NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Walden University NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios – Step-By-Step Guide
This guide will demonstrate how to complete the Walden University NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios 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 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Whether one passes or fails an academic assignment such as the Walden University NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios 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 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
The introduction for the Walden University NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios 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.
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How to Write the Body for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
After the introduction, move into the main part of the NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios 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 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
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 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
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.
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Sample Answer for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
In the competitive environment today, many businesses depend on creating a strong brand to give identity to their product in order to stand out among others (Jones, 2021). In the same way, creating and maintaining an academic portfolio would assist an MSN scholar to model her personal achievements and show how credible she is at her work. Creation of nurses’ portfolio is necessary for promotion of self-competencies and accomplishments to future employer or current manager (Burns, 2018). According to Burns (2018), nurses’ portfolio is shown as evidence to the accrediting bodies, credentialing boards, and regulatory agencies, as well as for direction of the nurses’ attention to any area in the portfolio that needs attention.
There are different strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. E-portfolio is becoming popular strategy in use as most organizations and potential employers are currently using electronic documents to manage data. This can be done through the use of some social media like the LinkedIn or even creation of personal website. In this situation, information such as certifications or continuing education is edited into an electronic resume, paper documents are scanned into the program, a copy is saved in an electronic medium such as compact disc or the google doc, and the file is backed-up regularly (Burns, 2018).
Another strategy is ensuring that your information in the portfolio is discreet, verifiable, and concise. According to Burns (2018), the documents are collated, appearing in a chronological order starting with most recent with the demographic data on the cover page, updated regularly in a formal professional plain three ring binder portfolio. Considering the career goal and employment expectation, the works are summarized yearly.
Walden University is now 50 years and before now, she has always had the intension of focusing on fostering social change by promoting accessibility to advanced education, using research to solve imminent problems globally, and educating scholar practitioners in many fields beyond its 50 years anniversary (Walden University, 2017). As a student scholar, the goal is to acquire knowledge and expertise in advanced degree level, adding more strength to the portfolio and effecting a change in the society in alignment with Walden vision for a social change. My goal at the end of MSN program is that I would be one of the agents of social change in the society in accordance with Walden University vision.
References
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a Nursing Portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16–17. https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=134145921&site=eds-live&scope=site
Jones, K. (2021). The Importance of Branding in Business. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2021/03/24/the-importance-of-branding-in-business/?sh=73b1586c67f7
Walden University. (2017). Walden 2020: A Vision for Social Change 2017 Report. https://www.waldenu.edu/-/media/walden/files/about-walden/walden-university-2017-social-change-report-final-v-2.pdf?rev=5ded98a6d84e4a0096d02c9ec0f458af&hash=3CBA4D20AF7FA7F23BC21D69B2A9EB37
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Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Dorothy, great information that you shared. I agree with what you had said about both academic and professional portfolios. It is known that there are many reasons to begin an electronic portfolio. The main reasons are self-promotion, evidence of outcomes, and structure and direction. Self-promotion would include your competencies and accomplishments. Evidence of outcomes would consist of accrediting bodies and credentialing boards of nursing competencies. You would want to put your educational background and current licensures here. Lastly, structure and direction are the collections of the documents in the portfolio to identify practice and needing attention. This is where goal setting should take place and be reevaluated every 6-12 months (Burns, 2018). Developing a portfolio is a professional requirement, especially for advanced practice registered nurses. Portfolio information is important to maintain your professional requirements and be sure they are up to date. This way, portfolios have the potential to be utilized as a tool that is easily accessible to help support career changes and meet professional obligations (Casey & Egan, 2010).
References
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a Nursing Portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16–17.
Casey DC, & Egan D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. British Journal of Community Nursing, 15(11), 547–552.
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Dorothy,
I love how you used a business and its marketing as an analogy to a nurse and their professional portfolio. I, myself used that same analogy when trying to understand how important the portfolio was and what I would be selling to the buy or consumer, in our case our higher ups. I did find when reading about the components to add to a portfolio or the sections that tend to get overlooked, a main one was the education. Many people take the education section literal and feel as if they are not qualified because a lack of degree. As i mentioned in my discussion post, I am not sure if you read but, according to Pete Kistler, many people miss out on opportunities when branding themselves because they feel that because they didn’t have the adequate education so they leave this area of their portfolio blank when in reality, Pete states that “Even if you haven’t obtained a formalized degree in a specific area, this is a great chance to showcase the steps you’ve taken to master your area of interest in addition to working in the field” (2018). I see now that you can capitalize off this by inputing continue education or even something as simple as a workshop. These two are considered a form of education and enhances ones knowledge that could help with competency in a job setting.
