NURS-6003N Module 1: Discussion NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

                                                                                                              Introduction

Hi there, my name is Sarah Jacobs. I’ve been a nurse just under 12 years. I am finally at a stage in my life where obtaining my FNP degree is something I can do. I am a travel nurse and work at Vanderbilt ER in Nashville, TN. I’m also a mother to two beautiful and yet challenging teenagers. My son is 16 and my daughter is almost 18. I enjoy lots of things outdoors and some wonderful lazy days in. Fun fact about me is that I have a podcast I do with a great friend of mine from New Zeleand. It’s called Rate your pain. I’m looking forward to this next step in life!

                                                    Walden University’s Mission, Vision, and Goals and my Academic and Professional Goals

Walden University became my school of choice after researching schools that would consider someone with a lower GPA. It isn’t something I’m proud of but I did what was necessary to raise a family and obtain my two degrees. So I think after reading the Mission that states, “it provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners “ (Walden University, 2022). I can say this fits my situation perfectly. I read this and immediately thought this is my chance. I get the chance to prove myself and that I am capable of transforming and being that person that can help with positive social change. It starts with me. My goal is to obtain my Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) degree and work in tele-health. The area I live is mostly rural and I would like to cover this area to provide healthcare and education to this population that can’t easily make it to a doctors office. I would also enjoy home visits. Patients that are unable to make it to a healthcare office due to socioeconomic reasons at times. It is something I feel would benefit my community. I think at a later time I would consider going back into Emergency medicine within the hospital setting as that is my passion. The Vision at Walden mentions advancing the greater global good (Walden University, 2022). I can’t help but feel that putting more people with a higher medical degree back into society to offer better healthcare is for the greater global good. I’d be one of those people. Advancing my degree means I can offer more to the community. The vision and mission statements of the College of Nursing coincide with Walden Universities. My academic goal is to challenge myself and find that perfect balance with school, work, and family life. I have a goal to be successful professionally and academically. Walden seems to be the perfect fit for me.

                                                                  MSN program outcomes as related to my Academic and Professional goals

Academically and professionally the MSN program outcome allows me to further my career, transitioning from my BSN degree as a registered nurse to my FNP as a Nurse Practitioner. Obtaining my degree will allow me the opportunity to reach my patients in a different way and provide more avenues of care than I was able to as a Registered Nurse. Things shift from working and following orders to being able to provide more whole patient care. That’s not saying I didn’t provide whole patient care, but it was limited compared to what role I will take as a Nurse Practitioner.

                                                                                             The Importance of Networking

Often times I don’t think of social media or work colleague relationships as networking. Reading further on Nurse.org I can see how that has been. I personally follow groups on Facebook and Instagram that are about travel nursing, how to be successful in your career, and many more. I did follow these groups looking for information and that would be networking.  So often we use word-of-mouth to gain employment or to get someone to come work with us. I for one have been a personal reference to many friends and colleagues and they have been for me. I have talked to others often and said they should join our team and vice versa. It was all networking, I just never looked at it that way. Creating a LinkedIn account was helpful as I was looking for jobs. They posted several job daily. I also read on the Nurse.org website that having a type of tangible business card could help with networking. Having all the information from your specialty, certifications, degrees awarded, and a link to your full online resume. Being sure to include links to your Linkedin account, blog, and any other pertinent information (Walker, 2018). This is ideal for networking and putting yourself out there for the opportunities you want. I want to use my degree and new role as a NP to provide easier access to healthcare for people in my rural community. I want to help all age ranges from pediatrics to geriatrics. Lack of access to appropriate healthcare is a true concern for many.

                                                                                                       References

Walker, A. (2018). 10 Networking Tips for Nurses Who Hate Networking. nurse.org. https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/Links to an external site.

W.U. (2022).Walden University Catalog. 2022-2023 Walden University Catalog. https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=75618&hl=mission+statement&returnto=searchLinks to an external site.

My Professional and Academic Goals Along with Walden University’s Vision and Mission

Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change. One of my crucial goals is to help the most vulnerable people especially those with mental health issues that cannot take the decision for themselves, this is one of the reasons why I choose Walden university to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner. And Walden university provides innovative, learner-centered educational programs that recognize and incorporate the knowledge, skills, and abilities students bring into their academic programs. This is another reason why I choose Walden university program because they have enough resources to make you become successful in your career.

MSN Program Outcomes in Relation to my Professional and Academic Goals

Walden University Walden University believes that quality and integrity are the cornerstones of all academic processes, innovation and flexibility in the conception and delivery of its educational programs, and that there are many different academic routes to achieve quality and integrity.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program outline states at completion of the program students will be able to “evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury” my professional goal is to help and serve people especially those with mental health issue to make them feel happy and comfortable in the community. with no fear nor discrimination.

                                                                                                    Importance of Networking

Networking is important because it allows us to build connections with other professionals and always beneficial to everyone. The reasons why networking is important because it includes a better reputation, increased visibility, a stronger support network, improved business growth, and more impactful connections. I think Networking makes it easy for us to have a strong collaborative community and connect to each other.

                                                                                                              References

Walden University. (2022a). About the school. Retrieved from http://www.waldenu.edu/Colleges-and-Schools/College-of-Health-Sciences/15863.htm

Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=4

            Introduction

My name is Zheman. I have 4 years of experience as a registered nurse. I started working with the elderly population in the critical care unit two years ago. Being an RN may be quite physically and mentally taxing, but my love for patient care keeps me going. The desire to further advance my knowledge as a healthcare professional has led me to Walden. I’m pursuing the AGACNP program at Walden University to earn my MSN.

