issue when it comes to attending a conference, but if you are able to I highly recommend it as an opportunity to network with others in the same area you are interested in. Many of the speakers and presenters at conferences are very passionate about their field of expertise, and love to connect with people wanting to learn or who need assistance navigating the profession.
I also want to point out that you are networking just by beginning your journey in furthering your education! You are meeting professors and classmates who are all passionate about professional growth and may have ideas or suggestions for you about networking or connecting with others in your area of expertise.
Thank you again for sharing, and best of luck on your journey! I am sure you will be successful here at Walden University.
Networking Opportunities
My name is XX and I am a disorganized mother of two with one on the way. I first began my medical career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in the Central Valley of California. I worked as an EMT and also and Emergency Room Technician for about 5 years as I completed my ADN program. After I completed my ADN I started working on a Medical/Telemetry floor and realized how much I disliked working on the floor. After gaining some experience, I decided to apply into the Emergency department at a hospital closer to home and I have been there ever since. Walden’s Mission promotes, “demonstrating a commitment to lifelong learning.” (Field experience: College of nursing: College of nursing 2020). As an emergency nurse, I feel it is very important to participate in continuing education and “use knowledge to positively impact my profession, community and society.” We are provided a program called, “Up to date,” through our hospital that allows us to quickly research medications and interventions. This program helps us to provide safe and appropriate care to our patients.
Walden’s vision addresses knowledge as a means to, “provide immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, hereby advancing the greater global good.” (Field experience: College of nursing: College of nursing 2020). In my community, we are faced daily with patient’s dealing with chronic health issues. Our community is also underserved and many people are unable to pay for meds, acquire transportation for appointments or set up with a primary care physician. There is often a language barrier with patients as well, which contributes to improper management of chronic disease outpatient. I am hoping to gain knowledge from this MSN program to help find ways to promote the correct continuity of care outpatient by providing adequate resources and services. Academic professionals I currently work with to promote these goals are; our care coordination team, licensed interpreters and medical transportation staff.
Walden’s learning outcomes address, “evaluating health needs of diverse populations for needful teaching to promote health and prevent illness and injury.”(Vision, mission, and goals 2019). This learning outcome really speaks to me due to the fact that I work in a location that is primarily Hispanic. The Hispanic population is at a higher risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, which if not controlled can be very detrimental. I am very passionate about proper diabetic teaching, providing diabetic resources and making sure these individuals are able to acquire their medications. Helping people manage their Type 2 diabetes prevents further illness and injury related to complications from improper management.
Another population we frequently serve at our hospital is our mental health patients. In our hospital, we have had to strip five ER rooms of equipment to facilitate our increasing mental health population. Walden’s social change initiative states, “Positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions.” (Vision, mission, and goals 2019). Walden’s social change initiative gives me hope that the knowledge I acquire from this program will help me to improve the “social conditions” among this specific group. I want to be able to seek out and provide more resources and services to our mental health population to combat a system that is constantly failing them. These poor patients have been reduced to “available beds” and are constantly being turned through a system that never truly addresses their needs. I want to give these people a better chance to thrive outside of a hospital setting. To support these efforts, I can collaborate with our care coordination team, and our county’s mental health staff.
“Scholarly practitioners demonstrate a lifelong commitment to excellence in practice through continuous learning, engagement in evidence-informed decision-making, contributions to scholarship, and knowledge translation.” (Zaccagnini et al., 2020). Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives will contribute to my journey in becoming a scholar-practitioner by providing the means for me to continue learning to provide a better skill set to my patients. This newfound skill set will help me to improve patient outcomes both in and outside of the hospital setting.