References
Kistler., P. (2018, June 20). 51 Items For Your Professional Career Portfolio + Examples.
BrandYourself Blog | ORM and Personal Branding.
career-portfolio.
Sample Answer 2 for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
As children, one of the most popular questions that people commonly ask is, “what do you want to be when you grow up?”. At an early age, we are taught to start to think about our future, set goals, and create a plan to accomplish those goals. Unfortunately, many individuals do not realize that this process of dreaming, goal setting, and achievement should be a repeat process and should not stop just because you reached your goal. As a matter of fact, it should motivate you to realize that you accomplished your goal once and you can do it again. For example, in my younger years, many asked me the million-dollar question, and my response was always the same; I want to be a nurse. Retrospectively, I set a goal and accomplished it, so now it is time to develop more goals. It is time to look at the bigger picture and ask myself, what do I want to achieve as a nurse to contribute to my community and influence social change?
This situation is where an academic and professional success plan comes into play. In essence, academic and professional success plans are theoretical drafts of your future on paper to begin to visualize your goals and strategically work to obtain them. “Development of an academic success and professional development plan will help ensure that you are prepared now and throughout your career to make the vision a reality” (Laureate Education, 2018a). For example, if you plan to be the chief nursing officer of your hospital, begin your academic success plan with that goal in mind and write the plan out, including what steps will be required to reach your goal (Laureate Education, 2018b).
Personally, my academic success plan at this point consists of successfully completing the MSN program at Walden University, without having to repeat a course, to continue on my way to achieving my professional development goals. To be successful in accomplishing my academic success plan by completing the MSN program, I plan on devoting time and energy to learn the required material, complete the assignments to the best of my abilities, and ask questions whenever I can. I plan on incorporating tools, such as calendars, to carefully ensure that I do not miss an assignment and allow enough time to complete each project. Similarly, I plan to use my Walden academic advisor, instructors, and professional network as resources for any questions that may arise throughout the program.
My professional development plan is more elaborate; It involves graduating with my master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner and eventually working my way into the dermatology and aesthetics field. Since “all professional development plans should also include a provision to participate on an active level in a professional organization,” I plan to join the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN) (Laureate Education, 2018b). Joining a nursing professional organization like ISPAN would ensure that I stay up to date with events in my nursing association to allow me to play an active role while also allowing me to network with nurses and APRNs in a similar field (ISPAN, n.d.).
Another important piece that the professional development plan should include is opportunities for serving your profession and community, which coincides with Walden University’s commitment to social change (Laureate Education, 2018b). According to Walden’s MSN learning outcomes, one result of successfully completing the master’s program is contributing to “high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change” (Walden University, n.d.). In order to promote Walden’s emphasis on social change as a nursing professional, I plan on completing a needs assessment in my community to identify areas that require improvement. Then, I plan on implementing ideas accordingly and volunteering locally to assist in making a difference in the community to promote social change. At this moment, I feel like I may be interested in working with the homeless population, as my area of southern California has a significant homelessness issue that seems to be growing due to the pandemic. Regardless of how I decide to promote social change, I know that I would get joy in knowing that I accomplished my goals and used my accomplishments to help others. However, none of it would be possible without first creating a “vision and a well-conceived plan of how to achieve that vision” through the use of academic and professional development plans (Laureate Education, 2018a).
References
International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses. ISPAN. (n.d.). https://ispan.org/.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018a). The Blueprint to Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018b). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Your Professional Development Plan [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
MSN Learning Outcomes. Walden University. (n.d.). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=179&poid=72167&returnto=65560.
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Great Post Elizabeth,
I agree that having a dream comes with a plan and a goal. Everyone’s dreams and goals might look a little bit different but all have to come with a plan to achieve those goals. I was in the same situation you were, that I undoubtedly wanted to be a nurse. Once completing that achievement, you bring a sense of completion and a whole new level of drive for a new goal. Some might choose to hone in on their nursing skills and specialize in their department, and some like us take to adding to our academic resume. It all comes with a goal and a dream.
It is important for medical professionals, especially advanced nurses to keep a portfolio to document necessary skills, knowledge and training that is needed to be competent in our field of study. “A well-constructed portfolio should show how learning has occurred as well as its application in practice.” (Casey & Egan, 2010). It documents that we have the necessary knowledge to practice and provide care competently and safely to our patients.
