NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

Prepared by: xxx

This document is to be used for NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing to complete Assessments 1-6. Just as importantly the document serves to organize your thoughts about planning for your academic and professional success. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

For specific instructions see the weekly assessment details in the course, or ask your instructor for further guidance.

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Week 1 | Part 1: My 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.

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to help me transition to graduate studies, organize my thoughts and help me achieve academic as well as professional success. Networking provides access to countless opportunities for nurses and patients and allows them to communicate, interact and collaborate with each other in order to enhance nursing care practice and improve health Alfes and Madigan, 2017). NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

NETWORK MEMBER 1

Name: Dr. xxxx

Title: xxxx

Organization: xxx

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:

Dr. xxxxx was my mentor in graduate school and continues to be a mentor when I need her. Dr. xxx is part of the reason I made the big step to enroll in the Post Master Mental Health program. I spent months going back and forth with my decision to go back to school and talking to Dr. xxx for countless hours about my passion and desire to help others. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Dr. xxx is a wonderful mentor who is always there when I need her and every conversation is motivating, giving me the strength mentally and physically to continue.

NETWORK MEMBER 2

Name: xxxx

Title: xxxxx

Organization: xxxx

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:

Academic advising for me promotes student engagement by initially and continuously serving as this point of connection. Not only will she keep me engaged, she will encourage my involvement and help me to identify personal strengths and interests related to my education and career goals. Through this two-way relationship between student and advisor, students will know how and where to access accurate information about resources, policies, procedures and requirements- while receiving invaluable individualized guidance to help them along their educational journey (Jackson, 2018). Each of these components is essential and meaningful to my success NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

Notes:

NETWORK MEMBER 3

Name: xxxxAANP

Title: xxxx

Organization: Networking Online

Academic or Professional: professional

Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:

Joining this organization will allow me to provide high-quality care in diverse settings, including clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician. Through this organization I will be able to attend conferences, workshops, maintain continuing education and network with other professionals which will help me throughout my clinical experience.

Notes:

Fiscon, G., Weitschek, E., Cialini, A., Felici, G., Bertolazzi, P., De Salvo, S., … & De Cola, M. C. (2018). Combining EEG signal processing with supervised methods for Alzheimer’s patients classification. BMC medical informatics and decision making, 18(1), 1-10. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

NETWORK MEMBER 4

Name: xxx

Title: xx

Organization: Non- Profit Foundation for Nursing

Academic or Professional: Professional

Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:

To be apart of this organization as a graduate student I will have to maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 this is a great motivator. Another reason I choose this organization is its numerous professional development products and services that focus on the core areas of education, leadership, career development, evidence-based nursing, research, and scholarship. These products and services advance the learning and professional development of members and all nurses who strive to improve the health of the worlds people (Madagan, Howard, Perkins, 2020).

Conclusion

The individuals and organizations mentioned will help me throughout my graduate studies while helping me to achieve academic and professional success. The ubiquity of information and communication that these individuals and organizations have to offer will help me achieve my goal (Alfes and Madigan, 2017). Networking tools play a central and supportive role in nursing practices and patient well-being.

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Reference

Alfes, C. M., & Madigan, E. A. (2017). Promoting simulation globally: networking with nursing

colleagues across five continents. Nursing education perspectives, 38(4), 216-217.

Freitas, F. A., & Leonard, L. J. (2011). Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and student academic NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

success. Teaching and Learning in Nursing, 6(1), 9-13.

Jackson, A. (2018). Advising 2.0: Helping Students Achieve Academic Success Through

Meaningful Academic Advising. The Learning Curve, A Publication of the Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Winter/Spring.

Madigan, E. A., Howard, M. S., & Perkins, D. E. (2020). Sigma Theta Tau International.

In Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership: A Global Perspective (pp. 47-59). Springer, Cham.

Week 2 | Part 2: Academic Resources and Strategies

I have identified the following academic resources and/or strategies that can be applied to success in the nursing practice in general or my specialty in particular NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

Directions: In the space below Identify and describe at least three academic resources or strategies that can be applied to the MSN program, and at least three professional resources that can be applied to success in the nursing practice in general or your specialty in particular. For each, explain how you intend to use these resources, and how they might benefit you academically and professionally.

