Category: Nursing

NURS-6501
Week 4 case study 
– Occupational Pulmonary Fibrosis – Michael, a 58-year-old disabled construction worker, presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and a persistent dry cough which started 5 years ago

Week 4 case study

Case Study: Occupational Pulmonary Fibrosis

Case Presentation:

Michael, a 58-year-old disabled construction worker, presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and a persistent dry cough which started 5 years ago. Oxygen dependent at 5L/min (non-compliant). Bilateral inspiratory crackles (“Velcro crackles”) at lung bases noted; no wheezing but has significantly reduced breath sounds. He has digital clubbing, and noted even walking to the kitchen or bathroom he has to use his walker as fear of “running out of air” and falling. He states he wakes up at night gasping for air at times and has to sleep in his chair in the living room and “I can’t even go to bed”. He states all throughout the day he does nothing but cough but states no sputum.

His history notes he had asthma as a child and COPD diagnosed at the age of thirty from what was diagnosed at that time as “chronic bronchitis” [bronchial inflammation]. “I hate walking around with that cord like a dog-leash all day just to breath” “I don’t think I need it” and “I have been around smoke and smoked my whole life” [unfiltered – cigarettes]; “I just use an inhaler as I have for years when they diagnosed me with COPD”. He worked for over 30 years as a concrete mixer driver, frequently exposed to silica dust from cement. Over the last two years, his symptoms worsened, requiring continuous emergency room visits and treatment. Despite treatment with steroids and agents, his pulmonary function continued to decline, leading to his recent placement on organ list for bilateral lung transplant.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) FVC: 48% predicted (severely reduced); DLCO: 35% predicted (severely impaired gas exchange); FEV1/FVC Ratio: Normal (>80%).

Vitals: BP 128/76 mmHg, HR 92 bpm, RR 24/min, SpO₂ 89% on room air 91% on 5-liters O2; Weight: 240 pounds x 1 year ago now with unintentional weight loss at 170 pounds.

BY RUBRIC:

Develop a 1- to 2-page case study analysis, examining the patient symptoms presented in the case study. Be sure to address the following: Explain pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the patient symptoms and why patient is susceptible to more frequent infections.

Explain the pulmonary pathophysiologic processes of how smoking can lead to the changes seen in the lungs.

Explain any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning. — Explain factors in the patient’s history and lifestyle that could have contributed to the development of COPD.

(SOLVED) NURS-6501
Week 4 case study 
– Occupational Pulmonary Fibrosis – Michael, a 58-year-old disabled construction worker, presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and a persistent dry cough which started 5 years ago

Case Study Analysis – Occupational Pulmonary Fibrosis

The Case Study

The patient is a 58-year-old disabled construction worker presenting with progressive exertional dyspnea and a persistent dry cough in the last 5 years. He was diagnosed with COPD and his symptoms have worsened over the past 2 years requiring frequent emergency room visits and treatment.

The pulmonary pathophysiologic processes of how smoking can lead to the changes seen in the lungs

The pathophysiologic processes causing the symptoms of COPD involve lung damage, which compromises airflow. In this case, the various offending mechanisms in COPD like cigarette smoke or other airway pollutants cause inflammation and obstruction of the airways and damage to the lung tissues (Haddad & Sharma, 2023). This leads to difficulty in breathing, coughing, and dyspnea. The airway inflammation causes air sac destruction and shrinkage, making them unable to expand thus limiting airflow. The inflammation also triggers mucus production, which blocks the airway and limits air exchange. These factors together create a ventilation-perfusion mismatch, leading to poor oxygenation as seen in the patient’s low SPO2, low FVC, and reduced DLCO (Rodrigues et al., 2021).

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Explain any racial/ethnic variables that may impact physiological functioning.
Many racial/ethnic factors influence the pathophysiological functioning in COPD including genetic factors, socioeconomic factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors. These factors impact the pathophysiology of COPD either by increasing the risks of COPD, the recovery process, and influencing their response to treatment and outcomes. For instance, genetics play an important role in the development and maturation of lungs as well as in inflammatory responses to triggers like asthma. As a result, certain genetic variances predispose an individual to diseases like COPD more than other people (Cho et al., 2024). An example is the gene coding for alpha-1 antitrypsin. Alpha-1 antitrypsin is an enzyme inhibitor, which serves to protect the lung parenchyma from injury and damage by injurious agents that lead to COPD. Certain individuals have a deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin, which makes their lungs more prone to damage from inhalation pollutants such as cigarette smoke and other harmful environmental contaminants like dust. It is more common in white individuals compared to other races. This increases their risk of developing COPD together with increased morbidity and mortality from the disease (Hernandez-Pacheco et al., 2024).Another variable that impacts the pathophysiology of COPD is socioeconomic factors in which individuals of lower socioeconomic status are at a greater risk of developing COPD due to several factors like poor access to healthcare, higher exposure to environmental pollutants like smoke, and higher smoking habits. In this instance, the patient was exposed to environmental contaminants at work, which predisposed him to COPD (Assari et al., 2020). Other variables impacting COPD include environmental exposures like dust and fumes, cigarette smoking habits that vary among different ethnicities, and environmental pollutants, which vary according to ethnicity because certain ethnicities are more predisposed to poorer living conditions and pollution.
Explain factors in the patient’s history and lifestyle that could have contributed to the development of COPD.
One important factor in his history that could have contributed to the COPD is his occupational history as a construction worker where he was a concrete mixer driver for 30 years, exposing him to silica dust from the cement. He also reports a long history of smoke exposure and a history of asthma, which also predisposes him to COPD (B. Ozoh et al., 2023). Other factors predisposing the patient to COPD include his obesity, male sex, and respiratory infections due to asthma
NURS-6501
Week 4 case study 
– Occupational Pulmonary Fibrosis – Michael, a 58-year-old disabled construction worker, presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and a persistent dry cough which started 5 years ago.

References

Assari, S., Chalian, H., & Bazargan, M. (2020). Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and chronic lung disease in the U.S. 
Research in Health Science
, 
5
(1), p48. 
https://doi.org/10.22158/rhs.v5n1p48

Ozoh, O., K. Dede, S., A. Ekete, O., O. Ojo, O., & G. Dania, M. (2023). Risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a tertiary health institution in Lagos, Nigeria. 
Ghana Medical Journal
, 
57
(3), 175-182. 
https://doi.org/10.4314/gmj.v57i3.3

Cho, M. H., Hobbs, B. D., & Silverman, E. K. (2024). 
The genetics of COPD
. PMC Home. 
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11197974/

Haddad, M., & Sharma, S. (2023, July 20). 
Physiology, lung – StatPearls – NCBI bookshelf
. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545177/

Hernandez-Pacheco, N., Kilanowski, A., Kumar, A., Curtin, J. A., Olvera, N., Kress, S., Bertels, X., Lahousse, L., Bhatta, L., Granell, R., Marí, S., Bilbao, J. R., Sun, Y., Tingskov Pedersen, C., Karramass, T., Thiering, E., Dardani, C., Kebede Merid, S., Wang, G., … Melén, E. (2024). Exploring the genetics of airflow limitation in lung function across the lifespan – a polygenic risk score study. 
eClinicalMedicine
, 
75
, 102731. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102731

Rodrigues, S. D., Cunha, C. M., Soares, G. M., Silva, P. L., Silva, A. R., & Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque, C. F. (2021). Mechanisms, pathophysiology, and currently proposed treatments of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Pharmaceuticals
, 
14
(10), 979. 
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14100979
  
NURS-6501
Week 4 case study 
– Occupational Pulmonary Fibrosis – Michael, a 58-year-old disabled construction worker, presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and a persistent dry cough which started 5 years ago

Advanced Pathophysiology of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) – NURS-6501 Week 2 Case Study Scenario

Week 2 Case Study Scenario

Case Study 2: Advanced Pathophysiology of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML
)
A 45-year-old male presents to the hematology clinic with symptoms of progressive fatigue,
frequent bruising, and recurrent nosebleeds over the past few weeks. On physical examination,
he appears pale and has petechiae on his lower extremities. Blood tests reveal a white blood cell
count of 50,000/mm³ with 60% blasts, hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL, and platelets of 25,000/mm³. A
bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of AML, showing hypercellularity with 70%
myeloblasts. Cytogenetic analysis reveals a FLT3-ITD mutation, placing him in the intermediate-
risk category.

In 1 -2 pages, answer the questions below in detail. You must use current evidence-based
resources to support your answers. Follow APA guidelines. Follow the grading rubric.

Questions:
1.
What is the primary cellular abnormality in AML?
2.
How does the accumulation of leukemic blasts affect normal hematopoiesis?
3.
What role do genetic mutations play in the development of AML?
4.
Why do patients with AML often present with symptoms like fatigue, infections, and
bleeding?
5.
What is the significance of Auer rods in the diagnosis of AML?
6.
What is the impact of AML on the immune system?
7.
How do treatment strategies target the pathophysiological mechanisms of AML?

 

Advanced Pathophysiology of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) – NURS-6501 Week 2 Case Study Scenario

Case Study Analysis

The severe blood malignancy known as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) impairs the bone marrow’s capacity to produce healthy blood cells.  The symptoms of a 45-year-old male patient include increased fatigue, easy bruising, and frequent nosebleeds.  Laboratory tests show low hemoglobin levels, decreased platelet counts, and an increased white blood cell count with notable blast cells.  The diagnosis of AML is confirmed by a bone marrow biopsy, which shows hypercellularity with a significant proportion of myeloblasts.  He is classified as intermediate-risk due to the FLT3-ITD mutation, which is revealed by additional genetic investigation.  Understanding the anomalies in AML cells, as well as their genetic causes and immunological effects, is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of this illness.

Myeloblasts are immature white blood cells that do not go through the normal maturation processes, and their unrestrained multiplication is the cause of AML.  The development of these immature cells is disrupted by this shortage; as they aggregate in the bone marrow, they prevent the generation of healthy platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells (Döhner et al., 2022).  Patients suffer from a range of symptoms as a result, from fatigue to heightened susceptibility to infections and bleeding episodes.  Hematopoiesis, the process by which blood cells normally grow, is severely disrupted by the quantity of leukemic blasts.

The excessive accumulation within investors obstructs adequate production rates for regular blood cell types leading to anemia which often causes lethargy due to decreased oxygen transport capabilities in the body. Furthermore, neutropenia results from insufficient functional white blood cell quantity contributing greatly to susceptibility toward infections while thrombocytopenia makes avenue for bruising easily despite minimal trauma hence explaining phenomena such as petechiae or recurrent nasal hemorrhages observed in this patient case (Borthakur & Kantarjian, 2021).

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Genetic mutations play a key role in AML development. The FLT3-ITD mutation found in this patient is associated with increased cell proliferation and poor prognosis. This mutation causes continuous activation of signaling pathways that promote cancer cell survival and growth. Other mutations, such as NPM1 or RUNX1, may also contribute to disease progression and treatment resistance (Williams et al., 2021).  Identifying these mutations helps in selecting the best treatment approach.

