NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study

NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study

My name is xx am currently the Director of Nursing in a Skilled Nursing/Rehab facility in the xx area. I started out as an LPN/LVN in 1996 graduating from a small vocational institution in xx. I worked in my hometown at a small Rehab hospital there before moving to xx, TX in 1997. I always knew I wanted to further my education by becoming a Registered Nurse and eventually earning a PhD in nursing. I had no clue as to the specialty area that I wanted to pursue, nor did I have a timeframe to pursue these goals as I was a single mother rearing three sons. As often times it does, life can get in the way of what you may think you have planned. After rearing my sons, I eventually was able to return to my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse and earned my ADN in 2014 from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, TX.  Afterwards I went on to obtain my BSN from University of xx in 2020. As the career field continues to change, the trend is becoming more demanding to possess your MSN for more lucrative jobs and to advance one’s career, thus I decided to forego my original plans of becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and chose to pursue an MSN with a concentration in Nursing Administration from Texas A&M University. I completed this MSN program in May 2022. I enjoy contributing to an organization’s clinical growth and optimal patient care/safety using evidence-based practice. I also enjoy leaving nurses and families with an opportunity to develop an increased knowledge-based learning which also promotes optimal and safe continuation of patient care which I why I decided to return to my original goal of becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. My children are my biggest motivators along with the fact that I pride myself in leading by example when it comes to encouraging my children to follow their personal educational/career goals NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study.

During my research for an appropriate fit for my lifestyle, time and affordability of online schools I was able to narrow my choices down to two schools. After doing further research and prompting by a few fellow scholarly colleagues who have also successfully attended Walden University, I was able to make a comfortable decision to enroll at Walden as well. The individuals with whom I have made contact with at Walden have been phenomenal from the very first communication. Everyone has made me feel that they are just as invested in my success as I am and are very supportive. I quickly realized Walden is the perfect choice for me to meet my educational goals.

 BUY AN ESSAY HERE

The flexibility which allows me to continue to work fulltime, have time for extracurricular activities, family and reach both professional and personal goals directly relate to Walden’s mission statement. It’s curriculum of study also allows for me to become a better patient advocate for my patients thus providing a positive impact on my community. Being active in my patients care allows me to both provide continuity of care and safe efficient patient outcomes. I believe Walden through its mission statement will prepare me for a successful career ahead.  I have no doubt that I will be able to impact social change through the knowledge and skill set that I will obtain by furthering my education at Walden.

The School of Nursing mission statement provides reminders that prompts one to evaluate his/her potential to actively be involved in making an impact while simultaneously making a difference. Becoming a scholarly practitioner that one can be proud of is an aspect of both Walden’s mission and also a personal mission that I have made. It will take hard work and dedication to become the practitioner that is in the top tier of one’s goals. Both Walden’s and the School of Nursing’s mission statements are synonymous in providing the motivation to reflect on and keep me on course to achieve both professional and personal goals.

Networking is important to build relationships and to have those that you can reach out to for support and guidance as you continue to grow on your journey to becoming a scholarly practitioner in your field. Over the many years of nursing, I have been fortunate to work alongside some of the best of the best in relation to my current field of study as it pertains to psychology and psychiatric nursing. These individuals are also some of the ones who have encouraged me to purse an advancement in my field of study. Shared knowledge, opportunities. increased confidence and connections are just a few of the benefits of networking.

References

Walden University. (n.d.a) Vision, mission and goals. Retrieved August 25, 2019, from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=57&navoid=7946

Walden University. (n.d.b). Master of Science in Nursing Catalog. Retrieved August 25, 2019

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php? catoid=57&poid=10692&returnto=8051

Walden University. (2019). School of Nursing. Retrieved August 25, 2019, from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges-schools/college-of-health-sciences/school-of-

nursing.

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.

 

RESOURCES

 

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

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.

