Running head: Professional development plan

Professional Development Plan

Cassaundra Braden
NURS 324

Professional development plan 2
Abstract:
Currently in my bachelors degree I aspire to attend a master program and aim my career towards
obstetrics. To assure a successful profession one must develop their own personal philosophy
and follow a set of guidelines to assure a career upheld with principles. The ANA standards of
professional performance should guide any professional practice. This guided practice should
lead to goals for a nurse to aspire to. Mine include expert level nursing and a future in obstetrics.
My nursing practice began in a community college where I attained my practical nurse
license after the necessary education requirements had been met. I was able to obtain a job as an
LPN while continuing my final two semester of my registered nurse education. I began working
for a staffing agency in December of 2011 with my LPN license. I was able to get experience in
multiple long term care facilities along with a few other opportunities. After I passed my
NCLEX- RN I was able to continue at the staffing agency and picked up hospital experience.
Working with the staffing agency I gained the most experience in LTC and rehab. The hours
were not guaranteed and I began to seek employment full time. My current practice is in a long
term acute care hospital (LTACH). I work twelve hour shifts during the night. During an
average shift I am in charge of 5 patients, working with two other nurses and two CNAs.
The ANA Standards of professional nursing performance are outlined on Ferris website.
They include: ethics, education, evidence based practice and research, quality of practice,
communication, leadership, collaboration, profession practice evaluation, resource utilization,
and environmental health.
The field of ethics studies principles of right and wrong (Medline Plus). We learn
about ethics at a young age from out parents. However, we do not know that this is what we are
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learning. When the topic of ethics was covered in nursing school was when I began to determine
where I stood on key issues for the first time. While working in LTC I was forced to develop a
stance on life sustaining measures. This was the first real ethical issue I was faced with. I think
that ethics continually grow and evolve as careers progress. As you are faced with new issues,
you are required to decide where you stand. I was brought up with core ethical principles. Do
unto others as you would like done unto you. Your ethical beliefs mature as your understanding
of the world and situations around you mature as well.. From one year ago, when I graduated
nursing school, I have developed a great deal. I started out as a novice nurse ready to be molded.
As I have traveled through different fields of nursing and gained experience I have advanced my
knowledge of ethics as issues arose. I make a point to consider ethics in my daily practice with
each patient I care for. This is in line with the ANA standards of professional performance as it
should be with every nurse who is involved with patient care.
Education involves the registered nurse attaining knowledge and competence that
reflects current nursing practice (ANA, 2010). I have made it a goal to obtain a masters level of
education. I have begun this journey at Ferris State University for my BSN. I feel that before
the end of my practice, it will be a requirement that all RNs have bachelors degrees. I am
currently at a place in my young adult life that obtaining a bachelors degree is easily done and
the right choice for me. The ANA standard of education insists that the nurse maintains the most
current knowledge in their practice. My BSN will keep me current in the nursing field as I
research new ideas and the most up to date information. When I have finished my bachelors
degree I plan to continue on towards a masters degree, furthering my knowledge of the current
field of nursing. After I complete my schooling I will remain informed by completing required
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competencies that my job will call for. This may mean certification or CEUs. All of these things
will ensure that I am in compliance with the ANA education standard.
Evidence based practice and research should be conducted and integrated into the nurses
practice. As I continue my education I will research evidence based information that I will
incorporate into my practice. My CEUs along with my attaining my further degrees will enable
me to do so. I know that often times hospitals are asked to take part in experiments, and in doing
this I will be conducting evidence based projects. I will follow through with any EBP being
done around me to keep my practice current. This will allow me to adhere to the ANA standards
of professional performance.
The ANA standard of quality of Practice reflects the registered nurse contributing to
quality nursing practice. This should be done on a day to day basis as you work with patients on
the floor. All care given should be of quality as we work together to improve patient outcome. I
like to think that if I imagine each patients family and how they would like their loved one to be
treated, I will be encouraged to give the best quality care possible. By maintaining quality in my
individual practice I am adding the overall quality of the practice of nursing as a whole.
Communication is outlined by ANA as the registered nurse communicates effectively in
a variety of formats in all areas of practice (ANA, 2010). To me, this is a key standard.
Without effective communication, patient care cannot be at the level necessary for proficient
patient outcomes. In order to improve a patients condition we must communicate the issues
with the physician. When a new order is written the appropriate disciplines need to be notified.
As soon as I am made aware of an order that involves the CNA I will go to that individual and
inform them of the change. The same goes for each of the rehab staff. My first job tested my
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communication skills as I began to learn how to advocate for the patient along with delegating to
the CNAs. As I have progressed in my career I have improved my communication skills and
learned to write everything down that I cannot immediately communicate.
Leadership involves the registered nurse conducting leadership in a professional practice
setting. As I accepted my first position as an RN I quickly learned the importance of leadership.
When CNAs are working under you someone has to dictate what needs to be done to have the
patients needs met. Leadership also comes into effect when working with a charge nurse. My
new position utilizes charge nurses and I love it. I am able to advocate for my patient and also
have someone lead me if I do not know the best way of doing so. I believe that I am able to both
play the leadership role when necessary and I am able to follow someone who may be in the
leadership role above me.
ANA defines collaboration as he registered nurse collaborates with the healthcare
consumer, family and others in the conduct of nursing practice (ANA, 2010). Collaboration
goes along with effective communication. Collaboration requires communication with the
necessary discipline(s), following the appropriate leadership recommendations and providing
quality care. The ANA standard also includes collaboration with family. I dont think this is
obvious to all health care professionals. It is important to include the family in the care of their
loved one. I developed this idea into my practice from the beginning when I worked in LTC
facilities and family was frequently present. Through the experiences I have had, I learned that
collaboration is necessary to get the job done properly.
Professional practice evaluation includes the nurse evaluating her or his own practice in
relation to professional practice standards and guidelines. In my career as a nurse I can honestly
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say that it was not until my BSN classes that I put my focus on evaluating my own practice in
regards to the practice standards. Reviewing them now, I feel I have been able to adhere to the
standards of professional performance quite well. I can see how it is beneficial to evaluate
oneself throughout their practice to ensure the best possible patient care. This will also help to
ensure care is being provided in the most proficient way possible.
Resource utilization is achieved when the nurse utilizes appropriate resources to plan
and provide nursing services that are safe, effective and financially responsible (ANA, 2010).
While working as an agency nurse it is rare to put focus on resource utilization. Generally the
facility is foreign to agency staff and the focus is to provide patient care. However, it is true that
with the ability to navigate different facilities, agency staff may see areas from one place to
another that need improvement. Since I have started my full time employment in an LTAC
Hospital I have seen a large amount of attention to resource utilization. This particular facility
rents space inside another hospital and utilizes some of their services such as cafeteria/kitchen
and departments such as laboratory and x-ray. I do my part by only bringing what I need into a
patients room and being mindful of wasting supplies.
The final ANA standard of professional performance involves the nurse practicing in a
safe and healthy manner. Our environment affects our health. Our average life span has almost
doubled over the past century. Most of those additional years have been gained by healthful