Networking is extremely important in my profession as it provides more resources to further promote thorough patient care. For example, a vendor once entered our building looking for our medical director on a day they were not available. Of course, this vendor was not as interested speaking to an RN but I inquired about the service he was providing as it sparked my interest. The system was an acute EEG monitoring service that would allow us to detect seizure activity in real time. I took his brochure and consistently presented the information to our medical director as well as many ER physicians to get them interested in the software. I contacted one of our sister hospitals that was utilizing this service to gain knowledge on how they were charting and billing for the service. After a year of speaking to physicians, super users and our informatics team, we are getting this service in our department. I not only get to become a super user on a new and exciting software I also get to witness improved patient outcomes through seizure detection. In the healthcare profession there are so many people possessing different and equally important knowledge sets. Collaboration and networking allows us to not only broaden our own knowledge base but also helps to improve patient care. I am very passionate about improving patient care. I know, it is unrealistic, but I still imagine every patient leaving our hospital happy and alive. Networking facilitates improving patient care. “A connection maybe able to offer direct help or put you in contact with someone who can directly help you, but you maybe able to return the favor at some point.” (Schmidt, 2018)
References
Field experience: College of nursing: College of nursing. Academic Guides. (2020, October). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398
Schmidt, K. (2018, November). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. BluePipes Blog. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
Vision, mission, and goals. Vision, Mission, and Goals – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. (2019, October). Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971
Zaccagnini, M., Bussières, A., West, A., & Boruff, J. (2020). Features of scholarly practice in health care professionals: A scoping review protocol. Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy, 56, 38–41. https://doi.org/10.29390/cjrt-2020-007
I agree that an emphasis or advantage fo this program is to gain knowledge that will allow us to promote the correct continuity of care outpatient by providing adequate resources and services. This is imperative to health care providing care that is patient centered. y name is Solomon Murray, From Philadelphia PA, currently working as a travel registered nurse (RN) in Baltimore, MD. At Walden university, i am excited about beginning the Psychiatric nurse practitioner (psych NP) program. Prior to working as a RN, I majored and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. While working as a mental heath technician at a mental health facility for three years, my interest in nursing sparked. In the end, I believe my experience in nursing and psychology contributes to my interest as a Psych NP.
Walden University’s vision and mission focuses on empowering students to tackle social challenges and create more opportunities for communities that do not have the same opportunities as other communiy’s due to poverty, racism, discrimination, etc. Growing up in a urban area with in Philadelphia, a lot of my neighbors experienced many social challenges that are commonly faced amongst low income communities. As a psych NP, my goal is to focus on the psycho therapy side of the field and provide therapy for individuals living within communities that face social challenges.
Introduction
Nursing is a holistic profession that focuses on evidence base practice, patient centered care and improvement in community wellness. Every individual has an inner story that led them to this profession. Since I was a child medical drama TV shows intrigued me which led me to have an interest in the medical field. Helping people to get well was inborn.
Once I graduated from high school I decided to go to school for EKG and Phlebotomy which I worked in both fields for 4 years. After that time, I realized this was not my forte, but I knew I still wanted to stay in the medical arena. This is when I decided to pursue my Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. I have been a registered nurse now for 22 years. My first job was in a psychiatric rehabilitation center where I worked for 10 years.
I knew a close friend that was very dear to my heart that had a mental illness. This person was a smart young man that was a straight A student, had a lot going for himself and was a track star in high school. The kids were very envious and jealous of him because he was doing so well. He had gone to a party, had stepped away from his drink and someone put something in his drink. From that point his life changed. I hated to see him walking in the middle of the street talking to himself, swinging his arms in the air as if he were fighting someone and he looked very unkept. He sought medical help, but I do not know his outcome. “There is a recognized shortage of mental health professionals licensed to supply the full scope of mental health services, including assessment, diagnosis, and prescribing. Psychiatric mental health advanced practice nurses have the education and licensure to supply these services, address provider shortages and increase access to services” (Delaney, K. R. 2017, p. 952). This is what guided me to go back to seeking my Nurse Practitioner Degree in Psychiatry.
Vision, Mission, Goals and Social Change
‘Walden’s University mission provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so they can effect positive social change” (Walden University, n.d.). My reason for pursuing my Nurse Practitioner Degree is to deliver excellent patient care and to be able to serve some of the underserved communities in Illinois.
My goal is to apply Walden’s University vision to my academic studies to further my knowledge, skills and improve solutions in wellness to the community. My desire to become a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner fills me with excitement to provide care to those with mental challenges.
Networking Outcomes and Perspectives
“Networking will be an essential aspect of my nursing career. “According to the Bureau of Labor, 70% of jobs are found through professional networking” (Wofford, P, 2018, p.1). It will be an amazing experience sharing my ideals with people who have similar goals. It will open a different environment and conversation with people embarking on the same journey.
It is important to have a group of professionals where I can blend my assets with those whose networking will help me improve my knowledge in areas where I can extract some of their ideas for my benefit.
In conclusion Walden’s MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) outcomes and perspectives closely relate to my personal and professional goals to become a cultivated person who not only works well with patients and staff but the community as a whole (Walden University, n.d.).
My problem solving and critical thinking skills can only get better because I have taken this course. This will give me the confidence I need in my personal, professional, and academic life.
