Some of my personal questions and/or concerns that I have as I embark on this MSN journey are:
- Will I be able to handle the class load assignments & obtain good grades?
- Do I have enough nursing experience to embark on this journey?
- Since I have never worked in a dedicated psych area, will this be a disadvantage to me?
- I’m a bit terrified of the psych pharmacology class, is anyone else?
- Will I do okay with a 100% online class format?
I certainly had a lot more questions than the five I listed before I started this program. I’m thankful for my advisor, Brad at Walden University, as he patiently answered lots of my questions. I was never made to feel that any of my questions were stupid or insignificant, so that made asking them much easier Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions.
For me personally, networking has always existed in my adult life. Whether it’s for our landscaping business, rental business, or my nursing career, it has existed. It’s been relatively easy for me to do, and I believe that’s in part because being a good communicator has always been my priority. That doesn’t mean I’ve always been a good communicator, but I continually work towards that as my priority in refining my skills in this area.
The professionals and academic names that I listed on my template have helps me tremendously before and after I’ve enrolled in the PMHNP program. I asked my professional people on my template a lot of questions before I enrolled, and also reached out to them to ask if I could job shadow them. I was allowed to do so, and that experience really helped shape my decision to go forth with this program. I did a lot of research and self examination before I reached out to both of them. I jotted down my questions, and took a notebook with me on the days that I was allowed to job shadow them. This helped me to articulate strong questions that I felt I needed to get answered, and who better to answer them than professionals who were actually in the business of mental health. I did send them both thank you cards for their time, and all of their assistance with answering my questions. I have been in contact with the PMHNP that I job shadowed several times since I spent the day with her, and she has been very encouraging Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions.
The original five “W’s” that we all learned in our younger years will always help in constructing good quality questions to ask (Lazareck, 2007). Keeping in mind the who, what, when, where, and why are great places to start if you feel stuck (Lazareck, 2007). Practically speaking, it could be used as in who would be someone good to network with, when would be a good time in my career to do so or when should I contact them, where should I look for someone to network with, and perhaps why would that person be a good connection. I feel that this breaks it down into bite size pieces and gives us a place to start if networking is a new concept.
Networking should always be about the business of building long-lasting relationships with the goal being that these relationships are mutually beneficial (Lazareck, 2007). I thought that was a key point to keep in mind! We need to pour into the networking, rather than just take the goodness away from it for our own good. As the author put it, “networking is more about mutually beneficial relationships – giving more to people than you expect to get back – as opposed to collecting business cards” (Lazareck, 2007, para 1). I feel that my questions I listed can be easily addressed by my identified academic people. Most of my questions I had prior to enrolling in the PMHNP program were addressed by my professional people that I listed.
For me personally, the networking relationships I have secured along the way in my nursing career have helped me to secure promotions, more responsibility, and have helped to grow me into the nurse I am today. The knowledge sharing piece of networking is probably my favorite part, and I see it as the biggest benefit. There’s nothing like learning from professionals who know more than you do about a particular subject, or vice versa Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions.
This article suggests five tips for successful networking including making an excellent impression, always following up, expand your learning regarding new cultures, make yourself more visible, and always have an action plan (Lazareck, 2007).
My academic networking involves a current student that is in the same tract as I am, a student that is farther along in the same program. I picked these people because I believe they will be valuable resources for me now and in the future, and I hope to be to them as well. I hope to have lasting relationships with them, and be able to collaborate for many years to come. It is my belief that since they are students, they can help answer questions along the way if I don’t understand an assignment, or need additional clarification. I know this approach helped me tremendously in nursing school, and I’m thankful that I’ve been able to retain those relationships. I enjoy being able to help people whenever I can, so I’m excited about future collaborations as a NP Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions.
