NURS 6003 Walden University Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

NURS 6003/6002: Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing

 

Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

 

Prepared by:

 

Dr. Gatlin Template Example

 

September 27, 2020

 

 EXAMPLE FOR THE NURS 6002 ASSIGNMENT

The below is an example of the Introduction Paragraph with a Purpose Statement for the Week 1 Assignment You will not need to change anything within the Week 1/Part 1 unless indicated within the grading feedback from your Instructor.

Nursing is a natural passion for me. It allows me to care for others, which is sown into the depths of my being. I believe it is beneficial to have an academic and professional network to obtain goals, have support and for career advancement. As I continue this journey to become a PMHNP, I know it will be important to collaborate and build relationships with others in this field of study and practice to gain success and to reduce some of the barriers I may experience if I’m not involved in networking systems.

I plan to network with my student success advisor, colleagues, peers, instructors and vendors through networking opportunities, volunteering, social and professional interactions. As nurses and nursing students, it is important to use these opportunities to learn from others and to build meaningful relationships (Wofford, 2018). Some nursing students report experiencing challenges when trying to secure appropriate preceptors for clinical rotations or practicum assignments. Networking connections can alleviate some challenges and hardships individuals may experience when wanting to achieve goals.

Many of us have heard the saying, “it’s about who you know” when wanting to secure jobs or advance in other areas of life. Through networking opportunities, this statement may be true. Professional networking is imperative for nursing career advancement (Schmidt, n.d.). Having a strong network of academic and professional individuals and teams will assist me as I transition into my new role as a new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The purpose of this template is to provide and remind me of the resources and strategies that have been beneficial in the past, as well as, to be a great tool for me while in this program. NURS 6003 Walden University Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

Week 1 | Part 1: My Academic and Professional Network

Below is an example of how to complete the Template for your Network Members within the Week 1/Part 1 Assignment. You will complete the Template, as shown in the below example, for each Network Member. You will not need to change anything within the Week 1/Part 1 unless indicated within the grading feedback from your Instructor.

 

NETWORK MEMBER 1

 

Name: Walden University Faculty & Staff

 

Title: Faculty & Staff

 

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 and as a practicing nurse:

 

Notes:

Through previous academic enrollment in Walden University BSN Tempo Program, I felt like I had a good support system from some of the instructors, enrollment advisor and academic coaches. Walden University Faculty and Staff were selected because of the knowledge, expertise and support given to assist me as I have progressed through my student nursing journey. I have received valuable advice, suggestions, feedback and encouragement from several members of Walden’s faculty and staff. Through Walden University College of Nursing, one can gain real-world skills, learn from nationally recognized experts, and collaborate with students across the country (Walden University, n.d.). It is so important and beneficial to have these valuable resources assist me in reaching my academic goals. As I continue to network and build relationships with the faculty and staff of Walden University, I will have access to tools and resources that promote academic excellence, positive learning environments and career growth.

YOU WILL PLACE YOUR CONCLUSION YOU COMPLETED AND REFERENCES (if any used) DURING WEEK 1 HERE.

YOU WILL PLACE THE FINAL VERSION OF YOUR CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH AND ALL REFERENCES AT THE END OF THE TEMPLATE DURING WEEK 6. REFER TO END OF DOCUMENT.

REFERENCES REQUIRED TO BE IN APA FORMAT.

THE REFERENCES SHOWN IN THIS EXAMPLE ARE THE COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES FOR A COMPLETED DOCUMENT (Parts 1-6).

Note: NOT ALL PARTS OF THE TEMPLATE REQUIRE REFERENCES.

Place your introduction paragraph here. Let’s be honest – you only need one (1) introduction paragraph that is applicable for the entire 6 weeks. There is no need for a new Introduction paragraph with each assignment section.  Remember to include a Purpose statement. Example – The Purpose of this template is………….

The conclusion paragraph is a work in progress that you will revise throughout the Week 1-6. During Week 6 you will place the final/revised conclusion paragraph on the last page (see the end of the Template) – and again,  if its well written, you’ll only you only need one (1) conclusion paragraph that is applicable to the entire 6 weeks. There is no need for a new Introduction paragraph with each assignment section.

 

Week 2 | Part 2: Academic Resources and Strategies

(YOU WILL COMPLETE THIS SECTION DURING WEEK 2)

I have identified the following academic resources and/or strategies that can be applied to success in the nursing practice in general or my specialty in particular.