References
Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved May 31, 2022, from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking
Walden University. (2022a). Master of science in nursing (MSN). Retrieved May 31, 2022 from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=193&poid=77329&returnto=75376
Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved May 231, 2022 from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971
Delaney, K. R. (2017). Psychiatric mental health nursing advanced practice workforce: Capacity to address shortages of mental health professionals. Psychiatric Services, 68(9), 952-954. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201600405
I am sorry to read about your close friend and the problematic changes you observed in him. I have observed middle and high school students who are doing well in school experience some crisis and then become someone completely different in a matter of months. The shortage of mental health professionals has had a significant impact on society, so I am grateful for your decision to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
Schmidt (2018) states, “younger nurses should defer to their veteran counterparts for tips on managing the rigors of nursing (para. 24).” You have been a nurse for 22 years, so you will be able to share your experiences as a veteran nurse in your professional network. As a Walden University student, you will soon be able to identify your areas of knowledge gaps and will need to rely on a professional network to advance the field of behavioral health. Have you attended a conference on behavioral health? Walker (2018) identified how conferences are an opportunity for networking by “providing a way to be in the same room, with those who have similar interests” (para. 5). I am in the same PMHNP program as you, so perhaps we can ask each other for connections when the time comes.
References
Schmidt, K. (2018). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. BluePipes Blog. https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking
6 months ago
Christina McMillan
RE: Discussion – Week 1-LOIDA THORNE
Loida,
I think you bring up a great point regarding knowing someone who has mental illness. When I read what you wrote about the young man who you have seen exhibit signs of mental illness, it instantly made me think of someone I went to high school with as well. A few years ago I saw this person and I could hardly believe the person I saw in front of me. I believe when they realized who I was they walked away. It was very heartbreaking. I do believe this person is also getting some assistance now.
6 months ago
Rachel Frye
RE: Discussion – Week 1, Frye
Networking Opportunities
My name is Rachel Frye and I have been a nurse for two years, and I have worked in health care for five years. Nursing has always been my passion but I am slowly learning that passions can change depending on your experience. I started in a nursing home, transferred over to an outpatient clinic, and then started working inpatient in a cardiac unit. One reason I went back to school is to be able to care for patients of all ages at a more advanced level and to work with them throughout the life cycle. When choosing a school to pursue this degree, I had to choose what was most important for me to be able to properly care for my patients when the program had finished and to also feel supported within the classwork.
Mission, Vision, and Outcomes
Within healthcare, there is always change, never an “always.” This statement has guided my personal nursing practice. Choosing a program that will help me enhance my critical thinking skills and create ways to problem solve is something that is important to me. Walden’s vision and mission describe how essential that is. Part of the MSN statement says that we must “develop a lifelong commitment to learning” (Walden University, para 1, 2022). My professional goal is to provide well-rounded and holistic care to each of my patients through the Family Nurse Practitioner role. In order to exceed, you will also need a support system which Walden has already shown their support through their professors and within social media.
Becoming a scholar-practitioner should be our highest-end goal throughout all of our degrees. The learning outcomes give us guidance on how to prepare, participate, and finish each class. Statement number two is a guideline of how I want to practice with each of my patients, it talks about how evidence-based practice and theoretical research are to guide how we decide on treatment for each patient (Walden University, para 3, 2022). It is important for me to continue to analyze the best research available to care for each person that I see in order to practice patient-centered care. This statement relates to another one of my goals, which is to continue to learn how to best care for people.
Networking
There are so many ways to learn and grow in your own professional role, networking is one way to help. Networking is simply defined as “making connections and forming relationships with other progressional in your field” (Writers, para. 2, 2019). As a new FNP, finding a mentor will be extremely helpful in learning your new role, which can be found through networking. Within each role I have had as an employee, I have had a preceptor, or mentor, to help guide me through the new position. As an FNP, networking will help me give the best care possible to my patients. In the school setting, networking with classmates will also help with support through the program. After we finish our programs, networking can help us find a job where we know people who work there. I know from personal experience that having a friend in the workplace helps with comfortability. Overall, networking will be the way that we can find a job either right out of the program or later in life when we may know a little bit more about where we would like to be.
References
Walden University. (2022). Master of science in nursing (MSN). Program: Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=40&poid=6995
Walden University. (2022). School of Nursing Mission and Vision. School of Nursing Mission and Vision – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=122&navoid=35010
Writers, S. (2019, March 8). Professional Networking in Public Health. PublicHealth.org. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://www.publichealth.org/resources/professional-networking/
6 months ago
Elizabeth Brennan
RE: Discussion – Week 1, Frye
6 months ago
Hazel Alejandria
RE: Discussion – Week 1, Frye
6 months ago
LOIDA THORNE
RE: Discussion – Week 1, Frye- Response #1
Hi Rachel,
Thank You for Sharing your nursing experience. Your passion will become deeper the more involved you become in different aspects of nursing. Each specialty is unique unto itself. Networking is essential because it will broaden your overall ability to understand the views of others. It gives the opportunity to connect with professionals that can help establish many other talents that you possess and never used (Schmidt, K. 2018). This will enable you to connect with others that have similar interests and ideas to make feasible career advancements and opportunities. Much success in your nursing endeavors.