Academic Resource/Strategy 1 Dr. Welch DNP MSN RN

I choose Dr. Welch as a mentor because she is a clinically focused, has a terminal degree that prepares nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses to improve healthcare delivery and health outcomes. I can also learn how to network and she can possible introduce me to her network. Dr. Welch will play a major role in helping me prepare for exams and provide me with useful tips and strategies

Academic Resource/Strategy 2 Dr. Joseph PHD ED

I choose Dr. Joseph as one of my mentors for this program. Dr. Joseph mentored me in my previous program and she was a great influence on my decision to peruse my Nurse practioners degree. She is flexible and always available when I need her. I know I can rely on her for guidance as well as friendship. She is a great benefit due to her 10 years plus as an educator, her reputation as a teacher and her positive evaluation by previous mentees. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Academic Resource/Strategy 3 Ms. Neumeyer

Quinn is one of the student advisor at Walden University and she always checks in to see if I need anything or is there any way she can help. She truly seems to care about my success. I can set an appointment at any time to speak with her or just call and if she is available she never acts as if I am interrupting her. She is very patient and always willing to go the extra step to help. She continues to make sure I am on the right track academically.

Professional Resource/Strategy 1 Walden University

The Walden MSN program outcomes have a focus on meeting the demand for mental health providers who are equipped with advanced skills and practicum training for the provision of care. Through these, I will be able to meet my professional and academic goals by becoming knowledgeable and equipped in the use of evidence based practice in the provision of care. This program will require me to be able to engage in and utilize research in my practice to identify new output and interventions that have been identified through research, and apply them to my clinical context while considering the needs of the patient (Kverno, 2016).

Professional Resource/Strategy 2 Sigma Theta Tau InternationalSigma theta tau international will be useful in helping me understand the issues that affect the profession and delivery of care, and guide me in selecting a topic, buy understanding previous research by the organization (Sigma, 2020). Sigma Theta Tau will provide a useful platform for networking with other students and nurse leaders exceptional in their fields (Sigma, 2020).

Professional Resource/Strategy 3 American Nursing Association

The American Nurses Association (ANA, 2020) will provide access to peer reviewed journal that will help guide me in selecting the direction for my topic, by providing access to scholarly articles in my interested field. Through this network, I will get advice and support not only on the licensing exams but also on future practice. The ANA (2020) will also provide opportunities for networking where I can connect with like minded professionals in research and practice, which will help guide the progression and direction of my career during and after my masters’ program.

References

American Nurses Association. (2020). Practice and advocacy. Retrieved from: https://www.nursingworld.org/ana/

Kverno, K. (2016). Promoting access through integrated mental health care education. The Open Nursing Journal, 10, 73. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Sigma. (2020). About Sigma. Retrieved from: https://www.sigmanursing.org/

Walden University. (2020). About Walden. Retrieved from: https://www.waldenu.edu/about

Week 3 | Part 3: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics

I have analyzed the relationship between academic integrity and writing, as well as the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics. I have also identified strategies I intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of my academic work while a student of the MSN program, as well as my professional work as a nurse throughout my career. The results of these efforts are shared below.

Directions: In the space below craft your analysis/writing sample, including Part 1 (The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity) and Part 2 (Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work).

Part 1: Writing Sample: The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity

In the space below write a 2- 3-paragraph analysis that includes the following:

Explanation for the relationship between academic integrity and writing
Explanation for the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics
Cite at least 2 resources that support your arguments, being sure to use proper APA formatting.
Use Grammarly and SafeAssign to improve the product. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan
Explain how Grammarly, Safe Assign, and paraphrasing contributes to academic integrity

Academic Integrity

Relationship between academic integrity and writing

Academic integrity refers to the honesty and adherence to ethical principles and guidelines involved in the writing of scholarly/ professional papers. As a student, I will be expected to engage in academic writing, where academic integrity is a critical component of the process. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan. It will require me to adhere to the ethical guidelines and principles of developing academic work by ensuring that I do not try to pass off someone else’s work as my own, and also that I should not incorporate their work into mine without properly acknowledging them (Carter, Hussey, & Forehand, 2019). Thus, upholding academic integrity is critical to writing since it requires the adherence to and upholding of the ethical guidelines and standards of developing and writing academic materials to ensure honesty and reliability.
Relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics

Every profession has a set of standards or requirements by which the professionals are expected to meet and abide. In addition, different workplaces/ institutions have a code of conduct by which their staff are expected to uphold to create a culture of honesty. This is also the case in academic circles where there are scholarly ethics by which the scholars are expected to apply as part of the organizational and professional culture. Professional practices and scholarly ethics are applicable to the nursing profession since a nurse is expected to abide by a set of professional conduct that will influence how they execute their duties, and also in scholarly ethics; which will influence their generation and use of evidence and research to inform nursing practice, improve the profession and improve patient outcomes (Allen et al., 2017). NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Explain how Grammarly, Safe Assign, and paraphrasing contributes to academic integrity.

Grammarly is a useful tool that helps in ensuring that the academic work is free from grammatical errors and mistakes, which helps to uphold academic integrity by ensuring that academic work meets the required standards. Safe Assign is useful to ensure that the student submits their original work free from plagiarism, which is also key in ensuring academic integrity by ensuring that scholars only submit their work and properly acknowledge any work that may have been used in developing the paper (Carter et al., 2019) NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan. Paraphrasing contributes to academic integrity by ensuring that the scholar reads and understands the material before they can put it down in their own words. This helps to avoid plagiarism and to ensure proper utilization of sources in the development of academic work.

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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. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

One of the studies I intend to pursue to maintain academic integrity and ethics as an MSN student is utilizing the Safe Assign feature, which will help me check and detect any plagiarized portions of my work before submission. It will be important to use the feedback from Safe Assign to go through the document and identify areas of my work that appear as plagiarized, which will help me identify the problem and guide my future submissions. Another strategy is to paraphrase my work, which will ensure that I understand the material I am reading and present it in my own words according to my understanding, which will promote academic integrity.

As a professional, the American Nurses Association code of conduct will be a useful tool to help me understand the codes and ethics that guide the profession. By regularly reviewing the ANA code of conduct, it will be possible to understand what is expected of me in the profession and to ensure that I abide by the said standards during my career. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

References

Allen, C., Stanley, S., Cascoe, K., & Stennett, R. (2017). Academic dishonesty among undergraduate nursing students. International Archives of Nursing Health Care, 3, 074.

American Nurses Association. (n.d). Principles. Retrieved from: https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/official-position-statements/ana-principles/

Carter, H., Hussey, J., & Forehand, J. W. (2019). Plagiarism in nursing education and the ethical implications in practice. Heliyon, 5(3), e01350.

Week 4 | Part 4: Research Analysis

I 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. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

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Step 1: Research Analysis

Complete the table below

Topic of Interest:	Postpartum Depression
Research Article: Include full citation in APA format, as well as link or search details (such as DOI)	Depression, C. P. (2004). Can postpartum depression be predicted?. Primary Psychiatry, 11(3), 42-47. http://primarypsychiatry.com/can-postpartum-depression-be-predicted/
Professional Practice Use: One or more professional practice uses of the theories/concepts presented in the article	The selected article is ‘Can postpartum be predicted?’, which was published in Primary Psychiatry, 2004. The article provided a review of the work done concerning post-partum depression (PPD), as a way of determining the etiology of PPD, identifying the risk factors associated with the disease and the prevention and management strategies. Through the article, it is evident that the authors applied nursing theories to guide the research and inform conclusions. For example, it is evident that the health belief model influenced the development and design of the study. The health belief model provides a useful guide for health promotion and disease prevention programs (Luquis & Kensinger, 2019). Through the study, it was possible to identify the etiology and risk factors associated with PPD, which provides a better understanding of the disease, and which will guide health promotion in the population. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan
Research Analysis Matrix Add more rows if necessary	Strengths of the Research	Limitations of the Research	Relevancy to Topic of Interest	Notes
	The major strength of the study is that it was designed as a review, thus it provides clear and comprehensive evidence that is available on the topic of PPD. The authors analysed numerous studies and their findings and evidence on the risk factors and the screening strategies used in PPD trials. Through such analysis, it was possible to synthesize the evidence and provide recommendations and guidelines based on the same (Gopalakrishnan & Ganeshkumar, 2015). This made the information easier to read and understand, and also show how it is applicable in practice. In addition, this review of the evidence makes it possible to identify gaps in the literature and opportunities for further research.	The limitation of the study is the authors did not indicate the method used to identify and select the articles used for the review (Gopalakrishnan & Ganeshkumar, 2013). It is important to understand the methodology used to access the articles, as well as the websites and databases used to obtain the articles, to determine whether it was an extensive search and whether the review provided an exhaustive analysis of articles of the topic.	The article was relevant to the topic of PPD since it reviewed articles and concepts related to the NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Step 2: Summary of Analysis