environmental changes (Medline Plus). With a large population of our patients being in
isolation it is important to practice safe and health techniques in my everyday practice. Hand
washing is key along with use of sanitizer. This standard is instilled in health care field workers
from the beginning when they become knowledgeable on infections and bacteria. It is also
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important that the halls and patient rooms are kept free of clutter, especially in rooms with
patients at risk for falls.
When I consider where I would like to be in five years I am relieved and anxious to
picture the end of my degree in sight. My BSN should be completed by the fall of 2014. After I
obtain my bachelors degree I plan to continue on for my masters. According to the American
Association of Colleges of Nursing, graduate nursing education advances innovation and
strengthens the leadership needed to improve healthcare delivery (AACN, 2011). It is my goal
to advance my knowledge in order to perform at the highest standard possible throughout my
career. A masters level of education will allow me to achieve the most expert level practice.
Masters education prepares nurses for flexible leadership and critical action within complex,
changing systems, including health, educational, and organizational systems. Masters education
provides nurses with knowledge and skills to lead change, promote health, and promote care in
various roles and settings (AACN, 2011). If I were to begin my masters program in the fall of
2014 I should be able to complete my MSN in the winter of 2016, assuming I attend full time.
Another goal that I have within the next five years is to achieve expert level in my current job.
There are computer classes available through my employer that I am able to take to attain
proficient and expert level. This involves a pay increase and quarterly bonuses. I am not
positive that the LTACH that I work for is the correct place long term for me. However, it does
allow me to gain valuable experience and skills on a variety of patients that will prove to be a
beneficial stepping stone for my future career.
When focusing on where I would like to be by 2023 I see the field of obstetrics. As I
determined that nursing was the correct profession for me, my original goal was to end up in OB.
I have considered many routes to obtain this goal. Initially I planned on pursuing a certification
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in midwifery. I have since decided that this title may be too independent for me. I have a desire
to begin a family and be allowed enough time away from work to spend time with them. After I
have completed my MSN and proved to be expert in my current position I would like to continue
on towards an obstetric focused career. Within ten years I plan to have found a position in this
field and to develop and exceptional skills set in obstetric nursing.
In order to complete my BSN degree it will require dedication and teamwork with my
fellow classmates. I will have to organize my time wisely to provide the opportunity to advance
in my current job along with completing my assignments on time. I have thus far been able to
meet the needs of my job and currently have a 3.7 GPA for my BSN. In order to attain expert
level at my current LTAC hospital I will have to refer to the appropriate online courses through
my employer. I will register and complete each required course as assigned along with the
necessary tests. This will allow me to achieve expert level and possibly become a charge nurse
on the floor. Prior to completion of my BSN I will continue my research towards my future
MSN. A few variables will come into play when determining where I will complete my masters
such as family dynamics and my career status. I have interest in Michigan State Universitys
masters program along with possibly continuing through Ferris State University. The MSN
program at Ferris appeals to me because it is flexible. Students can choose to take one to four
courses at a time. There is also the flexibility of increasing or decreasing ones course load,
depending on personal and professional circumstances (Owens). When I begin working
towards a career in obstetrics I will research the hospitals and their OB departments to find the
best fit for me. There are a few hospitals that I have in mind for my future career; however, it
will depend on my family and where we are living at that time. Because I am still young in
aspect to the nursing profession a lot of variables come into effect as my life plays out. I have
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big plans to achieve my goals and fortunately since I was able to solidify a career path and begin
my education at a young age, I have quite a few years to accomplish my goals.