Reference
Schmidt, K. (2018). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. BluePipes Blog. https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hello, my name is Pam Douglas. I have been working in the medical field for approximately 20 years. I started working as a unit secretary in a medical-surgical unit in a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. I went to school and became a nursing technician and did that for several years, before becoming pregnant. I stayed home for about two years before returning to school and becoming an RN. I have now decided to go back to school and become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
My Goals Aligned with Walden’s Vision Statement
Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives state that Walden’s College of Nursing program is, dedicated to excellence in nursing education and provides programs to transform diverse nursing professionals into champions of change who will improve health outcomes and advance health equity. (Walden University, 2020). My goals align with Walden’s vision to always strive for excellence and continue to gain more knowledge. The education I will receive will allow me to provide the best care and improve the health outcomes for the individuals in my community.
My Goals in Walden’s MSN Program
Walden’s MSN Program prepares nurses with an MSN or a nurse practitioner MSN degree with the technical information, knowledge, and skills to be eligible to take the national NP certification examination appropriate to the specialty and obtain NP licensure at the state level. (Walden, 2020) My goal as a graduate is to have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pass the NP licensure. I also want to apply what I have learned and use those skills working in the community as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Benefits of Networking
Both Yale University and Cornell University cite the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) when claiming that 70% of all jobs are found through networking (Schmidt, 2018). When starting a new career, networking will help you gain fundamental knowledge in the workplace, help with career advancement, and allow you to develop professional relationships that can later be used as work references. I have personally experienced the benefits of having a network of fellow nurse friends who were beneficial for my carrier advancement and helped with my personal growth and development.
References
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.) College of Nursing. Retrieved October 5, 2020, from
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398
Walden University. (n.d.) College of Nursing. Retrieved October 5, 2020, from
6 months ago
Crystal Lewis WALDEN INSTRUCTOR MANAGER
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hi, Pam,
Why is it necessary to identify your network and support systems, as you begin your education, pursuing an advanced practice degree?
Great post!
Dr. Lewis
6 months ago
Pam Douglas
RE: Discussion – Week 1
6 months ago
Lawren Black
RE: Response #1 – Week 1
6 months ago
Pam Douglas
RE: Response #1 – Week 1
6 months ago
Sherwin Jackson
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hello Pam
First i would like to congratulate you on your decision to go back to school. As busy working adults with family responsibilities the decision to continue our education is not a simple one, as such, choice of school is of the utmost importance. I was guided to walden through networking with collegues and after reading the MSN outcome goals and Walden’s vision statment was hooked.I am also of the opionion that networking in the healthcare profession is somewhat of a “lifeline”, and having an extensive network increases chances for overall sucess.
6 months ago
Lawren Black
RE: Discussion – Week 1
My Goals and Walden.docx (15.591 KB)
6 months ago
Lawren Black
RE: Discussion – Week 1
My Goals and Walden’s Vision and Mission
After graduating college in December 2017 and starting the first year of my career off as a Medical/Surgical/Telemetry nurse I knew that I wanted to expand my knowledge and continue learning. I took a chance, moved to a new city, and started working in a Level II Emergency Department (ED). Over the past three years of working in the ED I have had the privilege of learning from and providing care to a very diverse patient population. Yes, while taking care of an acute medical or trauma patient can be exciting, especially to a new nurse in the ED, I gravitated towards the acute psychiatric emergencies. This patient population, as well as some personal experiences, sparked my interest and passion to advance my nursing degree in hopes of being able to provide the highest quality of care to these patients and their families.
While searching graduate schools that offered Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) classes, I came across Walden University. As a young full-time single mother to two daughters, a three-year-old and a newborn, I was first drawn to Walden because of their flexibility. After researching more into Walden I noticed their vision, mission, and goals related to my professional and academic goals and knew this institution was the right place to start advancing my degree. According to Walden’s College of Nursing (n.d.), their mission is dedicated to excellence in nursing education to provide nursing professionals the resources needed to advance health equity. This statement aligns with my professional goal of being able to provide every person the opportunity to reach their full mental health potential and no one is disadvantaged because of the stigma surrounding mental health.
Walden University (n.d.) also strives to provide “…education that fosters research, discovery, and critical thinking…” and produce practitioners that are agents of positive social change. These goals also relate to my professional goal of becoming a practitioner because as a PMHNP you must stay up to date on current research and use your critical thinking skills to provide the excellent individualized care for your patients. I would also be able to hopefully end the stigma surrounding mental health as an agent of positive social change.