Patients with AML often experience fatigue, infections, and bleeding due to the shortage of normal blood cells. Fatigue results from anemia, as fewer red blood cells are available to carry oxygen throughout the body. Frequent infections occur because leukemic blasts replace normal white blood cells, which weakens the immune system. Bleeding problems arise from the lack of platelets, leading to symptoms like easy bruising, nosebleeds, and petechiae, as seen in this patient (Döhner et al., 2022).

Auer rods are important in diagnosing AML. They are rod-shaped structures found inside myeloblasts and are made up of fused lysosomes containing myeloperoxidase, an enzyme specific to myeloid cells. The presence of Auer rods confirms AML and helps differentiate it from other types of leukemia.

AML significantly affects the immunological system.  A shortage of healthy white blood cells weakens the immunological response.  This makes infections more likely, even from little wounds or common microorganisms.  Infections become more severe and more difficult to treat when the body’s defenses against viruses and fungi are compromised (Barrett, 2020).  Inflammation linked to AML can also further impair immunological function.

The molecular level of AML is the focus of treatment.  Chemotherapy is a common treatment used to destroy leukemic blasts and restore normal blood cell production.  One kind of targeted drug used to slow the disease’s progression and stop abnormal FLT3 signaling in patients with the FLT3-ITD mutation is midostaurin.  In order to reestablish normal hematopoiesis and increase survival prospects, some patients may need a bone marrow transplant to replace damaged cells with healthy donor cells (Döhner et al., 2022).

Conclusively, AML is a serious blood malignancy brought on by myeloblasts growing out of control.  Fatigue, infections, and bleeding are some of the symptoms caused by the disease’s disruption of normal blood cell synthesis.  Genetic abnormalities like FLT3-ITD are important in the development of AML and have an impact on therapy choices. The presence of Auer rods confirms AML diagnosis, and the immune system is severely weakened due to a lack of functional white blood cells. Treatment strategies focus on eliminating leukemic cells through chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. Understanding the underlying cellular processes in AML is crucial for effective management and patient education Advanced Pathophysiology of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) – NURS-6501 Week 2 Case Study Scenario.

 

References

Barrett, A. J. (2020). Acute myeloid leukaemia and the immune system: Implications for immunotherapy. British Journal of Haematology, 188(1), 147-158.
https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.16310

Borthakur, G., & Kantarjian, H. (2021). Core binding factor acute myelogenous leukemia-2021 treatment algorithm. Blood Cancer Journal, 11(6).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-021-00503-6

Döhner, H., Wei, A. H., Appelbaum, F. R., Craddock, C., DiNardo, C. D., Dombret, H., Ebert, B. L., Fenaux, P., Godley, L. A., Hasserjian, R. P., Larson, R. A., Levine, R. L., Miyazaki, Y., Niederwieser, D., Ossenkoppele, G., Röllig, C., Sierra, J., Stein, E. M., Tallman, M. S., … Löwenberg, B. (2022). Diagnosis and management of AML in adults: 2022 recommendations from an international expert panel on behalf of the ELN. Blood, 140(12), 1345-1377.
https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2022016867

Williams, L., Doucette, K., Karp, J. E., & Lai, C. (2021). Genetics of donor cell leukemia in acute myelogenous leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 56(7), 1535-1549.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41409-021-01214-z. 
 Advanced Pathophysiology of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) – NURS-6501 Week 2 Case Study Scenario

CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

Alterations in Cellular Processes

At its core, pathology is the study of disease. Diseases occur for many reasons. But some, such as cystic fibrosis and Parkinson’s Disease, occur because of alterations that prevent cells from functioning normally.

Understanding of signals and symptoms of alterations in cellular processes is a critical step in diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. For the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), this understanding can also help educate patients and guide them through their treatment plans.

For this Discussion, you examine a case study and explain the disease that is suggested. You examine the symptoms reported and explain the cells that are involved and potential alterations and impacts. You must use current evidence-based resources (Primary and secondary) to support your initial posting and all responses to your colleagues.

resources

 

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.

Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To prepare:

By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific scenario for this Discussion. Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.

by day 3 of Week 1

Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:

Which genetic mutations are commonly associated with the disease?

Why is the patient presenting with the specific symptoms described?

Discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease in detail.

What do the blood test results tell us about the disease and disease progression?

CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

Which genetic mutations are commonly associated with the disease?

There are an abundant number of genes associated with Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). There are four categories of driver mutations—transcription factor mutations, signaling protein mutations, epigenome mutations, and TP53, or genes that help regulate p53. FLT3, NPM1, and CEBPα are three specific gene mutations that can occur with AML that are well studied (Makkar et al., 2023).

Why is the patient presenting with the specific symptoms described?

The genetic alteration in the myeloid stem cell disrupts the production of specialized myelocytic blood cells, affecting the resulting blood components (Rogers, 2022).  Myelocytic blood cell specializations are red blood cells, platelets, and myeloblast. Myeloblast cells are precursor cells that create granulocytes—white blood cells. A common characteristic of AML is that white blood cells are abundant in the blood, specifically called leukocytosis. The overabundance of blast cells crowd out the other cells in the blood. Lack of red blood cells or malformation of red blood cells causes anemia, and would be the cause of the fatigue. Lastly, the platelets are affected like the red blood cells, either crowded out by blast cells or mutated. Due to this process, thrombocytopenia occurs, and the body cannot clot the blood effectively—explaining the nose bleeds and bruising.

Discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease in detail.

AML occurs when one or more gene mutations disrupt the hematopoiesis pathway within the bone marrow (Rogers, 2022). An example of a transcription mutation is the gene RUNX1. RUNX1 is a protein used for many cellular processes, and mutations in this gene disrupt the pathway for hemopoiesis, which can cause malformations (Kellaway et al., 2022). Some RUNX1 mutation formations are more serious than others, but all give a high risk for AML if AML does not occur from the gene mutation alone. PTPN11 is a signaling protein that regulates cells, cell growth, and differentiation (Makkar et al., 2023). The next mutation category is epigenome mutations, TET2 is an example, and this protein’s primary function is to be a catalyst for 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (Makkar et al., 2023).  The final category of mutations is TP53, or genes that help regulate p53. TP53 is a code for the P53 tumor suppressor protein, and disrupting either of these proteins would no longer allow the gene’s function (Rogers, 2022).

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All of the gene mutations that can occur in the many cellular pathways in the body lead to a disruption of cell function. There are a few different ways mutations can occur—chemotherapy or other toxins, Down syndrome or other hereditary conditions, and another cause is an underlying condition such as bone marrow disease (Rogers, 2022).

The cell mutations lead to an overproduction of immature myeloblasts that cannot undergo granulopoiesis or become granulocytes (Rogers, 2022). Overproduction of blast cells takes resources, energy, and space from the other cell production, causing leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

What do the blood test results tell us about the disease and disease progression?

Lab values show that the progression of the patient’s AML is not far along; this disease progresses rapidly and is similar to all types of leukemia (Vakiti et al., 2024). The white blood cell count is low. At this stage, the patient has yet to have formed enough mast cells to fill the bone marrow and start leaking into the blood or the accompanying bone pain to indicate that the bone marrow is full of blast cells (Rogers, 2022). There is dysfunction in apoptosis with ALM, so rapid production with no apoptosis means the build-up of mast cells happens quickly. Once Mast cells start leaking out of the bone marrow, Leukopenia will shift, resulting in leukocytosis even though the WBCs cannot function like proper cells and undergo hematopoiesis.

However, the disease process is far enough to show anemia and thrombocytopenia. With no intervention, the disease would progress, leading to extreme neutropenia because there is very little functional WBC. Indicating an increased risk of a fatal infection (Rogers, 2022).  If infection does not occur, the mast cells can build up high, causing hyperleukocytosis and leukemic cell infiltration (Döhner et al., 2022). Skin conditions can occur in all types of epithelial cells. Petechiae and ecchymosis, along with bruising or bleeding of any kind.  Another progression that can occur, most likely with chemotherapy, is Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) (Adeyinka et al., 2024). TLS occurs when calls burst, causing a dump of cell contents that cause damage to the kidneys.

 

References

Adeyinka, A., Kaur, A., & Bashir, K. (2024, October 5). Tumor Lysis syndrome. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK518985/
Links to an external site.

Döhner, H., Wei, A. H., Appelbaum, F. R., Craddock, C., DiNardo, C. D., Dombret, H., Ebert, B. L., Fenaux, P., Godley, L. A., Hasserjian, R. P., Larson, R. A., Levine, R. L., Miyazaki, Y., Niederwieser, D., Ossenkoppele, G., Röllig, C., Sierra, J., Stein, E. M., Tallman, M. S., . . . Löwenberg, B. (2022). Diagnosis and management of AML in adults: 2022 recommendations from an international expert panel on behalf of the ELN. Blood, 140(12), 1345–1377. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood.2022016867

Kellaway, S. G., Coleman, D. J., Cockerill, P. N., Raghavan, M., & Bonifer, C. (2022). Molecular basis of hematological disease caused by inherited or acquired RUNX1 mutations. 
Experimental Hematology
, 
111
, 1–12. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exphem.2022.03.009
Links to an external site.

Makkar, H., Majhi, R. K., Goel, H., Gupta, A. K., Chopra, A., Tanwar, P., & Seth, R. (2023). Acute myeloid leukemia: novel mutations and their clinical implications. 
American journal of blood research
, 
13
(1), 12–27.

Rogers, J. (2022). 
McCance & Huether’s Pathophysiology
 (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). 
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780323789899
Links to an external site.

Vakiti, A., Reynolds, S. B., & Mewawalla, P. (2024, April 27). 
Acute myeloid leukemia
. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507875/ CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

First, what is acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)? AML is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow and affects the production of blood cells. This type of cancer changes the development and growth of immature white blood cells (myeloblasts) (Z, 2024).  This results in the myeloblasts replacing normal blood cells.  The white blood cells are not allowed to mature and becoming functioning white blood cells (Z, 2024). This can lead to abnormalities in a complete blood count. For example, the patient in this case study has a low white blood cell count of 3.3 THOUS/uL, a low platelet count of 70 THOUS/uL, a low hemoglobin count of 7.9g/dL, and a low red blood cell count of 2.39 MIL/uL. These blood test results would also explain why the patient feels fatigue, is having nosebleeds, and is bruising easily. The over production of immature myeloblast cells affect the production of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells (Z, 2024).

There are several different pathophysiological mechanisms that are associated with AML. One mechanism would be genetic mutations. The genetic mutations affect genes that aid in cell survival, growth, and differentiation (Alom, 2023). The common mutated genes found are CEBPa, RUNX1, and PML-RARa (DiNardo, 2016). Mutation is also found in the signal transduction pathway with active mutated genes FLT3, NRAS, and KIT. One of the most common genetic abnormalities in AML is FLT3 (DiNardo, 2016). Rapid growth in these active mutated genes is due to the dysregulated signaling pathways (DiNardo, 2016). Another genetic component found in AML is the rearrangement of chromosomes. The rearrangement of chromosomes results in the fusion of certain genes resulting in the formation of a tumor (Zhang, 2017). Lastly, what occurs in the bone marrow is the key component in AML. The interaction between stromal cells and leukemia cells plays a critical part in aiding in the resistance to therapy, survival, and their growth rate (DiNardo, 2016).