 

  • My name is Rosemary Bofah, i am currently working as a FNP-C in mental health. I decided to enroll into this certification program to further my knowledge in caring for patients with mental health needs especially women dealing with post partum depression. This is a specialized niche that i am interested in because I worked bedside as a labor and delivery nurse for several years. During my time as a bedside nurse, there were questionnaire we often had patients complete to elicit where there were mentally and be able to see the early signs of those who may be at an increased risk and intervene appropriately. I believe that the Family Nurse practitioner route prepared me well in taking care of adults in the outpatient setting but i believe that its critical that i have an understanding of the mental component to be able to make an impact to the overall needs of my patients NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study.

    During my time as an FNP, i have gained knowledge in treating and diagnosing various acute and chronic conditions that we normally see in our various primary care settings. Mental health has always been an area I felt I needed more education and exposure to. My professional goal is to complete this certification as part of my training as a Nurse Practitioner and be a well rounded professional. I believe that being able to care for our patients in all areas of their health will improve patient outcomes.

    Looking at Walden’s mission, vision and goals; I feel I made the best decision by attending this institution. As Nurses, we are life-learners, and i love that the college of Nursing strives to ” Empower diverse nursing professionals through academic advancement that enhances personal growth, professional development, clinical reasoning, and the desire for life-long learning( Walden University, 2022). As someone obtaining another certification to be a better provider, The mission aligns with my personal and professional believes. The healthcare space and technology is ever changing, and as Nursing professional, we have to be willing to learn and add on to our specialties so we can be well rounded and provide competent care to our patients.

    Networking and professional development is very important  because that’s how we can grow and challenge ourselves. The Harvard Review states that “that professional networks lead to more job and business opportunities, broader and deeper knowledge, improved capacity to innovate, faster advancement, and greater status and authority (Rollag et al., 2016). The Nursing profession can also benefit greatly from networking, it will improve the rate in which we obtain information, and improve our ability to advance our profession by staying updated and improving the overall outcome for our patients regardless of where we practice. The digital age has shaped the way in which we connect with one another and it shouldn’t be any different for our profession.

    References

    Rollag, K., Rob Cross Robert J. Thomas, & Herminia Ibarra and Mark Lee Hunter. (2016, April 18). Learn to love networking. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://hbr.org/2016/05/learn-to-love-networkingLinks to an external site.

    University, W. (2022). Vision, Mission, Goals. Retrieved from Walden University: https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

    •  

      Just reading your post has doubled my motivation to continue with my goals.  I have enrolled in the Post-Master’s Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP).  I know from today that I have a master’s prepared student taking this course.  As I mentioned in my original post, the networking activities start from this course.  I am currently a director of nursing (DON) for a skilled nursing/Rehab facility in Maryland. I am overseeing a 200-bed facility located in the suburbs of Maryland. The missions and vision of this university and the alumni that studied at this university gave me the catalyst to be part of this great institution.  The online class and the schedule have made it easier for me to enroll. I did not think traditional pedagogy will have worked for me. I did that with my MSN-Ed, and it was rough.

      Walden University has incorporated what other corporations have now come to realize which is diversity and inclusion (Walen University, 2022). As I was doing my research for this discussion, I came across an impressive definition of social networking.  The author defined social networking as “a practice of using a dedicated online platform to maintain contact, interact and collaborate with like-minded individuals, peers, friends, and family” (Yasar, 2022). I agree that we all have to go back to the drawing board, gain knowledge and be competent and well-rounded professionals. It is possible that I may not earn an income that is more than what I am earning after completing this program.  But the prestige that accompanies this certificate will be priceless.  I cannot underestimate the value of this class in transitioning us to graduate studies. Just by starting with topics such as the importance of social networking, I know that there is something that is vital in this course.

       

       

      References

      University, W. (n.d., November 28). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved from Https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid+122&navoid=38400:Links to an external site.

      Uaser, K. (2022, April 12). TechTarget. Retrieved from Whatls.com: http:www.techtarget.com

       

       

    •  

      I have enjoyed reading your discussion post and getting to know you better. Mental health is sometimes a touchy, uncomfortable subject for practitioners to treat. However, it is crucial to be comfortable with these sometimes emotional experiences, no matter what specialty or population you are treating. For more ways to network, there is a list of organizations in the weekly resources to help with professional networking. Are you already a part of an organization? Are you involved in that organization? On this list, I see the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association as organizations you could join if you still would like to become a member of an organization (Nurse.org, n.d.). Not on this list, I am a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners that could also help with Professional Networking by getting involved. These organizations could lead to you finding conferences in your area, which is one way Portia Wofford, Founder of Your Nurse Connection, mentions actively professional networking (Wofford, 2018).

