NURS : Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing
Academic and Professional Success Plan Template
Prepared by:
Hamzat Oshun, MSN, APRN, ANP-C
This document is to be used for NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing to complete Assessments 1-4. Just as importantly the document serves to organize your thoughts about planning for your academic and professional success.
For specific instructions see the weekly assessment details in the course or ask your instructor for further guidance.
Module 1 | Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network
I have identified and secured the participation of the following academic (at least two) and professional (at least two) individuals and/or teams to form the basis of my network. This network will help me to clarify my vision for success and will help guide me now and in the future.
Directions: Complete the information below for each member of your network. For more than four entries repeat the items below with details of your additional network member(s) in the ADDITIONAL NETWORK MEMBERS section.
NETWORK MEMBER 1
Name: Jennie Salazar
Title: Enrollment Specialist
Organization: Walden University
Academic or Professional: Academic
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:
Notes:
Jenny Salazar was my Enrollment Specialist and my first point of contact with Walden University. The first impression they say matters a lot, and this proved true with our encounter. She was helpful throughout the enrollment process. I selected Jenny Salazar as part of my network because I believe she will continue to support me and contribute to the success of my MSN program. She will be able to offer me guidance throughout the program. She is very pleasant and knowledgeable about the university and entire curriculum of the Post Master's Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This network with Jenny Salazar will help me to clarify my vision for success and will help guide me now and in the future.
NETWORK MEMBER 2
Name: Francesca Gold
Title: Progress Coach
Organization: Walden University
Academic or Professional: Academic
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:
Notes:
Francesca Gold is my progress coach at the university. I selected her because she was of great assistance throughout the enrollment and registration process. She helped me navigate the schools website and sent emails regarding important deadlines. She sent several helpful links in preparation and to ensure success in my endeavor. This...
…integrityand professional ethics cannot be overemphasized.
PART 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work
Expand on your thoughts from Part 1 by:
Identifying and describing strategies you intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of your 1) academic work while a student of the MSN program, and 2) professional work as a nurse throughout your career. Include a review of resources and approaches you propose to use as a student and a professional.
Integrity is adhering to strict a code of moral values. To compromise integrity is to
compromise important life attributes like personal and social responsibilities. Academic
misconduct undermines the educators ability to assess students. It erodes academic freedom,
quality, and the spirit of intellectual inquiry which are cornerstones of learning (Psychol, 2016) I
have identified strategies I intend to pursue to maintain academic integrity in my academic work
as a student in the MSN program. They include -Understanding the assignment and following the
instructions, planning for the deadlines, proper citation of the work I have used, and using the
writing tools provided by the organization I intend to maintain integrity and ethics throughout
my career by continuing to practice within the guidelines of my profession, by working or
associating with reputable organizations, and by having positive role models in my professions.
The…
References
Ethics in research and scholarly practice. (2021, March 9). Southwestern College Santa Fe, NM. https://www.swc.edu/ethics-in-research-and-scholarly-practice/
Morris, E. J. (2018, December 27). Academic integrity matters: Five considerations for addressing contract cheating. BioMed Central. https://edintegrity.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1007/s40979-018-0038-5
Poredidi, V., Narayanan, A., Thankachan, A., Joy, B., Awunoshi, C., & Reddy, S. (2021, May). Professional and ethical values in nursing practice: An Indian perspective. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8253520/
Psychol, F. (2016, August 3). Integrity in and beyond contemporary higher education: What does it mean to University students? PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4971073/
Yoon, S. W., Han, H., & Chai, D. (2021, March 31). Just a moment... Just a moment... https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/15344843211006795Module 3 | Part 3: Research AnalysisI have identified one topic of interest for further study. I have researched and identified one peer-reviewed research article focused on this topic and have analyzed this article. The results of these efforts are shared below.
Directions: Complete Step 1 by using the table and subsequent space below identify and analyze the research article you have selected. Complete Step 2 by summarizing in 2-3 paragraphs the results of your analysis using the space identified.
Step 1: Research AnalysisComplete the table belowTopic of Interest:Health equity and structural racism in nursingResearch Article: Include full citation in APA format, as well as link or search details (such as DOI)Nardi, D., Waite, R., Nowak, M., Hatcher, B., Hines?Martin, V., & Stacciarini, J. R. (2020). Achieving health equity through eradicating structural racism in the United States: A call to action for nursing leadership. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 52(6), 696-704. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12602Professional Practice Use:One or more professional practice uses of the theories/concepts presented in the articleA Call to Action for Nursing Leadership” by Nardi et al. (2022) published in the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, focuses on the role of U.S. nursing leadership in addressing and dismantling structural racism within the nursing profession and healthcare systems. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding and reducing structural racism to achieve health equity, particularly for racialized black and brown communities.
Research Analysis MatrixAdd more rows if necessaryStrengths of the ResearchLimitations of the ResearchRelevancy to Topic of InterestNotesThe article provides a thorough analysis of structural racism in nursing and healthcare, and offers clear, actionable recommendations for nursing leadership.
The study primarily focuses on the U.S. context and may not fully address global perspectives on structural racism in nursing.