Walden University’s Mission, Vision, and Goals and my Academic and Professional Goals

There is something about Walden University that makes it the ultimate choice for anyone in the nursing field. I believe for anyone wanting to acquire knowledge and develop skills and competencies that will make them become effective individuals of social change in the nursing career, Walden University should be at the top of their priority list. This institution envisions a distinctively different 21st-century learning community where knowledge is worthy and applicable it to the critical societal challenges (Walden University, n.d.). As a healthcare professional my role extends beyond practicing in a healthcare setting to making meaningful societal impacts. My interest in moving society through positive change aligns with the institution’s vision of producing graduates who can solve global health and community problems.

Secondly, I firmly believe in positive change as the leading solution to most social problems. As a healthcare professional, meeting with different people is a chance to challenge one’s worldview and perceptions. At Walden University, I will have the opportunity to network and meet others within the profession who may help me to transform and advance so that I can make positive changes in my area of practice.

Importance of Networking

Networking is essential for all healthcare professional for jobs, advancement, for trends and support (Schmidt, n.d.). My professional objective is to grow in my nursing career and work with elderly patients who are experiencing acute crises while also taking on more knowledgeable responsibilities. To achieve this, Walden University offers its programs in the diverse process learning approaches that guarantee quality outcomes and networking opportunities with professionals in this field. I look forward to developing a scholar-mindset with excellent research skills that will help me engage in evidence-based practices strongly advocated within the nursing profession.

Reference

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. Retrieved from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d). [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=147&navoid=47257Links to an external site.

     For the past 10 years, I have had the privilege to work as a pediatric nurse in multiple settings. As I was at my desk one day, I realized I had more to offer the pediatric population. I could gain the knowledge that I would learn at Walden University to help those in need. I want to transfer myself into a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner because children do not need to wait for help. They need the best care right now to become productive, thriving, and positive adults. I want to provide “positive social change” to children who are struggling with just being a child in an adult world (Walden University, 2022). These children need to explore their feelings and validate their emotions which speaks to me in pursuing my advanced degree.

After many years of saying no to advancing my degree, I finally said yes. I have had 3 medical careers since graduating from high school. I have done a lot of distance learning, online learning, and personal study goals during the past 32 years. Walden’s “commitment to lifelong learning” positively influenced me to continue to strive for my advanced degree (Walden University, 2022). I want to provide a change in my community where I want children to see a mental health practitioner without waiting. I want to provide change to a society where mental health is a negative stigma. Being able to listen to parents’ concerns, interpret those concerns, and have empathy for those seeking care is important to me.

Networking can help you find the support needed when questions need to be answered, problems arise or just support is needed. Networking can help land the job you want and build those professional and personal relationships. Nursing has the best organizations to help with whatever you desire. Everyone must take a positive step forward to provide those relationships.

Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

My Goals along with and Walden university vision and mission

I have been a nurse for 3 years. In these 3 years, my nursing career interests have shifted from med surge to long term care to traveling and most recently hospice. Having grown up in an environment that considered mental illness nothing more than a cry for attention, it sparked an interest in me to learn more about mental health, with the hope that it would help someone someday. Therefore, when this opportunity to advance my education and get my PMHNP came my way, I did not think twice.

Walden’s mission and vision is centered on the importance of giving professionals an opportunity to advance their education and make a positive change in society and thereby advancing the greater globe (Walden University, 2020). This statement speaks directly to what my goal is, which is to help make mental health resources much more accessible to every person regardless of social status, ethnicity, and level of education or background. I believe knowledge is power and when people are informed, they do better, therefore, making mental health knowledge easily accessible is the first step in making a difference.

Coming from a background that had very limited mental health resources, my professional goal is to be part of the efforts to bridge the mental health disparity gap through the knowledge I acquire here at Walden. I plan on working full time as a case manager while I complete my masters’ degree and hopefully set up my own mental health practice in the near future. Walden stood out to me due to its flexibility, easy admission process, quality of education and recommendations from previous master’s in nursing students.

The college of nursing aims at impacting nursing professionals with knowledge to allow them to make improvements in health outcomes and therefore advancing the greater good of global communities (Walden University, 2020). This resonates with me because I indeed hope to make a positive change in mental health on a global scale, using the knowledge and skills I attain from Walden. I Plan on working with my instructors and fellow students to help me attain my professional and academic goals. I also understand that Walden has a vast number of resources available to students to allow them to be successful, such as the office of academic support the class café, the Walden bot, which I have already made use of. The Walden website is also very easy to navigate, which is an added advantage.

Importance of Networking

Having been a nurse for 3 years, I can certainly attest to the importance of networking, I learned early in nursing school how much of an impact social networking has on your career, from planning/finding preceptor placement, to finding a mentor that understood my learning needs to getting my first ever nursing job, networking played a major role in all these stages of my nursing career. Per the Bureau of labor statistics 70% of jobs are created through professional networking (Woffard, P. 2018). Therefore, making professional connections is very vital, not only in the nursing filed but the general professional field all together.

References

Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking Links to an externalsite.Links to an external site..

Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

Walden University. (2020). College of Nursing Links to an external site.Links to an external site.. Retrieved

From  https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398Links to an external site.

Walden University. (2019) Walden University catalog Links to an external site.Links to an external site.. Retrieved

from  https://catalog.waldenu.edu

My Professional and Academic Goals and How They Align with Walden University’s Vision and Mission

Walden University’s vision, mission, goals, and social change align with my academic and professional goals. The one statement that stood out to me was “To provide innovative, learner-centered educational programs that recognize and incorporate the knowledge, skills, and abilities students bring into their academic programs.” (Walden University, 2011 b) I feel like this is exactly what I was looking for in an online academic setting. I look forward to instructors imparting their knowledge, expertise, and experiences.