      I look forward to learning with you.

      References

      Nurse.org. (n.d.). List of nursing organizations. https://nurse.org/orgs.shtml.

      Wofford, P. 2018. 10 networking tips for nurses. Nurse.org. https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/.

  • My name isXX, and I reside and work in Los Angeles. I have been a nurse for about 15 years and had worked in different settings such as critical care, emergency room, medsurg floors and outpatient clinics. I got a graduate degree about 10 years ago and currently work for the VA hospital. I work in a homeless program where we provide primary care services, housing, legal services, job training/placements just to mention a few of our services to these heroes. I am now returning to school for mental health nurse practitioner certificate

    I am attracted to Walden university’s program mission because it is vested in transforming nursing professionals into champions of change. Working in the homeless Veterans program had made me identify the need for mental healthcare services and providers. It is no secret that a high percentage of our Veterans suffer from some form of mental disorders following their experiences in service that include war traumas and environmental exposures. According to Shaw et al., (2014) change champions are necessary for moving new innovations through initiation, development, and implementation. In addition, there is considerable evidence from various disciplines that support the value of champions in healthcare.

    Walden’s vision is cited to prepare graduates to advance the greater good of the global communities. These benefits to the communities will include the ability to help more people, reduce disparities, and provide an environment where people can live healthier and safer. I am also drawn to the university’s goals of preparing learners as scholars who uses evidence-based practices that supports professional nursing standards. Rakhab et al., (2021) noted that factors important for career development of advanced practice nurses relate to environment, peer networks, institutional, and external supports.

    Collaboration with the university’s academic and professional individuals or teams is a key component for academic success. This action will help enhance knowledge as well as collectively solve problems. Networking is another important action that should be incorporated in obtaining education. It is a great way to receive information and directions from experienced colleagues. It also fosters relationships that can be sustainable throughout one’s career.

    Serving our Veterans’ population had always invoked in me ways and settings that I can do more holistic services for these population. The decision to return to school for a mental health certification is driven by a clear vision of promoting mental health wellbeing and services to the people affected by these conditions.

     

    References

    Rakhab, A., Jackson, C., Nilmanat, K., Butterworth. T., and Kane, R. (2021). Factors Supporting Career Pathway Development amongst Advanced Practice Nurses. International Journal of Nursing Articles. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinurstu.103882Links to an external site..

    Shaw, E., Howard, J., West, D., Nease, D., and Nutting, P. (2014). The Role of the Champion in Primary Care change efforts. Retrieved from: https://doi:10.3122/jabfmLinks to an external site..

    University, W. (2022). Vision, Mission, Goals. Retrieved from: https://catalog.waldenu.edu/contentLinks to an external site..

     

     

    •  

      Working with the Veteran community is definitely fulfilling.  My passion has been working with underserved, underprivileged patients.  I hope we are able to work together during the program.  Part of my future plan is to work with those communities to assist with wound and ostomy care.  Just as their mental health is not always considered, once there is a wound or ostomy the patient suffers because the follow-up care and holistic view are lost.  Thank you for serving those who sacrificed and served our country.

      Courtn

  • My Goals and Networking

               Hello, everyone. You may call me XX. I am from West Virginia where I live with my fiancé and our one-year-old labradoodle. I currently work as an RN in a Cardiac Step-down Unit and an Endoscopy Center in Morgantown, West Virginia. I have also had some experience with Addiction Medicine and Women’s Health outpatient settings. I love exploring opportunities and connecting with new people.

    I am excited to begin working towards my professional and academic goals with Walden since I believe their values are strong enough to lead me on the right path to success. I am working to become a proficient practitioner to improve the greater good, facilitate positive social change, and provide excellent care in my community. Each of my values aligns with Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives (Walden University, 2022b).