MSN Program Outcomes
Of the seven MSN Learning Outcomes provided, the one that caught my attention, and relates to my overall goal, speaks on providing cost-effective health care that reduces health disparities for access to specialized nursing care (Walden University, n.d.). Growing up in a low-income community where some residents are not able to afford going to their Primary Care Provider (PCP) or their medications puts a strain on the healthcare system. The county’s hospital had to close almost a decade ago due to losing millions of dollars every year. Now these residents must travel at least fifteen miles to the closest hospital for care. It is my goal to provide low-income communities access to mental health care that is needed.
Importance of Networking
Professional networking is important, especially for PMHNP, because of the need to communicate and collaborate with other health care professionals, case management or social workers, and/or treatment centers in order to provide individualized services to the patient. While working in the ED I have had the opportunity to begin my networking while working as part of a multidisciplinary team. These relationships will provide me with the resources needed to assist me in advancing my career and achieving my goals. Schmidt (n.d.) explains how professional networking is imperative for advancements in the nursing field. Developing professional relationships or attending professional conferences help keep the nurse’s knowledge up to date on current practices (Schmidt). I plan to become a part of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Community to become exposed to new evidence-based resources and programs of those with mental health need.
References
Walden University. (n.d.). Mission and Vision. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398
Walden University. (n.d.). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from
https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971
Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): MSN Learning Outcomes.
Retrieved June 1, 2022, from
https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=193&poid=77329&returnto=75376
Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking [Blog Post].
Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-
take-professional-networking-seriously/
6 months ago
Jessica Jarosky
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hello Lawren,
I appreciate your work in the emergency department stabilizing the psychiatric patients before placing them or discharging them home. I work at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, so I understand the stress of the job. Your goal of helping low-income communities find mental health care is also a goal of mine. Have you thought of joining the American Psychiatric Nurses Association? I believe their goals align with yours as well. APNA states that psychiatric nurses “work to educate patients, families, health care peers, and communities to understand that whole health begins with mental health – actively working to shatter the stigma associated with mental health care and treatment” (About Psychiatric-Mental Health, 2022, para. 1). I agree with you that if we break the mental health stigma, psychiatric patients will be able to receive the resources and care they need.
I agree that networking is a tool to provide psychiatric patients with holistic care. I run the treatment team on our unit, consisting of the psychiatrist, social worker, discharge planner, pharmacist, medical doctor, UR nurse, and the ITA team. This type of networking can provide a patient with safe placement, medications, appointments, and resources upon return to the community. The treatment team also provides me with knowledge in other specialties that I can use to educate my patients. Like Schmidt (n.d.) says, “career advancement can sometimes require knowledge of the roles and processes of units outside a nurse’s scope of practice” (para. 17). I wish you luck in your journey to becoming a scholar-practitioner!
References
About Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing. (April 28, 2022). APNA. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.apna.org/about-psychiatric-nursing/.
Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. Retrieved June 1, 2022, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
6 months ago
Lawren Black
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hi, Jessica,
I absolutely love being able to work with the psychiatric patients in the ED! We actually have an acute inpatient behavioral health facility associated with our hospital that we send most of our adult patients too. I actually have thought about joining the American Psychiatric Nurses Association to serve as a resource during the MSN program, but also as a practicing APRN. I learned a lot about their organization while doing research for our assignment this week and I believe it would be an amazing community to be apart of. That is awesome that you work as a team on your unit that consists of so many members from different areas because that networking will help you be successful as a APRN! You already have started building on the knowledge needed. Thank you for your best wishes! I wish you the best of luck as well!
6 months ago
Kayleigh Haas
RE: Discussion – Week 1
6 months ago
Lawren Black
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hey Kayleigh,
We actually also use telepsychiatry services, when we do not have an inhouse psych MD! The only con to using this service, I believe, is they have only a few MDs to assess patients in the whole state. We have had an increase in psych/mental health patients recently so sometimes patients will sit over 24hrs without being evaluated by a psychiatrist due to the high demand. I currently work nights, so of course we do not have coverage overnight, but during the day they will have a psychiatrist who will see patients in the ED and make recommendations! I would love to provide this type of service, either via telecommunications or inperson, to the acute mental health crisis patients!