Craft 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
NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan
Identify at least one resource you intend to use in the future to find peer-reviewed research

In order to find peer-reviewed research, the strategy is to identify databases and websites that provide access to peer reviewed articles. A simple google search will provide thousands of results on a single search, which often includes articles, blogs and other sites that may provide unverified information. Therefore, the strategy to identify peer-reviewed research is to use databases such as the school library, Google scholar, or EBSCHost, among other sites, which provide access to a database of peer-reviewed articles and journals. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

One of the strategies I have found useful in finding peer-reviewed research, even when using these sites, and even using a simple google search, it is possible to increase chances of accessing a peer-reviewed article through the use of key words and Boolean terms to refine the search and also to create a filter. For instance, on google scholar, it is possible to create a filter such that only peer-reviewed articles are included in the results. One resource I intent to use to find peer-reviewed research is CINAHL, which is a database that provides access to journal articles of nursing and other fields related to health care. The journals are in English and they have been indexed, making accessibility much easier. In addition, it is a reliable resource since the journals are peer-reviewed, thus ensuring the reliability of the articles. However, a subscription is required, and paying this subscription will increase my access to peer-reviewed articles. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

References

Gopalakrishnan, S., & Ganeshkumar, P. (2013). Systematic reviews and meta-analysis: Understanding the best evidence in primary healthcare. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 2(1), 9.

Luquis, R. R., & Kensinger, W. S. (2019). Applying the health belief model to assess prevention services among young adults. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education, 57(1), 37-47. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

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Week 5 | Part 5: Professional Development

I have developed a curriculum vitae to capture my academic and professional accomplishments to date. I have also developed a statement identifying one or more professional development goals, and a statement proposing how I might align one or more of these professional development goals with the University’s emphasis on social change.

The results of my efforts are below.

Directions: Complete Step 1 by developing (or copying and pasting) a curriculum vitae (CV) in the space provided. Complete Step 2 by completing a statement identifying your professional development goals space identified. Complete Step 3 by writing a statement proposing how you might align one or more of your professional development goals with the University’s emphasis on social change. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Step 1: Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Qualification

Dependable, honest, and focused individual who interacts well with patients and peers. Producer of quality work and submits it in a timely manner. Registered Nurse for 11 years who exemplifies good leadership skills and believe that as nurses one must work as a team regardless of job status. Strong desire to model and train the minds of enthusiast through my knowledge and expertise. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Education

2020 – present Walden University, Online

xxxxx

2009 – 2012 xxx

Masters of Science in Nursing, Education

2004- 2007 xxxx

Bachelors of Science in Nursing

2002 – 2003 xxxx

Current Licensures and Certifications

•NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan		Current
• Neonatal Resuscitation Provider		Current
• NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan		Current
• RN Licenses California, New York, Washington, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia (Compact), Georgia		Current

Professional Development

· Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)The BSN degree studied enhanced the development of my personal intellect as well as the development of both social and cultural skills. Overall, the BSN degree awarded me the opportunity to study the professional field of nursing based on nursing theories. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

· Masters in Science of Nursing (MSN)to provide the unique combination of advanced nursing and skills necessary to manage today’s inventive health care delivery systems and train the mind of you enthusisiat

Affiliations/Memberships

• Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society

• American Nurses Association

NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Skills and Interests

Proficient in Microsoft Office, MAC, Cerner, EPIC, AllSCRIPT, Meditiech, Dragon

Mentoring, travelling, boxing,

Experience

Step 2: Professional Development Goals

Use the space below to write a statement identifying your professional development goals.

