Discussion: Networking Opportunities

RE: Discussion – Week 1

In this discussion board, I will introduce myself, discuss how Walden University’s foundation relates to my professional and academic goals, and the importance of networking.

My name is YY and I have been a nurse for 5 years. The only specialty I’ve worked in is ICU and I am so passionate about it that I have never been curious to try other specialties. I live in New Jersey, am recently married, and a new homeowner. My parents were both born and raised in Cuba, therefore Spanish is my first language.  With my free time I enjoy bike riding with my husband at different parks throughout NJ. After COVID hit, I started to realize people in the community lack substantial education on their health problems and are unaware of the importance of staying healthy.  I want to make a change by being a provider who takes the time to educate people and make them are aware of their health.

After several months of researching, I came across Walden University. Immediately what drew me in was the flexibility of classes being online and how everything is at the students’ pace. The part of Walden University’s vision statement that sticks out to me is “recognition as a preeminent 21st-century school of nursing,” (Walden University, n.d.). This vision statement encompasses my ideal learning environment as I proceed in my schooling with Walden. In today’s society, social media is huge in regards to networking (Wofford, P. 2018). Therefore, I will build my network with colleagues through social media and discussion posts. In regards to Walden’s mission statement, what stood out the most to me was “abilities to select and implement evidence-based practices, and core and specialty nursing knowledge in order to transform society,” (Walden University, n.d.). Walden’s mission statement and MSN learning outcome relate to my professional and academic goals because I will graduate with enough knowledge to be able to transform society with evidence-based practices and skills within the Hispanic communities.

I believe in order to be successful in any career, one must have a good foundation and have the ability to network. The videos produced by Laureate Education (2018), talk about a foundation being built off of many things such as collaboration and relationships. Being a nurse for 5 years I’ve built many relationships and met many professional mentors along the way who have inspired me to go back to school to be a nurse practitioner. To be able to succeed “it takes a village” as per Laureate Education (2018), therefore in order to succeed you need help from others. In other words, you take knowledge and advice from people who’ve been in your shoes to better yourself professionally.

In conclusion, I look forward to continuing my education, graduating, and making changes in Hispanic communities.

References

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Foundation of Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Networking and Collaboration [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Walden University. (n.d.) College of Nursing. Retrieved August 30, 2021, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398

Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who the networking. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

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.

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.

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.

To Prepare:

1. 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.
2. Reflect on your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
3. Consider how the information in these resources fit with your own goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.
4. 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.

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.

RE: discussion posting guidelines/expectations

My name is C.T and I am a new graduate Emergency Department Nurse. I recently just graduated in May and I have been working in my new role since July. While in school I provided tutoring to students in various classes which led me obtain a passion for teaching. My ultimate end goal is to become a nursing school and clinical instructor to undergraduate students. In addition, I plan to start a mentoring program for nursing students and new graduate nurses to provide support and advice to people in need. To be in the teaching profession, I knew that I needed to further my education to reach my professional goals.

Vision, Mission & Social Change

Walden University was referred to me by a colleague that also attended here and obtained her advanced practice degree. In doing my research of various programs, Walden’s program intrigued me because of the flexibility and dedication to professional development that they provided. As an aspiring professor, I want to uplift and contribute to change to upcoming nurses which relates to Walden University’s mission statement which is to “provide a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves so that they can provide social change.” (Walden University, 2020) Being a professor, I want to instill lifelong knowledge to my students and leave an impression that motivates more students to want to become a professor just like me. There is a nursing school professor shortage and I want to help change that which will contribute to ending the nursing shortage we have today. Walden’s vision correlates with my professional goals because the knowledge I obtain from this school will help me spread what I know to other aspiring nurses that will eventually be working in various communities.

Program Outcomes

Being an educator and leader, you must be able to communicate effectively which of one Walden’s learning outcomes. Effective communication is essential in being an educator and setting an example for other students. At the end of this program, I want to be a Nursing Educator that knows how to give information correctly and have professional dialog with my students. Also, I would like to know how to effectively assess and plan different diagnoses to become more competent in different disease processes. (Walden University, 2020) This goal is instilled in Walden’s MSN outcomes and will help me become more knowledgeable and be able to efficiently educate my students. As a future educator, my beliefs and goals are very similar to Walden’s Vision, Mission, and Goals. Proving a better education to the community is my passion and enhancing my knowledge through Walden University will ensure that I am prepared in my mission.