My Professional and Academic Goals as They Relate to the MSN Program

My goals at Walden are to learn about psychiatric mental health, graduate from the MSN Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program, and have the knowledge to pass the board certification after I graduate. My goals fit in well with the goals of both university as a whole and the college of nursing program at Walden University. I was looking for a program that was innovative and dedicated to excellence that would help me become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner that could better improve the health outcomes in our society.

The Importance of Networking

Networking is very important in gaining employment and advancing in your healthcare career. “Both Yale University and Cornell University cite the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) when claiming that 70% of all jobs are found through networking.” (Schmidt 2018) networking is also important in gaining information on new jobs from current and recent employees about how employees are treated and compensated at their company. I hope that During the process of earning this new degree from Walden University I will be able to engage with my peers and increase my networking outside of my local area.

References

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking Links to an external site.[Blog post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Walden University. (2011b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

Hello Everyone!

My name is Natasha Shelton and I live in St. Louis, MO with my large family of hubby for 28 years, 5 children and 2 grandchildren. I have been a nurse since 2003 and have practiced in several different specialties ranging from bedside care, outpatient care and leadership. I am continuing my education journey here at Walden University with hopes of becoming an acute care gerontology nurse practitioner.

_{Networking is vital to increasing an individual’s professional development in order to explore other job opportunities, advance an individual’s career, or explore different career paths. Attending social events and subscribing to nursing organizations has awarded me the opportunity to meet individuals that I would not have normally met on my current journey or path. It allowed me to network with individuals that are either on the same or similar career path and individuals that could be used as a resource or reference.}

Walden University MSN Learning Outcomes

_{Walden University MSN outcomes fits in line with my professional centered goals of becoming more educated in utilizing evidence based practice in research and care of my patients, being able to diagnose and assess as a competent healthcare provider serving and meeting the needs of diverse populations, and effectively communicating with other healthcare professionals.}

1. Synthesize organizational/systems leadership for cost-effective specialist nursing practice that contributes to high-quality healthcare delivery, advancement of the nursing profession, and social change.
2. Critique evidence-based literature drawing from diverse theoretical perspectives and pertinent research to guide decision making that demonstrates best practices for specialist nursing practice in a global society.
3. Integratively assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate cost-effective healthcare strategies that reduce health disparities by patient/population advocacy for access to specialist nursing care.
4. Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate using audience-specific oral, written, and information technology for professional delivery of specialist nursing care.
5. Evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury.
6. Exhibit ongoing commitment to professional development and value of nursing theories/ethical principles (altruism, autonomy, human dignity, integrity, social justice) in accordance with ethically responsible, legally accountable, specialist nursing practice.
7. Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations.

Walden’s Vision, Mission, Goals and Social Change _{relates to my professional and academic goal by helping me make a difference within my own community by serving a diverse population of patients who’s access to quality healthcare is limited. Walden’s goal of providing a multicontextual education is important in my professional development because it allows learning opportunities to be incorporated through several pathways and not just through standardized testing like some universities.} 

Vision

Walden University envisions a distinctively different 21st-century learning community where knowledge is judged worthy to the degree that it can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good.

Mission

Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change.

Goals

• To provide multicontextual educational opportunities for career learners.
• To provide innovative, learner-centered educational programs that recognize and incorporate the knowledge, skills, and abilities students bring into their academic programs.
• To provide its programs through diverse process-learning approaches, all resulting in outcomes of quality and integrity.
• To provide an inquiry/action model of education that fosters research, discovery, and critical thinking and that results in professional excellence.
• To produce graduates who are scholarly, reflective practitioners and agents of positive social change.

Social Change

Walden University defines positive social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies. Positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions.

This definition of positive social change provides an intellectually comprehensive and socially constructive foundation for the programs, research, professional activities, and products created by the Walden academic community.

In addition, Walden supports positive social change through the development of principled, knowledgeable, and ethical scholar-practitioners, who are and will become civic and professional role models by advancing the betterment of society.

University Outcomes

Walden University strives to produce graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:

1. Facilitate positive social change where they work, in their communities, and in society.

2. Use their knowledge to positively impact their profession, communities, and society.

3. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning.

4. Apply their learning to specific problems and challenges in their workplace and professional settings.

5. Demonstrate information literacy.*
*Information literacy is defined as the ability to know when there is a need for information, and being able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information for the issue or problem at hand.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the methods of inquiry used in their professional or academic field.

7. Practice legal and ethical integrity in their professional work.

8. Effectively communicate their ideas and the rationale behind them to others.

9. Support diversity and multiculturalism within their profession, communities, and society.

Introduction

My name is Ieshia Stevens. I have been a registered nurse for eight years now. I have spent most of my nursing profession working as a trauma critical care nurse. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. I am nervous but excited to embark on this journey and welcome the challenges that lie ahead.

As a single mother of four amazing children, I am always on the go, whether it is work, school, extracurricular activities, or running errands; there is never an end to the list of things that need to be done. For years now, I have put off furthering my education and have even considered “settling” for another career path because I did not think that I would find a school that could cater to my needs. One of the major selling points for me was reading the testimonials of so many Walden graduates whose lives were a direct reflection of my own, and I found hope in their triumph.