The patient with AML is dealing with nosebleeds, bruising and the feeling of fatigue. These symptoms can best be explained due to the leukemia cells affecting the production of healthy blood cells in the bone marrow (Alom, 2023). The bone marrow crowding and rapid growth of leukemia cells causes the push out of healthy blood cells such as platelets and red blood cells (DiNardo, 2016). Platelets play a key role in the body’s ability to clot blood. The patient with a low platelet count would experience nosebleeds and bruising due to the inability to have an adequate about of platelets to aid in blood clotting (DiNardo, 2016). Another, healthy blood cell produced in the bone marrow are red blood cells. Due to the accumulation of abnormal leukemia cells in the bone marrow, there is a lack of production of healthy red blood cells which can cause the patient to experience fatigue. This is due to the blood cells ability to care oxygen throughout the body (DiNardo, 2016).

Ultimately, AML is due to the mutations in stem cells which causes an overpopulating growth of abnormal cells that hinders the production of normal healthy cells (Alom, 2023). Consequently, several different complications result from these mutations such as anemia, infection, hypermetabolism, and hemorrhage (DiNardo, 2016). After reviewing the patients’ lab results, AML with a low white blood cell count can indicate that the disease state is active (Z, 2024). The leukemia cells are actively replacing healthy blood cells in the bone marrow (DiNardo, 2016). The progression of the disease is based on the growth rate of the leukemia cells and the bone marrows inability to produce platelets and healthy red blood cells (DiNardo, 2016). As the leukemia cells continue to grow, the blood will become thick and sticky. This final stage of the disease will increase the patients’ risk for clots, tissue damage, strokes and heart attacks (DiNardo, 2016).

 

References:

Alom, M. M., Faruqe, M. O., Molla, M. K. I., & Rahman, M. M. (2023). Exploring Prognostic Biomarkers of Acute Myeloid Leukemia to Determine Its Most Effective Drugs from the FDA-Approved List through Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulation. 
BioMed Research International
, 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/1946703

DiNardo, C. D., & Cortes, J. E. (2016). Mutations in AML: prognostic and therapeutic implications. 
Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program
, 
2016
(1), 348–355. 
https://doi.org/10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.348
Links to an external site.

Z, Hu., Y, Yang., J, Li., & Z, Hu. (2024). Genetic mutations and immune microenvironment: unveiling the connection to AML prognosis. 
Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
, 
29
(1), 2346965. 
https://doi.org/10.1080/16078454.2024.2346965
Links to an external site.

Zhang, Haiguo., Zhang, Chengfang., Feng, Rui., Zhang, Haixia., Gao, Min., & Ye, Ling. Investigating the microRNA-mRNA regulatory network in acute myeloid leukemia. 
Oncology Letters
, 
14
(4), 3981–3988. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2017.6686

 

 

CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the expansion of leukemic stem cells that have acquired self-renewal capacity. An aggregation of leukemic blasts in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and extramedullary tissue will result in AML. AML induces the accumulation of leukemic blasts in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and extramedullary tissues.  (Koolivand et al., 2025).  These changes cause the myeloid cells to make a lot of immature white blood cells called myeloblasts. The myeloblasts can build up in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells. (Mayo Clinic, 2025). When these aggressive immature myeloid cells expand in the bone marrow, the result is hematologic compromise. (Kurzer & Weinberg, 2023). Without enough healthy blood cells circulating through the patient’s bloodstream, patients experience low oxygen levels in the blood, easy bruising and bleeding, and frequent infections. (Mayo Clinic, 2025). The symptoms the patient is presenting with are fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nose bleeds. The blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Frequent nose bleeds and unexplained bleeding are a result of thrombocytopenia, and fatigue is a result of anemia.

According to Kurzer & Weinberg (2023), the World Health Organization Classification of Hematopoietic Neoplasms and The International Consensus Classification System now define a variety of AML subsets based on mutation in the deriver genes such as NPM1, CEBPA, TP53, ASXL1, BCOR, EZH2, RUNX1, SRSF2, STAG2, U2AF1, and ZRZR2. Although several studies have been performed to detect genetic mutations responsible for AML pathogenesis, the treatment methods have not significantly changed in the past two decades, as most genetic defects are still unknown. (Koolivand et al., 2025).   The primary variable used by physicians to assess the disease prognosis for AML is the karyotype. (Koolivand et al., 2025).  Mean platelet volume can be considered a predictive or prognostic marker in patients with AML. (Albayrak, et al. 2021).  The patient has a high mean platelet volume of 13.5 fl. Patients with higher mean platelet volumes at the time of diagnosis should be evaluated carefully. (Albayrak, et al. 2021).

References

Albayrak, M., et al. (2021). Mean platelet volume is a predictive and prognostic marker for patients with acute myeloid leukemia: a two-center retrospective analysis. Leukemia & Lymphoma. 62(11). Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2021.1929962

Koolivand, Z. et al. (2025). Inducing apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia; mechanisms and limitations. 
Heliyon. 11.
 Retrieved from: 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41355
Links to an external site.

Kurzer, J. & Weinberg, O. (2023). Updates in molecular genetics of acute myeloid leukemia. 
Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology. 40
(3). Retrieved from: 
http://doi.org/10.1053/j.semdp.2023.01.002
Links to an external site.

 

CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Genetic mutations disrupt normal gene processes due to multiple factors. One will examine specific symptoms, pathophysiological mechanisms, and laboratory results of genetic mutations in acute myelogenous leukemia.

Patient X

A 45-year-old male was recently diagnosed with
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
. The patient’s symptoms, frequent nosebleeds, bruising, and fatigue, represent a dysfunction of the bone marrow’s production and maturation of myeloid cells. The laboratory results confirm the states of cytopenias (e.g., anemia, infections, and/or bleeding or bruising), which may also be associated with abnormal values like metabolic abnormalities, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis (Schiffer & Gurbuxani, 2023). One will further investigate the genetic mutation of AML.

Genetic Mutation

Hu, Yang, Li, and Hu (2024) expressed that the instability of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells by stem cell mutations can hinder the differentiation of the bone marrow. Usually, these differentials are classified as blast cells and can be further categorized by precursors (Rogers, 2022). Specific cellular alterations like mutations of the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene represent the most frequent molecular alteration in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), especially in patient’s with AML who have a normal karyotype (Kongta, Panyasit, Jansaento, & Duangmano, 2022). Now, one will discuss the presentation of symptoms.

Presentation of Symptoms and Laboratory Results

Common symptoms of AML are due to the clonal expansion of immature “blast cells,” which results in the inefficient circulation of erythropoiesis (Debnath & Nath, 2024). Unfortunately, the body can not maintain homeostasis because of the accumulation of leukemia-stimulating cells. One will notice that the patient’s lab results reflect a cellular quiescence, resulting in uneven distribution of cells, decreased WBC, red blood cells, increased mean platelet volume, and corpuscular hemoglobin.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms

Acute myeloid leukemia involves an acquired somatic mutation and epigenetic changes in the bone marrow microenvironment (Schiffer & Gurbuxani, 2023). The process incorporates the mutation of cellular regulation, proliferation, differentiation, and survival by altering gene encodes, rewriting transcription and signaling pathways of proteins, and changing cell cycles (growth and apoptosis). AML is a complex disease that causes myeloid blast corruption, which makes treatment difficult.

Conclusion

Genetic mutations disrupt the normal functions and pathways of the cellular process. Acute myeloid leukemia results in multiple disorders that contribute to the immature production of circulating cells.

 

Reference
s

Debnath, A., & Nath, S. (2024). Prognosis and treatment in acute myeloid leukemia: a comprehensive review. 
Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics
, 
25
(1), 1–15. 
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43042-024-00563-w
Links to an external site.

Hu Z, Yang Y, Li J, & Hu Z. (2024). Genetic mutations and immune microenvironment: unveiling the connection to AML prognosis. 
Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
, 
29
(1), 2346965. 
https://doi.org/10.1080/16078454.2024.2346965
Links to an external site.

Kongta, R., Panyasit, N., Jansaento, W., & Duangmano, S. (2022). Development of E-ice-COLD-PCR assay combined with HRM analysis for Nucleophosmin1 gene mutation detection in acute myelogenous leukemia. 
PLoS ONE
, 
17
(9), 1–15. 
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274034
Links to an external site.

Rogers, J. (2022). 
McCance & Huether’s Pathophysiology
 (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). 
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780323789899
Links to an external site.

Schiffer, C. A., & Gurbuxani, S. (2023, December 19). Acute Myeloid Leukemia:  Classification. (R. A. Larson & A. G. Rosmarin, Eds.). Retrieved February 26, 2025,.

 

 

CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

AML Description
 

AML is characterized by the clonal proliferation of undifferentiated myeloid precursors, known as blasts, within the bone marrow compartment (Vakiti, et al., 2024). This disease can be genetic in nature or acquired due to changes in a person’s genetic structure caused by various environmental factors, smoking, radiation, therapy, and being immunocompromised.
 

Genetic Mutations Associated with Disease
 

Genetic abnormalities that characterize favorable risk disease include chromosomal translocations t(8;21)(q22;q22.1) or inv(16)(p13.1q22). Patients who lack FLT3-ITD (internal tandem duplication) mutations without mutated NPM1 or with CEBPA (bZIP in-frame) mutations are also categorized as favorable risk (Vakiti, et al., 2024).
 

Why is Patient Presenting with Specific Symptoms Described
 

Fatigue can be caused by anemia due to a low red blood cell count. There are not enough red blood cells to assist in carrying oxygen throughout the body, therefore causing fatigue. Platelets are not being formed due to the stem cells lack of differentiation thus causing frequent nose bleeds and bruising. 
Platelets maintain hemostasis by adhering to the vascular endothelium, aggregating with other platelets, and initiating the coagulation cascade, leading to the production of a fibrin mesh, which effectively prevents significant blood loss (Fountain, et al., 2023)
 

Pathophysiological Mechanisms of Disease
 

Transcription factor mutations (e.g., CEBPA) prevent normal myeloid cell maturation, causing an accumulation of undifferentiated blasts (Döhner et al., 2022). Leukemic blasts overpopulate the bone marrow, suppressing normal hematopoiesis and leading to anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
 

Blood Test  Results and Disease Progression
 

This person’s white blood cell count is low, possibly due to bone marrow suppression does putting this person at risk for infectio . Additionally, the red blood cell count and hemoglobin is low, causing anemia. The platelet count is also low, thus causing thrombocytopenia. The disease progression is aggressive, due to risk for infection, anemia, and bleeding.
 