    The Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives relate to my goals professionally and academically by preparing me to become a scholar-practitioner. For example, I believe that to become competent, one must be able to not only assess, diagnose, and treat a patient in an evidence-based, efficient, patient-centered manner, but also display exemplary communication skills and interactions with diverse populations which align with the program learning outcomes (Walden University, 2022a). Without becoming competent in just one of these outcomes, I believe one cannot perform as a skillful practitioner. I hope to meet these outcomes and excel at my goals.

    I have found myself in many new, exciting experiences because of the connections I have made. I have never called these new relationships “networking”, but many were examples of either social or professional networking. As a blog post on BluePipes references, networking provides more routes for new jobs and support. However, my favorite is that it provides access to the latest research and technology (Schmidt, n.d.). I believe in the phrase “two brains are better than one”, and I love bouncing ideas off of other people with different experiences. Without networking, keeping up-to-date on the newest advancements in health care is much more difficult. By becoming a member of professional organizations such as the ANA and AANP, I stay up-to-date on the latest ideas. Even though active professional networking is out of my comfort zone, I hope to become more active in making professional connections by the end of this course.

    References

    Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. BluePipes. Retrieved from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/.

    Walden University. (2022a). Master of science in nursing. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=196&poid=78355&returnto=76023.

    Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=75618.

    •  

      Having communication skills is a must. Communication with the patient and or family is needed throughout their treatment. The communication needs to continue with all healthcare providers involved with the patient care to provide complete and well rounded approach to the care that they will receive. Having the patient involved in the care and having a say in the care they receive will not only instill confidence and build a relationship between patient and provider but gives the patient a choice in the approach to their care. Share the care plan with the patient so the patient can see the team is transparent with all care, which will make the patient comfortable and safe.

       

  • NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study

    My name is XX and I have been a nurse for 6 years. Prior to obtaining my RN, I worked as a nursing assistant in a local nursing home. I am located in Southeast Ohio in the town of Gallipolis. I have been in my current position as a bedside nurse for the last 6 years. Our unit is classified as a Medical Cardiology Unit and takes care of pre-open heart surgery patients, patients who have had a heart catheterization, NSTEMI patients not requiring special drips, congestive heart failure patients, and your normal med-surg patient. I also serve as back up charge nurse and am the diabetes champion for my unit.  I received my ADN in 2016 from the University of Rio Grande and received my Masters in Nursing Education from Capella University in 2020. I am here at Walden to pursue my post-masters certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner. Walden’s mission and vision align with my own goals for my professional development. So far, I am learning that there are tons of support, and that Walden strives to develop its students into role models that will enhance our society (Walden University, n.d.).

    The mission of the College of Nursing states: “The College of Nursing, 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 mission statement further encourages students like myself to strive for excellence in our careers. To better ourselves for the good of our patients. One of my goals as an FNP is to help my future patients achieve their best health possible.

    As someone who is typically introverted in nature, networking is not a strong suit of mine. You would think that since I come from a background of having a preacher for a dad and a husband that I would be able to talk to anyone, but that is not always the case. I am not normally one to initiate a conversation unless necessary. I am active on social media and am looking into joining the Facebook group for this course. As Wofford mentions in their article, social media and Facebook groups are just two of the networking tools nurses can use to build their careers (2018).

     

    References:

    Walden University. (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved from: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398.

    Walden University. (n.d). Walden University Catalog. Retrieved from: https://catalog.waldenu.edu.

    Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

    •  

      I see that you have truly advanced yourself professionally. starting as a Nursing assistant to now an aspiring Nurse Practitioner, there’s no  doubt that you bring unique perspective to the profession. I believe that the ancillary staff are just as important in providing adequate and effective care to our patients. as a provider, i believe you will have a different appreciation for the interdisciplinary team overall because you will be able to see the importance of each role in providing  proper care. I am excited  for you as you embark on this journey. As an aspiring MHNP myself, my goal for entering  this program is to familiarize myself with the care of those with mental needs. good luck to you and I’m sure you will do just fine.

      •  

        Thank you so much for your kind words! I have seen a lot in my years in the medical profession since I began working in 2011. I do hope this experience will guide me in my future practice. It is one of my main goals as an NP to be able to meet all of my patients’ needs to the best of my ability and to ensure they have everything they need to manage their health at home.

