Transition to Graduate Study NURS 6003 Walden University
Greetings, everyone. I’m xx, and I’ve always enjoyed assisting others. Pursuing nursing has given me a chance to use my skills to help those in need. As a registered nurse, I’ve decided to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree to offer even better care to patients. I’m drawn to becoming a nurse practitioner because there’s a shortage of primary healthcare providers, especially in mental health. I aim to provide top-notch mental healthcare to those who require it. I strongly believe in preventing diseases rather than just treating them. My goal is to become a well-trained psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who can provide comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Walden University’s vision, mission, goals, and initiatives for social change resonate with my professional and academic aspirations, aiding me in becoming a scholar-practitioner. Walden envisions a modern learning community where knowledge is valued based on its practical application to solve societal challenges, contributing to global welfare. My interest lies in primary care, focusing on disease prevention, which aligns with Walden’s vision of producing graduates who can address critical societal issues. Xue et al. (2019) highlight the shortage of qualified primary care providers in mental health services, supporting the need for professionals like myself.
Walden’s mission is to educate professionals who can drive social change. Healthcare providers have a unique opportunity to influence societal shifts. Through advocacy and education, they can promote healthy behaviors and improve community well-being. Curtis et al. (2015) emphasize the role of healthcare providers in educating communities about health-related issues. Walden’s mission aligns with my goal of enhancing community health and fostering positive change. My training will enable me to educate the community about mental health, reduce stigmatization, and promote inclusion.
Walden has specific goals for its students, including diverse learning approaches and fostering critical thinking. Continuous learning and research are vital for healthcare providers to deliver quality care. Keefe and Gin (2020) stress the importance of research in maintaining quality care. These goals align with my aim of utilizing research to enhance patient care and community health.
Walden’s MSN program outcomes, such as evidence-based practice and effective communication, align with my goal of becoming a competent psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. These outcomes also support my commitment to utilizing research for providing high-quality care.
The Significance of Networking
Networking is crucial for advancing in one’s academic and professional journey. It involves connecting with professional associations and experienced practitioners who can offer guidance and support. Saleh et al. (2018) emphasize the role of nurse leaders in mentoring young nurses. Thus, networking with experienced professionals can greatly benefit nurses in their career development.
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References
Curtis M; Frerichs L; Huang T.K;Peterson M;Sjolie S ( 2015); Process and Outcomes From a Youth-Led Campaign to Address Healthy Eating in an Urban High School. Journal of Primary Prevention t (2015) 36:433–438 DOI 10.1007/s10935-015-0409-0
Keefe,S., & Gin,M.(2020).Experiential Learning and Research for Undergraduates in Public Health: Transferring Focus Group Research to Peer Reviewed Journal Publication and Public Health Practice.Hmong Studies Journal, Vol 21, Iss 1, Pp 1-15 (2020) Transition to Graduate Study NURS 6003 Walden University
Saleh, U., O’Connor, T., Al-Subhi, H., Alkattan, R., Al-Harbi, S., & Patton, D. (2018). The impact of nurse managers’ leadership styles on ward staff. British Journal of Nursing, 27(4), 197–203. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.12968/bjon.2018.27.4.197
Xue,Y., Smith,J.A., & Spetz,J.(2019).Primary Care Nurse Practitioners and Physicians in Low-Income and Rural Areas, 2010-2016. JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), 1/1/2019; 321(1): 102-105. (4p)
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 Transition to Graduate Study NURS 6003 Walden University.
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.
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 Goals to Becoming a Scholar-Practitioner
My goal to become a scholar-practitioner began prior to even completing my Bachelor’sof Science in Nursing. I knew I wanted to be a nurse practitioner. I just was unsure of which population I wanted to treat. This is where Walden University entered the picture. A colleague of mine graduated and became a cardiac care nurse practitioner and she said she did the whole program online from home. This sounded very intriguing.
