web viewtwo specific missions that i have looked into include association of baptists for world...

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 1

Professional Development Plan

Sarah K. Gurd

Ferris State University


Abstract

This paper reviews the Standards of Performance as outlined by the American Nurses

Association (ANA) and how my current nursing practice aligns with these standards. In

addition, keeping these measures in mind, I assess my future within the nursing profession and

set both short and long term goals. These goals include completing my Bachelors of Science in

Nursing (BSN) degree, working as patient or nurse educator, and serving on the mission field.

Two specific missions that I have looked into include Association of Baptists for World

Evangelism (ABWE) and Word of Life International Ministries (WOL). This paper identifies

the plan I have in place for my career and professional development.


Professional Development Plan

Within this paper my goal is to outline the plan I have in place for my professional

development as a registered nurse. As a nurse, I set goals with my patients in order to reach the

desired outcome. In the professional realm, it is important for me, as a nurse, to set goals for my

future to ensure a more positive outcome. I am able to assess my nursing practice by measuring

it against the Standards of Performance as outlined by the American Nurses Association (ANA).

The goals must include specific actions required and measurable criteria in order to assess

attainment of the professional development plan I have in place.

Discussion

In the nursing profession it is important to ensure that quality care is being delivered. For

me, I feel that the only way to provide quality care is when the patient receives personalized

care. I do not want my patients to feel like a number. I believe it is necessary to remain updated

on changes within the nursing profession itself and changes specific to the organization that I

work in. Complying with core measures help to assess the quality of care provided to patients.

The ANA has outlined Standards of Professional Performance. Included with these

standards are criteria on how to measure the use of these standards within my current practice. I

have reviewed the following standards: ethics, education, evidence-based practice and research,

quality of practice, communication, leadership, collaboration, professional practice evaluation,

resource utilization, and environmental health (ANA, 2010).

Standard 7: Ethics

A partial list of the criteria within the ethics category includes the code of ethics, following

regulations for patient privacy, providing patient-centered care, including the patient as part of


the healthcare team, serving as a patient-advocate, and assisting the patient in “informed

decision-making” (ANA, 2010, p. 47).

In my final semester of my Associates Degree in Applied Science I wrote a mission

statement that outlines my nursing practice. “My mission is to serve and nurture every patient

by providing quality healthcare, to the best of my ability in an environment where integrity,

ethics and honor are the standards.” My mission statement contains the passion I have for

nursing and the desire to provide ethical care. Above all I feel integrity is important in providing

health care. This applies to patient privacy. I do not share patient information with

unauthorized personnel or look into patient information that I am not directly involved in.

An additional measure within the Standard 7: Ethics is, “speaks up when appropriate to

question healthcare practice when necessary for safety and quality improvement.” (ANA, 2010,

p. 47) Honestly, I find this difficult to achieve as this is an ongoing process. I have talked with

my peers about patient to nurse ratio and how it relates to patient safety. I have shared this

information with supervisors who indicate they have passed on the information to the upper

management within the hospital. I need to take this a step further and truly advocate for patient

safety by giving specific examples, in writing, and forward to all nursing management.

Standard 8: Education

Competencies in Standard 8: Education includes continuing education, both formally and

informally, to increase my knowledge in the nursing field. In addition, record keeping of these

accomplishments is required. (ANA, 2010)

As a nurse it is important to continue my education. In essence, I feel that every nursing shift

is an educational experience because no two patients are alike. The nursing supervisors and staff

mentors are great resources for me to learn from. I continually use my medical-surgical textbook


to review and learn from as well. On a more formal note, continuing education credits are

required for licensure renewal. I attend classes, read articles and take tests in areas related to my

field of interest in order to obtain these credits. One of the main resources I use is RN.com.

These certificates are maintained in a notebook for reference should my license renewal be

audited. I am also continuing my education to achieve my Bachelors of Science in Nursing

(BSN) through Ferris State University to grow further in the nursing field.

Standard 9: Evidence-Based Practice and Research

This standard includes competencies in using and completing research to provide

“evidence-based practice.” (ANA, 2010, p. 51) To me, research includes the continuing

education aspect of nursing. I am continually reading articles to further my nursing knowledge

and help formulate the care I provide. However, I do not specifically conduct formalized

research and share this with my colleagues. I do anticipate that I will be required to conduct a

more structured form of research while obtaining my BSN.

Standard 10: Quality of Practice

Quality improvement is the largest component included in this standard and is

multifaceted. This includes tracking of information, maintenance of polices, and direct

involvement in “monitoring quality, safety, and effectiveness of nursing practice.” (ANA, 2010,

p. 52) At this point, I am not involved in the Quality Improvement Team at Pennock Hospital.

However, I also serve as a nurse at a family medical practice. Within this practice, I am directly

involved in maintenance and compliance with the standards set forth by the National Committee

for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in its’ Patient-Centered Medical Home Initiative. “The Patient-

Centered Medical Home is a health care setting that facilitates partnerships between individual

patients, and their personal physicians, and when appropriate, the patient’s family. Care is


facilitated by registries, information technology, health information exchange and other means to

assure that patients get the indicated care when and where they need and want it…..” (NCQA,

2011, “Patient-Centered Medical Home,” para. 3)

Standards 11: Communication

The registered nurse is required to “communicate effectively in a variety of formats in all

areas of practice” (ANA, 2010, p.54). The nursing profession continually requires

communication whether it is verbal or nonverbal. Criteria within this standard include choosing

a style of communication that best suits the patient (ANA, 2010). To me, this is an ongoing

process based on the patient’s health status. For instance, when a patient is painful he or she may

not be able to receive and retain the information he or she is getting from the nurse. Our nursing

unit offers written instructions on pain management. We give the information verbally and then

in writing as well upon admission. It is important to “continually assess” (ANA, 2011, p. 54) the

method of communication that is used. Charting is a large part of communication within the

nursing profession. Our hospital recently went from paper charting to computerized, and

charting by exception. We only chart if something is not within normal limits.

Standard 11: Communication includes the responsibility to, “disclose observations or

concerns related to hazards and errors in care or the practice environment to the appropriate

level” (ANA, 2010, p. 54). As previously stated, I need to be more thorough in discussing the

current nurse to patient ratio with management as it relates to patient safety.

Standard 12: Leadership

Standard 12: Leadership states, “the registered nurse demonstrates leadership in the

professional practice setting and the profession” (ANA, 2010, p. 55). This leadership involves

oversight of others providing medical care, continuing my education, working collaboratively


with other disciplines, and communication to name a few (ANA, 2010). As a nurse, I supervise

the nursing assistants and unit secretaries during my shift. I am ultimately responsible for the

care that is provided to my patients and the proper communication of that care.

Participation in professional organizations is included within this standard (ANA, 2010).

At this point, I do not actively participate in any professional organizations. In the same way, I

have not “sought ways to advance nursing autonomy and accountability” (ANA, 2010, p. 55). I

am still in the reactive stage of being a new nurse. As I develop confidence in my abilities, I

believe I will become more proactive in these areas.

Standard 13: Collaboration

“The registered nurse collaborates with healthcare consumer, family, and others in the

conduct of nursing practice” (ANA, 2010, p. 57). This collaboration takes place between the

patient, the family, other health professionals, and the nurse. In both the office setting and within

the hospital, I am a part of an interdisciplinary team. In the office setting I serve on a team with

the physicians, case managers, medical assistants and office professionals. We each complete

our assigned tasks within the organization, but work collaboratively to provide the best possible,

patient-centered, medical care. In the hospital setting the interdisciplinary teamwork begins

immediately upon admission. When I am admitting a patient I have the opportunity to make

referrals to the case management, dietary, and educational departments. Throughout the

patient’s stay these valuable team members are available to assist the patients whenever needed.

The new electronic medical records requires updates on each shift that are reviewed daily by

dietary, case management, respiratory, and management staff in order to better meet the needs of

the patient while in the hospital and upon discharge.