         

  • Hello

    I worked as a Hospice Licensed Vocational Nurse for three years before starting as a Registered Nurse in 2017. My professional background as a Registered Nurse navigated around the home care setting focusing on hospice, palliative care, and home health care. During my career, I have worked with patients of diverse populations who have conditions and illnesses that can be treated at the home setting such as Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes, COPD and other respiratory conditions, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, Cancer, Multiple Chronic Conditions, Acute Illnesses such as Pneumonia and Infection, Joint Replacement, Trauma Injury, Post-surgical patients, Depression, and patients in need of assistance with their medications. In addition, I perform nursing skills such as wound care, catheter care, drain care, and line care while ensuring to comply with State and Federal regulations. I was also one of the front-liners during the pandemic for patients in the home care setting. Although I love what I do, I am passionate about continuing to develop myself through ongoing professional advancement. These include diagnosing and managing acute conditions, prescribing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests. 

    Coming from a developing country and an immigrant living in a different environment with a myriad of cultures to adapt to, I am tenacious, creative, empathetic, and enthusiastic about fulfilling my mission in life. I like to connect with my patients, their families, caregivers, and colleagues in the sincerest way. Connecting and understanding someone from a different background is a sign of a strong foundation of a healthy relationship. Hence, it will make me an effective leader in healthcare. Spearheading the care plan in collaboration with my colleagues is efficacious because I can understand the different facets of my patient.  

      

    Why Walden: 

      

    I researched many nurse practitioner schools and their nurse practitioner programs. However, this school stood out to me. Walden University takes pride in its quality of education while being able to cater to working mothers like me. In addition, youhave a program such as Personalized Practicum Support and offering intensive studies along with a rigorous online program that aligns with my plans to succeed in my NP journey. 

     

    Why is networking important 

     

    I always believe the saying “no man is an island”, we need to connect to other professionals to increase confidence, gain more opportunities, and mostly to build a better support network.  

     

    Referrence: 

    https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=76023 

    •  

       

      Hello

      Thank you for your outstanding contribution to the healthcare field. I enjoyed reading your post. And I agree with the point you made about relocating to a different country and environment. It was the same for me too, but with time, I could adapt.

      In Addition, “with access to resources and tools, at the click of a tab, social media is quickly becoming the number one resource for professional networking” (Wofford, P. 2018). Having the right resource and the perfect network is all that we need to actualize our professional goals.  Also, Walden University’s mission Facilitates positive social change where they work, their communities, and in society (Walden University 2019). Change is the only constant thing in life. As nurses, we want to effect the positive side of change for professional goals.

       

                                                                                     References

      Wofford, P. (2018). Ten networking tips for nurses who hate networking Links to an external site. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

      Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog.Links to an external site. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

       

    • Collapse SubdiscussionRebecca Kemp

      Rebecca Kemp

      Manage Discussion Entry

      Divine,

      I enjoyed reading your post and about your past nursing experience. You have seen quite a lot in your years of working. I am not familiar with doing work in the home setting, but I have discovered during the past few years of being in school that I have a passion for my patients to be fully equipped to care for their chronic conditions at home. Working in the home setting, I am sure that you have seen the good and the bad of that spectrum. As we work to further our education and rise in our profession, we will be able to take our experiences and apply them into practice. Best of luck in all your future studies!

  • NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study

    Hello!

    My name is xx.  I have been a Registered Nurse since 2004.  My background is ICU (Level 1 Trauma and Rural), Wound and Ostomy Care (Inpatient-Level 1 Trauma and Outpatient Clinic), and I am a Texas Certified Educator for High School Health Science Technology 8-12 (taught for 6 years).  I am a single mom of 3 girls and a Chiweenie.  I always told my students that I would go back for my master’s when I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up.  The pandemic brought me to my passion and assisted me in finding what it is I want to do.  My current plan is to become an AGANP and focus on patients with wounds and ostomies.  I plan to go back into academics at the college level.  I have always taken care of my family and put everyone ahead of myself.  I have finally realized I need to take the belief I have in others and apply it to me.