Thank you for sharing,
Crystal
References
Casey, D., & Egan, D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. Br J Community Nurs., 11, 547-8, 550-2. doi:10.12968/bjcn.2010.15.11.79625
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Elizabeth, I thoroughly enjoyed your post and admired your future goals as you have it all figured out. Boon (2021) wrote that learners learn through a series of processes from collaborative learning to deep learning, reflections, prior knowledge activation, and active seeking of information. Learning is an ongoing process requiring learners to put on their metacognitive caps and delve deeper into the product and process of their learning.
An e-portfolio is a learner’s tool that aids learners in triggering independent learning, allowing learners to register what they learn and reflect on their progress anywhere and anytime. It also enhances the development of their self-directed skills. Using an e-portfolio as a scaffolding too is part of self-directed learning processes, and it is not just dependent on examing the learners’ perception of their learning processes but requires careful orchestration of different domains of technologies.
One of the outcomes of the Walden University, MSN program is to prepare its students to be able to implement specialist nursing roles and to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care (Walden University catalog n.d.), and it appears you have that plan in place by wanting to specialize in cosmetic aspect of health, and help the community and homeless people, as this will raise the standard and health outcomes for diverse populations.
References
Boon, K., S. (2021). E-portfolio implementation: Examining learners’ perception of
usefulness, self-directed learning process, and value of learning. Australasian Journal of
Educational Technology, 37(1), 68–81.
Walden University (n.d.). Walden University catalog. https://catalog.walden.edu
Sample Answer 3 for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
As professionals and students, maintaining a digital identity or a digital portfolio is very important. Many employers, academic institutions, colleagues, and even patients will use it to search for information. It is known that 60% to 80% of employers utilize the online portfolios when hiring someone, so it is very important to maintain your digital identity. For an ePortfolio, including your academic experiences is essential, especially if it is clinical experience to show how prepared you are for the position you are applying for (Hannans & Olivo, 2017). As an academic student seeking a professional job, it would also be important to include your coursework through college with evidence of meeting the learning outcomes. When professional experience lengthens, then your portfolio would be less academic and more professional background (Hannans & Olivo, 2017). Having an ePortfolio leaves a positive impression for employers (Leahy & Filiatrault, 2017). It is a way for professionals to showcase their talents and skills to draw attention to their uniqueness for those who are considering for the hiring. This will then help employers learn more about the applicant than what a traditional job application would offer (McMillan, 2014). These goals align with Walden University’s vision on social change, times are forever changing and Walden is preparing the students for the latest up to date research to create an electronic portfolio to assist in future success for its students.
References
Hannans, J. Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48-49. Retrieved July 21, 2021, from https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Leahy, R. L., & Filiatrault, A. (2017). Employers’ Perceptions of the Benefits of Employment Electronic Portfolios. International Journal of EPortfolio, 7(2), 217–223.
McMillan, L. , Parker, F. , Sport, A. & (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment tool. Nursing Management (Springhouse), 45 (4), 52-54. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000444882.93063.a7.
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Excellent post on ePortfolios. A nursing ePortfolio is an internet-accessible compilation of a nurse’s education, competence, and accomplishments (Cope & Murray, 2018). At first, it surprised me so many employers, 60%-80%, use online searches when hiring (Hannans & Olivo, 2017). However, I must admit when I have been informed of a new hire, I have searched their name on Facebook to try to find information about them before they start, so I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that employers also search online for information about possible future employees. Because of this, it is critical that nurses maintain professionalism with their online social media. One great social media platform for nurses to showcase their academic achievements and professional experience is LinkedIn. LinkedIn is specifically for professional Portfolios and networking (Hannans & Olivo, 2017).
References
Cope, V., & Murray, M. (2018). Use of professional portfolios in nursing. Nursing Standard, 32(30), 55.
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48-49. https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Your discussion brought a lot of awareness, as I reflect and realize in my past that I felt I did not truly have all the components to build a portfolio or resume for that matter because I did not have the work history. I now realize that I could have elaborated on my academic accomplishments more to stand in place and support my ability to perform a job duty.
While reading many of our discussion post, I see that many people focused on academic achievements, continuing education, and work history but while reading the article from Peter Kistler, implementing your people and communication skills is a big one and especially in our line of work. I think one of the ways Kistler mentioned to implement the component of communication could be very helpful for us as nurses. He stated that in doing so one must show “ People and leadership skills (projects or committees you share, projects you initiated, photos of you with important people, mentoring programs, proposals, documents or strategies related to negotiation)” (Kistler, 2018).