References

2019–2020 Walden University Catalog. Vision, Mission, and Goals (March 2020). (2020). Retrieved August 30, 2020, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=172

2019–2020 Walden University Catalog (March 2020). (2020). Retrieved August 30, 2020, fromhttps://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=172

Walden University, (2020), Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Informatics- in Nursing (MSN), Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/msn-nursing-informatics

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.

Click on the Reply button below to reveal the textbox for entering your message. Then click on the Submit button to post your message.

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Nurse.org. (n.d.). List of nursing organizations. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://nurse.org/orgs.shtml

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking [Blog post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Walden University. (n.d.). Connect to Walden. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/connect

Walden University. (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved October June 5, 2020, from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges-schools/college-of-nursing

Review the College of Nursing’s vision and mission.

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

Select College of Nursing, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning Outcomes on this page.

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

Select Introduction, then the link “Vision, Mission, and Goals” under the Introduction header. Review Walden’s vision, mission, and goals.

Walden University. (n.d.). Writing center. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter

Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

Document: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template (Word document)

Document: Discussion Posting Exemplars (PDF)

 Establishing a Network and Progression

My name is C.M and i’m very excited to get started on this journey with all of you! I am currently working in the acute critical care field in a smaller community hospital in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I have been in ICU for about 5 years now and i have been extremely interested to further my education since day one, so finally getting into this is amazing and anxiety inducing too! Luckily, much of this course seems to aim at helping establish a network and outline those who can help you in times of stress. I have four brothers (two older, one younger) and we are all nurses in either Acute Intensive Care or Long Term Intensive Care. My parents are both nurses, too. My mother has been an ER nurse for thirty years now, and my father has been a nurse for the same amount of time. My father has always pushed for furthering one’s education (he holds many degrees himself, from Bachelors in nursing to MBA). He instilled the importance of “never-slowing down” and “always utilize education to help grow”, so while looking at the vision, missions, goals and social change for Walden, i had a good feeling about what i was signing up for.

Comparison to Walden’s Mission

While reading the “Visions” provided by Walden, it became apparent that their aim is to promote the greater good. Hoping to learn knowledge to help me grow in a professional setting will hopefully reflect the impact we all hope to make, which is promoting the greatest good to those we care for everyday. The “missions” section just reinforced this by outlining the importance of having an outlet that promotes growth in an individual, in this case via educational program. Walden’s mission to aid in the transition into knowledgeable and confident nurse who provide for a greater good lines up with the perfect with the roles my father tried to instill in me at a young age as previously discussed. Walden provides a series of goals for their program, but one of them specifically stood out to me. On their website, the final goal is “to produce graduates who are scholarly, reflective practitioners and agents for positive change” (Walden University, n.d.). This stood out because the second half is something I truly value. Change is a term thrown around too often without highlighting it’s impact, and hearing my father’s influence float around throughout my life, it’s important to note how strong change can be. Social change, from Walden’s perspective seems entirely driven on growth and development with the implication of application to a society for the greater good. The social change aspect really speaks to me, for it not only outlines the importance of this knowledge, but focuses primarily on applying the skills we will develop along the way. I hope to further my application skills through Walden to provide for these we come in contact with everyday. Walden provides University Outcomes that seemingly wrap up everything outlined previously in a flawless fashion. The second outcome is most relatable to my hopes and desires through this program, for it encompasses everything I’ve discussed. It states that the goal is to use knowledge obtained to positively impact the community, society, and profession. Following the words of my father, I hope this program helps me encourage those I come in contact with to grow, whether it be using my knowledge to provide for an individual or an entire community I work with.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The outreach that Walden gives their community is honestly amazing, and I look forward to experiencing it first hand. The world is an ever-changing surrounding, and the healthcare field is no stranger to that. As stated in an article entitled “Missions and Organizational Performance in the Healthcare Industry”, the author writes “the diverse characteristics of the healthcare market make it essential for employees on all levels to not only have a clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve, but also a feeling of support and involvement in determining the mission” (Forehand, A., 2000). This is something I strongly believe in, and feeling understood in my missions by Walden is crucial. Another article I came across refers to the value in an organizations vision stated “Successful organizations will be those that are steadfast in pursuit of their vision, unfailingly true to their mission and unwavering in adherence to their values” (MacLeod L.,2016). In Walden’s case, every point lines up coherently and I’ve found myself truly identifying with their clear vision. I believe in the success this organization will bring and look forward to finding enhanced methods to bring forth my personal goals outlined by my father in my younger years as well as grow with the values this institution has to offer!