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References
AACN. (2011). The essentials of masters education in nursing. American Association of
Colleges of Nursing, Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-
resources/MastersEssentials11.pdf
American Nurses Association (ANA) Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice, 2010
Medline Plus. Bethesda, MD: U.S National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
Owens, S. (n.d.). Master of science in nursing. Unpublished raw data, Nursing, Ferris State
University, Big Rapids, Mi, Retrieved from
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/alliedhe/Nursing/MSN-program/HOME-Nursing-
MSN.htm

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GRADING RUBRIC

CATEGORY 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 points
Evaluation tool
Writing checklist
The writing checklist is
attached, complete and it is
apparent after reading the
paper it was used successfully
The writing checklist is attached,
complete but it is apparent after reading
the paper the evaluator missed some key
elements of the writing tool
The writing checklist is
attached, complete but it is
apparent after reading the
paper the evaluator missed
several key elements of the
writing tool
Missing
Introduction (Organization)
The introduction is inviting,
states the main topic and
previews the structure of the
paper.
The introduction clearly states the main
topic and previews the structure of the
paper, but is not particularly inviting to the
reader.
The introduction states the
main topic, but does not
adequately preview the
structure of the paper nor is
it particularly inviting to the
reader.
There is no clear introduction of the
main topic or structure of the paper.
Sequencing (Organization)
Details are placed in a logical
order and the way they are
presented effectively keeps the
interest of the reader.
Details are placed in a logical order, but
the way in which they are
presented/introduced sometimes makes
the writing less interesting.
Some details are not in a
logical or expected order,
and this distracts the reader.
Many details are not in a logical or
expected order. There is little sense
that the writing is organized.
Grammar & Spelling
(Conventions)
Writer makes no errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Writer makes 1-2 errors in grammar or
spelling that distract the reader from the
content.
Writer makes 3-4 errors in
grammar or spelling that
distract the reader from the
content.
Writer makes more than 4 errors in
grammar or spelling that distract the
reader from the content.
Word Choice
Writer uses vivid words and
phrases that linger or draw
pictures in the reader's mind,
and the choice and placement
of the words seems accurate,
natural and not forced.
Writer uses vivid words and phrases that
linger or draw pictures in the reader's
mind, but occasionally the words are
used inaccurately or seem overdone.
Writer uses words that
communicate clearly, but the
writing lacks variety, punch
or flair.
Writer uses a limited vocabulary that
does not communicate strongly or
capture the reader's interest. Jargon
or cliches may be present and detract
from the meaning.

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CATEGORY 5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points
Behavior analysis (accuracy, precision, clarity, relevance, depth, breadth, logic and personal significance)
Description and Analysis of Current Strengths & Weaknesses for ANA measurement criteria in the following standards of professional performance

Relevant, telling, quality details
give the reader important
information that goes beyond
the obvious or predictable.
Supporting details and information are
relevant, but one key issue or portion of
the analysis is unsupported.
Supporting details and information
are relevant, but several key issues
or portions of the analysis are
unsupported.
Supporting details and
information are typically unclear
or not related to the topic.
# 7 Ethics

# 8 Education

# 9 EBP & Research

# 10 Quality of Practice

# 11 Communication

# 12 Leadership

# 13 Collaboration

# 14 Professional
Practice Evaluation

#15 Resource Utilization

# 16 Environmental
Health

APA formatting literacy
Sources APA format
(Content)
All citations in text & sources
used for quotes and facts are
credible and cited correctly.
All citations in text & sources used for
quotes and facts are credible and most
are cited correctly.
Most citations in text & sources used
for quotes and facts are credible and
cited correctly.
Many citations in text & sources
used for quotes and facts are
less than credible (suspect)
and/or are not cited correctly.
APA format
Correct use and placement of
title page, running head,
headers, abstract, margin, font
size, references reference page
Mostly correct use and placement of
title page, running head, headers,
abstract, margin, font size, references
reference page
Some correct use and placement of
title page, running head, headers,
abstract, margin, font size,
references reference page
Placement of title page, running
head, headers, abstract, margin,
font size, references reference
page needs a lot of imrpovement

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CATEGORY 5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points
5 and 10 year goals, action plan and evaluation
Goals
Articulates clear professional
goals for 5 and 10 years within
the profession which reflect the
weakness identified in the
behavior analysis above and/or
plan to maintain compliance
with Standards.
Main idea is clear but the supporting
information is general.
Main idea is somewhat clear but
there is a need for more supporting
information.
The main idea is not clear. There
is a seemingly random collection
of information.
Action plan Action plan and timelines are
consistent with the goal
statements.
Main idea is clear but the supporting
information is general.
Main idea is somewhat clear but
there is a need for more supporting
information.
The main idea is not clear. There
is a seemingly random collection
of information.
Evaluation statement
Evaluation statement used to
measure attainment of,
progress toward or continuing
suitability of both 5 & 10 year
goals
Main idea is clear but the supporting
information is general.
Main idea is somewhat clear but
there is a need for more supporting
information.
The main idea is not clear. There
is a seemingly random collection
of information.
Conclusion (Organization)
The conclusion is strong and
leaves the reader with a feeling
that they understand what the
writer is "getting at."
The conclusion is recognizable and ties
up almost all the loose ends.
The conclusion is recognizable, but
does not tie up several loose ends.
There is no clear conclusion, the
paper just ends.
Total