Directions: In the space below Identify and describe at least three academic resources or strategies that can be applied to the MSN program, and at least three professional resources that can be applied to success in the nursing practice in general or your specialty in particular. For each, explain how you intend to use these resources, and how they might benefit you academically and professionally.

Academic Resource/Strategy 1

Within my graduate education, I will utilize my course instructors to assist with my academic success. Collaborating with my instructors will promote positive and encouraging learning environments. I will contact my Instructors when I need clarity, feedback and support on assignments. In the past, my instructors have been helpful when communicating with them, giving critical and necessary feedback on assignments, as well as, encouraging and supporting me on my journey of academic excellence. Walden’s instructors are experts in their specialties; therefore, I believe they can be great resources and guides for me going forward. NURS 6003 Walden University Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

Academic Resource/Strategy 2

When talking with my assigned Walden University student success advisor for the first time, he assured me he will assist me throughout my academic journey as a Walden University graduate nursing student. The Student Success Advisor provided me with the program of study plan form. I will utilize this study plan as a tool to guide me through the required courses that are needed to take in MSN program. My Student Success Advisor can connect me with necessary resources such as program policies, academic resources and peer support networking groups. My Student Success Advisor and I can schedule telephone check-in sessions often to discuss my progression, concerns and next academic steps. I believe that my Student Success Advisor and I will build a partnership that will benefit my success in Walden University MSN program.

Academic Resource/Strategy 3

Throughout my educational pursuit, I have never really liked writing scholarly papers. I do realize as a graduate student, writing papers in scholarly form is a requirement and therefore is necessary to convey important information regarding topics. As I progress through the MSN program, I plan to utilize the Walden University Writing Center student resource for assistance if uncertainty arises due to APA style formatting or to get feedback regarding the flow or content of the paper. APA style can be challenging, however; I believe this can be a tremendously beneficial resource for assistance in discussions, APA, and scholarly writing assignments.

Professional Resource/Strategy 1

I plan to join professional nursing organizations such as the American Psychiatric Nursing Association. I want to align with professional organizations that are dedicated to the growing field of nursing and especially those that are focused on psychiatric/mental health nursing. Collaborating with peers in my specialty will allow me the opportunity to access supplemental educational, career and research information. My goal is to network with experts in this specialty to learn from others, gain skills and meaningful relationships. I am currently evaluating the differences between professional organizations as this will be a future portion of the NURS 6002 assignment as well benefit me after graduation.

Professional Resource/Strategy 2

My colleagues are great resources and have many years of experience in the field of nursing, as well as, mental health and behavioral health nursing. They have always been great resources when dealing with on-the-job issues. My chosen resources are great in supporting and encouraging me as I pursue this graduate degree. I can request feedback from my colleagues for certain assignments too. They can share valuable knowledge I may need while on this academic journey. They may also be able to provide adequate suggestions for appropriate practicum sites since some of them have pursued their MSN degrees previously.

Professional Resource/Strategy 3

I have considered requesting a personal mentor in my specialty to provide guidance that will be beneficial to my academic and career successes. I plan to build partnerships and positive relationships with each of my preceptors, so that I may gain the necessary skills and influential connections. Collaborating with these individuals will provide me with the necessary skills, tools and resources for my academic and professional advancements. These relationships will also allow me important networking opportunities, access to continuing education and vital career experiences.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES/STRATEGIES

The “Additional Resources/Strategies” is an optional section in Week 2 that you may complete if you have additional Academic or Professional resources you wish to add.

Week 3 | Part 3: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics

(YOU WILL COMPLETE THIS SECTION DURING WEEK 3)

I have analyzed the relationship between academic integrity and writing, as well as the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics. I have also identified strategies I intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of my academic work while a student of the MSN program, as well as my professional work as a nurse throughout my career. The results of these efforts are shared below.

Directions: In the space below craft your analysis/writing sample, including Part 1 (The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity) and Part 2 (Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work).

Part 1: Writing Sample: The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity

In the space below write a 2- 3-paragraph analysis that includes the following:

• Explanation for the relationship between academic integrity and writing
• Explanation for the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics
• Cite at least 2 resources that support your arguments, being sure to use proper APA formatting.
• Use Grammarly and SafeAssign to improve the product.
• Explain how Grammarly, Safe Assign, and paraphrasing contributes to academic integrity

The Relationship Between Academic Integrity and Writing

The relationship between academic integrity and writing begins with learning appropriate and scholarly writing styles. One must understand the importance of avoiding plagiarism and giving credit to the original author when quoting written work. Properly citing resources is necessary when writing scholarly papers. There are resources available to help students maintain academic integrity. These tools will assist with academic writing to improve clarity, content, and overall writing skills.