    The day I decided it was time, I called Walden first.  I had applied previously at another school and was unable to start due to my middle daughter receiving a kidney transplant.  The timing was off.  The day I spoke to Tina, at Walden, everything fell into place.  It was a smooth transition and decision. I knew the staff, faculty, and program were the best fit for me. I know other nurses who have gone through the programs offered and everyone loved it.  They all commented on the support and the ability to network.  I knew I wanted an online program because life happens to us all.

    The mission and vision of Walden University define my beliefs in the nursing field, why I became a nurse, and what I want to eventually leave as my nursing legacy.

    I am a big believer in networking.  There are so many ways to network and as technology advances, we are given more chances to network.  While I was teaching, I used my experiences as examples of networking and why how people see you is important.  Many high school friends are now in the medical field, and we have crossed paths frequently including when I would take my senior students to observation days at the local hospital.  The students were able to witness firsthand how my “connections” to others assisted them in some opportunities they may have not had.  I have many friends who I have never met face to face because we met through our pregnancies in an online group.  They are still the people I go to, because our children are at the same stages, to ask questions and find a sympathetic ear for parenting teenagers.  I attended WEBWOC online program for nurses to become Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses.  The relationship between the students has continued for over 12 years.  We still reach out when we see something and are not quite sure of the best way to help the patient or family.  Professional organizations and conferences are also an exciting way to meet face to face but now with technology continue the relationship through email or social media.  I have already joined the Walden Student Facebook group and while I have not interacted much to this point, I know it will be vital to success throughout this program.

    References

    University, W. (2022). Vision, Mission, Goals. Retrieved from Walden University: https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=76023

      •  

        My plan is to utilize the knowledge I gain from Walden University to further my career as a Wound and Ostomy nurse.  There are very few Wound and Ostomy Nurses who are not only certified CWON’s but also NP’s.  I plan to not only care for patients in a clinic or outpatient setting but also work to make changes in the education of nurses and staff where wounds and ostomies are concerned. My ultimate goal would be to make changes in the policy/political realm due to lack of coverage and funding for the care and education needed of patients.

        Courtney Atwood BS RN

         Reply to Comment

  • Collapse SubdiscussionJanina Olivia Enriquez

    Janina Olivia Enriquez

    Manage Discussion Entry

                                                                                                       Scholar-Practitioner Goals

    For me, Nursing is my 2nd act.   My mother always told me to be the change I wanted to see.  Instead of complaining about my community’s healthcare disparities, I changed careers and became a nurse to impact my community positively.  I have over eight years of Nursing experience.  I worked in med surg, correction, discharge planning, and case management.

    My Family and I recently relocated from New York City to Dallas, Texas.  We love it here. Life has significantly slowed down for me as New York was a faster pace of living. Now that things have slowed down, I can focus more on devoting time to school.

    University Vision and Mission

    Walden University and the College of Nursing’s vision and mission align with my professional and academic goals. Like the College of Nursing vision, I want to be a distinguished graduate who advances the greater good of global communities. (Walden University, 2022a) I can also relate to the mission of Walden Universities College of Nursing in that my mission is to be a champion of change who will improve health outcomes and advance health equity through quality patient care. (Walden, 2022)

                                                              Outcomes and Perspective Goals

     

    In my current role, I am a clinical manager in the behavioral health department. I am pursuing a degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to provide quality care to the population I am currently servicing.  There is a massive shortage of primary care providers, especially in mental health.  Many of my patients do not have access to adequate primary mental health care.  Getting this degree will allow me to lead in the mental health field and impact social change by learning how to provide comprehensive mental health care to patients in need.

     

    Professional Networking Advantage

     

    I have been extremely fortunate to have made professional connections with many current or past colleagues throughout my career.  Through networking, we stay connected, help each other with resources, assist with job openings, and even provide references when needed. I would not have made it out of nursing school without my peers. The only way to advance in Nursing is through networking. I want to connect with my fellow grad school colleagues in this program. We all have a common goal; Collaboration is the way to accomplish any goal.

     

     

    References

    Walden University. (2022a). Walden University catalog. College of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), MSN Learning Outcomes. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

    Walden University. (2022b). Walden University catalog. Introduction. Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study