The standard states the nurse “adheres to standards and applicable codes of conduct that

govern behavior among peers and colleagues to create a work environment that promotes

cooperation, respect, and trust” (ANA, 2010, p. 57). I truly feel that I work well with others.

However, I do have to deal with a multitude of personalities. At Pennock Hospital we have a

plan in place where, should an offense occur, we are to go directly to that person first and discuss

it with them. I know of at least one time, this professional behavior was not followed and a

highly qualified nurse quit due to the lack of collaboration amongst the peers.

This standard also states the nurse will, “engage in teamwork and team-building process”

(ANA, 2010, p. 57). I would not be able to function without the team of nurses working with me.

However, we do not engage in team-building activities that I feel would promote further

collaboration amongst the staff in the hospital.

Standard 14: Professional Practice Evaluation

The standard for professional practice evaluation includes “self evaluation of practice on

a regular basis” (ANA, 2010, p. 59). I am usually the most critical of myself. I set a high

standard which can be hard to achieve. Each shift I review the goals I had for the shift and

whether or not I reached them. The competencies include, “obtaining informal feedback” (ANA,

2010, p. 59) of the nursing care I deliver. I will seek out my peers and supervisors to find out

what constructive criticism they may offer in order to help me obtain a higher level of care. Peer

reviews are also conducted on a formal basis at Pennock Hospital. It is not enough to just ask for

advice, but it is important to, “take action to achieve goals identified during the evaluation

process” (ANA, 2010, p. 59).


Standard 15: Resource Utilization

The nurse is required to “utilize appropriate resources to plan and provide nursing

services that are safe, effective, and financially possible” (ANA, 2010, p. 60). There is a

plethora of resources available within the hospital setting. My biggest responsibility is to,

“assess individual healthcare consumer care needs and resources available to achieve desired

outcomes” (ANA, 2010, p. 60). As I mentioned earlier, when a patient is admitted, needs are

identified. I then utilize the resources within the hospital to meet those needs. For instance, a

diabetic may benefit from meeting with the diabetic educator and/or dietician. A patient with

reduced income and resources may benefit from meeting with the case manager regarding

financial resources available. This continues to be an area that I need to research in order to

offer my patients all the options, resources and information in order for them to achieve their

desired outcome (ANA, 2010).

Standard 15: Resource Utilization includes “interacting with peers and colleagues to

enhance her or his own professional nursing practice or role performance” (ANA, 2010, p. 60). I

appreciate the opportunity to learn from my peers and supervisors in order to enhance the care I

deliver to my patients.

Standard 16: Environmental Health

Standard 16 relates to environmental health and working in a safe environment for the

nurse, patient and others within the facility. In order to do this we must, “promote a practice

environment that reduces environmental health risks for workers and healthcare consumers”

(ANA, 2010, p. 61). Standard precautions must be adhered to. Hand-washing is the largest way

to reduce the spread of infection. This is a major teaching point that I use with my patients. In

addition, bed placement, call lights within reach, and assistance to the restroom are all ways to


reduce accidents within the healthcare setting. Another area of environmental health would be

the isolation precautions required based on the patient’s condition.

When first assessing the generalized statement at the beginning of each ANA standards

of professional performance, I would say that I meet the requirements of that standard.

However, in looking further at the measures that are required within each standard, I need to

implement further processes within my nursing scope of practice in order to fully meet the

criteria set forth.

Over the next five years I plan to complete my BSN. I will do this by taking one to two

classes per semester in order to complete the curriculum set forth. I also plan to take advantage

of training offered through my employers. This includes, but is not limited to, advanced cardiac

life support (ACLS) certification. I am currently scheduled to take this class through work on

April 16, 2011. During this process I plan to continue to obtain work experience that will further

enhance my knowledge base. This includes within the family practice setting and the hospital

setting providing direct patient care. Once my degree is obtained, my desire is to direct my focus

more on education. This could include working in diabetic education within a hospital setting,

nursing education and/or case management.