Walden’s Vision, Mission Goals and Social change and My Professional/Academic Goals

Since its inception in 1970, Walden’s vision has always strived to provide a platform for working individuals to have access to advanced education through distance learning. This is an ongoing vision that has evolved throughout the years, and Walden has continued to strive to master and accommodate the needs of this student body. Walden has continued that vision by fostering social change through “empowering students to make a difference by confronting challenges where they live, in their profession, and on a global scale” (Walden University, n.d.). Walden has successfully created an online community that connects practitioners of higher education on a global platform.  Therefore, creating a learning environment that can realistically be incorporated into the life of the average working individual with life responsibilities.

The vision, mission, goal, and social change presented by Walden University all resonate with me and align with my professional and academic goals. Though I personally have never been able to relay them in those exact words, it conveys and aligns with the outcome of my ideal education and professional experience. My professional and academic goals include the marriage of knowledge obtained and skills acquired throughout this program, thus producing a well-rounded scholar-practitioner that can facilitate positive social change within my family, profession, and community. What stands out to me is the social change initiatives. As stated by Vision, Mission, and Goals (2022), “Walden supports positive social change through the development of principled, knowledgeable, and ethical scholar-practitioners, who are and will become civic and professional role models by advancing the betterment of society.” I feel as if this social change initiative is needed now more than ever. Walden University is so committed to social change that it has created an entire platform dedicated to just that, called the Center for Social Change. This platform is a “connective hub committed to empowering change-makers, building community, and elevating social change outcomes across the university” (Center for Social Change, 2022). That is what I call commitment to a cause.

MSN Program outcomes and My Professional and Academic Goals

I found that making a list of what I hope to gain by the end of the program and comparing it to Walden’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program outcome gave me a better understanding of how my goals aligned with the program outcomes. Looking at what is presented on the list of outcomes, I was able to highlight one that really stood out to me. “Implement specialist nursing roles to promote quality improvement of patient-centered care in accordance with professional practice standards that transform health outcomes for diverse populations” (MSN Outcomes, 2022). My goal is to understand further and gain the in-depth knowledge and skills each course offers.

Networking

Networking is an important part of nursing. Throughout my nursing career, I have had to communicate with many disciplines across the board and advocate for patients daily. Unintentionally I have networked and built relationships and connections that have lasted. These connections have evolved over the years as these professionals have also evolved, advanced, transitioned, and changed. Networking is important because it provides the opportunity to help someone along the way and be helped along the way. It is an opportunity to be mentored by someone that has already traveled the path that you are now on, can assist in landing that dream job, or can share lessons learned as well as dos and don’ts. Whether it is through social media, face-to-face, nursing organizations, or a friend of a friend, networking provides an opportunity to return the favors that were once offered along the way. It is a system of giving and receiving that has, one way or another, assisted us all on our path to where we are right now and will continue to help us as we all strive to get to where we are going.

References

Center for Social Change. (2022). Retrieved November 29, 2022, from

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/social-change/about-usLinks to an external site.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). (2022, September). Retrieved November 29, 2022, from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=196&poid=78355&returnto=76023Links to an external site.

Vision, Mission, and Goals. (2022, September). Retrieved November 29, 2022, from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=75618Links to an external site.

Walden University (n.d.). The Passion That Drives Us. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from

https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-changeLinks to an external site.

Introduction

My name is Jessica Sehy and I currently live in Georgia with my husband and our three kids. I have 2 boys; one is 8 and the second is 4 and we have a 9-week-old daughter. I have been a nurse for 7 years, 5 of those were as an LPN, and now currently an RN. I have worked in many different specialties over the years. My goal is to become an FNP with a focus on pediatrics and women’s health.

My Professional and Academic Goals Along with Walden University’s Vision and Mission

My current academic goal is to obtain a master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner with a post-master’s certificate in pediatric acute care. According to Walden Universities’ mission, the college of nursing is dedicated to excellence in nursing education and provides programs to transform diverse nursing professionals into champions of change who will improve health outcomes and advance health equity (Walden University, 2022). This goal also allows me to have some creativity in achieving my goals and will help me grow in my decision-making process as well as aid me in my problem-solving skills.

Nurses play a major role when it comes to improving the healthcare field in so many ways, the healthcare field is constantly changing and evolving and as such we need to be able to use our existing knowledge in applying new techniques and evidence practice into our work. One of  Walden University’s goals is to “Create an inclusive teaching and learning environment where students expand on their existing professional nursing knowledge to improve workplace and healthcare outcomes.” (2022 b, para. 4). Having a collaborative environment allows us to share new ideas and contribute to our local communities in many ways with the help of other scholars in their field.  As nurse practitioners, we are innovators and leaders in the role of change within our communities, and I look forward to learning more about this during my time here at Walden.

MSN Program Outcomes in Relation to my Professional and Academic Goals

As a nurse, I currently work in a small town in a smaller hospital and see a diverse number of clients. One of the MSN program outcomes I felt aligned with my goals was to “evaluate health needs of diverse populations for necessary teaching/coaching functions based on specialist nursing knowledge to restore/promote health and prevent illness/injury” (Walden University, 2022a). My time at Walden will allow me to promote health and wellness within my community. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I will be able to help clients throughout their lifespan and provide them with a safe environment. I can coach and assess them to help them reach their individualized health goals while still meeting their needs. As an FNP I want to be able to restore health and prevent further injury/illness and Walden will give me the tools needed to do that within my community.

Importance of Networking

My professional goal as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) is to serve the underserved pediatric and adult community in which I reside. Networking and connecting with other professionals who have experience in our field can help me gain different perspectives and insight on how to take this step and advance in my career. Networking can also lead to better jobs within your field. Being open to networking and learning how to network properly may also open avenues to help you grow in your career or teach you new things you may not have been able to know before. Along with networking and connecting with other professionals, this can assist me in achieving my academic goal by opening me up to scholars in their field and teaching me new skills that I may not have learned before. I plan on using my hospital contacts to help me network into the right nurse practitioner role for me.