The Relationship Between Professional Practices and Scholarly Ethics

The nursing profession has consistently received the highest ratings for honesty and ethical standards (Reinhart, 2020). The relationship between professional practice and scholarly ethics is based on integrity, morals, values, honesty, fairness, and excellence. These characteristics are vital to the nursing profession and is what society has come to expect. The ethical behavior of nurses impacts patient outcomes and quality of care.

How Grammarly, SafeAssign and Paraphrasing Contribute to Academic Integrity

As a graduate student, I will utilize the tools and resources offered through Walden University, such as Grammarly, SafeAssign, and the Writing Center, to help me produce scholarly content. SafeAssign will be used to help with the prevention of plagiarism. It is a tool utilized and required to prevent plagiarism and/or detect matches of information from previously submitted work. Paraphrasing is often utilized within scholarly writing and is considered plagiarism if not properly cited. Grammarly will be used to assist with writing mechanics and reduce grammatical errors. Grammarly is a third-party, automated grammar, proofreading, and writing revision tool for academic writing (Walden University, n.d.). Grammarly can also provide suggestions on rewriting or paraphrasing sentences to improve sentence structure. The writing center is also a Walden University resource utilized to improve writing skills and APA utilization. NURS 6003 Walden University Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

PART 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work

(YOU WILL COMPLETE THIS SECTION DURING WEEK 3)

Expand on your thoughts from Part 1 by:

• Identifying and describing strategies you intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of your 1) academic work while a student of the MSN program, and 2) professional work as a nurse throughout your career. Include a review of resources and approaches you propose to use as a student and a professional.

Strategies for Maintain Integrity and Ethics in Academic and Professional Work

Professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior are standards practicing nurses and students are expected to uphold. Academic integrity can provide the skills to gain professional integrity; therefore, the standards of moral and ethical behavior should be a smooth transition. As a graduate prepared nurse, my academic behavior will influence my professional behavior. The tools I use as a student will assist in building the foundation for my professional journey. The community is affected by the decisions and behaviors of nurses; therefore, integrity and ethical behavior should be the foundation of care delivery. Being so, academic integrity should be reinforced by professional integrity and should reciprocate.

Week 4 | Part 4: Research Analysis

(YOU WILL COMPLETE THIS SECTION DURING WEEK 4)

I have identified one topic of interest for further study. I have researched and identified one peer-reviewed research article focused on this topic and have analyzed this article.  The results of these efforts are shared below.

Directions: Complete Step 1 by using the table and subsequent space below identify and analyze the research article you have selected. Complete Step 2 by summarizing in 2-3 paragraphs the results of your analysis using the space identified.

Step 1: Research Analysis

Complete the table below

Topic of Interest:	Disparities in mental health treatment among African Americans
Research Article: Include full citation in APA format, as well as link or search details (such as DOI)	Zohaib eSohail, William Donald Richie, & Rahn Kennedy Bailey. (2014). Misconceptions of Depression in African Americans. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5. https://doi- org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00065
Professional Practice Use: One or more professional practice uses of the theories/concepts presented in the article	African Americans have reduced access to mental health services and receive poor quality services as compared to whites. National comorbidity survey reports blacks despite having a lower risk of mood disorder, once diagnosed, were more likely to be persistently ill. Non-traditional symptoms may also be sometimes observed in African Americans, such as hypertension. The article reports, in African Americans, holistic treatments are found to be successful in reducing depressive symptoms. It is noticed that blacks do have mental healthcare access, receive poor quality care as compared to whites. Inadequate and insufficient data on African Americans contributes to the problems of under diagnoses, misdiagnosis, and under treatment of depression. Providing equal and quality access to all will help eliminate discrimination and disparities.
Research Analysis Matrix Add more rows if necessary	Strengths of the Research	Limitations of the Research	Relevancy to Topic of Interest	Notes
	Acknowledging limited research of this topic.	Continued research is needed.	Mental health treatment in African Americans	N/A
	Highlighting the problem of depression in African Americans.	Past researchers used samples not equally represented	Depression in African Americans Underserved African Americans dealing with mental health issues. Misconception of mental health disorders. Factors that influence.	N/A

 

Step 2: Summary of Analysis

Craft a summary (2-3 paragraph) below 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

Using the Walden University Library, the initial search included the following databases: EBSCO Host, ProQuest, and CINAHL Plus with Full-Text databases for useful peer-reviewed articles. The first topic of the search was “Disadvantages in Mental Health Services and Treatment Among African-Americans,” however, the search did not produce any articles published within the last five years; therefore, I chose another topic to research. NURS 6003 Walden University Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

After searching and reviewing some topics regarding mental health issues in African Americans, the search to include full-text, peer-reviewed scholarly journals/articles. Through this action, an article of interest in the Thoreau database was discovered. This database seemed to be very user friendly. I reviewed and critiqued the article to determine if it had the necessary information required for this assignment. The CARP Test was utilized to assess the article. Critique of the content based on currency, authority, relevance & reliability, and purpose or point of view was completed. I intend to continue using all databases, however, will utilize the database tools to narrow or limit my search criteria for future information.