I have had a nursing career spanning fourteen years that includes pediatric care, geriatric care, administration, a mixed medical intensive care unit, and a per diem job caring for sexual assault victims. In all these specialties mental health plays an enormous role. Mental health can affect the physical health of the patient which affects positive outcomes in any of these health care settings. Transition to Graduate Study NURS 6003 Walden University This connection between physical health and mental health has guided me towards obtaining a degree as a mental health nurse practitioner. It became very desirable for me to think about bridging the gap as a nurse to help patients reach their full potential.
Walden university School of Nursing provides flexibility in learning and instructors all hold doctorate degrees. Walden University is the perfect fit for my goal in obtaining my master’sdegree. It is completely online, flexible, and as the vision statement states, “The college of Nursing will be recognized for its preeminent programs and innovative educational approaches that prepare distinguished graduates to advance the greater good of global communities”(Walden University, 2022a). The mission statement 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, 2022a). Working with patients who have mental health needs, the nurse practitioner must be willing to work with patients in various communities that may be underserved and neglected. Mental health providers must be educated on the importance of their role and the effect of mental health on the global population. Walden University is educating nurses to meet this challenge of positive health outcomes by being a diverse, flexible, global institution. The Walden Master of Nursing program outcomes relate to my professional and academic goals of becoming a MHNP. The outcome that most aligns with my goals are, the 5thgoal noted in the Walden catalogue stating, “Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury”(Walden University, 2022b).
Walden University also stresses the importance of networking. Networking is a critical component in obtaining a degree as a nurse practitioner. A network of professionals with advanced degrees in the mental health field would be helpful for clinical, job recommendations, knowledge, and eventually career advancement.
In conclusion, Walden’s vision, mission, and goals align with my goals in obtaining an advanced degree. The online format will allow flexibility, easier connections to other students and teachers who we may never get the chance to interact with, and a wide range of helpful resources.
References
Walden University. (n.d-a). Walden University College of Nursing. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398Links to an external site.
Walden University. (n.d-b). Walden University Catalog. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=75618
Transition to Graduate Study NURS 6003 Walden University Discussion post 1
My goals, Walden’s Vision, Mission, and social outcome
My name is Mercy Mathew. I started my nursing career in 2013 as a floor nurse at a nursing home. I moved to my current job in 2015 which is a living center for mentally challenged individuals. Coming from a nursing home, my new job was entirely different. I slowly learned that I must apply different skill sets and knowledge to achieve success when working with mentally challenged individuals. I have had impactful interactions with my patients and multidisciplinary team, and through these interactions, I learned that I wanted to explore this area and provide my professional care overall. That is when I decided to challenge myself and advance my career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Working full time and continuing my education was not an easy task. I came across Walden University’s online MSN degree program and realized that it is designed in a way that I can continue giving quality care to my patients while attending school. Walden’s core values and mission are well-aligned with my career goals. Walden’s mission talks about providing each student with the opportunity to transform as a scholar practitioner who can create positive social change.
Walden commits to provide quality and integrity through diverse process-learning approaches. Walden’s MSN program implements specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations. (Walden University. (n.d.)) This fits my career goals, and I look forward to working with Walden University and I am excited to apply Walden’s vision, mission, and goals to create a positive social change as an outcome.
Importance of Networking
Networking is essential for nursing professionals. Social Media is used by millions of people these days. (Wofford, P. (2018)) There are several platforms where nurses can connect with individuals to share and gather information. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter give you access to various health professionals which will create opportunities for personal and professional development. The UCLA Carrer Guide claims that 80% of all jobs are obtained through networking. (Schmidt, K. (n.d.)) Networking is crucial for career advancement and will play a significant role in achieving success in day-to-day jobs as well as completing the Psychiatric NP program.
References
Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog Links to an external Links to an external site.site. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.eduLinks to an external site.
Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking Links to an external Links to an external site.site. [Blog post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/Links to an external site.
Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking Links to an external Links to an external site.site. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking. Transition to Graduate Study NURS 6003 Walden University