6 months ago
Rachel Frye
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Lawren,
I have similar goals to yours, I want to continue to learn new things through the environments I work in. It is risky to move somewhere new and to start a new life! There is such a need for more mental health professionals and for them to actually be passionate about their work, and it sounds like you are. I have also taken care of many psychiatric patients on a medical/surgical unit. I occasionally worked in the ED at my last job and I totally understand the stress of high pace work while trying to care for someone who is mentally unhealthy. Networking would be so important once you are in the NP role. You noted that you hope to give care to lower income families, Khanum et. al. states that networking is even more important for nurses who work in more rural settings (2016).
When I was looking for schools I also found the flexibility of Walden to be very fitting for my schedule. Since our jobs as nurses need to be flexible, in terms of what days we work each week and the type of work we do during our shift, it was nice to find a school that was supportive of that. Critical thinking skills are the backbone of the healthcare profession. Papthanasiou et. al. talks about how these skills are critical within our nursing care, whether that is in the RN role or NP role (2014). Best of luck to you in your journey to becoming a PMHNP!
References
Khanum, S., Souza, M., Naz, N., Sasso, G., Brüggemann, O., & Heideman, I. (2016). The use of networking in nursing practice —an Integrative Review. Societies, 6(3), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc6030022
Papathanasiou, I. V., Kleisiaris, C. F., Fradelos, E. C., Kakou, K., & Kourkouta, L. (2014). Critical thinking: the development of an essential skill for nursing students. Acta informatica medica : AIM : journal of the Society for Medical Informatics of Bosnia & Herzegovina : casopis Drustva za medicinsku informatiku BiH, 22(4), 283–286. https://doi.org/10.5455/aim.2014.22.283-286
6 months ago
chinwe chukwumerije
RE: Discussion – Week 1
How Walden’s Vision, Mission, and Goals Relate to My Goals
I can relate to Walden’s vision, Mission, and Goals, especially in the areas of building students up to be strong, innovative, and professional. Having said that I will dive into professional networking.
Professional network makes it possible for easy interactions among nurses. For professionals like nurses, it is a great practice to attend seminars, conferences, and network with other professional bodies in higher positions in the field of healthcare that can help medical practitioners everywhere. Most of the individual’s networking happens within social media networking because it is so convenient.. coworkers, students, families, and even friends can act as a support system through networking. Someone you know is most certainly going to be the link between you and your next job (Wofford, P). It has been shown that most jobs are made possible through networking.
Importance of Networking in the Achievement of My Goals
I know that professional and academic networks also allow nurses to gain experience, current ideas, and knowledge in their daily nursing activities. I have benefited highly thru networking I know that going forward for me to achieve my objective and be successful in the MSN Program as a practicing nurse, I’ve identified at least two academics and two professionals who will work with me on this academic success and professional development plan.
References
Assignment Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network NURS 6003 (2019). Retrieved on 1st of June 2022. https://nursingassignmentcrackers.com/assignment-part-1-developing-an-academic-and-professional-network-nurs-6003/
6 months ago
Michele Coffey
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hello Chinwe,
You have some valid points in your post. It is vitally important for healthcare professionals to attend social functions related to their field in order to grow their support system. By networking in professional and academic arenas colleagues can better understand and support each other in career building.
6 months ago
Sherwin Jackson
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hello, my name is Sherwin and I graduated in 1996 in Port of Spain Trinidad. Since then, I have lived and worked in the UK and now here in the US. I reside in Pennsylvania.
My daily schedule does not allow much “extra time” so when I decided to advance my Nursing Scope of practice, I took the choosing of a school very important. Walden was not on my list of choices but after hearing from several colleagues about Walden’s MSN programs I decided to research further.
Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to my professional and academic goals
Walden’s Vision and Mission statement highlights diversity of professionals and the provision of multifaceted opportunities aimed at assisting in the transformation of students into not just scholarly practitioners, but scholarly practitioners with the ability to bring about positive social change. Walden’s Vision statement acknowledges that the present learning community is distinctly different, and that the worthiness of knowledge is judges on its applicability to finding immediate solutions to present problems.
These statements are parallel to reasons why I decided to advance my professional knowledge which include becoming a scholarly practitioner to effect positive change through the application of” workable solutions” to identified “present problems”
Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives as it relates to my professional and academic goals
I appreciated having a choice between the course-based and competency-based modality, it gave me more flexibility in my overall scheduling. Of the seven listed MSN Learning outcomes, outcomes 1 and 3 caught my attention the most. The stated goals of developing more cost effective, high quality, specialized health care strategies to reduce health care disparities presently apparent in specific populations put into eloquent words my professional and academic goals.
The importance of Networking.
Networking amounts professionals acts as a major source of information, support, and service improvement. In my experiences it was through networking with colleagues that I have been able to solve many educational and practice related obstacles, (enrolling in Walden’s MSN program being one). Networking has not only provided me with professional solutions but also acts as a platform for moral support as it relates to the daily challenges of being a health care provider on the front lines of a very demanding system.