Week 5 | Part 5: Professional Development

(YOU WILL COMPLETE THIS SECTION DURING WEEK 5)

I have developed a curriculum vitae to capture my academic and professional accomplishments to date.

The results of my efforts are below.

Directions: Complete Step a curriculum vitae (CV) in the space provided.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Use the space below to write your CV based on your current education and professional background. Alternatively, you may write this in a separate document and copy/paste the results below.

NOTE: If needed there are a variety of online resources available with tips and samples of graduate nurse CVs.

PLACE YOUR CV HERE

Week 6 | Part 6: Finalizing the Plan

(YOU WILL COMPLETE PART 6, STEPS 1, 2, and 3 DURING WEEK 6 AS WELL INCLUDE ANY REVISIONS MENTIONED WITHIN YOUR PREVIOUS WEEKS 1-5 GRADING FEEDBACK)

SUBMIT THE FINAL COMPLETED VERSION OF THE TEMPLATE IN IT’S ENTIRETY (weeks 1 -6) DURING WEEK 6

I have considered various options for my nursing specialty, including a close look at my selected (or currently preferred) specialty and second-preferred specialty.  I have also developed a justification of my selected (or preferred) specialty. Lastly, I have examined one professional organization related to my selected or preferred specialty and considered how I can become a member of this organization.

The results of my efforts are below.

Directions: Complete Step 1 by writing 2-3 paragraphs in the space below comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration –  to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.

 

Complete Step 2 by writing a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.

 

Complete Step 3 by examining and identifying one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

Use the space below to write 2-3 paragraphs comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration –  to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.

Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty

Use the space below to write a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.

Step 3: Professional Organizations

Use the space below to identify and examine one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.

 

YOU WILL PLACE YOUR REFERENCES AND FINAL/REVISED CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH THAT YOU STARTED DURING WEEK 1/PART 1 HERE, THEN CONTINUE TO ADD REFERENCES AS YOU PROGRESS EACH WEEK.

Conclusion

This Template was submitted as Parts 1-6 of the NURS 6003/6002 course assignment. I am excited about expanding my knowledge of mental health and training in the growing field of advanced practice nursing. I genuinely want to make a positive

difference in patients’ lives through difficult times when they are most vulnerable and

when they are celebrating mental health stability. Traveling the road to become a

PMHNP is a journey filled with excitement that will result in a gratifying career and great

personal achievement. It is my belief, without reservations, that networking and building relationships will help me reach my academic and career goals while impacting the mental health of individuals in various communities. I am ready to collaborate, learn, and accept the responsibilities of a professional Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse.

References

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses.

Retrieved from https://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3292

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). Welcome from the American

Psychiatric Nurses Association. Retrieved frompageid=3334.

Bahrieni, F. Azodi, P. Hajvandi, A. & Jahanpour. F. (2017). The effect of education in

nurse’s moral sensitivity. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 9(10), 1817-1821. Retrieved from https://jpsr.pharmainfo.in/Documents.Volumes/vol/9/issue10/jpsr09101735pdf.

Nurse.Org. (n.d.). Certified Nurse Midwife. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/resources/certified-nurse-midwife/

Reinhart, R.J. (2020). Nurses continues to rate highest for honesty, ethics. Retrieved from https://news.gallup.com/poll/274673/nurses-continue-rate-highest-honesty-ethics.aspx

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. Bluepipes. Retrieved from nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Walden University. (n.d.) Grammarly: Overview. Retrieved from

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/grammarly

Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing. Retrieved from

&poid=67151&returnto=6242

Walden University Library. (n.d.). Evaluating resources: Journals. Retrieved

from types/journals

Walden University Library. (n.d.). Instructional media: Fundamentals of library researched Retrieved from . waldenu.edu/library/instructionalmedia/researchfundamentals NURS 6003 Walden University Academic and Professional Success Plan Template