I have learned a great deal in my cursing studies, however when I think about my future career goals I realize that I still have aspirations that I wish to obtain. By enrolling in the MSN program, I feel that I will have the chance to develop new skills that can launch my career to a higher level of success.
Academic Coursework in Other Fields
Foundations of Graduate Studies will give me the skills I need to be successful in this endeavor. By planning and working hard, this course proposes the path I need to take to obtain my degree. Setting goals and accomplishing them is important both in school and is also applicable in my future work as a nurse. Time management is essential in transitioning to this program. By understanding our obligations we can better put in place a plan of action to manage our time in the most efficient manner.
Teaching Assignments
This course proposes a “win-win agreement” that assists in creating an environment in which everyone involved works together in a cooperative environment (Harrington & Terry, 2009). In making my own time management plan I hope to engage the “win-win agreement” to help me achieve my goals.
Academic Coursework in Nursing and Related Sciences
Policy and Advocacy for Improving Population Health emphasizes that community health care provides a much more hands on service than public health as it tailored to a fit a community. Community health providers also work closely to address concerns of patients in one particular area. These providers often have a better understanding about the needs of that area, and I feel that this is essential for understanding the scope of the nursing world and providing pertinent information to the public.
The class, Transforming Nursing and Healthcare through Technology, will help my stay on track with my career goals by keeping my up to date with modern nursing practices. Technology is continuously evolving and I endeavor to continue updating my current understanding of technology as well. A quote from an article I read recently stated, “Major changes in the technological base of American society will alter the knowledge, skills, and values we need to be capable workers and citizens. Evolving information technologies will transform the nature of work, and this transformation will in turn affect the design and content of the school curriculum. As jobs change, schools must shift in response.” (Stringer & Dwyer, 2004). This statement really made me think about what an important role education plays in my chosen career path.
Essentials of evidence based Practice teaches how to minimize risk by using current data to guide our practices. In the medical field it is essential to minimize risk in any way possible. Casual interference refers to legal responsibility, health claims, and policy interventions. By minimizing risk we can also minimize casual interference.
Professional Training
Action research aids human service professionals in improving their communities by working in conjunction with groups, families, and the communities themselves. Stringer states, “Action research is suited to a wide range of human services work—child protection, family support, domestic violence, juvenile justice, corrections, youth work, aged care, rehabilitation, community work, community development, services to the disabled, and others.” (Stringer & Dwyer, 2004). By analyzing significant issues and one can develop a plan of action to resolve problems efficiently and effectively.
Interprofessional Organizational and Systems Leadership will help me better understand the chain of command within the medical field. Understanding the most effective forms of leadership can help me better communicate with me peers and develop a more efficient environment. Leadership skills should facilitate the ability to work with patients and co-workers.
Academic Strengths and Weaknesses
Those in the nursing field need strong listening and communication, attention to detail, problem-solving, integrity, a high stress tolerance, and adaptability. By working hard and always trying me best I developed a stronger sense of work ethic and professional identity. I also recognize that finding time to study is also one of my weaknesses, I have to make a special effort to schedule in plenty of time to study in the future and not let other commitments interfere.
Advanced Pathophysiology will expand upon my current understanding of the subject and allow me to address a wider range of medical conditions in the future. This class is essential in developing my current understanding of pathophysiology to one congruent with a MSN level scholar.
Advanced Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning will help me better access patient concerns with the use of reasoning and diagnostics. This course will teach me the proper procedures I need to undertake to address each individual situation with a series of reasoning techniques.
Advanced Pharmacology will also expand on my knowledge of medications. Understanding in depth medications, their side effects, risks, and applications is essential for nurses. The proper administration and dosages can mean the difference between life and death for some patients and it is a responsibility that falls upon the nurses. This is why I feel this course is so important.
Primary Care of Adults across the Lifespan, Primary Care of Adolescents & Children, and Primary Care of Women all will help me better understand individual concerns and risk factors for these groups. One should understand what the risks are. This includes a general understanding of the factors, the ability to avoid these factors, the suddenness, duration, and intensity/ seriousness of risk (CDC, 2012). There are also many societal factors that may also contribute. Certain age groups can be more susceptible to health risks, especially children and the elderly (CDC, 2012).
Direct Care Roles in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention across the Life Span will teach me how to work with a wide range of patients off all ages and demographics. Nursing involves an understanding of diversity and individual nursing roles. The course will also help me better understand preventative techniques that will minimize risk and disease.
Professional presentations, seminars, and workshops
Opportunities to attend seminars or presentations can often be an added source of knowledge in addition to courses. This activities allow for students to learn from a variety of individuals and address special areas of interest. Volunteer Activities
Volunteer activities of any kind help foster community support and development. These activities promote a sense of humanity that is also congruent with the nursing field. Learning to be empathetic and the drive needed to produce results all help with learning the ethical skills needed to become a nurse. Prior Experience Designing and Executing Research
Throughout my education many occasions have arose where researching and planning were essential to problem solving. Planning goals and the course of action need to obtain each one is part of what has made me want to continue with my education, I feel that an MSN degree with assist me in obtaining my current goals outlined in my educational plan.
Publications and Other Writings
I have found that scholarly sources, such as medical journals, are often a good place to start when looking for reliable information. Online journal databases, scholarly books, and research put out by health organizations are also good sources of data.
Availability of Library, Reference, and Information Technology Resources.
I am fortunate to have a variety of resources at my disposal. Local libraries provide many publications to choose from.
In conclusion, I believe this program is essential in helping develop my own professional identity. I hope to use my knowledge of legal and ethical practices to make my practice a success. Nursing has become an interest of mine, and I look forward to learning more through this program.
Works Cited:
CDC. (2012). Disaster mental health primer: Key principles, issues and questions. Retrieved from http://www.bt.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/primer.asp
Harrington, N. & Terry, C. (2009) LPN to RN Transitions, (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lipppincott Williams & Wilkins.
Stringer, E., & Dwyer, R. (2004). Action research in human services. (1 ed.). Prentice Hall.
