NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan
Walden University NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan – Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan assignment based on general principles of academic writing. Here, we will show you the A, B, Cs of completing an academic paper, irrespective of the instructions. After guiding you through what to do, the guide will leave one or two sample essays at the end to highlight the various sections discussed below.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan depends on the preparation done beforehand. The first thing to do once you receive an assignment is to quickly skim through the requirements. Once that is done, start going through the instructions one by one to clearly understand what the instructor wants. The most important thing here is to understand the required format—whether it is APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
After understanding the requirements of the paper, the next phase is to gather relevant materials. The first place to start the research process is the weekly resources. Go through the resources provided in the instructions to determine which ones fit the assignment. After reviewing the provided resources, use the university library to search for additional resources. After gathering sufficient and necessary resources, you are now ready to start drafting your paper.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan
The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan is where you tell the instructor what your paper will encompass. In three to four statements, highlight the important points that will form the basis of your paper. Here, you can include statistics to show the importance of the topic you will be discussing. At the end of the introduction, write a clear purpose statement outlining what exactly will be contained in the paper. This statement will start with “The purpose of this paper…” and then proceed to outline the various sections of the instructions.
Need a high-quality paper urgently?
We can deliver within hours.
How to Write the Body for NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan
After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan assignment, which is the body. Given that the paper you will be writing is not experimental, the way you organize the headings and subheadings of your paper is critically important. In some cases, you might have to use more subheadings to properly organize the assignment. The organization will depend on the rubric provided. Carefully examine the rubric, as it will contain all the detailed requirements of the assignment. Sometimes, the rubric will have information that the normal instructions lack.
Another important factor to consider at this point is how to do citations. In-text citations are fundamental as they support the arguments and points you make in the paper. At this point, the resources gathered at the beginning will come in handy. Integrating the ideas of the authors with your own will ensure that you produce a comprehensive paper. Also, follow the given citation format. In most cases, APA 7 is the preferred format for nursing assignments.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan
After completing the main sections, write the conclusion of your paper. The conclusion is a summary of the main points you made in your paper. However, you need to rewrite the points and not simply copy and paste them. By restating the points from each subheading, you will provide a nuanced overview of the assignment to the reader.
How to Format the References List for NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan
The very last part of your paper involves listing the sources used in your paper. These sources should be listed in alphabetical order and double-spaced. Additionally, use a hanging indent for each source that appears in this list. Lastly, only the sources cited within the body of the paper should appear here.
Stuck? Let Us Help You
Completing assignments can sometimes be overwhelming, especially with the multitude of academic and personal responsibilities you may have. If you find yourself stuck or unsure at any point in the process, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance. Our assignment writing services are designed to help you achieve your academic goals with ease.
Our team of experienced writers is well-versed in academic writing and familiar with the specific requirements of the NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan assignment. We can provide you with personalized support, ensuring your assignment is well-researched, properly formatted, and thoroughly edited. Get a feel of the quality we guarantee – ORDER NOW.
Sample Answer for NURS 6003 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.
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.
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.
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.
Specialty | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) |
Role Description | PMHNPs provide comprehensive mental health care to patients suffering from mental illness and psychiatric disorders. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions and offer services like psychotherapy and prescription medication management. | FNPs provide holistic healthcare services to individuals and families throughout their lives. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and conduct routine check-ups. FNPs have a strong focus on health promotion and disease prevention. |
Work Environment | PMHNPs often work in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, and psychiatric care facilities. | FNPs work in various settings, such as private practices, schools, clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. |
Education and Certification | PMHNPs must have an MSN or DNP with a specialization in psychiatric mental health. They must also pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC). | FNPs require an MSN or DNP with a specialization in family practice. They also need to pass the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-C). |
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.
I have chosen the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specialization as my preferred focus for several reasons. First, I have always been deeply interested in mental health and psychiatry. It’s an area of healthcare that requires an intricate understanding of both the human mind and its physiological impacts. I believe this specialization will allow me to use my compassionate nature and patience to assist those dealing with mental health issues in improving their quality of life.