References
 

Döhner, H., Weisdorf, D. J., & Bloomfield, C. D. (2022). Acute myeloid leukemia. The New England Journal of Medicine, 386(12), 1082-1094. 
https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra2200579
Links to an external site.
 

Fountain, J. H., & Lappin, S. L. (2023). Physiology, platelet. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470328/
Links to an external site.
 

Vakiti, A., Reynolds, S. B., & Mewawalla, P. (2024). Acute myeloid leukemia. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507875/
 

CASE: A 45-year-old male presents to the clinic with fatigue, unexplained bruising, and frequent nosebleeds. Blood tests reveal leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. A bone marrow biopsy confirms the diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay

Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:

Which genetic mutations are commonly associated with the disease?

Why is the patient presenting with the specific symptoms described?

Discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease in detail. 

What do the blood test results tell us about the disease and disease progression?

 

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay

Genetic mutations commonly associated with the disease.

The genetic cancer acute myeloid leukemia (AML) starts in hematopoietic stem cells and has problems with the genome, epigenetics, microRNAs, and gene mutations that happen repeatedly. If not treated, AML can spread quickly and result to death. Transcription factor mutations, commonly seen in t (8;21) and inv (16), are among the prevalent genetic mutations in AML. Both interfere with normal myeloid development by disrupting the genes RUNX1 and CBFB (Singh et al., 2023).

The FLT3 gene is another common gene mutation in AML. In a healthy state, this gene controls the survival and reproduction of white blood cells. When it changes, it leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation that starts in the bone marrow and affects the blood. This is what causes AML. The tumor suppressor gene TP53 that controls the p53 gene, which is essential for repairing DNA damage. Mutations in this gene can lead to AML resulting in severe dysplasia and complicated karyotypes (Rogers, 2023) Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay.

 Why patient presented with the specific symptoms described.

The case study shows symptoms caused by AML, a type of cancer that affects bone marrow blood cells and causes a drop in healthy white blood cells, red blood cells (RBC), and platelets (Rogers, 2023). Myeloblast cells overcrowd healthy cells, lowering white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets and causing the patient’s fatigue and low RBCs. Anemia results from the affected oxygen-carrying capacity and hematocrit. Insufficient delivery of oxygen to the body can cause fatigue. Blood clotting factors are low in people with thrombocytopenia, which makes them more likely to bruise and bleed easily and causes unexplained bruising and nosebleeds (Singh et al., 2023).

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Pathophysiology mechanism of Acute Myelogenous leukemias.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rapidly growing, aggressive, and highly heterogeneous disease affecting the bone marrow (Rogers et al., 2023). It is marked by too many myeloblasts that won’t divide into promyelocytes, which are the next step in becoming mature white blood cells, causing the bone marrow to be crowded. AML is a condition where leukemic cells take over the bone marrow. This condition reduces the production of normal blood cells, which leads to blood cell imbalance, causing anemia, fatigue, increased bleeding, and bruising. Additionally, a high number of abnormal white blood cells malfunction, weakening the immune response. The myeloblast takes up a significant amount of space and inhibits the replication of red blood cells (RBC) and platelets. As a result, the patient may experience symptoms such as anemia, fatigue, and an elevated risk of bleeding due to the insufficient clotting factors in their blood. The patient’s risk of infection increases due to the immature WBC (Vakiti et al., 2024).

What the blood test tells us about AML and Its progression.

Medical professionals use bone marrow biopsy and complete blood count (CBC) analysis to detect acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this instance, the lab results only showed low platelet, WBC, and RBC counts; myeloblast levels were not disclosed. However, to better understand the AML prognosis and choose the best course of therapy, appropriate testing is crucial for AML patients (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, n.d.).

References

Rogers, J. (2023). 
McCance & Huether’s pathophysiology
 (9th ed.). Elsevier – Evolve.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (n.d.) Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

https://www.lls.org/leukemia/acute-myeloid-leukemia/diagnosis
Links to an external site.

Singh, H., Kumar, M., & Kanungo, H. (2023). Role of Gene Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review Article. 
Global medical genetics
, 
10
(2), 123–128. 
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1770768
Links to an external site.

Vakiti A, Reynolds SB, Mewawalla P. Acute Myeloid Leukemia. (2024). In: StatPearls [Internet].  
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507875/

 

 

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay 2

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Leukemia in its own right is a serious disease which can often lead to death in many Americans. Thru this discussion we will be talking about one of the most common leukemias called Acute Myelogenous Leukemia or AML. Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is an immensely heterogeneous disease characterized by the clonal growth of promyelocytes or myeloblasts in bone marrow as well as in peripheral blood or tissue (Singh H, Kumar M, Kanungo H., 2023). As early symptoms and blood work such as a complete blood count can lean towards the diagnosing of AML, a bone marrow biopsy test can truly give a correct diagnosis. Understanding different genetic risk factors, genetic mutations and the pathophysiology of AML can sometimes assist in the overall treatment.

Genetic Mutations

Over the years, with the enhanced study of cells and DNA sequencing in relation to AML has showed the many genetic risk factors and its relationship. Many genetic risk factors have been identified, such as Klinefelter and Down syndromes, ataxia telangiectasia, Bloom syndrome, and telomeropathies such as Fanconi anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, and Shwachman-Diamond syndrome; germline mutations in RUNX1, CEBPA, to name a few (Chennamadhavuni A, Lyengar V, Mukkamalla SKR, Shimanovsky A., 2023). Although, the genetic mutations in regard to DNA sequencing stands as a precursor to many individuals assuming the disease AML there are other factors along with the mutations that can increase the chances. One correlation of the disease and its underlying harm is related with smoking. Many studies have showed along with the genetic mutations along with smoking has seen to cause a perfect storm for AML.

Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Specific Symptoms

There are usually two types of mechanisms that can be looked at in determining the pathophysiology of AML. Leukemogenic mechanisms can be broadly classified into two types-cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic (Chakraborty S, Park CY., 2022). Cell intrinsic looks at the genetic side of the cell and the way it can mutate and take form in the cell causing the mutation to transform. Cell extrinsic tends to take form in a certain way that can cause the cell to survive and form with strength to inhabit causing the leukemia to lay havoc on the body. Some symptoms that are help diagnose AML can be anemia, leukocytosis, bruising due to low platelet count and fatigue. These are usually found during a complete blood count lab that looks at hemoglobin, platelets and white blood cell count which will all be low due to attack of the cell. Early recognition and diagnosing with a bone marrow biopsy are key to possible survival with treatment to fight the disease.

References:

Chakraborty S, Park CY. Pathogenic Mechanisms in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2022     Nov;23(11):1522-1534. doi: 10.1007/s11864-022-01021-8. Epub 2022 Oct 3. PMID: 36190670.

Chennamadhavuni A, Lyengar V, Mukkamalla SKR, Shimanovsky A. Leukemia. 2023 Jan 17. In: StatPearls [Internet].        Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 32809325.

Singh H, Kumar M, Kanungo H. Role of Gene Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Review Article. Glob Med Genet. 2023 Jun 23;10(2):123-128. doi: 10.1055/s-0043-1770768. PMID: 37360004; PMCID: PMC10289861

 

 

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay 3

1.  Which genetic mutations are commonly associated with the disease?

Several genetic mutations and translocations are associated with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). According to the National Human Genome Research Institute (n.d.), chromosomal translocation is when a chromosome breaks and attaches itself to a different chromosome. Common translocation is found in CBFB-MYH11 and RUNx1-RUNx1T1, changing the normal development of blood cells (Swart & Heidenreich, 2021). Another common mutation is FLT3, where the body overproduces immature white blood cells (Rogers, 2022). Mutation of TP53 is also common in AML; this cell repairs DNA, but mutations inhibit that ability (Rogers, 2022).

 

2. Why is the patient presenting with the specific symptoms described?

Cancer cells attack the body, interfering with normal body systems and causing cellular destruction. Fatigue, bruising, and nosebleeds are all symptoms of AML. According to the patient’s labs, the red blood cell and platelet count are very low, with RBCs at 2.39 MIL/uL and platelets at 70 THOUS/uL. In AML, the process of creating red blood cells is disrupted, leading to severe anemia, which causes fatigue, bruising, and nosebleeds (Makkar et. al, 2023). Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count and leads to a bleeding risk that can be both internal and external (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). The patient’s low platelets and low RBC explain the frequent fatigue, bruising, and nosebleeds. The patient is also experiencing fatigue as he is likely immunocompromised, with a low WBC count leading to increased fatigue Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay.

 

3. Discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease in detail.

AML is a heterogeneous blood disease that is the result of the rapid development of undifferentiated myeloid precursors, also referred to as myeloblasts (Rogers, 2022). These blasts are immature white blood cells that rapidly develop in the bone marrow and take the place of healthy bone marrow, not involving B or T cells (Rogers, 2022). The immature cells interfere with the bone marrow’s ability to create red blood cells. Genetic and cellular mutations can lead to AML, as mutations lead to changes in the cell’s DNA.

 

4. What do the blood test results tell us about the disease and disease progression

The blood test results reveal that the patient has leukopenia as the white blood cells are very low. During the first phase of AML, the white blood count is often high, and there is a low blood count (Teixeira et al., 2023). The white blood count is low at 3.3, which may indicate disease advancement. The labs show a reduction in red blood cells and platelet production. The patient is likely immunocompromised and at risk for both infection and bleeding. The labs align with the diagnosis of AML, and the patient does not need a blood transfusion based on the current lab results. As the disease progresses, the patient may require a blood product transfusion.

 

References

Makkar, H., Majhi, R. K., Goel, H., Gupta, A. K., Chopra, A., Tanwar, P., & Seth, R. (2023). Acute myeloid leukemia: novel mutations and their clinical implications. 
American journal of blood research
, 
13
(1), 12–27.

National Human Genome Research Institute. (n.d.). 
Translocation
. Genome.gov. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Translocation

Rogers, J. (2022). McCance & Huether’s Pathophysiology (9th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences (US). 
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780323789899
Links to an external site.

Swart, L. E., & Heidenreich, O. (2021). The RUNX1/RUNX1T1 network: Translating insights into therapeutic options. 
Experimental Hematology
, 
94
, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exphem.2020.11.005

Teixeira, A., Carreira, L., Abalde-Cela, S., Sampaio-Marques, B., Areias, A. C., Ludovico, P., & Diéguez, L. (2023). Current and emerging techniques for diagnosis and MRD detection in AML: A comprehensive narrative review. 
Cancers
, 
15
(5), 1362. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15051362

Wachter, F., & Pikman, Y. (2024). Pathophysiology of acute myeloid leukemia. 
Acta Haematologica
, 
147
(2), 229–246. https://doi.org/10.1159/000536152

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). 
Thrombocytopenia
. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/thrombocytopenia

 

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay 4

Which genetic mutations are commonly associated with the disease?

