Academic and Professional Success Plan Template
This document is to be used for NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing to complete Assessments 1-4. Just as importantly, the document serves to organize your thoughts about planning for your academic and professional success: Academic and Professional Success Plan Template.
For specific instructions, see the weekly assessment details in the course or ask your instructor for further guidance.
Module 1 | Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network
I have identified and secured the participation of the following academics (Stanley Aban PMHNP and Kendal Thompson), as well as professional individuals and/or teams (Prairie Care and the IOAN), to form the foundation of my network. This network will help me clarify my vision for success and guide me now and in the future.
Directions: Complete the information below for each member of your network. If you have more than four members in your network, please repeat the steps below and include the details of your additional network members in the ‘ADDITIONAL NETWORK MEMBERS’ section.
NETWORK MEMBER 1
Name: Prairie Care Network
Title: Hospital
Organization: Prairie Care Hospital
Academic or Professional: Professional
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program or post-master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practising nurse:
Notes: I chose Prairie Care as one of my support teams because it will be vital in supporting me as a registered nurse in my journey to becoming a nurse practitioner (NP). Prairie Care is an organization that specializes in providing mental care to all; it offers hands-on experience, significant opportunities for professional advancement, and mentorship. These factors can greatly benefit me in advancing my education and career.
To begin with, Prairie Care focuses on evidence-based mental health practices that provide an amazing learning environment. Registered nurses can gain ample experience working on complex patient cases, which helps build their clinical competencies for an NP role. For instance, working with interdisciplinary teams of psychiatrists and nurse practitioners fosters collaboration. The American Nurses Association [ANA], 2021, highlights the importance of therapists and social workers in collaboration.
Moreover, Prairie Care offers mentorship programs where experienced NPs and psychiatrists guide RNs through their educational journeys. Mentorship plays a significant role in providing a vivid insight into the NP’s role, enhancing leadership skills, and assisting RNs in exploring both academic and professional challenges (Goolsby & DuBois, 2017).
Prairie Care supports educational advancement by offering tuition reimbursement, flexible scheduling, or professional development grants. These benefits reduce financial barriers and allow RNs to have wonderful work and school balance. By structuring such a supportive environment, Prairie Care empowers its nurses to excel academically and professionally, ultimately contributing to the quality of care delivered within the organization.
References
American Nurses Association (ANA). (2021). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (4th ed.). Silver Spring, MD: ANA.
Goolsby, M. J., & DuBois, J. C. (2017). The study focused on the benefits, strategies, and considerations of professional mentorship for nurse practitioners. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(1), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.1002/2327-6924.12407
NETWORK MEMBER 2
Name: International Organization of African Nurses
Title: IOAN
Organization: Nursing union
Academic or Professional: Professional
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program or post-master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practising nurse:
Notes: I chose the International Organization of African Nurses (IOAN) because, as a registered nurse (RN) who aspires to advance in my professional life and become a nurse practitioner (NP), membership in IOAN provides me with exceptional support. IOAN assists me in mending the gap between RN and NP roles through advocacy, education, and resources.
To begin by providing workshops, certifications, and continuing education courses that emphasize advanced clinical skills and leadership development, IOAN helps support my journey. These changes guarantee that I am ready for the demands of advanced practice and remain current with patient care best practices (International Organization of Nurses [IOAN], 2023).
In addition, mentoring is another important service that IOAN offers. They provide a forum for networking, education, and mentorship by bringing together aspiring NPs and experienced practitioners. This is significant because having a mentor to guide you through the clinical and academic challenges is a major benefit of becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP) (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2021).
Moreover, IOAN advocates for policies such as funding advanced practice programs and tuition assistance to eliminate obstacles to advanced nursing education. I am more than grateful, as I already started receiving the 25% discount on my tuition this semester, thanks to the IOAN.
By prioritizing advocacy, education, and mentorship, IOAN genuinely assists RNs in achieving their objectives and flourishing as NPs. I feel so blessed to be part of this prestigious organization and the excellent support I receive.
Citations
Association of American Nurses (ANA). (2021). Nursing: Practice guidelines and scope (4th ed.). ANA, Silver Spring, MD.
Organization of International Nurses (IOAN). 2023. promoting excellence in nursing worldwide. This information was retrieved from https://www.ioan.org on November 29, 2024.
NETWORK MEMBER 3
Name: Kendal Thomson
Title: M.Ed | Enrollment Specialist | College of Nursing
Organization: Walden University
Academic or Professional: Academic
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program or post-master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practising nurse:
Notes: There’s a well-known saying: “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” I can confidently say that my enrollment specialist has been instrumental in helping me plan my journey to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. She has provided invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in this career path.
From breaking down the costs involved and explaining the required practicum hours to sharing information about nurse practitioner wages in Minnesota and across different states, she has given me a clear and realistic understanding of the road ahead.
Her support hasn’t stopped there. She has consistently checked in to ensure I was fully prepared for the start of school, going as far as providing an orientation link and encouraging me to attend at least one session. Her encouragement and thorough guidance have been a significant push factor in my academic journey so far. I know that her efforts will continue to serve as a driving force throughout my career advancement, keeping me focused and motivated every step of the way.
NETWORK MEMBER 4
Name: Stanley Aban, MSN, BSN
Title: PMHNP
Organization: Meya Staffing CEO
Academic or Professional: Academic
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program or Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practicing nurse:
Notes:
To start, Stanley played a pivotal role in my journey to the United States by entering me into the American Diversity Visa Lottery, which I was fortunate to win. This opportunity served as my gateway to a new life and countless possibilities. He encouraged me to pursue a career in the sciences, emphasizing its practical applications. Recognizing my love for helping people, he suggested that nursing, a field in which he excels, would be a perfect fit for me.
At the time, I explored various career paths and ultimately chose nursing. As life progressed, I got married and had a child, and Stanley remained a constant source of encouragement. Each time we connected, he would urge me to continue advancing my career.
He introduced me to Walden University and even shared his student ID with me to help me access a tuition discount. His support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping my journey, both academically and professionally.
Before beginning my academic journey at Walden, my mentor, Stanley, provided invaluable guidance by taking the time to explain how Walden University operates and what to expect. He assured me of his support in critical aspects, such as securing a preceptor, which is essential for success in the Nurse Practitioner program. Recognizing the demands of balancing academics with parenting, Stanley emphasized the importance of staying organized, planning ahead, and maintaining efficiency. He consistently encourages me to stay proactive and reminds me that I can always reach out to him for assistance if I encounter challenges along the way.
Stanley’s entrepreneurial achievements are a source of tremendous inspiration. As a successful nursepreneur and owner of a staffing agency, he exemplifies the potential for growth and leadership within the nursing profession. His experience and insight have motivated me to dream bigger, including my aspiration to open a clinic in the future.
I am confident that Stanley will continue to be an invaluable resource and guide as I pursue this goal. Overall, Stanley’s unwavering support and mentorship are instrumental in my academic and professional advancement, and his encouragement drives my transition toward becoming a nurse practitioner.
Module 2 | Part 2: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics
Part 1: Writing Sample: The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity
Academic integrity is fundamental to producing credible and ethical academic work. The relationship between academic integrity and writing stems from the necessity of presenting original ideas while respecting the intellectual property of others. Writing with integrity involves properly citing sources, avoiding plagiarism, and ensuring that all submitted work adheres to scholarly standards.
Notably, academic integrity fosters trust and accountability, which are crucial for maintaining the credibility of academic institutions and the value of academic achievements (Paperpal, 2024). In the MSN program, upholding these standards ensures that nurse-scholars contribute valid knowledge to the nursing discipline.
In the same way, professional practice and scholarly ethics have parvenu faculties of professions of truthfulness, responsibility, and decency. Like in any scholarly research, ethical research and writing are adopted through producing quality health care and reporting the same to patients or other caregivers. Haddad and Geiger (2023) state that it is possible and necessary to exercise ethical principles as they create a foundation of quality patient care and public trust in the nursing practice. This maintains a linkage between academic and professional environment; hence, there is a need to uphold or practice ethical behavior equally.
Software, including Grammarly and Turnitin, and paraphrasing are considerable assets of academic integrity. Grammarly improves writing by analyzing the work for grammatical mistakes and providing better versions, making the work more professional. Turnitin identifies instances of plagiarism to facilitate original work and also proper use of sources to support the work done (Zinkevich & Ledeneva, 2021). It takes ethical writing into consideration while facilitating idea synthesis, whereby originality is created.
Together, these tools cultivate skills that are important for academic and career achievement. Furthermore, using such tools would keep the nurse-scholars on the right ethical stand for their academic and professional practice, as well as bolster confidence among their peers. These tools also advocate for ethical diligence and help scholars to confidently come up with various ideas and make meaningful contributions to their area of specialization.
Part 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work
Maintaining academic integrity as a student in the MSN program requires deliberate strategies. First, I will utilize reliable tools like Grammarly and Turnitin to refine my work and ensure originality. Additionally, I will adhere to APA guidelines for proper citation and referencing, as outlined in the APA Publication Manual (Streefkerk, 2019).
Consistent use of these resources will minimize the risk of unintentional plagiarism and strengthen the credibility of my academic submissions. I will also engage in continuous learning about ethical academic practices through workshops and resources provided by Walden University’s Writing Center.