Second, with the increasing prevalence of mental health conditions, the demand for mental health professionals is on the rise. This makes the PMHNP specialization not only personally fulfilling but also professionally relevant. Finally, the feedback from my colleagues during the discussions has further affirmed my decision. They highlighted the potential impact a PMHNP can have in providing essential mental health services, particularly in underserved communities.
My second-preferred choice would be the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialization. I appreciate the holistic and family-oriented approach that this specialty promotes. However, my specific passion for mental health has led me to choose the PMHNP path.
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.
The professional organization I have chosen is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). The APNA provides numerous resources for psychiatric-mental health nurses, including those specializing as PMHNPs. As an active member, I plan to participate in their conferences, educational programs, and networking events. I will also utilize their resource library and continuing education opportunities to stay updated with the latest research and trends in the field of psychiatric nursing. Moreover, I intend to contribute to their various initiatives aimed at improving mental health care and advocating for mental health policy reform. To become an active member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), the process begins by verifying eligibility. The APNA welcomes registered nurses (RNs), graduate, undergraduate, and retired nurses interested in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Following eligibility verification, an application form is available on the APNA’s official website, which I would need to complete. This form calls for a range of information, including personal details, professional specifics, and educational background. Once the form is completed, I would select the appropriate membership type. As an MSN student specializing in psychiatric mental health, I would choose the membership category that best suits my current academic status. After submitting the form and paying the necessary dues, I would be granted membership, thereby gaining access to the APNA’s valuable resources and networking opportunities.
References:
American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). Membership. Retrieved from https://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3289
Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing#specializations
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-BC). Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/family-nurse-practitioner/
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC). Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner/
Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6003 Finalizing the 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.
The nursing specialty that I have selected as my first choice is family nurse practitioner (FNP). An FNP is a nursing specialty that focuses on long-term patient-provider relationships spanning lifetimes and sometimes entering into multigenerational relationships (Goodwin University, 2019). FNPs are the most common medical professionals that a patient will interact with in the primary care setting (Goodwin University, 2019). FNPs focus on preventative care, monitoring long-term health plans, and assisting physicians with the care of patients. Depending on the area FNPs are widely in demand and have a meaningful impact on the community they serve.
My second choice of nursing specialty would be a nurse practitioner (NP). NPs are very similar in terms of the level of care provided but differ in terms of the responsibilities and populations cared for. NPs are advanced practice registered nurses who usually work with one specific age group or population with a specific type of health condition (Goodwin University, 2019). NPs engage in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of long-term health conditions in their specialty population (Goodwin University, 2019). FNPs care for a wide range of health conditions, ages, and populations. Another important difference is that NPs will pursue graduate education with an emphasis on their specialization while FNPs will pursue a graduate-level FNP program with a wider focus.
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.
Regarding my choice of specialty within the MSN program, I weighed the necessary benefits and liabilities of each specialty and I ultimately settled on the specialty that I felt would be the most beneficial to my personal values and interests and my professional development goals. I do have to admit that this was not such an easily-inspired choice of mine. It took an extensive amount of preemptive research, reconsideration, and maybe some indecisiveness that charted my course to a suitable specialty in my field.
I based my choice on the knowledge that I would be bettering my skills and had a desire for a long-term career. In turn, this is a form of self-improvement. Nurses should seek membership in organizations that will best fulfill their professional and personal goals (Echevarria, 2018). For me, the role of FNP is right because it enables me to care for patients to the best of my abilities and to do something that inspires me to get out of bed every day. I adore caretaking and I have been interested in nursing since I knew that I needed to develop a career. Therefore, my choice of specialty was not one that required extensive decision-making, but simply a reconnection with my passion.
Choosing my specialty in the MSN program was something that I knew I had to do if I wanted to increase my knowledge base and skillset going forward. Nurses who take advantage of continuing-education opportunities gain professional breadth, broadening their knowledge regarding local and national nursing issues and going beyond the walls of their facilities (Echevarria, 2018).
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.