The development and outcome of
acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
are affected by certain genetic alterations. Among the most prevalent mutations is FLT3-ITD, which stands for FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3. This mutation causes the constitutive activation of signaling pathways that encourage the unchecked proliferation of leukemic cells. According to Döhner et al. (2017), this mutation is associated with a more severe course of the illness and worse survival rates. Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutations are also common; these mutations impact cellular stress responses and ribosomal biogenesis. A better prognosis is linked to NPM1 mutations when FLT3 mutations do not accompany them. Having a CEBPA (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha) mutation on both alleles improves survival rates and disrupts normal myeloid differentiation. In addition, chromosomal abnormalities including t(8;21), inv(16), and t(15;17) impact how AML is classified and treated. The molecular heterogeneity of AML is influenced by these genetic alterations, which also affect therapy responses and help doctors choose targeted medicines (Newell & Cook, 2022).

Why is the patient presenting with the specific symptoms described?

Fatigue, unexplained bruises, and frequent nosebleeds are symptoms of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which disrupts normal bone marrow hematopoiesis. Leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia result from an overproduction of leukemic blasts, which inhibits the normal formation of blood cells. Fatigue and pallor are symptoms of anemia, which is caused by a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. This is because tissues do not receive enough oxygen. Thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low platelet count, makes it more difficult for the body to form clots, which in turn makes bruising and nosebleeds more common. The paradoxical increase in white blood cell count known as leukocytosis is made up of immature leukemic cells that aren’t ready to fight off infections just yet. According to Estey and Döhner (2020), these dysfunctional cells can exacerbate the patient’s symptoms by adding to systemic inflammation, which in turn increases metabolic stress Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay.

Discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease in detail.

Mutations in hematopoietic stem cells cause myeloid progenitor cells to proliferate uncontrollably and fail to differentiate properly, which in turn causes AML to develop. Myeloid stem cells typically alter their cellular composition to produce various blood cell types, including RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. Nevertheless, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) develops when mutations in genes interrupt signaling pathways and transcription factors that control differentiation. This leads to an overabundance of undifferentiated leukemic blasts in the blood and bone marrow. Bone marrow failure results from this process because anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia are caused by the suppression of normal hematopoiesis by the excessive proliferation of blasts. Fever and loss of weight are additional symptoms of systemic inflammation caused by leukemic cells’ dysregulation of cytokines. The spleen, liver, or gums can all be infiltrated by leukemia in rare instances, resulting in hepatosplenomegaly or gum hypertrophy. The patient becomes more vulnerable to opportunistic infections as a result of the profound immunosuppression caused by this disease progression (De Kouchkovsky & Abdul-Hay, 2016).

What do the blood test results tell us about the disease and disease progression?

The patient’s blood test results reveal important information about the progression of their disease, including the hallmarks of AML—leukocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Leukocytosis is a sign of an overabundance of cancer cells, which interfere with normal blood cell production and lead to immune system malfunction. Fatigue and oxygen shortage can result from anemia, which is a condition in which the bone marrow’s capacity to create red blood cells is impaired. Thrombocytopenia, which is a result of impaired platelet formation, explains why the patient bruises more easily and has episodes of prolonged bleeding. One diagnostic requirement for AML is an elevated percentage of blasts, which is often more than 20%, as shown in a bone marrow biopsy that confirms the diagnosis. Blast counts, cytogenetic findings, and molecular markers track the development of AML; these metrics inform prognosis and treatment decisions (Döhner et al., 2022). Patients with AML may be offered chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

References

De Kouchkovsky, I., & Abdul-Hay, M. (2016). Acute myeloid leukemia: A comprehensive review and 2016 update. 
Blood Cancer Journal, 6
(7), e441. https://doi.org/10.1038/bcj.2016.50

Döhner, H., Weisdorf, D. J., & Bloomfield, C. D. (2017). Acute myeloid leukemia. 
New England Journal of Medicine, 377
(12), 1135-1148. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1406184

Estey, E. H., & Döhner, H. (2020). Acute myeloid leukemia. 
The Lancet, 396
(10260), 693-706. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31266-9

Newell, L. F., & Cook, R. J. (2022). Advances in acute myeloid leukemia. 
BMJ, 376
, e064542. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-064542 Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Essay

Angie is a new NP who just finished her FNP program. She is having a difficult time finding an FNP position in the rural area where she lives. So, since she was an ER nurse prior to her graduate program she decides to go back to the ER as an APRN. Does she meet the competency requirements for such a position?

 

Yes

 

No

Examining Nursing Specialties

You have probably seen one or more of the many inspirational posters about decisions. A visual such as a forked road or a street sign is typically pictured, along with a quote designed to inspire.

Decisions are often not so easily inspired. Perhaps you discovered this when choosing a specialty within the MSN or PMC program. This decision is a critical part of your plan for success, and you no doubt want to get it right. This is yet another area where your network can help, as well as other sources of information that can help you make an informed choice.

Note
: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.

 

Resources

 

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.

Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN or PMC program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization/certification.

By Day 3 of Week 10

Post
 an explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program. Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member.

By Day 6 of Week 10

Respond
 to at least 
two
 of your colleagues’ posts by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose.

This topic is closed for comments.

AG

Allison George

Oct 30, 2024 11:06pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 10:59am

Reply from Allison George

Module 6 Discussion Main Post

Nurse practitioners (NP) play a vital role in communities by providing care in various areas of healthcare. NP practices include assessments, ordering, performing, supervising, and interpreting lab and diagnostic testing, making diagnoses, and initiating and managing treatments. NPs can prescribe non-pharmacological treatments and medications, coordinate care, council and educate patients, their families, and communities (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2022). Family nurse practitioners (FNP) are nurse practitioners who have received either their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and receive a certification from either the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) (Walden University, n.d.). Family nurse practitioners can care for a large spectrum of people from infants to geriatric patients. Depending on the state, some FNPs can work independently and serve as primary care providers. In my state, Illinois, FNPs can practice independently and prescribe anything but controlled substances independently. FNPs need an overseeing physician to prescribe narcotics and controlled substances. To open an independent practice, FNPs must reach certain criteria to apply for an independent practice license, but they still need an overseeing physician for controlled substances and narcotics (Illinois General Assembly, 2018). FNPs can work in many different settings including private practice, community health centers, universities, and health care systems. FNPs can also receive specialization certifications in areas including diabetes, pain, and obesity management (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2022).

I knew I wanted to advance my education after receiving my associate’s degree and working in a burn intensive care unit and a community hospital medical-surgical unit. I felt I could provide a unique perspective at a master’s level but I was stuck between nurse anesthetist and family nurse practitioner. After looking more into the professions and what the schooling would be like, I found that an online program that allowed me to do my preceptorship locally would work better for me and my family. I have a three-year-old daughter at home and my husband owns his own hauling business. The closest school for nurse anesthetists was almost two hours away and class was on campus. I chose Walden University because of its’ Accelerated into Masters (AIM) program. I still needed my bachelor’s and I liked that I could incorporate some of the master’s classes in my bachelor’s program and get a head start on my FNP. After looking more into the role of a FNP, I found a new motive to provide care for my rural community. Walden University’s website discussed how there aren’t as many physicians graduating to provide care for the increasing number of baby boomers, therefore FNPs play a vital role in these rural communities. Since pursuing this degree, I have already had three different offers to take over other FNPs practices as they wish to retire soon. I found that very promising and validated my choice.

Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member.

One professional organization that would help me be an up-to-date, competent practitioner is the National Association of Family Nurse Practitioners. This organization provides many incentives to members, including advocating for FNPs and broadening their scope of practice nationwide, providing clear and consistent FNP education, providing guidance and education for new FNPs, and establishing standards for educational programs (National Association of Family Nurse Practitioners, n.d.). To become a member of this association, there is an annual fee that’s dependent on the type of membership one is getting and an application to fill out.

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2022). 
Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners
. American Association of Nurse Practitioners; AANP Website. 
https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/advocacy-resource/position-statements/scope-of-practice-for-nurse-practitioners
Links to an external site.

Illinois General Assembly. (2018, January 1). 
225 ILCS 65/ Nurse Practice Act.
 Ilga.gov. 
https://ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=022500650HArt%2E+65&ActID=1312&ChapterID=24&SeqStart=16500000&SeqEnd=17850000
Links to an external site.

National Association of Family Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). 
Home
. Nafnp.memberclicks.net. 
https://nafnp.memberclicks.net/
Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). 
The Varied Roles of a Family Nurse Practitioner | Walden University
. 
Www.waldenu.edu
Links to an external site.
. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/resource/the-varied-roles-of-a-family-nurse-practitioner
Links to an external site.

 

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Justina Chinyere Ibe

Oct 30, 2024 9:33pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 12:32pm

Reply from Justina Chinyere Ibe

Main Question Post. 

An Explanation and Description to Specialization Choice.

A few years of my nursing career was in long and short term skilled nursing, and Rehab nursing. The majority of my nursing years have been in Acute care hospital. I enjoy being an acute care RN. This made it easy for me to choose to continue my nursing career as Adult Gerontology Acute care nurse Practitioner (AGACNP). I currently work in a level III trauma hospital as a resource RN. Being a resource RN has given me the opportunity to work in all the units (ED, ICU, surgery units and med/surg units). I have had the privilege of taking care of my patients (young adults to older adults) in their trauma, acute, critical and chronic health situations. I want to continue doing what I am doing, with improved education and skills. “AG ANCNPs are prepared to provide services ranging from disease prevention to critical care to stabilize the patient’s condition, prevent complications, restore maximum health and/or provide palliative care” (NONPF, 2016).

Choosing to be an AGACNP was not difficult for me because I enjoy what I am doing, and want to continue in this field. My second reason for choosing to be an AGACNP is because I plan to obtain my doctorate in acute care nursing and transfer my knowledge and skills to serve my community in my birth country, where qualified doctors and nurses are in shortage.

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details. 

American Nurses Association (ANA) is an umbrella organization that includes American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). One of the services of ANCC is to provide nursing specialty certification, including AGACNP certifications. Any nurse, whatever the level can become a member of ANA. Some of the benefits of membership include

State association newsletter

Representation in the state house on critical issues

Local networking opportunities

Education and career development

Career center and job networking ( ANA Member Benefits, n.d.)

According to American Nurses Association (2019) publication, some of the competencies of a gerontological nurse is to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning, mentor, maintain a professional portfolio, etc. Any nurse can become a member by registering and paying monthly dues.

References

Adult-Gerontology NP Competencies Work Group. (2016). 
Adult-gerontology acute care and primary care NP competencies
 
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/NP_Adult_Geri_competencies_4.pdf
Links to an external site.

American Nurses Association. (2019). 
Gerontological nursing: scope and standards of practice.
 American Nurses Association

https://www.nursingworld.org/membership/member-benefitss/
Links to an external site.

 

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Marie Christine Magadan Franco

Oct 30, 2024 9:09pm
| Last reply Nov 1, 2024 10:47am

Reply from Marie Christine Magadan Franco

Choosing a nursing specialty has been difficult because it reflects my professional goals and personal interests. My interest lies in becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) due to its flexibility and broad scope of care. The ability to manage a variety of patient populations, including children and adults, appeals to my desire to promote holistic health. However, I am also drawn to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) role because of my current position in the Emergency Department (ED), where I witness the complexities of acute care firsthand. The challenge lies in balancing my aspiration for broad family-focused care with my acute care interests, leading to an ongoing internal debate about which path to pursue.

