Part 5: Professional Development Homework

My name is Florence Nightingale and I want to start by giving you some insight into my

personal life. I currently reside in Orange County, California, where the military has placed my

family. I am an army wife, an associate degree nurse, and a mother of two boys. From a small

town in Virginia, my only opportunity to obtain a higher education degree was to attend a local

college that offered a 2-year degree in nursing. I had an opportunity to begin my chosen

profession early, having a family, and never have to worry about finding employment. I always

knew I wanted to increase my knowledge and do more. Year after year it seemed impossible to

go back to school in the traditional way, since raising small children and moving interfered with

finishing a degree. Part 5: Professional Development Homework

Nursing has been the most rewarding career. It is not a job to me but my life. My formal

education began in 1989 at a branch of Kent State University. I graduated with a Bachelor of

Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1993. Working and going to school full-time put a strain on my

grade point average (GPA), but the experience helped me grow both professionally and

personally to an independent self-motivated practitioner.

Currently, I work in an endoscopy department where I developed many standard

operating procedure guidelines which are being utilized throughout the hospital. I am also

planning to obtain my Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) certification

this year. Another certification workshop I plan to attend is a nurse management seminar in July.

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Currently, I hold certifications in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support

(ACLS), pediatric advanced life support (PALS) and conscious sedation. Prior certifications held

were electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and neurology assessment.

My experiences are very diverse which has made me flexible, efficient, and have given

me a broad knowledge base. The different areas of expertise include neurology, orthopedics,

urology, day surgery, endoscopy, telemetry, home health, recovery, and research-based projects.

In many of these fields I was chosen to take on leadership roles such as charge nurse, team

leader, preceptor, computer specialist, educator, and admission/discharge specialist. I like new

challenges at work. Being involved in leadership roles confirmed my desire to advance my

career in leadership and administration.

Professional Goals

My personal goal is to do my best in all that I do and make a difference in people’s lives.

My professional goal is to obtain my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with the specialty

being in leadership and management. Reflecting on the University’s vision and mission

statement, it is a privilege to attend this graduate level program in order to learn how to

positively transform society for the greater global good.

As a professional, I want to personally make society a better place, not only for my

children, but for all the children of the future. Also, this specialization gives me a way to make a

difference in the community around me that would not be possible at my current degree status.

My experience has proven that to be a great leader, you must first serve. As a professional, I

desire to serve my community through various outreach programs that will provide members

with the tools and information needed to improve overall health and wellness. I also desire to

make a difference as a leader in the organization I serve. I want to transform the landscape of

Part 5: Professional Development Homework

PROFESSIONAL PLAN 4

positively managing and leading staff. Lastly, I wish to obtain certification in my field as a nurse

leader. I am looking forward to accomplishing my professional goals and making a difference.

Course Outcomes

At first, being an adult in a learning atmosphere was a challenge for me. Through this

course, I have developed the skills necessary to function proficiently as an online learner. I

learned how to navigate through the various platform areas and more importantly, the resources

available to assist all students as they transition into an online learning environment. In addition,

I have learned new strategies that are helping me improve my ability to plan and manage my

time as a student while obtaining resources, using technology, and communicating effectively in

the online environment. Lastly, I developed sound knowledge of academic integrity and the

importance of crediting sources.

Although there are many areas this course has helped me improve upon, continued

growth is still needed. Since I have not been in a student role for many years, American

Psychological Association (APA) style of writing is new to me. This is where Walden’s online

program can help me reach my goals without sacrificing my commitment to my family. In order

to grow in my knowledge of APA, I plan to view several webinars offered by the Walden

Writing Center on this topic. In addition, I will seek out feedback from the Writing Center tutors

on written assignments.

Practicum

I view the practicum as an exceptionally important part of the master’s education. I began

planning for the practicum in leadership on the day I was accepted into Walden’s nursing

program. I contacted a nurse manager, Victoria Smith, from a local acute care institution. I know

of Smith’s work and reputation as a nurse leader in our community. Smith agreed to serve as my

PROFESSIONAL PLAN 5

preceptor when it is time for me to enroll in the practicum. Although this will happen in two

years, Smith feels confident that she will continue to be in the current position and have the

flexibility to mentor a student.

During my practicum experience, I would like to develop and implement a nurse

preceptor program. In this program, I would like to develop several classes for experienced

nurses that want to become preceptors for new employees and graduate nurses. I believe more

needs to be done when it comes to preceptors understanding their role and how they can be

successful at meeting the needs of new employees and graduates. Part 5: Professional Development Homework

Summary

I am excited for the journey ahead. I believe my experience and past education has

prepared me to be successful as I pursue my MSN degree. Moreover, as a graduate prepared

nurse, Walden will provide me with the knowledge and tools necessary to make a positive

impact in the world around me. Since starting back to school is a new experience, especially the

online program, I am planning to view webinars and to seek assistance from Writing Center

tutors to learn more about APA writing style. My degree completion date is February 2016. I

look forward to expanding my knowledge base as a scholar practitioner through Walden

University.