To ensure that I uphold a professional code of conduct and standards such as the ANA Code of Ethics, I intend at all times to pursue continuing education in nursing professional practice. This aspect of networking will also be important in support of the latter aspect, which calls for strengthening professional networks in support of ethical decision-making. Meeting with mentors and peers will create threats and options for discussing with examples by others (Mlambo et al., 2021).
Furthermore, I will emphasize transparency and accountability in patient care by thoroughly documenting clinical decisions and maintaining open communication with patients and colleagues. To achieve the highest standard of professionalism, assessing my interventions against the evidence-based practice guidelines will help me establish whether I am taking a professional and ethical approach to my work. In my endeavors to promote my professional integrity, I will ensure I undergo ethical training and consult with other professionals to learn about my areas of weakness. This self-reflection will assist me in achieving high levels of professionalism in every sector of my career.
In conclusion, the use of policies and practices and the proposed academic writing tools like Grammarly, Turnitin, APA, professional and academic mentors, and other professional tools will allow me to practice integrity in the course of my academic and career activities. They will assist me in the achievement of my goals in the MSN program while equally improving my input to the nursing profession.
References
Haddad, L. M., & Geiger, R. A. (2023). Nursing ethical considerations. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526054/
Mlambo, M., Silén, C., & McGrath, C. (2021). Lifelong learning and nurses’ continuing professional development, a meta-synthesis of the literature. BMC Nursing, 20(62), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00579-2
Paperpal. (2024, September 5). What is academic integrity, and why is it important? Paperpal Blog. https://paperpal.com/blog/researcher/what-is-academic-integrity-and-why-is-it-important
Streefkerk, R. (2019, October 11). APA manual 7th edition: The 17 most notable changes. Scribbr. https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/apa-seventh-edition-changes/
Zinkevich, N. A., & Ledeneva, T. V. (2021). Using Grammarly to enhance students’ academic writing skills. Professional Discourse & Communication, 3(4), 51–63. https://doi.org/10.24833/2687-0126-2021-3-4-51-63
Module 3 | Part 3: Research Analysis
Topic of Interest
The subject to be covered in this paper is the provision of telehealth services in the realm of mental health care. This is especially relevant for increasing access to mental health services, mostly in underserved communities.
Step 1: Research Analysis
Topic of Interest: | ||||
Research Article: Include full citation in APA format, as well as link or search details (such as DOI) | Ye, J., He, L., & Beestrum, M. (2023). Implications for implementation and adoption of telehealth in developing countries: A systematic review of China’s practices and experiences. NPJ Digital Medicine, 6(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00908-6 | |||
Professional Practice Use:
One or more professional practices use of the theories/concepts presented in the article |
This article by Ye et al. (2023) brings to the forefront various concepts in professional practice in ways to employ telehealth technologies in resolving mental health disparities, particularly within underprivileged and developing nations. The article also underlines approaches for successful execution, which entails solid infrastructure and trust between providers and patients. The findings could help inform a nurse or health care professional to work toward culturally sensitive, as well as time-saving, options within telehealth. | |||
Research Analysis Matrix
Add more rows if necessary |
Strengths of the Research | Limitations of the Research | Relevancy to Topic of Interest | Notes |
Explores successful strategies for adoption
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May not address differences in healthcare policies worldwide
|
Relevant for addressing mental health disparities.
|
Includes lessons that can be adapted for other developing nations | |
A systematic review of telehealth practices in China | Focused primarily on China; limited global generalizability.
|
Provides valuable insights into telehealth in developing countries
|
Highlights the importance of infrastructure and training for adoption | |
Discusses barriers like technology gaps and cultural differences | Limited exploration of long-term outcomes | Directly applicable to improving telehealth access globally | Suggests actionable steps for implementation in resource-limited settings | |
Identifies cost-related challenges and funding opportunities | Focuses heavily on technological aspects over policy reform | Highlights the need for sustainable telehealth solutions | Addresses scalability and feasibility in low-resource settings | |
Examines provider and patient satisfaction with telehealth | Limited data on patient outcomes beyond satisfaction | Emphasizes the human element in telehealth adoption | Provides insights for enhancing user experience | |
Highlights policy and regulatory challenges in telehealth | Insufficient discussion on international standardization | Relevant for guiding policy advocacy in telehealth implementation | Stresses the role of policymakers in successful telehealth integration | |
Reviews infrastructure needs such as internet and devices | Does not account for rapid technological changes post-study | Crucial for understanding implementation prerequisites | Suggests targeted investments for underserved regions | |
Addresses cultural sensitivities in telehealth delivery | Cultural findings may not generalize across all regions | Reinforces the importance of culturally tailored interventions | Promotes inclusive practices in telehealth design and delivery | |
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Step 2: Summary of Analysis
Justification
I would recommend this article to inform professional practice because it provides a comprehensive analysis of the adoption of telehealth in a developing country, which shares strategies and insights that could be applied in any other similar context around the world. This is relevant for nurses seeking to implement telehealth in diverse settings due to its focus on practical solutions and cultural considerations. Being a systematic review, the article has credibility and is relevant to today’s health challenges.