With Walden’s emphasis on social change, I feel that doing projects in the community and educating others on the motto of “health is wealth” can be a step towards following through with the mission.
References
Kistler., P. (2018, June 20). 51 Items For Your Professional Career Portfolio + Examples.
BrandYourself Blog | ORM and Personal Branding.
https://brandyourself.com/blog/career/job-search-career/51-items-to-include-in-your-job-
career-portfolio.
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
A great many of us may have been raised in a way that talking about ourselves, particularly highlighting our strengths and accomplishments, feels uncomfortable and has traditionally been considered behavior unbecoming. This is a skill that is necessary to master, however, if you wish to be a competitive candidate for opportunities in your desired field or job market. Another way to stay relevant is to always have a goal or goals that you are working towards both personally and professionally. One of my professional development goals was to further my education beyond my MSN and become a practitioner. This class is an example of how I am working an academic activity toward my professional development goals. I know that I would like to further specialize in dermatology and so I have been actively researching dermatology offices for a mentor as well as residency programs to ensure I am as knowledgeable in my field as I can be.
One strategy for continuing this development is to seek out opportunities to be a presenter or panel member at conferences once I am more experienced in my field of interest. Professional development opportunities like this are necessary to foster growth and to continue to deliver the highest possible quality of care to your patient population (Rhyne, 2022). Professional development opportunities may not always be right in front of you such as conference opportunities or residencies and can often be extremely competitive. Learning to showcase yourself using an electronic portfolio is an excellent way to efficiently demonstrate why you are the best candidate for the opportunity and may very well set you apart from your competition. There are various platforms for building your e-portfolio but the intention for most is the same. You should outline academic as well as professional achievements such as papers you have written, the research you have been involved in, certifications you have earned, current and prior work experience, your goals, and maybe even your nursing philosophy if you have one (Hannans & Olivio, 2017).
Professional development and higher education come with responsibilities. As Walden clearly emphasizes throughout their website, they have made positive social change part of the very foundation of the university (Walden, n.d.). As we develop ourselves and in turn our professions, as we continue to increase our education levels and overall awareness, we now have an obligation to be aware of how our practice and our actions contribute to social change. Ideally, we do our research to ensure that we are contributing in a positive manner. This can look like researching companies that your practice does business with to ensure that their values align with yours, being an active member of the community you serve, and supporting other practices and businesses that are in the space of positive social change (Walden, n.d.).
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49. January 7, 2023, from https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdfLinks to an external site.
Rhyne, L.,M.N.R.N.C.-M.N.N. (2022). Nursing Continuing Professional Development. Georgia Nursing, 82(4), 9. https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/nursing-continuing-professional-development/docview/2738248511/se-2
Walden University. (n.d.). Social Change. Retrieved January 7, 2023, from https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Building a strong academic portfolio is crucial for nurse scholars looking to enhance their visibility and credibility in nursing. Just as in marketing, where branding strategies are pivotal for success, nurses can create a personal brand by showcasing their academic achievements. This personal brand reflects their commitment to professional growth and aligns with the broader goal of social change, which universities like Walden emphasize. In this discussion, I will elaborate on two critical strategies for developing an academic portfolio and how they align with the emphasis on social change.
One essential strategy for building an academic portfolio is emphasizing the social impact and volunteer work that aligns with the University’s emphasis on social change. Nursing is not merely about clinical skills but also about making a difference in the community and society. A nurse-scholar’s portfolio should reflect their commitment to improving patient outcomes and contributing to the well-being of society. For example, a nurse-scholar can include case studies or research projects that demonstrate the positive impact of their work on patients and the community. These case studies can highlight how their interventions have improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare disparities, or enhanced patient satisfaction. Additionally, they can showcase their involvement in volunteer activities such as free health camps, community health education programs, or disaster relief efforts.
Social entrepreneurship involves using pragmatic and results-oriented methods to bring about social change (Altman & Brinker, 2016). This concept aligns with the broader social change mission of universities like Walden. Nurses can adopt a similar mindset by focusing on evidence-based practice and using their academic achievements to drive positive change in healthcare.