References

Walden University. (2022a). About the school. Retrieved from http://www.waldenu.edu/Colleges-and-Schools/College-of-Health-Sciences/15863.htm

Walden University. (n.d.). College of Nursing Links to an external site.Links to an external site.. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398Links to an external site.

My Professional and Academic Goals Along with Walden University’s Vision and Mission

As stated in ‘The Walden University College of Nursing ‘mission and vision it prepares professionals to advance for the greater good of the global communities by providing educational programs to make into champions of change who will improve health outcomes and advance health equity. The whole statement reflects my thought of being a catalyst of change for the betterment of the community we live and serve. Being a critical care Nurse for 28 years in various roles from a bedside nurse to administrative levels has given me insight on how we our roles can impact others’ lives. Taking a deeper dive into various career advancement options gave me a paradigm shift on to how I could serve better for the society and hence decided on advancing my nursing career from Walden University.

MSN Program Outcomes in Relation to my Professional and Academic Goals

Having served in different countries and working with pediatric population I felt the deficiency of support and resources available to our young generation who are constantly at threat of isolation and various other mental and social challenges. Looking around in the society and researching current news after Covid 19 pandemic, it isn’t surprising that the social anxiety, stress and worry has increased among Generation Z. The grief and loss of near and loved ones, loss of financial support and concerns over money with economic decline had a huge psychological scar on young people. Thoughts ponder in my heart to what future generation will look like. As reported in an article in Economic times ‘the guardian’ it seemed like a sacrificed generation pushed aside as a problem with later to deal. As heart became heavy as I read through the news and often wondered how I can be a change to this. Advancing my career in Mental health from Walden University will help me gain knowledge to recognize and address such concerns. As quoted by Neil Armstrong “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, I look forward to taking that small step for a giant leap in future.

Importance of Networking

As expressed before the social challenges in today world, I think by creating a network we can connect with others who share your aspirations by running across like-minded individuals in the same or related industry. We can accomplish our professional objectives and demonstrate our skills by collaborating with others to find answers and ideas. Networking also improves social skills and self-confidence and will help consider the matter from a different perspective. It is possible to communicate ideas or insights with others by discussing difficulties, experiences, or ambitions. We learn about recent advancements and discover strategies others in our field which in return improves interests.

References:

• Walden University. (n.d.). College of Nursing Retrieved October 5, 2020, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398
• Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking Blog post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
• (2021, Jun 2) ‘A sacrificed generation”: psychological scars of Covid on young may have. Europe’s Gen Z World news.  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun02/A sacrificed generation’: psychological scars of Covid on young may have lasting impact | World news | The Guardian

Mission and Vision for Academic and Professional Success

The vision and mission statements of Walden University, as well as the College of Nursing, align with the values and goals of this nurse regarding academia, and as a nursing professional. The university’s goals and social change perspective coincide with this nurse’s as well. In consideration of social change desires, networking can be an integral element of inciting change.

Mission and Vision Statements

The most recent version of Walden’s catalog reflects a vision of graduates gaining knowledge through higher education and applying that knowledge to actual life circumstances to effect a positive change, globally. The College of Nursing’s vision is harmonious with this as well, noting a desire to prepare graduates to “advance the greater good of global communities.” In addition to the vision statements, the mission statements of Walden University and the College of Nursing also mirror one another. Both institutions highlight shaping a diverse population of graduates into vessels of positive change within societies. This change can serve to impact multiple areas, which can include global health and wellness initiatives. As a PMHNP student, I desire to do just this. I believe that mental health issues have been grossly overlooked in the past, and have just recently begun getting the recognition deserved. I believe that the potential for effecting a positive change in the area of mental health and wellness is immense, and I am eager to gain the knowledge and skills to be able to become an effective advocate for the future of mental health care.

Goals and Social Change

Walden University’s goals and social change perspective also coincide with my goals and social change desire in regard to my chosen specialty. Quality and integrity are two words that stand out when reading the goals section of the university’s catalog. These have always been at the top of my list of ongoing goals as an individual and as a nursing professional. A concept that resonates with me as a previous nurse educator, is the process of research and the application of critical thinking that will lead to learning that promotes “professional excellence.”

Networking

Networking can be seen as a way of diving into various aspects of society on different levels to familiarize oneself with not only circumstance and function but with people who share similar interests and/or causes. This can be a way of advancing one’s professional self or purpose. While some have no issues with networking and oftentimes enjoy it, not everyone is comfortable with networking. Schmidt encourages those who think negatively regarding networking to think of it as interacting with people who share interests with whom knowledge can be shared to aid one another’s cause.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mission and vision statements are important elements in the development of a sound plan for both academic and professional growth. They can help to provide structured goals of what one specifically wants to gain on the path of success in his or her chosen field of practice. By incorporating solid goals and fostering a global societal outlook, the impact of that success can become immense.

References

Schmidt, K. (2018, November 14). 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking. https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Walden University (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son#s-lg-box-3837398

Walden University (n.d.). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=75618

                                                                                             Introduction

My name it’s Jeandy Diaz Gomez, I live in Miami, FL, originally from Havana, Cuba. I have been a registered nurse since 2007 and finish a MSN in 2021. I’m married to a wonderful ARNP as well and we are a blended family with 5 children. I love sports, fishing, traveling and music.