My professional development goals are to boost my networking skills, to read more and to improve my time management skills. I realize that for me to progress in my career, getting the required papers and qualifications is only one part in the process, and I will need to also engage in professional networking to identify and interact with like-minded people who will expose me to the numerous opportunities available in my area of interest. This will mean me becoming a member of a relevant organization and taking part in professional and social activities. I will also need to read more to remain abreast of the new changes and development in my field, which will give me an edge professionally. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan. In addition, I will also need to improve my time management skills, since I expect a heavier workload with more duties and responsibilities. I need to be able to balance my professional life with my private life to ensure that I strike a balance to avoid falling behind in my work, neglecting my family or becoming burnt out.

Step 3: Alignment with Social Change

Use the space below to write a statement proposing how you might align one or more of your professional development goals with the University’s emphasis on social change.

Walden University has a vision of ensuring that the graduates can successfully apply the material learned in class in the society to effect social change. To do this, it is important to engage in scholarly work to understand the issues affecting the society at a deeper level, and also to apply the same by working with communities and donating time and skills to serve the community and bring about social change. With this in mind, I might align my professional goals of improved networking skills, reading more and time management to ensure that they all help me achieve the goal of social change. This will mean improving my networking skills, which will help me identify areas in which I can contribute to social change in the society, It will also mean reading more to gain a better understanding of the issues affecting my society and proper time management to enable me juggle my personal and professional life, and also incorporate some time to take part in activities geared towards social change in the community. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Week 6 | Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

I 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. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

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. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

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. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

Use 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.

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Nursing Specialties

Comparison of Nursing Specialties

I have selected the psychiatric nurse practitioner, who are tasked with assessing and looking after the mental health needs of individuals, families, groups and communities. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan. The psychiatric nurse practitioner has a responsibility to diagnose and treat mental illnesses and mental health conditions in the community through the diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of the conditions.

Mental conditions are often lifelong conditions such as anxiety, substance abuse, and mood disorders, among others, often accompanied by other health conditions that affect the health outcomes of the patient. The psychiatric nurse practitioner plays a major role in different healthcare settings to assess, diagnose, treat and maintain the mental health status of their patients throughout their lifetime NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

The women health practitioner specialty, on the other hand, is concerned with providing biological, intersex and transgender women with healthcare services from puberty to menopause and beyond. Their focus is on the general healthcare of women, which concerns their gynaecological and obstetric health, although this also extend well beyond their health needs. The women’s health practitioner may provider broader healthcare as compared to an obstetrician, and they provide healthcare services that ensure the overall health and wellness of the patients.

Justification of Nursing Specialty

I have chosen the psychiatric nurse practitioner specialty, due to the need and demand for psychiatric mental health practitioners in the modern world. In previous years, mental healthcare has not often received as much attention as required, and there is still much to be learned about mental healthcare academically, and there are also opportunities in clinical care to improve the mental health of patients. In many cases, there is still stigma attached to mental health conditions, which makes it challenging for patients to seek and receive mental healthcare, thus the need for nurse practitioners. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

In addition, people in the modern world face numerous stressors and pressures that were not occurring in previous years, with many finding it hard to cope. The result in numerous mental health conditions that affect the ability of individuals to lead healthy and productive lifestyles. Thus, I have selected the specialty due to the potential to help patients throughout their lifespan manage the mental health conditions such that they can be integrated into the society to become productive members.

Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty

Use 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. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

Justification of Nursing Specialty

Step 3: Professional Organizations

Use 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.

One of the professional organizations related to psychiatric nursing is The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), which is committed to the advancement of the science and education of psychiatric mental health nursing. The organization has more than 13,500 members who form a dynamic community with access to numerous resources and programs to advance the profession. One can become a member by making and individual application through the APNA website, or by making a group application. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan

There are different types of memberships available for new members, such as the regular membership, which is available to registered nurses, who pay dues and are engaged in pursuits that further the goals of the association. There is also an option of affiliate membership for mental health professionals who are not registered nurses, who can also apply for membership through the website. International membership is available to nurses who are not residents of the United States, while retired membership is for retired registered nurses. Student membership is also available for full-time nursing students. NURS-6003 Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan