Professional Development Plan Stacey Magee American Sentinel University
Capstone Project BSN 499 Professor Elise Webb
January 4, 2015
“
Compassionate, autonomous, integrity, collaborative, trustworthy, advocate, innovative and comforting are only a few of the words used to describe nursing. One could use all of the same words to describe a mother, a grandmother, a best friend or a life partner. Nursing is not only a profession for many nurses but a personal journey, a way of life. These traits, endless opportunities and a gratifying career are what motivate me to remain in the field of nursing. ~ Stacey Magee American Sentinel University, Class of 2015
”
American Sentinel University RN-BSN Program Learning Objectives
Program Learning Objective # 1 Assume leadership roles on multidisciplinary teams within health care organizations • Nursing Management Strategies, BSN 415, suggested nurse managers must be able to lead interdisciplinary teams (Grohar-Murray & Langan, 2011)
• In Developing Nursing Practice, BSN 436, we
learned the importance of critical thinking, interdisciplinary team and communication (Rubenfeld & Scheffer, 2010).
• “Successful leaders empower others to succeed and to
participate or lead in the mission and acknowledges them for their successes.” ~Stacey Magee, Journal Entry
Program Learning Objective #2 Enhance professional nursing practice through the use of research and evidence-based practice • The American Nurses Association (2012) suggests that nurses use research to provide evidence-based care on a daily basis.
• Nursing Research, BSN 422, taught us that the research process is similar to the process of problem solving (Nieswiadomy, 2008).
• Nursing Research Project: The nurse’s role in better preparing caregivers for the task of caregiving.
• “Immersing myself in my academic studies and relating it to my professional interests has given me and my home care department the opportunity to explore an area of supporting the caregiver that recently has become popular in the news and literature.” ~Stacey Magee, Journal Entry
Program Learning Objective #3 Integrate methods of research and scholarship to make and prioritize diagnoses. • In Nursing Research, BSN 422, we learned
evidence-based nursing practice encourages nurses to make clinical decisions based on best practice (Nieswiadomy, 2008).
• One poor patient outcome is enough
evidence to diagnose a problem and warrant change.
• “The most important thing that I have gained from learning about research was to not be intimidated by the process.” ~Stacey Magee, Journal Entry
Program Learning Objective #4 Design care for individuals, groups and communities • The American Nurses Association (2012) suggests
transitioning from the current “sick care” system into a true health care system.
• In Health Care Delivery and Quality Outcomes, BSN 410, we learned about universal health coverage (UHC).
• UHC will require the following (WHO, 2013): • A strong, efficient, well-run health system; • A system for financing health services; • Access to essential medicines and technologies; • A sufficient capacity of well-trained, motivated health workers.
Program Learning Objective #5 Incorporate methods of health promotion and education in nursing care of individuals, families and groups with simple to complex health care needs • In Health Care Delivery and Quality Outcomes, BSN 410, we explored opportunities to improve chronic conditions related to challenges with life choices, poverty and other social determinants.
• Certain disabilities predispose people to chronic illnesses (Fox & Reichard, 2013).
• Interventions should target and overall improvement of health (Fox & Reichard, 2013).
• “I believe the low socioeconomic status and low health literacy of
a significant amount of United States residents presents unique challenges to health care systems and will require more homebased care for successful patient outcomes.” Stacey Magee, Journal Entry
Program Learning Objective #6 Accept accountability and responsibility for professional judgment and actions • In Reflective Practice, Issues and Trends, BSN
405, we learned about reflection in nursing practice, nursing ethics and delegation in nursing.
• A reflective nurse does not take things at face value (Bowden, 2003).
• Developing Nursing Practice, BSN 436,
introduces us to the 17 dimensions of critical thinking (Rubenfeld & Sheffer, 2013).
• “As nurses we were taught to critically think and
problem-solve, this is the nursing process; in order to effectively process information, we need to think about the process of thinking and always ask the question why.” Stacey Magee, Journal Entry
Program Learning Objective #7 Integrate professional values and role behaviors • In Strategic Change and Quality Improvement, BSN 420, we learned
about different leadership theories and styles (Grohar-Murray & Langan, 2011).
• We have learned throughout our courses that good communication skills are essential and have an integral part in professional nursing values and role behaviors.
• Whitehead, Weiss & Tappen, (2010) suggest listening is the most
important communication skill; be attentive, use eye contact and positive body language and verify understanding by asking questions and repeat key points and summarize your understanding.
• “We learned through our BSN journey that core nursing values include human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism and social justice.” ~Stacey Magee, Journal Entry
Program Learning Objective #8 Examine the problems of contemporary health and illness • In Public Health Nursing, BSN 425, we
learned there are many problems that effect health including communicable disease, chronic illness and many social challenges.
• Disease prevention and health promotion will require increased assessment, monitoring and prioritizing risk factors that negatively impact health outcomes (Hacker & Walker, 2013).
• 10% of health outcomes are the result of the
medical system; 50-60% of health outcomes are due to health behaviors (Hacker & Walker, 2013).
Program Learning Objective #9 Demonstrate the role of the global citizen • A global citizen cares for all people, regardless of cultural background, in a culturally sensitive and safe manner and addresses health inequities (Afriyie-Asenso, ReimerKirkham & Astle, 2013).
• Public Health Nursing, BSN 425, increased our awareness of global health issues and of planned interventions to improve global health (Nies & McEwen, 2011).
• Nurses are becoming more aware of social injustices
through formalized education and experience (AfriyieAsenso, Reimer-Kirkham & Astle, 2013).
• “As nurses we need to think strategically and globally, not just at the
bedside. We need to open our minds and share our knowledge of not only patient care but healthcare.” Stacey Magee, Journal Entry
Program Learning Objective #10 Collaborate with other groups to shape health policies that affect both individual and community health
• Public Health Nursing, BSN 425, taught us how to promote health (Nies & McEwen, 2011).
• Nurses contribute to the advancement of health policy and legislation in many ways. • Lobbying for health policy (Nies & McEwen, 2011).
• Advocating and consulting legislative and executive branches of government (Nies & McEwen, 2011).
• Nurses can make positive changes in health policy if they get involved (Nies & McEwen, 2011).
“
American Sentinel University has prepared us to be leaders in the profession of nursing through learning opportunities that included structured, theoretical learning objectives, interactive learning from each other and our professors in the communication forums and sharing our vast experiences in nursing from across the globe. ~ Stacey Magee
”
Professional Goals • Short Term Goals • Promote to Administrator of Home Care • Allow time for adjustment and learning
• Long Term Goals • Implement an Advanced Illness
Management (AIM) home-based palliative care program
• Nursing administrator’s certificate program • Master’s degree in nursing.
References
• Afriyie-Asenso, B., Reimer-Kirkham, S., & Astle, B. (2013). In real time: Exploring nursing students' learning during an international experience. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 10(1), 227-236. doi:10.1515/ijnes-2012-0045
• American Nurses Association [ANA]. (2012). Heath care reform. Retrieved from:
http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/Policy-Advocacy/HealthSystem Reform/AffordableCareAct.pdf
• American Nurses Association [ANA]. (2012). Nursing research tool kit. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/Research-Toolkit.
• Bowden, S. D. (2003). Enhancing your professional nursing practice through critical reflection. Abu Dhabi Nurse, 28-31. Retrieved from http://www.abudhabicme.com/main/doc/ nurs01c28_31.pdf
• Fox, M. H., & Reichard, A. (2013). Disability, health, and multiple chronic conditions among people eligible for both medicare and medicaid, 2005–2010. Preventing Chronic Disease, 10. Retrieved from: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd10.130064.
• Grohar-Murray, M. E., & Langan, J. (2011). Leadership and management in nursing. Fourth Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Edition. Upper
References • Hacker, K., & Walker, D. K. (2013). Achieving population health in accountable care organizations. American Journal of Public Health, 103(7), 1163-1167. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301254
• Nies, M. A. & McEwen, M. (2011). Community/public health nursing: Promoting the health of populations (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.
• Nieswiadomy, R. M. (2008). Foundations of nursing research (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
• Rubenfeld, M. G., & Scheffer, B. K. (2010). Critical thinking TACTICS for nurses: Achieving the IOM competencies (2nded.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
• Whitehead, D. K., Weiss, S. A., & Tappen, R. M. (2010). Essentials of nursing leadership and management. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
• World Health Organization. (2013). The WHO: The many paths towards universal health coverage [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v= VQ3sHfYzcv8&feature=youtube.