Another effective strategy for building an academic portfolio is to employ reflective narratives and e-portfolios. Reflective narratives allow nurse-scholars to convey their personal growth, learning journeys, and the development of qualities like adaptability. These narratives provide insights into how academic achievements have contributed to their professional development. For instance, a nurse-scholar can write reflective narratives that discuss how specific courses, research projects, or clinical experiences have shaped their perspective and skills. They can highlight instances where they had to adapt to challenging situations and how these experiences have made them more resilient and adaptable healthcare professionals. This approach adds depth to the portfolio, showcasing academic accomplishments, personal growth, and self-awareness.
The “cake mix structure” approach is an ideal method for developing a portfolio (Anderson et al., 2009). This approach involves creating a structured narrative that ties together academic and personal growth evidence. It aligns with intending to reflect on one’s journey and express how academic achievements have contributed to becoming a better nurse. Moreover, e-portfolios are valuable tools for nurse-scholars to organize and present their academic achievements. An e-portfolio offers a dynamic and interactive platform for showcasing research papers, projects, awards, and certificates. It allows for multimedia elements such as videos, images, and interactive presentations, making the portfolio more engaging and informative. The use of e-portfolios also aligns with the digital age and the increasing importance of technology in healthcare.
In conclusion, developing an academic portfolio is crucial for nurse scholars to build their brand and showcase their academic achievements. Two key strategies to consider are emphasizing social impact and volunteer work and using reflective narratives and e-portfolios. These strategies align with the University’s emphasis on social change, reflecting a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and contributing to broader societal well-being. Through the thoughtful construction of their academic portfolios, nurse scholars can effectively communicate their value as professionals dedicated to making a difference in the nursing field.
Sample Response for NURS 6003 Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Including Academic Activities in Professional Development Goals
A professional portfolio is an important way of documenting, preserving, and tracking career advancement. Indeed, it plays a vital role in accomplishing professional development goals by enabling individuals to track their progress regularly and consistently (Cope & Murray, 2018). While developing the portfolio, including academic accomplishments in professional development goals is helpful. There are several strategies that professionals can achieve this, including addressing evidence-based practice changes involved in professional growth and development.
Professional development goals are directly anchored on the continuous education process and activities the learner seeks to pursue (Ward & van der Mars, 2020). Discussing professional growth and development allows one to analyze the academic activities contributing to the achievement of the goals. Importantly, accomplishments such as completing a degree program show the progress made toward achieving the goals. Another important approach is addressing evidence-based projects participated in. Importantly, these are part of educational achievements and activities that progressively build up to attaining professional objectives.
Aligning with the University’s Emphasis on Social Change
Walden University’s mission is to train professionals to become leaders of social change in the community. Nurses are trained to be social change agents to address current issues and help in propagating continued health progress in the community (Rafferty, 2018). Professional development goals may align with the university’s emphasis on social change by focusing on filling existing gaps in practice. These include gaining competence in solving critical social issues such as increased mental health issues and understaffing in healthcare. For example, with a Master of Nursing degree, nurses gain competence in policy development to advocate on staffing issues and other challenges affecting the community. Further, these accomplishments provide nurses with increased understanding and experience to address social challenges and prepare the practice for the future.
References
Cope, V., & Murray, M. (2018). Use of professional portfolios in nursing. Nursing Standard, 32(30), 55-63. https://web.p.ebscohost.com
Rafferty, A. M. (2018). Nurses as change agents for a better future in health care: The politics of drift and dilution. Health Economics, Policy and Law, 13(3-4), 475-491. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1744133117000482Links to an external site.
Ward, P., & van der Mars, H. (2020). Confronting the challenge of continuous professional development for physical education teacher educators. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 91(1), 7-13. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2020.1683376
Academic portfolios are important for showcasing achievements made throughout one’s journey in nursing as a student and a professional (Burns, 2018). It displays the skills, experience, and achievements made. The two strategies to include academic activities and accomplishments in my professional goals are outlining my short and long-term goals and sharing my clinical practicum experiences (King et al., 2021). The goals must be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely to demonstrate my growth and where I want to see myself in the short- and long-term future. This goal should drive me towards achieving my academic and professional goals, which are to complete my master’s education and practice in advanced practice nursing. Sharing my practicum experiences shows the skills and experience gained and how these will contribute to my professional goals and success (Cope & Murray, 2018). For instance, if I had an experience with a patient with a rare disorder/ disease, this experience and skill gained would be useful in addressing unique cases that may present in our practice, such as Ebola virus, monkey pox, and new covid-19 strains, etc.
The University of Walden devotes itself to making positive social changes by supporting and applying any ideas and strategies that foster social change (Walden University, 2022). The University seeks to educate and empower learners to be knowledgeable and skilled in social change. For instance, most programs have included evidence-based project development in their curriculum. Through this, nurses identify social problems and develop evidence-based interventions to address them, thus, promoting the dignity, development, and worth of individuals, communities, societies, cultures, institutions, and organizations (Walden University, 2022). My professional goals align with the Walden University’s emphasis on positive social change. By highlighting my short-and long-term goals, I demonstrate how I will use my knowledge and skills to improve not only my life and of those that I will serve. I will be committed to participating and making positive changes in practice, building my community, and improving the outcomes of social change. Further, I will collaborate with others in practice to collaboratively bring forth positive changes in our society.
References
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a Nursing Portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16–17.
Cope, V., & Murray, M. (2018). Use of professional portfolios in nursing. Nursing Standard, 32(30). DOI: 10.7748/ns.2018.e10985
King, R., Taylor, B., Talpur, A., Jackson, C., Manley, K., Ashby, N., … & Robertson, S. (2021). Factors that optimise the impact of continuing professional development in nursing: A rapid evidence review. Nurse education today, 98, 104652.
Walden University. (2022). Social change. Walden University. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-changeLinks to an external site.
NURS 6003 6002 Networking Opportunities SAMPLE
My Goals and University Vision and Mission
Since I have entered the Nursing Profession in 2002, my goals were to always help those who are of our vulnerable population. One of our roles as health care professions is to educate and allay fears and anxiety. I have been working in the intensive care unit(ICU) since 2005, it was always my goal to become an Adult Care Nurse Practitioner. I started out in Jamaica, where our patient population in the ICU is from 6 months to senescence. It was a general ICU, hence we get all the diagnoses you can think of from medical to surgical cases. The experiences I have gathered over the years have prepared me for this journey and align me with one of the College of Nursing goal to, ‘Create an inclusive teaching and learning environment where student expands on their existing professional nursing knowledge to improve workplace and health outcomes’(Walden 2023). The mission of Walden college of nursing is to improve health outcomes and equity(Walden, 2023). This aligns with my professional goals to health eradicate health disparities among undeserved population.
Outcome and Perspective
I have researched multiple universities which applies to my professional and academic goals. I chose Walden because it is more aligned with my mission and vision for my patient population. Walden’s mission is to‘ provide a diverse community of professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar practitioners so that they can effect positive social change’(Walden, 2023). My mission as an acute care nurse practitioner is to care for patients from all background, providing them with the necessary tools to take responsibility for their health. I have seen numerous readmission due to lack of patient education and improper referrals. Patients getting education on their disease process will be more empowered to effect positive social and individual changes in regard to their health.
The University Values: quality, integrity and student centeredness(Walden, 2023) are similar to my values. Quality and integrity should be the cornerstone of all patients care. Care should be patient centered and not for profit. Becoming an acute care nurse practitioner will help me to carry out the mission of the college of nursing by improving health outcomes and equity to the adult patient population(Walden 2023) No man is an island and no man stands alone, with this being said, we all need each other to achieve success. I’m presently working under the umbrella of Life Bridge Health in Baltimore, Maryland and they are all willing to help me along this journey. As I embark on my academic success and professional development plan.One of Walden’s goals that resonate with me is to, ‘Provide an inquiry/action model of eduction that fosters research, discovery and critical thinking and that results in professional excellence’.(Walden, 2023 d) Providers as well as my nurse manager are on board to provide assistance, hence the reason for networking.
Networking
Networking is also one of the reasons I chose this institution. I formed very lasting relationship with peers, while attending workshops and conferences. Wofford (2018) described opportunities gained from networking as priceless and limitless. I’ve joined professional organization such as American Association of Critical Care Nurses(AACN). They allow me to meet nurses and providers from all over the country. I was recently at the National Training Institute where I received great reviews about Walden University, hence one of the reasons for enrolling. The AACN through their many chapters helps me to make informed career choices, and they provide resources such as monthly journals with up to date evidenced based practice to help me with my Professional and Academic goals. Through them, I have also obtained my critical care register nurse (CCRN) certification, which help me in my everyday practice to give excellent nursing care.
References
Walden University (2023). College of nursing. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2023, from https://www.walden.edu/about/college-schools/college-of-nursing Walden University (2023). Student handbook, vision, mission and goals. (n.d.). Retrieved July 11, 2023, from https:www.academics.walden.edu/handbook/vision-mission-goals
Wofford, P. (2018, May 24). 10 Nursing tips for nurses who hate networking. https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/.