One of the primary factors influencing my decision is my experience in the ED.  I enjoy the fast-paced environment and the critical thinking skills required to manage acute cases effectively. Research indicates that acute care settings necessitate advanced competencies in patient assessment and management (Mackey & Bassendowski, 2017). I am motivated by the idea of applying these skills in a hospital or urgent care setting. However, I also envision a future where I can integrate wellness practices through a potential wellness clinic. An FNP role would allow me to blend traditional and alternative modalities, providing comprehensive care focusing on preventive health measures (Zaccagnini & Pechacek, 2019).

An important consideration is the professional organizations affiliated with my specialties. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is a prominent organization for FNPs, providing valuable resources for professional development, advocacy, and networking (AANP, 2023). Membership offers access to continuing education opportunities, clinical practice guidelines, and various tools to support FNP practice. To become a member, I need to complete an online application and pay an annual fee, granting me access to a wealth of resources to enhance my knowledge and future career as an FNP.

This reflection highlights the importance of aligning professional goals with personal values and experiences. While I am inclined towards the AGACNP because of my experiences in acute care, I am deeply interested in the FNP role for its versatility and the potential to open a wellness clinic. I plan to integrate my experience in acute care and continue my path into a holistic wellness nursing practice.

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2023). 
About AANP
. Retrieved from 
https://www.aanp.org
Links to an external site.

Mackey, S. P., & Bassendowski, S. (2017). The role of nurse practitioners in acute care settings. 
Journal of Nursing Practice
, 13(5), 12-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2017.02.005

Zaccagnini, M. E., & Pechacek, J. M. (2019). 
The Doctor of Nursing Practice Essentials: A New Model for Advanced Practice Nursing
. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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Sheena Chambers

Oct 30, 2024 7:57pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 10:29pm

Reply from Sheena Chambers

Main Post

Reflection on Choosing a Nursing Specialty

I have never been the person who had the ‘story’ as to why they became a nurse. However, I believe the universe had me become a nurse to overcome the challenges that I have faced, and to have the knowledge to handle many personal life decisions. I want to pursue a career in becoming a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I have struggled with mental health all of my life, along with close family members, and had to self-teach majority of the information I now know about the different tribulations that come with it. I would love to be able to help others that suffer from mental health issues, and to guide them into how to cope and manage it. Not only for the patient, but for families as well. As someone who grew up in southern Appalachia, mental health was a taboo subject, and was mostly brushed off. As I got older, and accepted my own diagnosis, I found the beauty in educating and caring for others that have the same. The patience, empathy and work it takes to get well and take care of those with it, is immeasurable. I want to somehow fix that heavy burden and help anyone I can that has dealt with mental health ailments. We all deserve to be kind to our minds, but being validated and educated on the how is important too.

Challenges and Influencing Factors in the Decision

There are a few factors that are influencing my choice. One of the major reasons is the responsibility of prescribing medication. The biggest challenges in that are looking at medication treatment adherence, decision making, and monitoring symptom related outcomes (Mangano et al., 2020). Looking out for those who take psychiatric medication is a huge responsibility, and if patients don’t have family to help support and observe, the responsibility is on the provider who prescribed those medications. Many psychiatric medications can have severe side effects, including black box warnings, so knowing you stuff and being a competent provider is crucial.

Another challenge for me is having the confidence to complete my degree and have that confidence to one day become a provider. Self-reflection is something I can work on as a current nurse, and on day provider. Being able to reflect on ones practice and be willing to give oneself grace important to retain that confidence and strength to keep showing up and making improvements. Ways I can improve my confidence are being kind to myself, saying positive words of affirmation, practice saying no to others, and avoid comparing myself to others. Keeping positive mindsets, accepting compliments, and writing things I love about myself are other ways I can hold myself accountable and remain positive (Mind, 2022).

Professional Organizations Related to My Chosen Specialty

The professional organization I chose would be the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. This website and organization have an open-ended acceptance for those who have an associates, bachelors, masters, or doctorate degree. These settings also include inpatient, community, academic, research, health institutions and high-level administration positions at the state or federal level. The purpose of this organization is to help identify mental health issues, prevent mental health problems, and caring and treating those with mental health issues. The stakeholders promote recovery, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of those with mental health disorders (Mind, 20220.  I love that this is an open community, and willing to include all those who care about mental health and can come together as one to find a solution to mental health disorders.

 

References

American Psychiatric Nursing Association. 2024. Welcome to Your Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Community. Retrieved from: https://www.apna.org

Mangano, E., Gonzalez, Y., & Kverno, K. S. (2020). Challenges Faced by New Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Prescribers. Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 58(10), 7–11. Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20200915-01

Mind. 2022. Self-esteem. Retrieved from: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-esteem/tips-to-improve-your-self-esteem/

 

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Donna Hopkinson

Oct 30, 2024 7:51pm
| Last reply Nov 3, 2024 1:20pm

Reply from Donna Hopkinson

Hello Professor and Class,

After careful consideration, I have selected to specialize in pediatric nursing. My desire to work with children and their families considers it important and provide early healthcare interventions to shape their lives. Pediatric nursing will allow me to show my love for children with the opportunity to provide critical care. “Pediatric nursing is very different from adult nursing. The primary aim of a pediatric nurse is to provide continuity of care along with the family of the child through the family-centered care approach” (Kaya & Isler-Dalgic, 2020). My profession will involve support for patients who are often vulnerable and need sympathetic care. One of the major difficulties that I faced in choosing this specialty was the large range of nursing fields. This makes the selection typical for me as I was drawn to several areas. “Pediatric nurses can lead policy initiatives and policy changes in several ways. Participating in activities that advance the SDGs is part of their responsibilities by engaging and influencing policy” (Moreland et al., 2023). The common areas that I was considering are including emergency nursing and oncology. Each of these has unique challenges and rewards. However, I understood that my desire lies in nurturing strong development in children. I also struggled with the emotional characteristics of pediatric nursing. I consider that caring for sick children can be important and needed. I understand that sympathy and resilience are the key strengths that will help me navigate these emotional challenges.

The selected professional organization for pediatric nursing is the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN). I would prefer to become a member of this organization as it holds strong and effective information. Becoming a member of SPN will bring several benefits like access to educational resources, and networking opportunities. “Excellence in pediatric nursing is characterized by the use of research to enable practice-based evidence for providing safe and effective nursing care to children and their families” (Harrison et al., 2020). It will allow me to have the latest research in pediatric nursing. Membership provides chances for professional growth through conferences and workshops. These workshops are crucial for staying updated in the field.

References

Harrison, T. M., Steward, D., Tucker, S., Fortney, C. A., Militello, L. K., Smith, L. H., Thrane, S., Tubbs-Cooley, H. L., & Pickler, R. H. (2020). The future of pediatric nursing science. 
Nursing Outlook
, 
68
(1), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2019.06.020

Kaya, A., & Isler-Dalgic, A. (2020). Evaluating the Job Satisfaction of Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics in Terms of Eleven Dimensions and the Influencing Factors. 
Florence Nightingale Journal of Nursing
, 
28
(3), 312–320. https://doi.org/10.5152/fnjn.2020.19101

Moreland, P. J., Rosa, W. E., & Mukeshimana, M. (2023). Enhancing the education of paediatric nurses: A positive step towards achieving sustainable development goals. 
Enhancing the Education of Paediatric Nurses: A Positive Step towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
, 
10
(8), 5017–5023. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1816

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Eloisa Solarana Almaguer

Oct 30, 2024 7:43pm
| Last reply Nov 3, 2024 9:03pm

Reply from Eloisa Solarana Almaguer

Module 6: Discussion

Since the beginning of my career, I have had a steady interest in the field of psychiatry, which has been a driving force guiding my professional decisions. I feel a genuine calling to help people face and overcome emotional and mental challenges. By choosing the specialization as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I envision a unique opportunity to apply my nursing knowledge in an area as essential as mental health, with a comprehensive and patient-centered approach (Walden University, 2024). Among my primary objectives are to develop advanced clinical competencies in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, particularly in highly vulnerable populations; to foster emotional and psychological well-being in my geriatric patients through psychiatric interventions tailored to their individual needs; and to contribute to the community by providing accessible, high-quality psychiatric care, thereby improving access to specialized mental health services (Adult-Gerontology NP Competencies Work Group, 2016).

Choosing a specialty in psychiatry has involved facing several challenges. During the decision-making process, I identified some difficulties, including insecurities about my ability to handle the inherent complexities of mental health, especially when treating patients who may have traumatic backgrounds or severe disorders (Walden University, 2024). Psychiatry requires a compassionate and rigorous approach and represents both a personal and professional challenge. It has become necessary to balance my current work responsibilities with the academic demands of the specialization, making effective time management essential to performing well in both areas. I have also recognized the emotional demands of mental health work, as it requires developing personal resilience and self-care strategies, given that constant interaction with psychiatric patients can be emotionally taxing. These challenges have reaffirmed my commitment to the specialization, motivating me to continue and strengthen my coping skills. I believe this choice will not only enhance my professional growth but also prepare me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients.

A relevant association for this specialization is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). According to Shea (2024), this organization plays a vital role in promoting mental health and well-being through the professional development and ongoing education of nurses in the psychiatric field. Membership in APNA offers access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs, which are fundamental for professional advancement in psychiatric nursing. The steps to join APNA include visiting the APNA website to review the membership benefits and requirements, completing the online application form by providing information about my academic background and professional experience, and paying the corresponding annual fee, which will allow me to keep my membership active and access all association resources (Johnson et al., 2024). By joining APNA, I hope to enrich my knowledge and contribute to the development of psychiatric nursing practice, supporting the organization’s mission of promoting mental health care in the community.

My decision to specialize in mental health through the PMHNP program stems from a deep calling to serve and a genuine interest in positively impacting the lives of my geriatric patients. Despite the challenges this path may present, I am committed to the values of the profession and motivated by the opportunities for personal and professional growth this specialization offers.

References

Adult-Gerontology NP Competencies Work Group. (2016). 
Adult-gerontology acute care and primary care NP competencies
. Adult-Gerontology NP Competencies Work Group . https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/NP_Adult_Geri_competencies_4.pdf

Johnson, C., Delaney, K. R., Cirpili, A., Marriott, S., & O’Connor, J. (2024). American Psychiatric Nurses Association Position: Staffing Inpatient Psychiatric Units. 
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
, 
30
(5), 886–895. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783903231198247

Shea J. M. (2024). Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses: Providers of Care Excellence. 
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
, 10783903241291071. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10783903241291071

Walden University. (2024). Master of Science in nursing (MSN). Walden University. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing

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Leticia Ariel Hernandez
 (She/Her)

Oct 30, 2024 7:31pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 11:07am

Reply from Leticia Ariel Hernandez

Examining Nursing Specialties

Choosing a nursing specialty always involves weighing personal and professional goals. An MSN concentration in the role of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner defines my commitment to providing care for patients, both psychologically and holistically, to make a change in their lives. Among all these academic interests and career objectives, PMHNP is a perfect match for my enthusiasm for patient-centered practice and advocacy. Working off these challenges, factors that influenced me to become a dental hygienist, and the importance of professional organizations will help me to learn and identify the importance of this pathway toward my long-term goals.