Reference
Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
Walden University. (2022b). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971
Walden University. (2022a). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=193&poid=77329&returnto=75376
6 months ago
Pam Douglas
RE: Discussion – Week 1
6 months ago
Lawren Black
RE: Response #2 – Week 1
Hi, Sherwin,
I find it very interesting that you had the opportunity to work in the United Kingdom and now in the states. I have worked with a few nurses from the Philippines and it always is interesting to hear stories about the health care system there and the resources they had, or did not have, to take care of patients. Have you found many differences with the overall health care system or how “we do things here,” that is vastly different from working in the UK? Does the UK have professional organizations, like American Nurses Association, that student nurses/RNs/APRNs are able to join? Similarly to you, I chose Walden’s to advance my degree because of their Vision, Mission, and Goals statements. Becoming an APRN I hope to bring about positive social change within the mental health community. One way I hope to come about this is providing cost-effective care to those patients who may not have access to the specialized care or able to afford the care—which is one of the MSN Learning Outcomes listed as well as one that got your attention. I agree with you that networking is important for health care providers to be able to communicate and debrief after a stressful shift. I am apart of a group on Facebook, ER Nurses Only, that allows for nurses to post asking for advice, tips, or policies within other hospitals in hopes of changing policies at their own facility. Are you apart of any professional organizations or groups/teams?
6 months ago
Michele Coffey
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Walden University and My Professional Goals
Nursing as a career chose me early in life. From a young age I was caretaker to two family members, both with terminal illnesses. As I watched the care they received I knew the type nurse I wanted to strive to be as well as the nurse I never wanted to be. Since obtaining my degree I have worked in various area such as Cardiac Cath Lab, Emergency Department, Neurology, and Neurosurgery. I began with my Associates Degree, finished my Bachelor’s Degree, and now wanted to complete my Master’s Degree. Healthcare is an ever changing workforce and one must be willing to continuously learn in order to evolve.
Selecting the right school for my degree was a bit challenging. I wanted a school with great academic scores as well as one that could accommodate my schedule. Each school with an online learning option promises there is best. This is where it takes some investigation. Two colleagues recommended I take a look at Walden, so I started doing my research. Walden’s mission statement reads that the college of Nursing is, “dedicated to excellence in nursing education, provides programs to transform diverse nursing professionals into champions of change who will improve health outcomes and advance health equity.” (Walden University, n.d.) This is something that should interest every nurse looking to further their career. Furthermore, the learning outcomes for the Masters of Science Program state, “Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.” (Walden University, 2022a) This lays the foundation for a strong educational program.
Networking Toward My Goal
Networking in Nursing provides the path towards career development and finding the right job. Colleagues and peers are the best place to begin networking. They have insight into open positions and opportunities that you may otherwise miss. Another benefit of networking is to build a support system. Beginning practitioners need strong preceptors and mentors to help coach them through the transitionary phase. Being strategic in networking will assist in maintaining relationships developed for a specific goal. Networking requires critical thinking skills be developed and utilized properly to acquire a firm knowledge base for your chosen career path. As we transition into practitioners our network will expand to assist in furthering our career.
References
Walden University. (n.d.) College of nursing: mission and vision. Retrieved May 29, 2022 from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398.
Walden University. (2022a). Master of science in nursing (MSN). Retrieved May 29, 2022 from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=193&poid=77329&returnto=75376
Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved May 29, 2022 from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971
6 months ago
Crystal Lewis WALDEN INSTRUCTOR MANAGER
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hi, Michele,
How might your education improve your ability to lead others and impact social change, in your community?
Great post!
Dr. Lewis
6 months ago
Michele Coffey
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Greetings Dr. Lewis,
I am from a very smal rural area. by furthering my education and expanding my knowledge base I will be an advocate for better access to quality healthcare in my community. Often, people must travel up to 200 miles to receive speacialized care. By continuing my education I will sharpen my leadership abilities and advocate for those in need of care I will be able to provide.
6 months ago
Sherwin Jackson
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hello Michele.
I agree with your views and realise that your career path seems similar to my own as i also graduated with an Associate Degree, then after many years advanced to a Bachelor’s and now i am attempting this Graduate level programe.I also am of the view that Nursing chose me because nursing was never in my plans and now it is who i am. My choice of school was also very important and i to was guided to Waldens programe via networking with collegues. Through all of my nursing years networking has been key to my ‘survival’, not only in terms of possible employment prospects but more so in terms of support, moraly, educational and for problem solveing. I presently have a strong network of collegues in multiple healthcare setting, in multiple states and even countries, as such i have learned that ” somebody always got the solution”.
