Networking Opportunities Discussion Post
How My Goals and Walden’s Goals Align
I have been a bedside nurse for over ten years, working on an adult inpatient telemetry unit. This work has been both highly rewarding and challenging. Rewarding because I can directly impact my patient’s recovery. Challenging because of staffing shortages and the physical demands of repositioning heavy patients and working night shift. I am also the mother of two young children. Now that they are both in school, I have more time to pursue an advanced degree. Before working in the hospital, I worked as a nurse in a small family practice. I saw how critical primary care is in preventing and managing illnesses. Working in the hospital has reinforced this belief, as I see patients repeatedly admitted for exacerbations of chronic diseases. As a Family Nurse Practitioner, I can help to prevent these health crises and promote overall wellness.
Improved Patient Outcomes
One of my immediate professional goals is to hone my critical thinking skills and grow as a nurse leader to better advocate for my patients. As the team leader of my unit, I am often called to the bedside of deteriorating patients. We have several new nurses who still need to develop critical thinking skills and experience to know when to call the doctor and what to ask for. Sometimes the patient changes are more subtle, where I can tell something is wrong but can’t pinpoint what to do. Furthering my studies will give me a broader knowledge base, specifically in diagnosis and treatment, so that I can better advocate for my patients and be a mentor to our staff. I would also like to join a committee at my work that updates policies based on evidence-based practice. These goals directly relate to Walden’s goal of “fostering research, discovery, and critical thinking” (Walden University, 2022a, para. 3), the MSN program outcome of “critiquing evidence-based literature…to guide decision making” (Walden University, 2022b, para. 2), and the University outcome of “applying learning to specific problems and challenges in their workplace” (Walden University, 2022a, para. 3) Networking opportunities discussion post. By intervening early before a patient’s condition worsens and by updating policies to provide better care, I would be improving patient outcomes.
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Social Change Through Greater Access
A long-term professional goal is to promote positive social change through greater access. Working in the hospital, I have taken care of patients who stopped taking their meds because they couldn’t afford them and didn’t know that there were cheaper alternatives available. Working in the doctor’s office, I frequently had to obtain prior authorizations because meds weren’t on a patient’s insurance drug formulary list. As a nurse practitioner, I would consider drug cost and coverage when prescribing meds. This aligns with the MSN program goal of providing “cost-effective nursing to reduce health disparities” (Walden University, 2022b, para. 2). I would also like to work with underserved communities, either in a sliding-scale clinic or one that provides healthcare to undocumented immigrants. In this way, I would be furthering the University’s mission of effecting positive social change because I would provide expanded healthcare access.
Importance of Networking
As I pursue my professional and academic goals, I must remember the importance of my professional network. I am lucky to have two very supportive colleagues. The first is enrolled in the same Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program as I am and has been an invaluable resource during the application process and orientation. Just last night, she showed me how to access the Walden online library, and I led her through how to register and drop classes. I look forward to our continued collaboration. Another colleague is an Alumni of the Walden FNP program whom I hope can assist me in navigating graduate school and identifying preceptors. Expanding my network of FNPs will help me to eventually obtain job referrals “since 70% of all jobs are found through networking” (Schmidt, n.d.). This is crucially important due to the potential shortage of FNP jobs (Reynolds, 2020). Another avenue for networking is the professional organization I’m a member of, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Through the AACN, I can attend conferences and advocate for policy changes on a national scale (AACN, n.d.).
References
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). (n.d). AACN Legislation and Regulatory Action. https://www.aacn.org/policy-and-advocacy/legislation-regulatory-action Networking opportunities discussion post
Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
Reynolds, Keith. (2020). Several nurse practitioners more than doubles, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/number-nurse-practitioners-more-doubles-study-finds
Walden University. (2022a). Walden University catalog. College of Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), MSN Learning Outcomes. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Walden University. (2022b). Walden University catalog. Introduction. Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved from https://catalog.waldenu.edu
BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 1
Post a brief introduction of yourself to your colleagues. Include an explanation as to how Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner. Networking opportunities discussion post Also include an explanation for how the Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner. Finally, explain why networking is important and how it may help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
Networking opportunities discussion post Sample 2
Personal Goals and University Vision and Mission
As a professional nurse, I have found the field extremely rewarding for over seven years. One of the aspects I enjoy most about being a nurse is the ability to change specialties and settings. The flexibility proved essential to my professional development as I tend to become complacent every couple of years and need a new challenge. For this reason, I have worked in multiple settings, including a Cardiac Care Stepdown unit, a Cardiovascular Clinic as a non-invasive testing nurse, and as a Home Health nurse for pediatric patients. This flexibility allowed me to find my true passion. My professional goal is to open my own Family Practice in Washington state, where I currently reside. To help provide care for the diverse population in my area without insurance, my business model will be that of Direct Primary Care due to falling somewhere in the middle of the economic scale. For those unfamiliar with this model, it is an affordable alternative to traditional fee-for-service healthcare through third-party insurance companies. In this model, patients pay the primary care provider directly, avoiding much of the overhead costs. In addition to the substantial savings, patients would receive high-quality healthcare allowing me to improve outcomes for the diverse population in my community.