Challenges in Choosing Psychiatric Mental Health as a Specialty

It was not an easy task to decide upon PMHNP as my specialty. It took work to choose between the areas of interest within the nursing profession. Because of the large number of nursing professions within the field, with each having its scope, competencies, and practice standards, I had a hard time going through the process (Walden University, n.d.). I was really torn between Psychiatric Nursing and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care because both practice areas involve pressing health concerns among diverse populations. I considered my long-term career goals, passion for mental health, and increased demand for psychiatric services because of greater awareness of psychiatric concerns in our society today.

This decision also required profound detail regarding the role and responsibilities of a PMHNP. Knowledge application regarding mental health disorders, therapeutic intervention, and clinical skills in terms of holistic care is actually necessitated by the American Nurses Association for psychiatric nurses (American Nurses Association, 2015). I was not so sure that I would handle such work, considering the many complexities and emotional challenges that usually come with those who have real mental health crises.

Factors Driving My Decision

Some of the reasons that kept me knowing that I should specialize in PMHNP include increased rates of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and substance use disorders, whose demands make it very necessary to have many psychiatric caregivers. For example, Echevarria (2018) stated that the mental health profession is one of the biggest and rapidly expanding areas in health care today. It does; more of the patients are being diagnosed with the diseases than there are caregivers out there.

My academic and professional goals also aligned with PMHNP. I want to learn psychiatric nursing comprehensively in order to provide holistic health services regarding mental and physical health. Other academic interests include evidence-based practice, therapeutic communication, and psychopharmacology, which steered me toward this path since PMHNPs are trained to integrate these aspects into their practice (Echevarria, 2018). My desire to belong to a growing network of professionals dedicated to enhancing mental health services was also of great significance.

Professional Organization: American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)

In choosing psychiatric nursing as a specialty, I became a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. APNA is one such organization that plays a vital role in promoting the specialty through excellence in practice, advocacy, and leadership (Bickford et al., 2015). Benefits of being an APNA member include access to all research publications, discounts on certification programs, and networking with other psychiatric nurses. It also offers the opportunity for continuing one’s education in emerging trends and best practices that come with changes in mental health care.

To join APNA, one needs to complete the application form available on the association’s website, send a document proving nursing credentials, and pay a yearly fee. Because they are PMHNPs, at the discretion of their organization, specialized resources such as clinical practice guidelines about mental health and advocacy will be provided (Cherry et al., 2019). This membership has given me a vast opportunity to enhance my knowledge of psychiatric nursing standards in a way that equips me to actively contribute to shaping the desired changes toward better mental health in my community.

In conclusion, a decision on the nursing specialty is thus quite critical, as it has numerous implications for one’s academic and professional life. Although not every journey toward my dream of psychiatric mental health nursing was devoid of challenges, my professional goals fell in place with my passion for mental health care, aside from the dire need for specialized psychiatric service provision. It was by joining professional organizations like APNA that I was able to gain valuable resources and a supportive community for my growth as a psychiatric nurse.

 

References

American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (2
nd
 ed.). 
Silver Spring

Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice, third edition – 2015

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L., Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Scott, E. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations. 
JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration
, 
49
(11), 517-519.

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35–38.

Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved October 30, 2024, from 
https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing
Links to an external site.

 

 

 

 

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Qurita Powell

Oct 30, 2024 5:48pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 11:06pm

Reply from Qurita Powell

     The specialty that I chose for this program is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My choice is driven and motivated by a desire to contribute positively towards mental health needs across underserved populations. Over the past 15 years, I have worked in various mental health care settings. I have witnessed and felt the urgent demand that exists now for skilled practitioners who can offer empathetic, informed care to those with mental health challenges (Walden University, n.d.). Through my experience of working in this field, I have learned the importance of determining one’s overall health through their mental health. In many cases, stigmas arise from a lack of education regarding mental health and how to care for it. I chose this specialty because I truly have a passion for working with those that struggle with mental health issues and providing education and resources to those individuals as well as their support system on how to care for it.

Though everyone may or may not struggle with maintaining good mental health, we all know someone who has struggled with some form of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD etc. I have not been faced with many difficulties in choosing PMHNP as my specialty because due to my passion and drive to help the mental health population. As I have mentioned in many of my posts, the mental health community is an underserved population of people with limited resources and access to them. One professional organization I wish to become affiliated with the American Psychiatric Nurses Association as it supports PMHNP professionals by providing critical resources such as standards of practice, educational mentorship, and professional development opportunities (Tierney, 2020). Membership with APNA gives each PMHNP relevant tools and resources through study curricula and certifications that reflect ever-changing best practices. Further, APNA’s mental health advocacy promotion deepens my clinical expertise and enhances my networks in the psychiatric nursing community. These resources will foster and guide my ability to effectively advocate for mental health needs and be meaningfully involved in the reduction of stigma for the same to ensure broader accessibility to mental health services

 

References

Tierney, M. (2020). Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses: Revolutionizing Access to Person-Centered Care. 
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
, 
26
(6), 595–597. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390320965245

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing
Links to an external site.

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Debra Stone

Oct 30, 2024 5:42pm
| Last reply Nov 3, 2024 9:27pm

Reply from Debra Stone

Main Post

Reflection on Choosing a Nursing Specialty

Choosing to specialize as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in the Walden MSN program was a challenging and fulfilling decision stemming from my experiences as an emergency department (ED) nurse. In the fast-paced and high-pressure emergency department environment, I am exposed to a wide range of cases that enhance my clinical skills and decision-making abilities. According to the Population-Focused Competencies Task Force (2013), the FNP’s role includes long-term patient management, health promotion, and disease prevention beyond urgent and emergent care. The FNP role emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, which resonates with my belief in the importance of proactive healthcare. My experience as an ED nurse both posed challenges and provided valuable insight that influenced my decision.

Challenges and Influencing Factors in the Decision

A significant challenge for me is letting go of my identity as an emergency department (ED) nurse. That role has shaped me both personally and professionally, and transitioning to a new identity as an FNP involves a period of adjustment and self-reflection. As a nurse in the ED, I have thrived in fast-paced and high-pressure situations and encountered a wide range of medical conditions, from minor injuries to life-threatening emergencies. It is challenging to adjust my primary focus from acute care to the FNP role and embrace a more holistic, long-term approach. Also, transitioning from RN to FNP may be difficult because of transitioning from an experienced RN to an inexperienced, new NP (Pituskin et al., 2022). I must learn to embrace this change while utilizing the valuable knowledge, experiences, and skills I have acquired while working in the ED.

My experience working in the emergency department has also helped to drive my decision to choose the FNP specialty. Working in a fast-paced setting reveals the importance of quick decision-making and comprehensive patient assessments. FNPs provide comprehensive healthcare services to patients of all ages and can work in various settings, including private practices, clinics, and hospitals. Transitioning to the FNP specialty allows me to leverage my extensive clinical experience while focusing on preventive care and health promotion. Also, if I shift my focus from primary care to emergency care, the FNP specialty will allow me to do that. As an FNP, I can work in urgent care and emergency departments and obtain additional emergency specialty education, such as becoming an emergency nurse practitioner (ENP) (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.-a).

Professional Organizations Related to My Chosen Specialty

Joining a professional organization like the American Association of Nurse Practitioners can be highly beneficial in staying informed, connected, and supported by other nurse practitioners (Echevarria, 2018). AANP provides a platform for nurse practitioners to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate with peers nationwide. AANP members can access various continuing education opportunities, including webinars, conferences, and online courses, which help maintain certification and expand clinical knowledge (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.-b). Membership with AANP offers career resources and professional development tools that assist nurse practitioners in maintaining certifications and expanding clinical knowledge, which are essential for success as FNPs.

Conclusion

The decision to pursue a career as a Family Nurse Practitioner is both an exciting and challenging time. Given the increased demand for primary healthcare providers, the role of the FNP has never been more vital. As I navigate this transition, I am committed to embracing the opportunities for growth and learning while striving to make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of the patients, families, and communities I serve.

 

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.-a). 
Are you considering a career as an emergency nurse practitioner? 
https://www.aanp.org/news-feed/are-you-considering-a-career-as-an-emergency-nurse-practitioner
Links to an external site.

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.-b). 
Membership
. 
https://www.aanp.org/membership
Links to an external site.

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. 
Nursing
, 
48
(12), 35–38. 
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nurse.0000547721.84857.cb
Links to an external site.

Pituskin, E., Albert, M., & Norris, C. (2022). Facilitating successful role transitions from registered nurse to nurse practitioner. 
Texto & Contexto – Enfermagem
, 
31
. 
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-265x-tce-2022-e001-en
Links to an external site.

Population-Focused Competencies Task Force. (2013). 
Population-focused Nurse Practitioner competencies. 
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/Competencies/CompilationPopFocusComps2013.pdf
Links to an external site.

 

 

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Cenda Hemingway

Oct 30, 2024 5:13pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 10:59pm

Reply from Cenda Hemingway

 

For over 19 years, I have been continually intrigued by the opportunity to learn new concepts as a nephrology nurse. My primary goal as a nurse is to provide the best possible care to my patients. Working as a dialysis nurse in an outpatient facility challenges me to operate independently, enhancing my clinical skills and learning capacity. I must think critically and make sound decisions regarding patient care, especially since I do not have a rounding physician in the facility at all times. The outpatient dialysis setting has sharpened my thinking and communication abilities when coordinating care with providers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an intense demand for more nephrology advanced practice family nurse practitioners in our area. The staggering number of patients who experienced kidney failure became overwhelming for the providers, prompting them to experience fatigue and burnout (Mc Keaveney et al., 2021). This increased need sparked my interest in expanding my knowledge and specializing in nephrology as a family nurse practitioner. I witnessed our outpatient dialysis clinic’s admission rates surge, prompting our company to hire full-time nurse practitioners to enhance patient care. Consequently, there is a growing demand for providers, and I am eager to play a significant role in problem-solving and delivering optimal healthcare to all patients. I am excited about expanding my knowledge to become an exemplary clinician. I find it fascinating to understand how processes interconnect, and I take pride in going the extra mile to collaborate with physicians in delivering the best patient care.

Therefore networking is important and continuing to thirst for knowledge is pertinent in this profession which makes it essential to collaborate with other nurse practitioners and providers. The opportunity to participate in organizations that advocate for the profession to ensure we are prepared to offer exceptional patient care is critical to elevating patient care. This collaboration allows for networking with others who share similar goals. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) offers memberships to certified nurse practitioners and students enrolled in nurse practitioner programs. The membership fee for certified nurse practitioners is $150 (American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). This organization provides educational resources, advocacy information, information about upcoming meetings supporting nurse practitioners’ roles, and in-depth research information. The organization’s goal is to continue to empower nurse practitioners to be leaders and scholars in their profession (Arends et al., 2024).