Professional and Academic Goals as PMHNP

During this course my expectation is to gain as much knowledge as possible to better prepare myself for my duty as a PMHNP in a city like Miami, which there’s an epidemic of mental health issues on the rise. As an immigrant , Walden University’s vision, mission, goals, and social change align with my academic and future professional goals. As stated in the mission statement”Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change”(Walden University, 2022b). As careers goals, I would like to finish successfully this post Master in PMHNP program and find a place where I could apply all the good knowledge I’ve obtained from this program, to better serve my community.

Importance of Networking

During this course, I will work in the process of getting better and more comfortable in implementing the knowledge acquired in class.I will attain these objectives by dedicating as many hours as needed daily to reading and accomplishing my weekly assignments. I have already taken classes online and I know networking with other students , professors and other faculties are paramount for any student success. I’m planning to joint forces with any student around my area or through the many social apps available. There’s a lot we can do together as student when we collaborate and help each other.

References 

Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=4

Walden and College of Nursing Mission and Vision

Walden University’s mission and vision statement indicate that knowledge is worthy and graduates can apply this to solve societal challenges to advance the greater global good. I picked Walden because its nursing school envisions laying a foundation where health, nursing, and other related sciences will advance the provision of nursing services across humanity, to meet global, local, and individual needs (College of Nursing, n.d.). WU provides various professional opportunities to transform individuals to impact positive change in the community. The university has a Library that improves the learners’ research skills to facilitate professional success and foster critical thinking skills (Walden University, n.d.). I also picked WU because it supports ethical nurse practitioners who are professional and civic role models to society and professionals.

Reflection on My Professional and Academic Goals as They Relate to the PMHNP

Nursing is the improvement, protection, and promotion of health and abilities, individual medical care and support, identification to relieve suffering, stopping injuries and illnesses, and supporting the individual, family, and society’s care (ANA, n.d.). Thus, the nursing profession is crucial for society to provide economical and quality care. I want to develop my skills and competence in mental health. Mental and physical health is crucial for a person to live meaningfully and happily. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I hope to be trained to be compassionate to the patients I will be dealing with. The primary goal for pursuing this course is to gain skills for combating the stigma attached to mental health and helping mentally ill individuals and their families. As a PMHNP, I possess a crucial skill of professional compassion that will enable me to be empathetic and compassionate to strangers. Evidence shows that empathetic relationships can reduce disputes among healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes and satisfaction (Kerasidou et al., 2020). Therefore, compassion and empathy are my strengths because they are crucial ingredients in nursing care.

How Information in the Resources Fit with My Goals and the Plan to become a Scholar-Practitioner

The course resources provide MSN learning outcomes, outlining what the students should attain. The first outcome is synthesizing system leadership, and the second is critiquing the evidence-based literature (Walden University, n.d.). This implies that as a scholar-practitioner, I should rely on the best available evidence from the literature to tailor evidence-based interventions. According to Dale, Hallas, and Spratling (2019), critiquing research studies helps a nurse to remain updated in scientific literature. Therefore, the materials justify my goal of improving and refining my research endeavors.

Consideration for Collaborating with Professional and Academic Individuals to Support My Effort as a University Student

To solve the challenges of preparing competent nursing students, professional teams collaborate for better health outcomes. According to Quality and Safety Education for Nurses, collaboration and teamwork are the keys to fostering competencies that nursing students should attain (Hermann et al., 2016). Interprofessional education is crucial for preparing nursing students for teamwork, interprofessional collaboration, and communication.

The importance of Networking and How It May Help in Achieving the Professional and Academic Goals

The key benefit of networking is exchanging information on experiences, goals, and challenges. It allows nursing students to gain new insights. Networking is crucial in attaining my academic goals of researching pervasive mental health problems impacting the population. Networking has numerous opportunities to communicate research ideas to a wider audience and find out what other peers are up to—networking benefits both parties because it means that the professionals should build connections. According to Jacobs et al. (2019), networking is crucial for increasing visibility, including a better option, improving business growth, creating a more robust support network, and creating more impactful connections.

References

American Nursing Association (ANA) (n.d.). Scope of practice. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/scope-of-practice/#:~:text=What%3A%20Nursing%20is%20the%20protection,groups%2C%20communities%2C%20and%20populations.

College of Nursing. (n.d.). Www.waldenu.edu. https://www.waldenu.edu/college-of-nursing

Dale, J. C., Hallas, D., & Spratling, R. (2019). Critiquing Research Evidence for Use in Practice: Revisited. Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners, 33(3), 342–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2019.01.005

Hermann, C. P., Head, B. A., Black, K., & Singleton, K. (2016). Preparing Nursing Students for Interprofessional Practice: The Interdisciplinary Curriculum for Oncology Palliative Care Education. Journal of professional nursing : official journal of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 32(1), 62–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2015.06.001

Jacobs, S., De Vos, A., Stuer, D., & Van der Heijden, B. I. J. M. (2019). “Knowing Me, Knowing You” the Importance of Networking for Freelancers’ Careers: Examining the Mediating Role of Need for Relatedness Fulfillment and Employability-Enhancing Competencies. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 2055. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02055

Kerasidou, A., Bærøe, K., Berger, Z., & Caruso Brown, A. E. (2020). The need for empathetic healthcare systems. Journal of Medical Ethics, 47(12), medethics-2019-105921. https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2019-105921

Walden University. (n.d.). Master of science in nursing. Retrieved June 1, 2020, https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=172&poid=67151&returnto=6

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INTRODUCTION

As a veteran nurse with nearly nineteen years practical experience, working from Med Surg to mental health. I began to have a desire to go into the the mental health field after being diagnosed with bipolar myself. After many attempts to deal with my issues and eventually finding an excellent treatment  program, I emerged with a greater knowledge of mental health. My desire is to achieve a mental health practitioner’s degree so that I may reach out to those who have also struggled to find adequate professional services.