My long term goals include using my nursing abilities to serve others on the mission

field. Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) states:

The world is filled with hurting people: those who are sick in body, in mind, in spirit, or

in all of these. Healthcare professionals who desire to use their talents and skills in a

biblically centered, culturally sensitive outreach will find many opportunities with

ABWE. (ABWE, 2011, “Preventive Healthcare and Medical Treatment to Transform

Lives,” para. 2).


Word of Life International Ministries (WOL) has health care teams that serve across the world

setting up medical clinics. “People come to the clinics because of physical needs, and they leave

with those needs met, in addition to a clear understanding of the Gospel” (WOL, 2011, “What is

a Healthcare Team?” para. 2). I have been in contact with each of the coordinators for the

missions’ projects listed above and have found there will be many opportunities for using my

nursing abilities on the mission field. I will plan to re-contact these individuals approximately

one year from the time I plan to serve in order to get more specific details and to raise the

necessary support for the service project.

In order to serve as a nurse, I need to have objectives in mind for my future within the

profession. I am continually assessing what areas of interest I have within the nursing field and

how I can implement a plan in order to achieve the goals in mind.


References

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2010). Standards of Professional Nursing Practice.

Silver Spring, MD: Author

Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE) (2011). International healthcare

ministries healthcare/medical ministries. Retrieved from

http://www.abwe.org/serve/healthcare/

National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) (2011). Patient-centered medical home.

Retrieved from http://ncqa.org/tabid/631/default.aspx

Word of Life International Ministries (WOL). (2011). Using medicine as a means of ministry.

Retrieved from http://missions.wol.org/content/health_care

http://missions.wol.org/content/health_care

http://ncqa.org/tabid/631/default.aspx

http://www.abwe.org/serve/healthcare/


CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING PAPERS

CHECK

DATE, TIME, & INITIAL

PROOFREAD FOR: APA ISSUES

2/13/11 skg 1. Page Numbers: Did you number your pages using the automatic functions of your Word program? [p. 230 and example on p. 40)]

2/13/11 skg 2. Running head: Does the Running head: have a small “h”? Is it on every page? Is it less than 50 spaces total? Is the title of the Running head in all caps? Is it 1/2” from the top of your title page? (Should be a few words from the title of your paper). [p. 229 and example on p. 40]

2/11/11 skg 3. Abstract: Make sure your abstract begins on a new page. Is there a label of Abstract and it is centered at the top of the page? Is it a single paragraph? Is the paragraph flush with the margin without an indentation? Is your abstract a summary of your entire paper? Remember it is not an introduction to your paper. Someone should be able to read the abstract and know what to find in your paper. [p. 25 and example on p. 41]

2/11/11 skg 4. Introduction: Did you repeat the title of your paper on your first page of content? Do not use ‘Introduction’ as a heading following the title. The first paragraph clearly implies the introduction and no heading is needed. [p. 27 and example on p. 42]

2/11/11 skg 5. Margins: Did you leave 1” on all sides? [p. 229]

2/11/11 skg 6. Double-spacing: Did you double-space throughout? No triple or extra spaces between sections or paragraphs except in special circumstances. This includes the reference page. [p. 229 and example on p. 40-59]

2/11/11 skg 7. Line Length and Alignment: Did you use the flush-left style, and leave the right margin uneven, or ragged? [p. 229]

2/11/11 skg 8. Paragraphs and Indentation: Did you indent the first line of every paragraph? See P. 229 for exceptions.

2/11/11 skg 9. Spacing After Punctuation Marks: Did you space once at the end of separate parts of a reference and initials in a person’s name? Do not space after periods in abbreviations. Space twice after punctuation marks at the end of a sentence. [p. 87-88]

2/11/11 skg 10. Typeface: Did you use Times Roman 12-point font? [p. 228]

2/11/11 skg 11. Abbreviation: Did you explain each abbreviation the first time you used it? [p. 106-111]


2/11/11 skg 12. Plagiarism: Cite all sources! If you say something that is not your original idea, it must be cited. You may be citing many times…this is what you are supposed to be doing! [p. 170]

2/11/11 skg 13. Direct Quote: A direct quote is exact words taken from another. An example with citation would look like this:

“The variables that impact the etiology and the human response to various disease states will be explored” (Bell-Scriber, 2007, p. 1).

