Peer Responses

Responding to Alison’s post

Hello Alison,

Thank you for sharing your well-structured goals! I appreciate the clarity in your short-term goals, precisely your aim to obtain board certification by April 27, 2025. This goal perfectly falls within the SMART framework: it is specific (board certification), measurable (by the set date), achievable (since there is time allowed for preparation of this goal), relevant (supporting professional growth), and time-bounded (targeted completion date). For example, having the deadline of your goal be your birthday personalizes the goal and gives meaning and extra motivation to it: Peer Responses.

Moreover, the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants reveals that board certification is essential in proving competency and ensuring professional standards. In addition, a certification may open more employment opportunities and increase possible salaries, so your goal is both practical and strategic for your career.

Notably, your plan to set aside thirty minutes daily to study boards from the end of this course until the exam is an excellent way to create consistent preparation. Spaced repetition and regular study sessions aid in information retention and understanding, specifically because preparing for high-stakes exams requires this kind of preparation (Varkey Nadakkavukaran Santhosh et al., 2024). This sustainable approach will help take the cramming pressure off closer to the exam date and yield better results.

Consequently, your long-term goal to be a preceptor for nurse practitioner students after you have worked for two years shows deep thought about professional development. Preceptorship allows you to share knowledge and helps consolidate your learning and skills. Moreover, the literature reports that teaching other people can improve one’s understanding of a subject and elevate confidence (Tullis & Goldstone, 2020). This position will allow you to mentor the next generation of health professionals, giving back to their professional growth and contributing to the overall quality of care in your community.

References

Tullis, J. G., & Goldstone, R. L. (2020). Why does peer instruction benefit student learning? Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41235-020-00218-5.

Varkey Nadakkavukaran Santhosh, Coutinho, D., Ankola, A. V., Yuvarani Kandasamy Parimala, Siva Shankkari, & Kavitha Ragu. (2024). Effectiveness of spaced repetition learning using a mobile flashcard application among dental students: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Dental Education, 23(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.13561

Responding to Miguel’s post

Hello Miguel,

Thank you for your post. Your goal to master the electronic health record software used in your workplace within two months of starting your employment is a perfect example of how the SMART framework can be applied. The goal is specific (mastering EHR), measurable (within a set time), achievable (considering your dedication), relevant (essential for your nursing role), and time-bound (two-month deadline). In today’s healthcare environment, proficiency in EHR systems is critical, as studies show that effective use of electronic records can improve patient care, reduce workflows, and improve communications with and among healthcare teams (Kataria & Ravindran, 2020).

Moreover, I aim to create a professional LinkedIn account and connect with at least 50 nursing professionals within two months post-graduation; hence, this is quite a very proactive networking goal. Having an online professional presence in the nursing field has been increasing in importance because networking leads to opportunities for mentorship, jobs, and collaboration. Research has shown that active professionals on business social networks, like LinkedIn, have higher chances of receiving job offers and advancing their careers, making their goals timely and strategically relevant (Utz & Breuer, 2019).

Notably, another good goal is to complete an online leadership course within two months after graduating. Leadership skills are essential in nursing, especially when you progress toward a position in nursing leadership within three years of graduating. According to the American Nurses Association (2023), effective leadership in nursing will improve patient outcomes and workplace morale. By developing strong leadership competencies early in your career, you will be well-positioned for future success.

Your long-term goal of being published in an academic nursing journal within five years of graduating greatly inspires many. A contribution to educational literature reflects your professionalism and commitment to nursing and helps you share knowledge and best practices with other nurses. Research and publication are vital to rise through the professional ranks since they raise your profile and establish you as a thought leader.

References

American Nurses Association. (2023, May 19). Leadership in nursing: Qualities & why it matters. American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/content-hub/resources/nursing-leadership/leadership-in-nursing/

Kataria, S., & Ravindran, V. (2020). Electronic health records: a critical appraisal of strengths and limitations. Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 50(3), 262–268. https://doi.org/10.4997/jrcpe.2020.309

Utz, S., & Breuer, J. (2019). The Relationship Between Networking, LinkedIn Use, and Retrieving Informational Benefits. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 22(3), 180–185. https://doi.org/10.1089/cyber.2018.0294

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

PEER RESPONSE 1:

BY: ALISON

The first part of creating short-term and long-term goals is knowing the difference between the two. Short-term goals are typically goals that one wishes to achieve within days, weeks, or months, whereas long-term goals are defined as a goal that can take a year or more to achieve (Buppert, 2018). Setting goals is an important task for one to do, especially when starting a new career or life journey. By setting these goals, achievements can be measured and held accountable for.

Utilizing the SMART acronym, my goals I am creating can be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time bound. The two short term goals I have chosen for myself including: obtaining board certification by April 27^th, 2025. I decided to set my goal date as my birthday, as this should allow enough time to get all my paperwork together, application in to sit for boards, and boards scheduled. The second d short term goal is to study for boards for thirty minutes daily, from the last day of the course until I sit for boards. This is a measurable and specific goal, that is also relevant and achievable to reach my other time bound short-term goal.

The long-term goal I have chosen is to serve as a preceptor for nurse practitioner students after working for at least two years. I think it is important to set my goal for after I have had time to build experience, confidence, and knowledge that I feel confident enough to educate others. I have always enjoyed precepting new employees and nursing students, so continuing this passion is important to me.

Peer Responses

PEER REPSONSE 2:

BY: MIGUEL