Resource:
Lazareck, L. (2007). Gold – networking: The five questions. IEEE in Medicine and Biology Magazine, vol 26(3), 88-89. Retrieved from https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1109/MEMB.2007.364940
Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions
In Module 1, you began building a foundation for your success by considering a network-individuals and teams who can help you to clarify and execute on the vision. A network is most helpful when you are comfortable asking questions. Chances are other members of your network have experienced similar questions and may have helped guide others toward resolutions that can now be helpful.
In this Discussion, focus on the questions you are ready to ask as your journey begins. Keep in mind that sharing questions is often a great way to help others who have similar questions even if they do not realize it!
To prepare:
- Reflect on questions or concerns you might have as you begin the MSN program.
- Consider the individuals, teams, and departments you previously considered in Module 1 as well as how they may provide support with addressing these questions and concerns.
By Day 3 of Week 2
Post any questions or concerns that you are willing to share with the group. The Discussion board represents an opportunity to network with your course colleagues, and others may have the same questions or concerns.
By Day 6 of Week 2
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by offering a possible resolution to their questions/concerns with supporting documentation, if possible, or expanding on their thinking and providing an example as support Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions.
ORDER A PLAGIARISM FREE PAPER NOW
| Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Posting |
45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources. Supported by at least three current, credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. Supported by at least three credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
Responds to some of the discussion question(s). One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Post is cited with two credible sources. Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Contains some APA formatting errors. |
0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately. Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Contains only one or no credible sources. Not written clearly or concisely. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
| Main Post: Timeliness |
10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3.
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3.
|
| First Response |
17 (17%) – 18 (18%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. |
0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited. |
| Second Response |
16 (16%) – 17 (17%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleaguesDiscussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. |
0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited. |
| Participation |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.
|
| Total Points: 100 |
|---|
Response
These are great questions that I think all of us have asked ourselves. Starting with question one, and question five; you will be able to handle an online class and maintain good grades if you have proper time management skills (Laureate Education, 2018b). Time management is essential in any online setting; you must be able to balance work, school, and personal life (Laureate Education, 2018c). Another way to be successful in online courses is to print/read your syllabus so that you can organize your time (Laureate Education, 2018 ). For example, if an assignment is due around the same time as a personal event, you can plan ahead and turn in the assignment early. Another way to succeed in an online class is to turn in your work on time (Laureate Education Inc, 2018a). In most cases, a student can lose points if the assignment is late or not turned in at all. When a student has good time management skills this issue can be avoided (Laureate Education Inc, 2018b).
Questions two and four are excellent questions as well. The beauty of the nursing profession is that you are always learning something new every day. Even if you have 50 years of nursing experience, there will still be something that you do not know. When it comes to knowing specific nursing topics and pharmacology, you can always perform research on unknown topics or ask the members of your support system from module one (Walden University, 2019). Another great resource to use are your peers (Laureate Education, 2018c). When you start the pharmacology class, form, or join a study group with your classmates (Laureate Education, 2018c). Study groups can help you succeed in memorizing the psychology medications that you need to know. Lastly, for question three, are any of the people in your support system psychiatric NPs? Would you be willing to change your current area of nursing to psych? Or would you volunteer in a psychiatric setting?
In conclusion, Shelli, I think you have excellent questions that we have all asked ourselves before beginning this program and while in the program. I think if we take the program day by day, refer to our syllabus frequently, and use our resources, we will be successful (Laureate Education Inc, 2018a) Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions.
References
Laureate Education Inc. (2018a). 10 Tips for being a successful online learner. Walden University.
https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/202070_27/MS_NURS/NURS_6003/artifacts/USW1_NURS_6003_10tipsSuccessfulOnlin eLearner.pdf
Laureate Education Inc (Producer). (2018a). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Strategies and Resources for Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education Inc (Producer). (2018b). Your Toolbox for Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Walden University. (2019). 5 Benefits of Mentorship in Nursing | Walden University. Waldenu.Edu; Walden University. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/resource/five-benefits-of-mentorship-in-nursing Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions