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LaDonna Henderson, RN
Statement of Professional Goals
Nursing is a second career for me. I chose this field for many reasons, not the least of
which are the numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth and career potential.
My initial fear of being too old to return to school and pursue a new career was quickly allayed
as I realized I was but one of many adult students pursing second, or even third, careers.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2012), second career nurses are mature
and highly motivated and bring diverse perspectives and years of work experience to the
nursing profession. After accomplishing my initial goals of getting through nursing school and
finding my first nursing job, I am looking to the future as I identify longer term goals of one,
One-Year Goals
With two years of nursing experience now completed, I now plan to focus on becoming
certified within my fields. I have been working on a medical oncology floor for the past two
years and was certified in biotherapy/chemotherapy administration last year. Over the next year,
I would like to pursue certifications in both medical-surgical nursing (CMSRN) and oncology
nursing (OCN). To round out my oncology nursing practice, I have begun studying the concepts
of end-of-life and palliative care nursing and also plan to become a Certified Hospice and
Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN). Being certified is an important way to progress in my specialty
field and validates specialty knowledge, enhances professional credibility, and contributes to
Three-Year Goals
including Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN) and Certified Breast Cancer Nurse
(CBCN). The AOCN certification is a continuation of the OCN certification. To become AOCN
development activities provides points toward the AOCN designation. The CBCN certification
requires candidates to have a minimum of 1000 hours of nursing care of breast cancer patients in
order to sit for the certification test. This certification is the only national accredited breast care
nursing certificationthat encompasses the entire spectrum of breast care nursing practice
Five-Year Goals
I will be completing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at the end of this
BSN is required. Within the next five years, I hope to have completed my Masters Degree in
practitioner, which will incorporate my first career as a family counselor into my nursing
practice. With certification as a nurse educator, I would like to become a clinical instructor in a
college setting.
Conclusion
Nursing combines my love of learning with my desire to help others. I am able to provide
for my family as well as fulfill my own passions. Setting career goals is one of the most
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important activities that an individual can do to enhance professional development and ensure
upward mobility in the nursing profession (Pullen, 2011, p. 5). Working in the field of oncology
affords me the opportunity to become intimately involved in patients and their families lives
wherever they are in their cancer journey. I am able to positively impact their adjustment to
treatments and outcomes. I consider it an honor to assist in their recovery and support them as
they face end-of-life decisions. The goals I have set for myself will ensure I am making the
References
certification
breast-care-nurse-cbcn
Pullen, R. L. (2011). Get on the road to professional development. Nursing Made Incredibly
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2012, May 29). Nursing as a 'second act'. Retrieved from
http://www.rwjf.org/en/library/articles-and-news/2012/05/nursing-as-a-second-act.html