References

Forehand, A. (2000). Mission and Organizational Performance in the Healthcare Industry. Journal of Healthcare Management, 45(4), 267.

     https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1097/00115514-200007000-00012

MacLeod, L. (2016). Mission, Vision and Values Statements: The Physician Leader’s Role. Physician Leadership Journal, 3(5), 18–25.

Walden University. (N.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved October June 5th, 2020, from

     https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges=schools/college-of-nursing 

PEER RESPONSE 1

It’s wonderful to know that you are surrounded by so many nurses. In my family, there are very few nurses. You are to be commended for your strong desire to make a difference, whether on an individual or larger scale. You seem to have a positive attitude about nursing as well. In a high-pressure environment such as nursing this can be very beneficial (Jackson, Andrew, & Cleary, 2013). Although I am sure you have made many connections during your career, have you considered expanding your networking skills via social media? I am aware of some of the negativity that social media tends to bring to mind, especially when linked to nursing. However, social media can be used to advance careers as well as to find professional development resources (Reinbeck & Antonacci, 2019). Credible nursing organizations often have Facebook or Instagram pages that allow thousands of nurses to reach one another. You may also want to communicate with others and share what you know as a critical care nurse by starting a blog yourself (Wofford, 2018). Good luck to you as you complete your program.

References:

Jackson, D., Andrew, S., & Cleary, M. (2013). A reason, a season, or a lifetime? The importance

of positive collegial relationships and networks in establishing career sustainability and

resilience. Contemporary Nurse, 45(1), 2-3.

Reinbeck, D., & Antonacci, J. (2019). How nurses can use social media to their advantage.

Nursing, 49(5), 61-63.

Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved from

https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

PEER RESPONSE 2

I really enjoyed hearing about your family, how great to have a family of nurses to support you personally and professionally. I could relate to your father always encouraging you to further your education and never slowing down. This same philosophy was held in my family, that you are a life long learner. “Lifelong learning will continue to be a critical element in the nursing profession as interprofessional practice unfolds in healthcare and as the role of the nurse changes to meet the needs of the nation….by becoming engaged in educational pursuits to provide the highest quality care. In this manner, nurses can help revolutionize healthcare” Decelle (July 2015).

I too was drawn to Walden’s outreach and I value the need to stay engaged with other professionals in a rapidly changing industry like nursing. Utilizing professional networking with both experienced and novice nurses is crucial, “Nurses can develop relationships with individuals who work in their desired fields or roles with the intent of gaining knowledge…. An invaluable resource for knowledge that can be instrumental in advancing the nurse’s career”, Schmidt (Nov 2018). I am looking forward to the support and growth that will occur within our cohort as we transitions to graduate prepared nurse.

DeCelle, G. (July 2015) Advanced degrees: Meeting the needs of nurses and patients. Nursing Management,Volume :46 Number 7 , page 19 – 21.

Schmidit, K. 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking [Blog Post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from  https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Quiz: Walden’s Student Readiness Orientation

You probably have a lot of questions (and perhaps some hesitation) about the journey you are undertaking. How do I navigate the online classroom? How can I have access to a library in this environment? The Student Readiness Orientation (SRO) minicourse available on your MyWalden page provides answers to such questions and helps ensure you understand how to navigate the online classroom and utilize the many resources available to you as a student at Walden.

The Readiness Check will help you determine your prepardness for navigating the online classroom.

The questions presented on the Quiz are derived from the readiness check presented in the SRO.

Click on the Week 1 Quiz link after you have read the directions carefully.

The readiness check includes 15 questions in various formats including true/false and multiple choice. If you score 12 or below, please retake the exam. You may retake the exam as many times as you would like in order to achieve your desired score. Your highest score will be recorded. To retake the Quiz, click on “Take Test Again” (this does not appear as a hyperlink but works as a hyperlink when you click on the area).

To view the questions you answered correctly and incorrectly, click on your score in the “My Grades” area.

To Prepare:

• Review the Walden’s SRO found on your MyWalden page.

Hello all,

THIS AREA IS YOUR WEEK 1 DISCUSSION. THIS AREA IS NOT YOUR CLASS CAFE.

Networking Opportunities

This week you begin to lay the foundation for your academic and professional success. Your efforts begin with a vision, which 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 members of the professional community can also help you to clarify your vision.

This week’s Discussion asks you to think about how the Walden mission and vision and the College of Nursing mission and vision apply to your professional and academic goals. You will also begin to identify individuals and teams that can help you along the way, as you begin to design the “blueprint”—your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan—that will guide you toward your own vision for academic and professional success.NURS 6003 Discussion Networking Opportunities Essays

Post your Main Post By Day 3 (January 13, 2021 by 11:59pm Mountain Time)

Post a brief post introducing yourself to your colleagues. Include an explanation for 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.

Support main post with (3) three or more current, credible sources and cite source within content of posting and on a reference list in proper APA.

Post your (2) two Peer Responses By Day 6 (January 16, 2021 by 11:59pm Mountain Time)

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by suggesting additional individuals and/or teams with whom to collaborate or by offering additional networking strategies.

Be sure to offer support from at least (2) two current, credible sources in each required response to classmates’ main post and cite per APA.

The below information is also within the Course Announcements.

Cite your sources:

Question: So, what exactly does Walden University require Dr Gatlin to evaluate regarding citations and the listing of references cited within the written work?

Answer: Per the Discussion Grading Rubric concerning source utilization Dr Gatlin will evaluate for:

Main Post: Three (3) sources listed with each of those sources cited in the written work per APA format as indicated within the Discussion exemplar within your course resources.

Peer Responses: Two (2) sources listed, with each of those sources cited in the written work per APA format.NURS 6003 Discussion Networking Opportunities Essays

*Concerning source utilization: In short – do not list a source in the reference list and not cite it within the written work; nor cite a source in the written work without including it within your reference list. This action cost you valuable points as the discussion post point value is weighted as indicated within the rubric.

Label your post:

Label your Discussion Post:

Main Post, Response #1, Response #2

Unlabeled Post leaves the Instructor with no choice but to grade the post as they are dated per submission. The order of grading for unlabeled post will be Main Post initially, Peer Response 1, and lastly Peer Response 2. This unfortunately can result in a tremendous value of points being deducted.

Discussion example and additional information:

Refer to announcement #8 for a Discussion example.

Ensure you have fully reviewed the elements within course announcements # 2,4,7 and 8 regarding Discussion elements

Participation requirements: In order to receive full participation credit, you must participate in the discussions during the 6-day active discussion period on three (3) different calendar dates. The 6-day active period is from Monday (Day 1) through Saturday (Day 6).

The Week 1 discussion will close for participation and scoring purposes on (Day 6) Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11:59pm MT. At that point, the Discussion will lock and you will be unable to submit any Discussion Post even if you are actively within the discussion during that time.  For the Weeks requiring Discussion participation (Weeks 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) there is a six (6) day active period (Monday, Day 1 through Saturday, Day 6) allowed for Discussion participation. No allowances for participation will be made outside of the six (6) day (Monday, Day 1 through Saturday, Day 6) Discussion period.

Attachments: For discussions, write or cut/paste (ctrl c/ctrl v) directly into the text box. Attachments are not allowed – nor will be graded, rather a zero -0- score will be awarded. Meaning that uploading a file will not be counted for a grade, so please make sure you to post directly in the discussion area. Note: If you want to type it in MS Word, .doc, .docx first, then copy/paste (ctrl c/ctrl v) into the discussion that is perfectly acceptable.NURS 6003 Discussion Networking Opportunities Essays

As a reminder, as you interact with your peers within the discussions, I will deliberately post additional information. This is intended to take advantage of every possible opportunity to share information with you regarding this course as well beneficial information and tips for your future courses.

Please review the Week 1 discussion Instructions and grading rubric before you participate in the Week 1 Discussion.

RE: Discussion – Week 1

Hello Class! My name is Amy  and have been a Registered Nurse for over seventeen years. I began my journey in emergency medicine and continued in that setting for over a decade. During my later years of working in the emergency department, I transitioned to aesthetic medicine and truly found my calling. My initial steps of deciding to commit included loving helping others look and feel better, ultimately helping them to live happier lives. Two years after taking my first injectable course, I opened my own business called Glo Derma and have been living my dream ever since. I created an oasis in my community to provide a place that offers a rejuvenating environment to help others. In addition to operating Glo Derma, I am also a National Trainer and recently launched a training program for other medical professionals. As a side note, but honestly is my most proud accomplishment, I am a mother to five amazing children who I call the “Fab Five.”