I chose Walden University primarily because of the accelerated pace at which I could obtain my master’s and the regular start dates. By attending Walden, I can finish my degree and take my boards right before my husband retires from the Navy Networking opportunities discussion post. Before enrolling in Walden, I was unaware of the university’s mission and vision statement. However, upon further review, I realized that it aligned with my professional goals. According to the Walden university (2022) catalog, Walden’s mission, vision, and goals are centered around creating lifelong professional learners who positively impact societal challenges on a global scale. I believe that my personal philosophy and professional goals reflect these same values. The purpose of choosing the Direct Primary care business model for my practice is to reach more uninsured individuals through positive social change initiatives. Additionally, Walden MSN program outcomes value quality, integrity, and student-centeredness. These values ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the highest professional practice standards and are committed to advancing the nursing profession (Walden University, 2022).
Importance of Networking
Nursing is one of the many fields in which networking is essential and required almost daily. To successfully network, one must master interprofessional communication and collaboration skills. As a new grad, networking will be critical for finding timely placement and job opportunities. According to Schmidt (n.d.), “active networking is the process of seeking out individuals to connect with.” Networking will be required throughout the MSN program at Walden to ensure appropriate practicum sites, preceptors, and potential job prospects. Fortunately, I am comfortable with and accustomed to networking. My biggest challenge with networking is not being established in the healthcare setting due to recently moving. However, I am confident in my abilities and the resources available through Walden.
References
Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking Links to an external site.Links to an external site. Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/Links to an external site.
Walden University. (2022). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved on November 28, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=196&poid=78355&returnto=76023
Walden University. (2022). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved on November 28, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=75618 Networking opportunities discussion post
Networking opportunities discussion post sample 3
Scholar-practitioner goals
My name is Morayo Oloidi, I currently work in Psychiatric ER and Corrections. I have been a Registered Nurse for over 12 years. I enjoyed every part of my profession; however, I have always aimed for advancement in all areas of life which prompts me to go back to school for my bachelor’s program in 2020 with great joy but not yet fulfilled because I have a goal. My main goal is to advance my carrier by earning my master’s degree. Choosing this pathway to specialize in my area of interest as a PMHNP is the best decision I’ve ever made to accomplish my goals. I planned to start with Walden University in 2017 but I never put it to work. One thing is to make plans, but the most imperative aspect of the plan is to implement it, in other to achieve a goal.
University Vision, mission and goal
The Walden University mission and vision statement is a great tool for me to unlock my potentials in attaining my goals and becoming a scholar-practitioner. The Walden University mission “To impart an inquiry/action model of education that fosters research, discovery, and critical thinking that results in professional excellence” (Walden, 2022). This got my attention and illuminates my views of having both theoretical and practical knowledge in becoming a scholar-practitioner with excellence. Also, Walden University in supportive of diverse community learners for a positive social change is more rewarding to me and mostly to the health care system (Walden, 2022). The University goal to create a greater education opportunity regardless of region will foster growth in preventing nursing shortage within the work force.
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Outcomes and perspective goals
The outcomes and perspective of this program will help me prepare and acquire knowledgeable skills to implement in my practice. I like the fact that the school of nursing strives to provide students with skills needed in their field of study with no limitation towards growth and enables a lifelong learning (Walden, 2022)
Professional Networking advantage
Networking in the health care system is very crucial, it aids in many job opportunities. The statistics showed over 70% of jobs are established through professional networking according to Bureau of Labor Wofford, P. (2018). Initially, I do not believe in networking but as I work my way up in life, I have realized how much it will help my career advancement and job placements Wofford, P. (2018) Networking would also provide practitioners with support groups needed in the case of work-related burnouts, Schmidt, K. (n.d). In my point of view, I would saw knowing the Importance of Networking is a pathway towards success.
Reference
Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking [Blog post]. Retrieved November 28, 2022,
Walden University. (2022). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved November on 28, 2022,
from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=196&navoid=75618Links to an external site.
Wofford, P. (2018). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networking. Retrieved May on 24, 2018,
from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/Links to an external site. Networking opportunities discussion post