Please note where the quotation marks are placed, where the final period is placed, no first name of author, and inclusion of page number, etc. Do all direct quotes look like this? [p. 170-172]

2/11/11 skg 14. Quotes Over 40 Words: Did you make block quotes out of any direct quotes that are 40 words or longer? [p. 170-172]

2/11/11 skg 15. Paraphrase: A paraphrase citation would look like this:

Patients respond to illnesses in various ways depending on a number of factors that will be explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007).

It may also look like this: Bell-Scriber (2007) found that……

[p. 171 and multiple examples in text on p. 40-59]

For multiple references within the same paragraph see page 174.

2/11/11 skg 16. Headings: Did you check your headings for proper levels? [p. 62-63].

2/11/11 skg 17. General Guidelines for References:

A. Did you start the References on a new page? [p. 37]

B. Did you cut and paste references on your reference page? If so, check to make sure they are in correct APA format. Often they are not and must be adapted. Make sure all fonts are the same.

C. Is your reference list double spaced with hanging indents? [p. 37]

PROOFREAD FOR GRAMMAR, SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, & STRUCTURE

2/11/11 skg 18. Did you follow the assignment rubric? Did you make headings that address each major


section? (Required to point out where you addressed each section.)

2/11/11 skg 19. Watch for run-on or long, cumbersome sentences. Read it out loud without pausing unless punctuation is present. If you become breathless or it doesn’t make sense, you need to rephrase or break the sentence into 2 or more smaller sentences. Did you do this?

2/11/11 skg 20. Wordiness: check for the words “that”, and “the”. If not necessary, did you omit?

2/11/11 skg 21. Conversational tone: Don’t write as if you are talking to someone in a casual way. For example, “Well so I couldn’t believe nurses did such things!” or “I was in total shock over that.” Did you stay in a formal/professional tone?

2/11/11 skg 22. Avoid contractions. i.e. don’t, can’t, won’t, etc. Did you spell these out?

2/11/11 skg 23. Did you check to make sure there are no hyphens and broken words in the right margin?

2/11/11 skg 24. Do not use “etc.” or "i.e." in formal writing unless in parenthesis. Did you check for improper use of etc. & i.e.?

2/11/11 skg 25. Stay in subject agreement. When referring to 1 nurse, don’t refer to the nurse as “they” or “them”. Also, in referring to a human, don’t refer to the person as “that”, but rather “who”. For example: The nurse that gave the injection….” Should be “The nurse who gave the injection…” Did you check for subject agreement?

2/11/11 skg 26. Don’t refer to “us”, “we”, “our”, within the paper…this is not about you and me. Be clear in identifying. For example don’t say “Our profession uses empirical data to support ….” . Instead say “The nursing profession uses empirical data…..

2/11/11 skg 27. Did you check your sentences to make sure you did not end them with a preposition? For example, “I witnessed activities that I was not happy with.” Instead, “I witnessed activities with which I was not happy.”

2/11/11 skg 28. Did you run a Spellcheck? Did you proofread in addition to running the Spellcheck?

2/13/11 skg 29. Did you have other people read your paper? Did they find any areas confusing?

2/11/11 skg 30. Did you include a summary or conclusion heading and section to wrap up your paper?

2/11/11 skg 31. Does your paper have sentence fragments? Do you have complete sentences?

2/11/11 skg 32. Did you check apostrophes for correct possessive use. Don’t use apostrophes unless it is showing possession and then be sure it is in the correct location. The exception is with the word it. It’s = it is. Its is possessive.

Signing below indicates you have proofread your paper for the errors in the checklist:


Sarah Gurd 2/14/11

________________________________________________________DATE:________________

A peer needs to proofread your paper checking for errors in the listed areas and sign below:

Pam Livermore 2/13/11

________________________________________________________DATE:_______________

web viewtwo specific missions that i have looked into include association of baptists for world...

Documents