The International Family Nursing Association (IFNA) is dedicated to nurses in the FNP role around the world. This organization provides continuing education opportunities, current and emerging research, support, and tools to support improved healthcare delivery (Wiesen, 2019). In order to become a member of this organization one must pay a $125 annual fee or $75 annually if they are a student (Weisen, 2019). The benefits of joining this organization include access to research, tools, and support related to the FNP role.
Specialty | Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) |
Role Description | PMHNPs provide comprehensive mental health care to patients suffering from mental illness and psychiatric disorders. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions and offer services like psychotherapy and prescription medication management. | FNPs provide holistic healthcare services to individuals and families throughout their lives. They diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, and conduct routine check-ups. FNPs have a strong focus on health promotion and disease prevention. |
Work Environment | PMHNPs often work in mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, and psychiatric care facilities. | FNPs work in various settings, such as private practices, schools, clinics, hospitals, and community health centers. |
Education and Certification | PMHNPs must have an MSN or DNP with a specialization in psychiatric mental health. They must also pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) Certification (PMHNP-BC). | FNPs require an MSN or DNP with a specialization in family practice. They also need to pass the Family Nurse Practitioner Certification (FNP-C). |
I chose the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty for my MSN program. One difficulty I had in making this choice was whether I could work in an urgent care clinic as an FNP. Urgent care interests me for two reasons. First, it more closely aligns with what I do now as a telemetry nurse taking care of adult patients with acute problems. Second, I have heard rumors that primary care NPs are oversaturated in the job market where I live, so having more options like urgent care would increase my chances of getting a job post-graduation. I did some research and found that FNPs, though their focus is primary care, can also work in urgent care. FNPs are highly marketable because they can care for all ages, from birth to the elderly. In comparison, the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) is only trained to work with adolescents and adults (Nurse Journal, 2022). I did a job search in my area and found a listing for ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers which specifies that the employee “must be able to see and treat patients of all ages” (indeed.com, n.d.), so even though an AGNP may specialize in acute care, they would not qualify for this position, but an FNP would.
FNP is also the most popular program. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (2022), 70% of nurse practitioners are FNPs. Nationwide there is a high demand for FNPs due to the shortage of primary care physicians (Nurse Journal, 2022). I would like to work in a family practice office because of the traditional business hours with holidays and weekends off. That way, I can work while my kids are in school and see more of them in the evenings and weekends. On the other hand, an urgent care clinic would require me to work 12hr shifts and weekends/holidays. Working in primary care would also be highly rewarding because of the strong relationships I would develop with patients over the course of many years and several encounters. I would be able to see the progress they make toward health promotion and disease prevention. Either way, being an FNP aligns with my professional goal of increasing access to healthcare for all by filling the physician shortage gap, especially in underserved communities like the poor or undocumented.
A professional organization affiliated with my specialty is the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. It is the largest professional membership organization for NPs, with more than 121,000 members. Some benefits include access to free continuing education credits, discounted networking opportunities, free subscriptions to two NP journals, a $75 discount off certification, and a free marketing tool where potential patients could find me in a search for NPs. I was surprised to learn that I can join this organization now as a student. The cost is $55 and can easily be done with a quick online application. The cost to join once I become an FNP is $95 for new graduates, then $150 per year after that (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.).
Sample Answer 3 for NURS 6003 Finalizing the Plan
Pursuing advanced nursing education is essential for nurses to attain better competencies and skills aimed at improving career progression and quality of care offered to their patients. A core part of advanced nursing education is for nurses to specialize in certain areas so as to offer care to specific patient population. The MSN program at Walden University provides an opportunity for nurses to specialize based on their considered options; from psychiatric mental health care practitioners to acute care nursing and family nurse practitioner as well as geriatrics nurse (APNA, 2023). Based on these aspects, I have considered different options for my nursing specialty, including a keen analysis of my selected choice (PMHNP) and my second preferred specialty (Critical Care Nurse Practitioners). Additionally, I have entailed a justification of these specialties and examined the professional organization associated with my selected or preferred specialty and ways to be a member. As such, this part presents my findings and efforts on these three critical areas of my academic success and professional development.
Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties
The specialties I choose to compare entail Critical (acute) care nurse practitioners (CCNPs) and my selected specialty which is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners offer a range of primary mental health services that include psychosocial assessment, evaluation and treatment plans for diverse patient populations with mental health needs and psychiatric disorders. Many PMHNPs offer therapy and prescribe medications for patients with mental health disorders and substance abuse issues (Donelan et al., 2020). PMHNPs may also offer emergency psychiatric care and treatment effectiveness evaluations. Most PMHNPs working in in patient settings have traditional working hours with some night shifts when they are on call. They treat an array of conditions that include eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety as well as depression.
On their part, acute care nurse practitioners (ACNP) offer care to patients with sudden illnesses and injuries or those in emergency departs and patients with serious chronic conditions. ACNPs make life-saving decisions in a fast-paced and demanding environment. Their responsibilities entail performing intubation, management of care and in some cases, prescribing medications (AANP, 2023). They offer treatment to people of all ages suffering from a wide range of acute conditions in diverse hospital settings, from serious trauma or injury and neurological, respiratory to cardiac and gastrointestinal centers or patients (Nicastro et al., 2020). Based on their settings, they may also prepare patients for surgical procedures or evaluate them.
PMHNPs and ACNPs have similarities since they all offer advanced care services to certain patient populations. They can also work in different settings and like PMHNPs, ACNPs can prescribe certain medications and also conduct assessments (Donelan et al., 2020). However, while PMHNPs focus on mental wellness and issues, ACNPs focus on the physical care or mainly the physical aspects of the patients’ health needs.
Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty
The need for mental health services continue to outstrip the supply of professional and advanced care providers across the country. As such, selecting this specialization for my MSN is significant since I have witnessed individual patients in my setting seeking mental health practitioners but have to wait for several weeks before they can access care. Again, while I have worked in different settings, including acute care areas like the emergency department and intensive care unit (ICU), I have always had a passion for offering care to psychiatric mental patients (Donelan et al., 2020). Today, many people require mental health services and this means that having the expertise to offer care is essential to meet the demand and ensure that mental health and substance abuse patients have access to quality care. Becoming a PMHNP would prepare with necessary skills and knowledge to offer better care to patients suffering from mental health disorders and substance abuse disorder.
Step 3: Professional Organizations
Professional organizations allow nurses to advance their careers and provides guidelines to help them attain lifelong learning and contribute to overall improvement of healthcare. Professional organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) allow nurses to interact with colleagues and develop new skills and knowledge in care provision. As such, the professional organization associate with the selected and preferred specialty is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). The association is a member-driven community whose main focus is advancing the science and education of psychiatric mental health nursing (Donelan et al., 2020). The organization enables psychiatric mental health nurses to collect with colleagues, gives a chance to know evidence-based resources and programs and participate in exclusive opportunities in advancing care and treatment for individuals with mental health and substance use needs (AANP, 2023). One becomes a member of the organization by being a PMHNP and paying the requirement subscription after meeting the eligibility requirements. The organization offers mentorship programs for PMHNPs to improve their competencies and skills.
Conclusion
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) can specialize through the MSN program in different areas of care delivery. The PMHNP works with patients suffering from mental health disorder and substance needs to improve their health. As such, specializing ensures that they enhance their skills and competencies to deliver patient-centered care in diverse settings. PMHNPs join professional organizations like APNA to interact and attain more competencies as well as get access to evidence-based practice interventions.
References
American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). (2023). About Psychiatric-Mental
Health Nursing. https://www.apna.org/about-psychiatric-nursing/
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) (2023). Are You Considering a
Career as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner? https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner
Donelan, K., DesRoches, C. M., Guzikowski, S., Dittus, R. S., & Buerhaus, P. (2020).
Physician and nurse practitioner roles in emergency, trauma, critical, and intensive care. Nursing outlook, 68(5), 591-600.
DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2020.04.010
Nicastro, O., Yohannes-Tomicich, J., Paragas, J., Guimaraes, D., & Adedeji, I. (2021).
564: A Literature Review of Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Fellowships: Transition to Practice. Critical Care Medicine, 49(1), 275. DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000728144.89953.95