Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties NURS 6003

NURS 6003 Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties

Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties

Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties

You have probably seen one or more of the many inspirational posters about decisions. A visual such as a forked road or a street sign is typically pictured, along with a quote designed to inspire.

Decisions are often not so easily inspired. Perhaps you discovered this when choosing a specialty within the MSN program. This decision is a critical part of your plan for success, and you no doubt want to get it right. This is yet another area where your network can help, as well as other sources of information that can help you make an informed choice.

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To Prepare:

  • Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.

By Day 3 of Week 10

Post an explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program. Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member.

RE: Discussion – Week 10
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I chose to return to Walden University for my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Nursing Informatics (NI) specialty track. The NI track prepares emerging informatics specialists to integrate nursing with health information technology (HIT) systems, by implementing and optimizing clinical systems that aim to improve the quality of patient care and reducing costs.

Having worked in many hospitals and being exposed to different Electronic Health Records (EHRs), I have had the opportunity to see an array of ways that data was collected from EHR’s and other HIT intersect to enhance patient care. The fact that this is a field of study that is experiencing exponential growth, factored in on my decision to pursue NI. I have spent over 20 years working in the Operating Room (OR), starting as a circulator and working up to a manager and director.

During my time in the OR, I saw significant changes in healthcare and how business-minded administration individuals could sometimes affect quality patient care. All too often, OR staff lacked solid data that would allow us to act on the patient’s best interest. This fact resulted in the practice of following surgeons’ preferences and expectations, rather than acting in the best interest of the patient. As nurses we are often constrained by politics and policies of the healthcare organization in which we are employed. (Cherry, Caramanica, Everett, Fennimore, Scott, 2019). Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties

After experiencing multiple failures in patient care during my years in the OR, I felt my ethics and values did not align with my initial career and felt compelled to change career paths. When considering where my area of interest would be when pursuing my MSN, I didn’t really waiver. NI is an area of nursing that I have had a strong interest in for several years. I have always been drawn to being on the forefront of technological advancements within my career and facilitating those advancements that allow for optimal patient outcomes. The ability to enable caregivers to accurately document care provided in real time and share this information with other clinicians is paramount to being a true patient advocate.

As I go forward in my career pursuits, the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) will be a robust resource for information and networking. AMIA is a community committed to the concept that informatics is the key to expedite healthcare reform. Data produced throughout the healthcare ecosystem is the driving force of informatics and its ability to innovate critical advancements that directly benefit the community. “AMIA’s members are critical to discovering these insights, which is why AMIA is committed to being the professional home for the informaticians of today and the driver of informatics’ future” (AMIA, 2020). Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties

Under the AMIA umbrella, there are different types of memberships; the one I chose was under student membership. “This membership type is open to students enrolled in any educational program (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, fellowship, residency)” (AMIA, 2020). AMIA requires that students have an expected graduation date in the future. Also, AMIA has the right to request proof of student status at any time. The student membership annual dues is a very affordable fifty dollars and one can sign up through their website. “Nurses should seek membership in organizations that will best fulfill their professional and personal goals” (Echevarria, 2018, p.36).

References

American Medical Informatics Association. (n.d.). AMIA memberships. Retrieved November 2, 2020, from https://www.amia.org/about-amia-american-medical-informatics-association-%C2%AE

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L., Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., Scott, E., (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517-519.

Echevarria, I., M, (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35-38.

RE: Discussion – Week 10
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I chose Public Health nursing for my MSN at Walden University. I believe this was a perfect fit for me since I have an interest in public health nursing from my 5 years of experience as an infection control nurse. I don’t think I have a hard time choosing this route, my only concerns were the ability to start and complete the program. As an infection control nurse, I feel the adrenaline of support and energy amongst my co-workers each time we gather for morning meetings and updates on patients each day, on isolation the CDC’s new role for the facilities to follow.  The flow of information and work this between the providers, nurses, social workers, and others within the multidisciplinary team shows the enormous work that is done to provide safety for the patient and staff. As a nurse practitioner in public health nursing, I can work in so many areas, including, public health nursing in community, rural area, hospital, CDC.

A nurse practitioner in public health nursing is given the responsibility that requires a high level of independence in providing vital information to key decision-makers, both in health care and in government. The role of an NP in public health nursing focuses on the scientific process of preventing infectious diseases, in the hospital, the united states, public health, such as the CDC or the food and drug administration.

The AANP is an excellent organization with enormous success and benefits, with over 110,000 members, the organization has a collective mission to focus on providing continuous quality care to the patient through the advancement of education, research, advocacy, leadership, and practice. AANP website offers a wide range of activities, including continuing education (CES) research opportunities, journals, publications, and educational resources for NP students and faculty. Joining an organization such as the AANP fulfills a lot of my professional and personal goals. The American nurses association (ANA) urges that nurses must practice to their full potential, always improving the professional experience as nurses.

References

AANP.(n.d.). Membership: Be a part of the voice, American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved August 2, 2020, from https://www.aanp.org/membership

Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing. Retrieved August 2, 2020, from https://infor. walden.edu/walden-programs/nursing/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing-msn/?ga=2.132072907,550041167,1596422088-402334682-1590716562

https://online.ahu.edu/blog/understandig-the-difference-between-public-health-and-comunity-health

RE: Discussion – Week 10

When I first became a nurse, I worked on an Acute Rehab unit in a small critical access hospital.  Seeing the huge strides and improvements that my patients made brought me so much joy, and I always thought that I would be involved in one-on-one patient care as my career progressed.  I never saw myself being in a Nurse Executive role.