Summary
Approach to Identifying and Analyzing Peer-Reviewed Research:
I conducted a search and identified peer-reviewed articles by following a systematic approach guided by my research topic. I searched PubMed and Walden University Library databases using the keywords “telehealth,” “mental health,” and “developing countries telehealth adoption.” I then applied a filter to consider only recent high-impact studies relevant to my identified topic. I selected such articles after carefully reviewing abstracts and methodologies that hold the potential to offer breadth and depth in their analysis.
Effective Strategies for Finding Peer-Reviewed Research:
Two strategies proved effective in finding peer-reviewed research. First, Boolean operators allowed me to narrow a broad search to an aspect of telehealth (Alharbi & Stevenson, 2020); then, citation tracking was extremely helpful in finding articles on related topics that other researchers cited. This helped me track and find more comprehensive and reliable resources to complement my study (Gusenbauer & Haddaway, 2020).
Future Research Tools:
I will utilize Google Scholar alerts and, specifically, citation databases such as Scopus to be updated with recent publication within the telehealth field of study. In addition, I will use Walden University Writing Center webinars on research methods that will help to improve critical evaluation and synthesis skills related to literature reviews (Haleem et al., 2021). These tools will ensure that my research is both thorough and relevant to my academic and professional development.
References
Alharbi, A., & Stevenson, M. (2020). Refining Boolean queries to identify relevant studies for systematic review updates. Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, 27(11), 1658–1666. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7750994/
Gusenbauer, M., & Haddaway, N. R. (2020). Which Academic Search Systems Are Suitable for Systematic Reviews or meta‐analyses? Evaluating Retrieval Qualities of Google Scholar, PubMed, and 26 Other Resources. Research Synthesis Methods, 11(2), 181–217.
Haleem, A., Javaid, M., Singh, R. P., & Suman, R. (2021). Telemedicine for healthcare: Capabilities, features, barriers, and Applications. Sensors International, 2(2), 100–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sintl.2021.100117
Ye, J., He, L., & Beestrum, M. (2023). Implications for implementation and adoption of telehealth in developing countries: A systematic review of China’s practices and experiences. Npj Digital Medicine, 6(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00908-6
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Question
MODULE 3 INTRODUCTORY READING
Architect Daniel Libeskind is credited with saying “To provide meaningful architecture is not to parody history, but to articulate it.” The suggestion is that his work does not copy the efforts of others but relies on it.
Understanding the work of others is critically important to new work. Contributions to the nursing body of knowledge can happen when you are able to analyze and articulate the efforts of previous research. Research analysis skills are therefore critical tools for your toolbox.
In this Assignment, you will locate relevant existing research. You also will analyze this research using a tool helpful for analysis.
RESOURCES(USE ATLEAST 2 SOURCES FROM THIS REFERENCE)
- Al-Jundi, A., & Sakka, S. (2017).Critical appraisal of clinical researchLinks to an external site..Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR, 11(5), JE01–JE05. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2017/26047.9942
- Shellenbarger, T. (2016). Simplifying synthesisLinks to an external site.. Nurse Author & Editor, 26(3). Retrieved from http://naepub.com/reporting-research/2016-26-3-3/
- Walden University Library. (n.d.). Databases A-Z: NursingLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 4, 2019 from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/az.php?s=19981
- Walden University Library. (n.d.). Evaluating resources: JournalsLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/evaluating/resource-types/journals
- Walden University Library. (n.d.). Instructional media: Fundamentals of library researchLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 4, 2019 from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/instructionalmedia/researchfundamentals
- Walden University Writing Center.Links to an external site.(n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/home
- Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Common assignments: Synthesizing your sourcesLinks to an external site.. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/literaturereview/synthesizing
- Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Scholarly writing: OverviewLinks to an external site.. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarly
- Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Webinars: Technical informationLinks to an external site.. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/technical
Academic and Professional Success Plan Template
The Assignment MODULE 3:
Using the “Module 3 | Part 3” section of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template presented in the Resources, conduct an analysis of the elements of the research article you identified. Be sure to include the following:
- Your topic of interest.
- A correctly formatted APA citation of the article you selected, along with link or search details.
- Identify a professional practice use of the theories/concepts presented in the article.
- Analysis of the article using the “Research Analysis Matrix” section of the template
- Write a 1-paragraph justification stating whether you would recommend this article to inform professional practice.
- Write a 2- to 3-paragraph summary that you will add to your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan that includes the following:
- Describe your approach to identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research.
- Identify at least two strategies that you would use that you found to be effective in finding peer-reviewed research.
- Identify at least one resource you intend to use in the future to find peer-reviewed research.
Resources:
- Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.