WALDEN UNIVERSITY’S VISION AND MISSION

After researching many other universities, I chose Walden because it is an online school. After attending Walden for 2 years now, it is very user friendly and well organized. All the professors are well knowledgable, courteous, and quick to respond to concerns. One of Walden’s goals (2022b) states “to provide its programs through diverse process learning approaches all resulting in outcomes of quality and integrity” (para.3.) After being in the medical field for some time, This goal is needed more in our field of practice.

IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING

As a professional, networking is essential in this tech-saavy world. It is a great way to keep in contact with current and former employers. In addition, it helps build and promote a culture of information sharing and knowledge between seasoned and newer nurses. Schmidt (n.d.) talks about younger nurses should defer to their veteran counterparts (para.24.)

References:

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking  Links to an external site.Links to an external site.Links to an external site.

[Blog post]. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-Links to an external site.

should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

Hello, my name is Zulay Lantigua Ruano and I currently reside in Miami Florida. I have been a nurse since 2018, I have worked in Telemetry, Surgical Medicine and I am currently in PACU. I got my BSN at National College University in 2021, I am very happy to start my Master. I have no children but I have two beautiful 4-year-old fresh bulldogs. I never stop learning something new every day. Discovering new things is a great way to stay interested in life. In addition, the knowledge that comes can break down walls that previously seemed indestructible. This goal is in line with the Walden University mission of helping graduates transform themselves as scholar practitioners and in the process implement social change.

My professional goals as a nurse are in line with the vision of the Walden College of Nursing to enhance the provision of nursing services that promote the needs of individuals ion the community. I am looking forward to aligning myself as a scholar-practitioner to effectively provide care that is culturally competent and that is evidence-based with the goal of transforming the society (Walden University, 2022). The college of nursing vision and mission statements are in line with my goals towards becoming a competent nurse in the profession. In line with the MSN program outcomes, I intend to analyze evidence-based practices to promote the quality of care that is provide to the patients. In addition, I intend to use my knowledge to assess the health needs of different populations and craft care initiatives that promote healthcare.

Networking is important in nursing especially in one’s path towards achieving professional and academic goals. Nurses are able to get involved and become engaged through the process of networking. Having a face-to-face interaction with other nurses has a lot of value as it ensures that nurses can learn from each other (Hamlin, 2022). Networking helps in meeting like-minded people who have the same ambitions and struggles especially in addressing how nursing is changing in the modern healthcare.

References

Hamlin, K. (2022, April 27). Professional networking in nursing | NurseJournal.org. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/networking-in-nursing/Links to an external site.

Walden University. (2022). Vision, mission, and goals. Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=147&navoid=47257Links to an external site.

Hello Professor and class,

My name is Danielle Isaguirre and I have been a nurse for 16 years. As I rose through the ranks of healthcare, I had a mission in mind which was to provide a space for healing with advanced knowledge to help others. I began my Nursing career as an LPN working in Corrections and Psych. By working with these populations, I felt that there was a need to expand healing not just physically with the body, but mentally with the mind. This population was very underserved as far as care from beyond the bars. They lacked knowledge of how to care for themselves wholely and reach out to obtain the necessary resources which could have resulted in better decisions and a different mindset. After working with this population for a while, I begin to learn how to listen with my eyes and feel with my ears. I know this sounds crazy, but when you focus on the need of others, a new perspective of thinking manifest itself. As a growing professional, I felt like the doors of opportunity had opened up to something greater not only for me but for the different populations I have worked with throughout my career.

As I began to develop my career, I returned to school to become a Registered Nurse. I worked with Oncology patients, Cardiac patients,  Geriatric patients, and Medical Surgical patients which tend to be a mixture of all specialties. I learned that the key deficit of every population I have ever worked with was a knowledge deficit. Educating the community about their body, health practices, health maintenance, and resources to seek help became the common denominator of empowering change within the healthcare community. As I continue to develop myself as an Advanced Practice Nurse, I can align my professional and academic goals with Walden University’s mission which is to empower change within the healthcare community with my peers, patients, and prospective community, and build a community of knowledge sharing by networking with colleagues. (Walden University 2022)

Building social networks are the key to professional growth. As mentioned before, knowledge sharing with fellow colleagues expands your thinking skills and helps with collaborative measures to innovate something great within the community of healthcare. Also, Networking creates relationships that can develop mentorship, stewardship, and togetherness of professional bonds that can turn into lasting friendships. Networking across your professional community can have a great impact on your professional goals and career.

References

Walden University(2022) Walden University Catalog 2022-2023, retrieved from http://catalog.waldenu.eduLinks to an external site.

Walden University’s Mission, Vision, and Goals and my Academic and Professional Goals

My name is Destiny Comer, and I am currently a nurse in Memphis, Tennessee. I have experience in home health as well as psychiatric nursing. I have always had a love for psychiatric nursing, and I knew without a doubt that becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner would be a long term career goal for myself. Walden University’s mission statement, vision, and goals coincide with my life and personal goals in so many ways. I took several months researching for a reputable University that would provide me with quality education, and would equip me to be the best Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to my future patients. I was introduced to Walden University by my mother who is a 2020 graduate of Walden’s social work program. I was certain that Walden University would be a fantastic fit for me after conducting extensive research, reading numerous reviews, examining the pricing, and considering a number of other aspects.