Next, I decided to make a change in my career path and transition into the operating room.  I fell in love with this unit as well, but for different reasons.  I was not able to interact with my patients like I did in Rehab Nursing, but I was completely fascinated by the human body.  The more I learned about the unit, the more I saw how well my colleagues worked as a team.  My OR Director was very experienced and pulled me aside and asked if I had ever been interested in nurse management.  She said she “saw potential in me” and “felt I had leadership qualities”.  I was intrigued and tried to keep an open mind as I explored this avenue.  It was this conversation that changed my outlook and drove me on the path to earn my MSN and become a Nurse Executive.

According to Truant and Chan (2017), being a nurse leader is about looking at the bigger picture and realizing that the focus is not just on one patient or one community, but rather the whole patient population and the global effect.  Nursing has changed so much over the years, and it is imperative that the older generation of nurse leaders, and the younger generation of nurse leaders come together and take past experiences and use them to innovate and create a bright future (Cherry et. al, 2019).

One professional nursing organization that is affiliated with Nurse Executives is the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL).  In joining this organization, you have access to nurse leadership education and resources, career development opportunities, and networking.  For this organization you can purchase a 1-year or a 2-year membership at a time.

In conclusion, my journey towards becoming a Nurse Executive was somewhat unexpected, but it opened my eyes to a world of opportunity and allowed me to understand the importance of how nurse leadership affects patient care.

References

American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2015). AONL Nurse Executive competencies. Retrieved from https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L, Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517-519.

Truant, T., & Chan, R. J. (2017). Future ready: Strengthening oncology nursing leadership in the context of professional oncology nursing organizations. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 27(1), 2–8.

By Day 6 of Week 10

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose.

Submission and Grading Information

Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

At some point in every construction project, efforts turn from design and the focus moves to actual construction. With the vision in place and the tools secured, the blueprint can be finalized and approved. Then it is time to put on hardhats and begin work.

Throughout the course you have developed aspects of your Academic and Professional Development Plan. You have thought a great deal about your vision and goals, your academic and professional network of support, research strategies and other tools you will need, the integrity of your work, and the value of consulting the work of others. With your portfolio in place, it is now time to finalize your blueprint for success.

Much as builders remain cognizant of the building standards as they plan and begin construction, nurses must remain mindful of the formal standards of practice that govern their specialties. A good understanding of these standards can help ensure that your success plan includes any steps necessary to excel within your chosen specialty.

In this Assignment you will continue developing your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan by developing the final component–a review of your specialty standards of practice. You will also submit your final version of the document, including Parts 1–5.

To Prepare:

  • Review the scope and standards of practice or competencies related to your chosen specialty in the resources for this module.
  • Review the MSN specializations offered at Walden by viewing the module resource, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
  • Examine professional organizations related to the specialization you have chosen and identify at least one to focus on for this Assignment.
  • Reflect on the thoughts you shared in the Discussion forum regarding your choice of a specialty, any challenges you have encountered in making this choice, and any feedback you have received from colleagues in the Discussion.

The Assignment:
Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

  • With the resources specific to the MSN specialization and the, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), shared in this module, write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table, comparing at least two nursing specialties that include your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
  • Write a 2- to 3-paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this Module’s Discussion forum.
  • Identify the professional organization related to your chosen specialization for this Assignment, and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.

Note: Your final version of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan should include all components as presented the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan template.

By Day 5 of Week 11

Submit your final draft of Parts 1-6 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.

Submission and Grading Information

To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

  • Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK11Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
  • Click the Week 11 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
  • Click the Week 11 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for grading criteria from this area.
  • Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK11Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
  • If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
  • Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.

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.

 

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.

*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.

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.

Name: NURS_6003_Module06_Week10_Discussion_Rubric

Excellent Good Fair Poor
Main Posting
Points Range: 45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources. 

Supported by at least three current, credible sources. 

Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Points Range: 40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. 

At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. 

Supported by at least three credible sources. 

Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Points Range: 35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
Responds to some of the discussion question(s). 

One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. 

Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. 

Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. 

Post is cited with two credible sources. 

Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. 

Contains some APA formatting errors.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately. 

Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. 

Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. 

Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. 

Contains only one or no credible sources. 

Not written clearly or concisely. 

Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. 

Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Main Post: Timeliness
Points Range: 10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3.
First Response
Points Range: 17 (17%) – 18 (18%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. 

Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. 

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. 

Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. 

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. 

Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. 

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Points Range: 15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. 

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. 

Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. 

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. 

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Points Range: 13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. 

Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. 

Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. 

Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. 

Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. 

Responses to faculty questions are missing. 

No credible sources are cited.
Second Response
Points Range: 16 (16%) – 17 (17%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. 

Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. 

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. 

Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. 

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. 

Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. 

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Points Range: 14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. 

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. 

Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. 

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. 

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Points Range: 12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. 

Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. 

Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. 

Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. 

Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. 

Responses to faculty questions are missing. 

No credible sources are cited.
Participation
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.
Total Points: 100

Name: NURS_6003_Module06_Week10_Discussion_Rubric