Walden’s mission and goals stand true to curating a positive social change and producing practitioners for the common good (2021). This supports my foundation of wanting to continue to expand my knowledge in aesthetics, wellness, education, leadership, and community space. Since beginning my journey at Walden University, I have already learned so much in my classes and have been pushed out of my comfort zone on many occasions. I no longer feel that I am simply “checking all of the boxes” but know that I am doing this for a purpose and am proud to be a part of this program.

I have learned through my professional career that networking is one of the most useful tools in expanding outreach, knowledge and potential growth in one’s career. The vast majority of jobs are obtained through networking (Schmidt, K., 2020). Currently I am a member of the ANA (American Nursing Association), GAIN Network for Galderma, ISAPN (International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses), and have even created my own networking opportunities within my scope of practice. I have discovered that community over competition generally wins for everyone and finds a massive amount of value to that.

References

Walden University. (2021). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Walden University Catalog. Received from  Vision, Mission, and Goals – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™

Schmidt, K. (2020). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. BluePipes. Received from  5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking (bluepipes.com)

RE: Discussion – Week 1

Networking Opportunities

Introduction

My name is Jessica Prinz and I have been a registered nurse since 2004. My background is primarily in the emergency department and level 1 trauma, I left ER 5 years ago and since then I have held positions within internal medicine, plastic surgery, home health, and pain management. I live in Arizona and have two children. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, hiking, cooking, and spending time with my girls.

Walden’s Vision, Mission, and Goals

As an emergency room nurse, I cared for mentally ill patients several times a day, every day, and I soon realized I had a passion for this vulnerable population and that is why I am seeking a PMHNP degree. I feel my mission is aligned with Walden’s “provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can affect positive social change”. (Walden, 2021). As a practitioner, I hope to decrease the stigma associated with mental health and hope to help more people come forward when in need, “positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions”. (Walden, 2021).

Goals and Outcomes

 Walden’s MSN Program Outcomes relates to my professional and academic goals of becoming a scholar-practitioner in that I want to be part of a medical profession that helps mainstream mental health promotion, intervention, and maintenance. This MSN program outcome reflects my goal, “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, 2021).

Networking

Networking is important because it builds relationships and creates a network of individuals that support and mentor each other throughout a lifetime. You never know whom you will need or run into down the road. I support these relationships and hold them of high value. I completely agree with this statement found in the Blue Pipes article, “In other words, a connection may be able to offer direct help or put you in contact with someone who can directly help you, but you may be able to return the favor at some point”. (Schmidt, 2018).

References

Walden University. (2021). Master of Science in Nursing. MSN Learning Outcomes.https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=181&poid=73230&returnto=66598

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved September 1, 2021, https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=179&navoid=65571

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking [web log]. https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/  

My name is G . I am a Registered Nurse in the state of New Jersey. I am currently enrolled in the MSN ( FNP) program. In my quest to become a scholar-practitioner, I have found Walden University to be the most ideal choice for my current step in this career path. The goals and mission of Walden University align with my ideologies and desires. As a health practitioner, one ought to acquire knowledge that they can use to solve problems and make the world a better place. This defines the vision of Walden University (Walden University, 2011a). Its graduates should be released to the community with the ability to apply the knowledge instilled in them by the institution to advance the greater global good.

Walden’s mission statement emphasizes on the ability of the diverse professionals who graduate from the institution to effect positive change in the society (Walden University, 2011a). In health care, positive change is measured in terms of patient outcomes among others. As such, I intend to further my knowledge at Walden to better the outcomes of my patients albeit to effect positive change. Additionally, one of the goals of Walden University is to provide innovative programs that are at par with the current societal needs (Walden University, 2011b). For instance, as a health practitioner, I look forward to being able to provide the most current and effective management to my patients as opposed to relying on old and potentially outdated guidelines.

Evidence-based practice is cornerstone to nursing and other medical disciplines. At Walden, it is the goal of the institution to provide learning using diverse approaches including evidence-based practice (Walden University, 2011b). I look forward to meeting all the university outcomes as put out by the institution. Above all, I look forward to being able to impact positive change in the profession and the society at large after completing the program.