The mission of Walden University is to offer cutting-edge, learner-centered academic programs that value and take into account the information, abilities, and skills that each student brings to the classroom. One of Walden University’s goals is to provide a variety of process-learning strategies that results in high quality and integrity filled students. The prevalence of mental illness is at an all-time high, and it is reassuring to know that Walden University takes pride in developing competent nurses who will benefit the community in this time of need. I’m eager to get to know my peers and learn more about how we can all work together to advance the nursing profession, particularly in the area of mental health.

The Importance of Networking

As a young child, my mother would always say, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”. I would always brush this off, but now that I am an adult, I can clearly see how significant that phrase is. I now believe that it is BOTH who you know, and what you know. In order to establish relationships, exchange information, and create meaningful social and personal connections, networking is crucial. Additionally, networking offers chances for development, mentorship, and mind-expansion. The important and worthwhile contacts you form via networking are, in my opinion, the most significant component. According to a study from Eastern Michigan University, networking gives nurses the chance to promote knowledge exchange and the development of support networks. It provides both short-term and long-term advantages, most of which fall into the social-emotional, academic, and professional benefit categories. Networking has the power to open doors that might otherwise be closed to you. As we all begin this journey, I’m looking forward to networking with my fellow students and other healthcare professionals who can offer mentorship, support, and guidance.

References:

Vision, mission, and goals. Vision, Mission, and Goals – Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. (n.d.). Retrieved November 30, 2022,

from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=62&navoid=9348Links to an external site.

Why networking is important for Nurses. EMU Online. (2022, June 21). Retrieved November 30, 2022, from

https://online.emich.edu/degrees/healthcare/rn-to-Links to an external site.   bsn/networking-for-nurses/

Introduction

Hello everyone! My name is Meagan Jones. I’ve been a nurse for 9 years and have spent the majority of my time in women’s health (NICU, Labor & Delivery, OB). Two years ago I completed by AGNP and have been working in primary care since. With everything that occurred during the pandemic and for the things that I was privy to witness, I noticed how now more than ever the mental health crisis is at an all-time high. I’ve spent a lot of my career working with low-income populations and realize that there is a huge gap that needs to be bridged between availability, need, and accessibility to mental health resources for those communities. I decided to return and pursue my post master’s certificate in mental health.

Walden University’s Mission, Vision, and Goals and my Academic and Professional Goals

I chose Walden University after doing quite a bit of research to determine which school checked off all the boxes for what I needed and the timeline in which things were needed. The mission statement itself, was exactly what I needed to solidify that decision, as it states that “Walden University provides a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change” (Walden University, 2022). I know that after working in low-income areas my focus is to be able to bring as many of those resources back to these communities as I can. This also aligns with the program outcomes for the MSN program.

The Importance of Networking

Networking, although simply enough is exchanging information and developing relationships serves a much greater purpose. According to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), networking as a nurse practitioner allows you to connect with jobs, stay abreast of changing health care regulations and practices, and connect you with other health care professionals to help with a more comprehensive view.

References

The importance of NP networking – and how to get involved. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2022, from https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/the-importance-of-np-networking-and-how-to-get-involved

Walden University. (2022). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from

https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=153&navoid=49950

Introduction

Hello everyone, I am so excited about this course and making the first step to attaining one of my goals. I have been an RN for approximately six years. I started my career working on the telemetry floor and transitioning over to the ICU. I work as a travel ICU nurse and enjoy working in different states. I have always wanted to become Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse since nursing school. However, I needed help finding the time. Now that the nest is almost empty and I can attend classes online from anywhere, it is time to move! Moreover, I will be empowered to face fears and embrace my God-given dreams of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

How Walden’s Vision, Mission and Social Change Initiatives Relates My Professional and Academic Goals

After years of contemplating whether to achieve my professional goal of becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I decided to step into the arena and conquer fears. Many factors based on Walden’s vision, mission, and social change initiatives go hand in hand with achieving my professional and academic goals. Of course, the first step on a new journey is hard. As I began researching schools and their cost to attend, I realized you could not put a price tag on the quality of Education. According to Walden’s vision statement. The College endeavors to be recognized for its preeminent programs and innovative educational approaches that prepare distinguished graduates to advance the greater good of global communities (Walden, 2019). One of the challenges as advanced nurses; we are tasked with more responsibilities due to our level of Education and knowledge. One of my goals as a PMHNP is to help effect change at the community level in Education or health promotion. Obtaining my MSN at Walden will help me become a scholar-practitioner in the mental health field. Prepare professional nursing leaders who are empowered to promote positive social change for individuals, families, and populations by addressing the social determinants of health locally, nationally, and globally (Walden, 2019). This statement also relates to my professional goal as a nurse. To make a change at the community level is advocacy, which registered nurses do daily for their patients. This involves fighting for or pushing for the health rights of undeserving or vulnerable populations. Incorporating this type of change in my community will require reaching patients to provide patient care through the advancement of Education I receive from Walden University.

Importance of Networking

Networking is critical because of the need to form collaborative partnerships with others. Social media and Facebook are options for networking with people with the same interest.  It is quickly becoming the number one resource for professional networking. It is one of the most effective ways to build alliances. Tens of millions of people use the internet, and social media is (Walker, 2018) The impact of networking will be tremendous helpful in number of posted nursing jobs, and the increased chances for professional advancement.

References

Walden. (2019, October 4). Walden University catalog. Retrieved from Walden University catalog: https://catalog.waldenu.edu

Walker, A. (2018, May 24). nurse.org. Retrieved from nurse.org: https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/