Highly relevant as it directly addresses the issue of structural racism in nursing, which is a significant factor in health equity.
The article is a valuable resource for understanding the role of nursing leadership in combating structural racism and promoting health equity.
It highlights the importance of leadership roles in initiating and sustaining change against structural racism in healthcare.
The research might not include the experiences and perspectives of minority nurses or patients directly.
The focus on leadership roles in nursing provides a strategic viewpoint for addressing systemic issues.
Useful for nursing leaders and educators in developing strategies to address structural racism.
The research is backed by a comprehensive review of existing literature, enhancing its credibility.
Does not have a hugely detailed exploration of practical challenges in implementing the recommended actions.
Aligns with current healthcare priorities of promoting diversity and inclusivity.
Can be used as a reference for further studies on the topic.
Incorporates a multi-dimensional approach to understanding structural racism, including historical, social, and economic factors.
Limited in providing specific case studies or real-world examples of successful interventions.
Adds depth to the understanding of how structural racism operates within healthcare systems.
Encourages a holistic view of the problem, which is crucial for effective solutions.
Emphasizes the ethical responsibility of nursing professionals in addressing health disparities.
The scope of the article might not cover all aspects of structural racism, such as policy implications.
Directly ties into nursing ethics and professional responsibility towards equitable care.
Reinforces the moral imperative of nursing professionals in social justice issues.
Step 2: Summary of AnalysisCraft a summary (2-3 paragraph) below that includes the following:· Describe your approach to identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research· Identify at least two strategies that you would use that you found to be effective in finding peer-reviewed research· Identify at least one resource you intend to use in the future to find peer-reviewed researchIn the process of identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research, my approach was methodical and focused on ensuring the credibility and relevance of the sources. Initially, I defined the scope of my research topic, which in this case was "Health Equity and Structural Racism in Nursing." This specificity guided my search for articles that directly addressed these themes. I then utilized academic databases and journals known for their rigorous peer-review processes, ensuring that the research was not only relevant but also met high academic standards.
Two effective strategies stood out in this process. First, I relied on keyword searches in academic databases such as PubMed, JSTOR, and Google Scholar. These platforms offer advanced search options that allowed me to narrow down results to highly relevant peer-reviewed articles. I used specific terms and phrases related to my topic, such as "structural racism in healthcare" and "nursing and health equity," which yielded focused results. Second, I utilized the reference lists of recent, relevant articles. This strategy led me to additional valuable sources that were cited in the initial articles I found, expanding the breadth of my research.
For future research endeavors, I intend to use the database PubMed extensively. PubMed is a free resource that provides access to the MEDLINE database of citations and abstracts in the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, healthcare systems, and preclinical sciences. It's particularly useful for its comprehensive coverage of medical literature and its inclusion of numerous peer-reviewed articles. Additionally, the database's filters and advanced search options make it an invaluable tool for efficiently locating high-quality, relevant research in specific areas of interest within the healthcare field.
Module 6 | Part 4: Finalizing the PlanI have considered various options for my nursing specialty, including a close look at my selected (or currently preferred) specialty and second-preferred specialty. I have also developed a justification of my selected (or preferred) specialty. Lastly, I have examined one professional organization related to my selected or preferred specialty and considered how I can become a member of this organization.
The results of my efforts are below.
Directions: Complete Step 1 by writing 2-3 paragraphs in the space below comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration - to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
Complete Step 2 by writing a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
Complete Step 3 by examining and identifying one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
Step 1: Comparison of Nursing SpecialtiesUse the space below to write 2-3 paragraphs comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration - to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
In comparing my preferred nursing specialty, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), with my second preference, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), several key differences emerge. The PMHNP specialty focuses on providing mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. PMHNPs diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide psychotherapy, and prescribe medications. This role is crucial in addressing the growing mental health crisis and requires a deep understanding of psychiatric conditions and treatments.
On the other hand, FNPs offer comprehensive healthcare across the lifespan. This includes preventive care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and patient education. FNPs work in various settings, from private practices to community health centers, providing a broad spectrum of care.
A significant differentiator for me is the specific patient population and type of care. PMHNP allows for specialization in mental health, an area I am deeply passionate about, especially considering the increasing need for mental health professionals. In contrast, FNP offers a broader scope of practice but less focus on psychiatric care.
Step 2: Justification of Nursing SpecialtyUse the space below to write a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
Choosing the PMHNP specialization aligns with my passion for mental health and my desire to contribute meaningfully to this critical area of healthcare. Feedback from colleagues and mentors has reinforced my decision, highlighting the growing demand for mental health services and the rewarding nature of this specialization. The ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health issues is a compelling factor in my choice. Additionally, the specialization offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth in a rapidly evolving field.
Step 3: Professional OrganizationsUse the space below to identify and examine one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a key professional organization for PMHNPs. APNA provides educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for psychiatric-mental health nursing. To become a member, one can apply through the APNA website, choosing a membership category that best fits their professional status. Membership benefits include access to the latest research, discounts on conferences and continuing education, and a platform to collaborate with peers in the field. Joining APNA would be a strategic step in staying informed and connected within the psychiatric nursing community.
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