References

Walden University. (2011a). About the school. Retrieved from

http://www.waldenu.edu/Colleges-and-Schools/College-of-HealthSciences/15863.htm

Walden University. (2011b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

My name is Alena Nichols. I have been nursing for 14 years. I have a background nursing in med-surgical and currently emergency nursing. My vision is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. I believe nursing is more than a job, it’s truly a calling. Despite life’s unexpected challenges, I have remained focused on my life long goals. I have climbed the ladder in my medical career. I began as a Certified Medical Coder, Ward Clerk, LPN, RN, RN to BSN and now enrolled in the Master’s Program. It’s a great honor to look back an see how far I have come. I have suffered with a great deal of lost in my life, but I never lost hope on my vision in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. It reminds me of Walden’s Vision. As stated in Walden vision statement nursing, health, and related sciences will transform the provision of nursing services along the continuum of care and across the human life span to meet the needs of individuals and local and global communities (2021a).

I want to make a difference not only at my workplace, but my community. I was pleased to know that my mission mimics the mission at Walden University.  Walden’s mission is to provide the opportunity to transform a diverse community of career professionals to be scholarly-practitioners so they can effect positive social change (Vision, Mission, and Goals. 2021).  I am looking forward to succeeding and leading by example for others as well as my community.  I am also looking forward to social networking with my colleagues to enhance my learning experience at Walden. I have just began classes and I am already amazed at all the help and support that has been readily available from Walden University. This will truly be a great experience.  Best wishes to all…

Vision, Mission, and Goals. Vision, Mission, and Goals – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. (2021, March). https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?                                         catoid=153&navoid=49950.

Walden University. (2021a). About the school. Retrieved from

https://www.waldenu.edu/Colleges-and-Schools/College-of-Health-Sciences/15863.htm

Excellent discussion post. I, too, started in Labor and Delivery as that was always my dream job. I still love and miss L&D every day. However, childcare conflicts required me to transfer to a Monday-Friday office job that aligned with daycare hours. Luckily, I was placed at a pediatric primary care clinic, and I have truly loved it. Working in pediatrics has made me more aware of the desperate need for pediatric mental health practitioners. Currently, our patients have to travel over three hours for the closest pediatric mental health provider, and the wait to get them in can vary from one to two months. I think it’s terrific you are pursuing this career and wanting to bring positive social change to your facility. Positive social change improves human and social conditions by promoting the worth, dignity, and development of individuals and organizations (Walden University, 2021a). Walden’s PMH-NP program will adequately prepare you as a leader to deliver high-quality healthcare and bring about positive social change (Walden University, 2021b). 

 Networking is a great way to achieve your vision and goals. A tremendous professional nursing association you might consider joining if you are not already a member is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). The APNA is the largest professional organization for psychiatric-mental health nursing and could be an excellent resource to help you with wellness promotion of those with mental health issues, prevention of mental health problems, and with the care and treatment of children with psychiatric disorders (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 2020).

References

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2020). About the American Psychiatric Nurses Association: An

Introduction. Retrieved June 5, 2021, from https://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3277

Walden University. (2021a). Introduction. Retrieved June 5, 2021, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=179&navoid=65571

Walden University. (2021b). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved June 5, 2021, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=179&poid=72167&returnto=65560

Name: NURS_6003_Module01_Week01_Discussion_Rubric

Name: NURS_6003_Module01_Week01_Discussion_Rubric

It has taken me years to determine what, exactly, my goals were. I started as a young nurse working in women and children’s healthcare. At the time, all I wanted was to be a labor and delivery nurse. This was 30 years ago. Things change, we change and grow, and continue to learn about ourselves and our communities both local and global. In the end, my goal is to help bring about social change. This is something that Walden University also cares about.

”Walden University defines positive social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies. Positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions.”

The importance of recognizing each individuals inherent worth is the cornerstone of everything I do as a nurse. I only recently obtained my MSN from Chamberlain University. It took two months of having that degree for me to understand that it wasn’t enough. That wanting to promote change would take more.  Ultimately, I have decided to pursue the role of PMHNP.  In this, I would like to focus particularly in the area of pediatrics.

I am fortunate to work on a small, community pediatric unit, which is currently developing a program tailored specifically to the needs of pediatric mental health patients. Our unit is going to be utilized as bed space for children waiting for placement. Currently, there is limited access to bed space in psychiatric facilities in our state. Because of this, children (and adults) are left in small rooms with no windows or comfortable beds in the emergency department. The process can take upwards of several weeks. Our goal is to allow mental health healing to begin before departure to a specialty facility. We have child life specialists, pediatricians, social workers, all available on our unit to assist these young patients during their stay. My hope is to create a position for myself as a mental health practitioner within the hospital.

Walden University (n.d.) Walden University Catalog. Retrieved June 1, 2021 from https://catalog.waldenu.edu