6 months ago
LOIDA THORNE
RE: Discussion – Week 1 Response #2
Hi Michele
Thank You for your post. It was very beneficial. “Professional networking can help nurses achieve the fundamental knowledge required to take the next step” (Schmidt, K. 2018). It can build a path that leads to job security. Nurses need to meet people that can guide them to a place where others share the same ideals. Networking requires special skills that help strengthen your abilities to focus on furthering your academic success. Best of Luck on your endeavors!
Reference
Schmidt, K. (2018). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. BluePipes Blog. https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
6 months ago
Rachel Frye
RE: Discussion – Week 1
Hi Michele!
Nursing too chose me early in life, but my story is different from yours. I have worked in nursing homes, doctor’s offices, as well as inpatient cardiac telemetry, neurosurgery, and surgical oncology. Throughout all of those settings, it was stressed that things will continue to change and we need to be committed to learning along the way. Walden’s mission statement and learning outcomes also note the importance of learning through the program as well as through our careers (n.d.). When I was looking at programs to join for the FNP program, I leaned towards Walden due to their flexibility, support from the school, and the virtue of critical thinking and lifelong learning. Papathanasiou et. al. talks about how critical thinking is essential in order to nurses due to the vast knowledge that we hold so we can have the ability to solve complex problems (2014). These skills can help us build that strong educational foundation. Thanks for your post!
References
Papathanasiou, I. V., Kleisiaris, C. F., Fradelos, E. C., Kakou, K., & Kourkouta, L. (2014). Critical thinking: the development of an essential skill for nursing students. Acta informatica medica : AIM : journal of the Society for Medical Informatics of Bosnia & Herzegovina : casopis Drustva za medicinsku informatiku BiH, 22(4), 283–286. https://doi.org/10.5455/aim.2014.22.283-286
n University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved May 29, 2022 from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971
Discussion: Networking Opportunities
In this module, you begin laying the foundation for your academic and professional success. Your efforts begin with a vision that 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 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. Finally, you will explain the importance of networking and how it can help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.
To Prepare:
- Review the Walden and College of Nursing mission and vision statements, Walden’s goals and University Outcomes, and the MSN Program Learning Outcomes presented in this Module’s Learning Resources.
- Reflect on your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
- Consider how the information in these resources fit with your own goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.
- Also consider academic and professional individuals and teams with whom you may collaborate in support of your efforts as a student at the university and as a professional within your organization and career.
- Consider the importance of networking and how it may help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
By Day 3 of Week 1
Post a brief introduction of yourself to your colleagues. Include an explanation as to 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. Finally, explain why networking is important and how it may help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
By Day 6 of Week 1
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by suggesting additional individuals and/or teams with whom you wish to collaborate or by offering additional networking strategies.
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network
When was the last time you read Meditation XVII of John Donne’s Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions?
Unless you are a student of seventeenth-century poetry, you may not be all that familiar with this piece. However, you may be much more familiar with one of its well-known phrases: “No man is an island…”.
As you begin your journey toward achieving your academic and professional goals, you have a great opportunity to network with academics and professionals who can help ensure you do not travel alone. This network can help to clarify your own vision for success and can help guide you now and in the future. To paraphrase Donne, no one is an island.
Begin creating an academic and professional network by identifying which academic and professional connections and resources with which you need to collaborate to succeed in your MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
To Prepare:
- Consider individuals, departments, teams, and/or resources within Walden University and within your profession that you believe can support your academic and professional success.
- Identify at least two academic and at least two professional individuals, colleagues, or teams that might help you succeed in your MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
- Download the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template.
The Assignment:
Academic and Professional Network
Complete Part 1 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template. Be sure to address the following:
- Identify at least two academic and at least two professional individuals or teams to collaborate with to be successful in your MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
- Explain why you selected these individuals and/or teams and how they will support your success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
To Prepare:
- Review the information presented in the Learning Resources for using the Walden Library, searching the databases, and evaluating online resources.
- Begin searching for a peer-reviewed article that pertains to your practice area and interests you.
By Day 3 of Week 4
Post the following:
Using proper APA formatting, cite the peer-reviewed article you selected that pertains to your practice area and is of particular interest to you and identify the database that you used to search for the article. Explain any difficulties you experienced while searching for this article. Would this database be useful to your colleagues? Explain why or why not. Would you recommend this database? Explain why or why not.
By Day 6 of Week 4
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by offering suggestions/strategies for working with this database from your own experience, or offering ideas for using alternative resources.