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). 
Membership
. AANP. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from 
https://www.aanp.org/membership 
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.

Arends, R. , Austin-Ketch, T. , Covelli, A. , Davis, L. , Hallas, D. , Kalmakis, K. , Kirkland-Kyhn, H. ,  Melillo, K. , O’Reilly-Jacob, M. , Parish, A. , Rawlett, K. , Ricciardi, R. , Tracy, C. , Winkelman, C. & Whitehouse, C. (2024). American association of nurse practitioners research agenda, 2023–2028. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 36 (5), 257-261. doi: 10.1097/JXX.0000000000001011.

Mc Keaveney C, Reid J, Carswell C, Bonner A, de Barbieri I, Johnston W, Maxwell AP, O’Riordan J, Strini V, Walsh I, & Noble H. (2021). Experiences of renal healthcare practitioners during the cOVID-19 pandemic: A multi-methods approach. 
BMC Nephrology
, 
22
(1), 301. 
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-021-02500-0
Links to an external site.

 

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Qiana Felder

Oct 30, 2024 12:56pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 5:26pm

Reply from Qiana Felder

An Explanation and Description of Specialization Choice

Over the past ten years, I have worked in juvenile corrections, and every time I left, my heart pulled me back.  This was confounding because it was never my goal to work in corrections while in nursing school. However, I believe everything happens for a reason, and I am where I need to be. I chose to advance my career to become a PMHNP due to the urgent and growing number of youths I have seen who need support. One in seven adolescents aged 10 to 19 is affected by a mental disorder, contributing to 15% of the disease burden within this age group (WHO, 2024)

Factors that drove this decision include the lack of providers, especially in underserved communities, and the continued negative mental health stigma that still exists. Stigma can create fear and reluctance toward mental health services, leading to significant delays in seeking help, even when a person urgently needs support (Ahad, 2023). One of my goals is to reduce the mental health stigma by educating and empowering families to be open-minded and understand that mental health is an essential part of overall health. One difficulty I faced was deciding whether to pursue FNP and then get my PMHNP certificate after working for a few years because of the broader scope of practice that would be available. I am more passionate about mental health, so I first pursued this degree.

 

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details

The American Psychiatric Nurse Association (APNA) is a professional organization I would love to be part of, as it is a community that welcomes all psychiatric mental health nurses, from advanced practice nurses to student nurses. APNA is committed to enhancing mental health care in communities and influencing health policy to improve mental health service delivery (American Psychiatric Nurse Association, 2020). The organization offers various resources, opportunities for certification, and support. To become a member, one needs to fill out an application, which can be emailed or mailed to the addresses listed on the website. There is also a yearly membership rate associated with this organization, ranging from $35-$145, depending on the chosen membership.

 

References

Ahad, A., Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). 
Understanding and addressing mental health stigma across cultures for improving psychiatric care: A narrative review
. Cureus, 
15
(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2020). 
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
. Apna.org. https://www.apna.org/

World Health Organization. (2024, October 10). 
Mental health of adolescents
. World Health Organization; World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

 

 

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Joan Chikaodi Clement

Oct 30, 2024 5:23am
| Last reply Oct 31, 2024 12:37pm

Reply from Joan Chikaodi Clement

             The nursing specialty that I chose is psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). A factor that drove me into selecting the PMHNP is my desire to address the shortage of mental health having witnessed a close relative struggling with access to mental health.  Statistics indicate that as of 2023, approximately 160 million Americans lived in areas with mental health professional shortages with more than 8000  mental health professionals needed to address the shortage.  The shortage of mental health providers is hindering the ability to get timely care.  For instance, in 2021, fewer than half of people with a mental illness were able to access timely care and those with substance use disorders were even less likely (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023). The rate of unmet needs is high and this has been worsening mental health.  Statistics also indicate that about 7.6 out of 29.3 million adults aged 18 and above with any mental illness in the past year perceived an unmet need for mental health services in 2021 (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2023). These unmet needs drive me to address the gap and provide behavioral health care to underserved areas like rural settings.

I experienced difficulty between PMHNP and family nurse practitioner.  This is because FNP has a wide scope of practice as they are trained to provide care across the lifespan and address both acute and chronic illnesses. On the other hand, PMHNPs are restricted to mental health and managing psychiatric conditions which seems like a restricted scope of practice (Kumar et al., 2020).  One organization that I can join as a PMHNP is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). To become a member, one is required to download a form and mail it to email it to 
membership@apna.org
.There are various types of membership such as regular membership which costs $145 per year, student members for $35, and $75 for the retired member (American Psychiatric Nurses Association, n.d.).

 

References

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (n.d.). APNA member application. https://myaccount.apna.org/i4a/ams/public/member_start.cfm?mbrAppID=1&pageid=3278&showTitle=1

Health Resources and Services Administration. (2023). 
Behavioral Health Workforce Projections, 2023.
 
https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/Behavioral-Health-Workforce-Brief-2023.pdf

Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. 
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
, 
34
(5), 275–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). 
2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)
.. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-detailed-tables

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Mishay Brooks

Oct 29, 2024 11:25pm
| Last reply Oct 30, 2024 1:15pm

Reply from Mishay Brooks

Choosing to pursue a specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) as part of my MSN program represents a carefully considered step in advancing both my professional and personal goals. Driven by an intense desire to bridge gaps in mental health care, particularly for underserved populations, I view the PMHNP role as a unique opportunity to provide compassionate, holistic care. My goal in this specialization is to develop the clinical expertise necessary to support patients dealing with a range of mental health disorders, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, offering not just symptom management but comprehensive, patient-centered treatment. The knowledge I gain in this program will equip me to empower patients through individualized care plans that promote mental well-being and resilience, aligning closely with the core values of the PMHNP role and with the growing recognition of mental health as a critical component of public health (Phoenix, 2019).

Choosing PMHNP as a specialty was not without its challenges. Initially, I debated whether to specialize in family practice, where I have a strong clinical background, or focus on mental health, which has always been a deep-seated interest. Ultimately, my decision was influenced by the escalating demand for mental health providers and the unique interpersonal aspects of mental health nursing that allow for building long-term therapeutic relationships. As a psychiatric nurse, I am often involved in complex cases requiring an understanding of both physical and mental health. This integrative approach aligns with my aspiration to advocate for patients in a meaningful, holistic way. Mental health is deeply stigmatized and under-resourced, especially in marginalized communities, and I am passionate about contributing to a field where more providers can mean better patient outcomes (Johnson et al., 2023).

A crucial factor influencing my choice was the pressing need for specialized mental health care. With nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiencing mental illness, the demand for psychiatric professionals is high, and gaps in access to mental health care persist, especially in rural and underserved areas. The shortage of mental health providers makes it essential to fill this void with skilled professionals who understand the complexities of psychiatric treatment and who can provide compassionate, evidence-based care (Johnson et al., 2023). My goal is to not only support individual patients but also contribute to public health initiatives, potentially even policy advocacy, that strive to make mental health services more accessible.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association APNA is a leading professional organization for psychiatric nurses and provides excellent resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities that will be invaluable throughout my career (Delaney et al., 2019). Membership with APNA offers access to resources tailored specifically to PMHNPs, including journals, practice guidelines, and conferences, which help members stay informed of the latest evidence-based practices. Membership costs vary by level and include options for students, providing a flexible pathway to engage with the community of psychiatric nursing professionals. This network of peers and mentors is essential for career development and provides a platform to advocate for mental health reform at both the local and national levels (Delaney et al., 2019).

References

Delaney, K. R., Drew, B. L., & Rushton, A. (2019). Report on the APNA national psychiatric mental health advanced practice registered nurse survey. 
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
, 
25
(2), 146-155. 
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1078390318777873
Links to an external site.

Johnson, C., Delaney, K. R., Cirpili, A., Marriott, S., & O’Connor, J. (2023). American psychiatric nurses association position: Staffing inpatient psychiatric units. 
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
, 10783903231198247. 
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/10783903231198247
Links to an external site.

Phoenix, B. J. (2019). The current psychiatric mental health registered nurse workforce. 
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
, 
25
(1), 38-48. 
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1078390318810417
Links to an external site.

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Nicole Greco Carl

Oct 29, 2024 10:57pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 6:12am

Reply from Nicole Greco Carl

The specialty I have chosen to pursue is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Most of my life, I have been guided on what to do, and becoming a nurse was one of the things I was pushed to do and not decided on my own. Choosing to become a nurse practitioner and further my education is my own choice and has not been influenced by anybody else in my life. I want to be a “Nurse who takes advantage of continuing-education opportunities to gain professional breadth, broadening their knowledge regarding local and national nursing issues and going beyond the walls of their facilities” (Echevarria, 2018).

 

So far, as a nurse, I have been given great opportunities to interact with nurse practitioners in every specialty. Based on the ones that I have interacted with and what they have told me about their specialty, I found the most interest in psychiatric mental health. When they explained to me their plan of care and logic when helping patients, it made sense and connected for me. Also, when talking to practitioners and other specialties, I have had some tell me not to go in their specific specialty and, if they did it over again, wish they picked psychiatric mental health.

 

One challenge I have faced when making my decision is making sure I pick a specialty that I can say “I love my career”. As a current ER nurse, I love the excitement and the ever-changing experiences every day. As a PMHNP, I have options on the type of patient population I want to deal with: either impatient patients who are in manic states or switching to an outpatient job dealing with patients who need help with anxiety and depression and going about their daily lives.

 

The professional organization that I would like to be affiliated with is the California Association for Nurse Practitioners. This organization can help you “Find inspiration from a supportive network of peers. Add to CANP’s collective voice at the State Capitol. Access events, education, legal advice, and discounts tailored to NPs” (CANP, 2024). To become a member, you must fill out their online membership application. They also have many types of memberships that you can apply for; one being a student meant for ship and another being a membership for nurse practitioners just out of school. Also, another professional organization, the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, offers “APNA members connect with a dynamic community of psychiatric-mental health nurses, exceptional resources and educational programs, and opportunities to advance the PMH nursing profession” (APNA, 2024), with a similar application process of filling out a form and paying a member fee.

 

 

References:

 

APNA. (2024, October 16). 
American Psychiatric Nurses Association
. https://www.apna.org/

 

CANP. (2024). 
Membership
. https://canpweb.org/membership

 

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). 
Make connections by joining a professional nursing organizationLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Nursing
, 48(12), 35–38.

 

 

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Lenore Louise Benton-Bey
 (She/Her)

Oct 29, 2024 7:34pm
| Last reply Nov 1, 2024 6:31pm

Reply from Lenore Louise Benton-Bey

Initial Post

An Explanation and Description to Specialization Choice

I have chosen the family nurse practitioner program. I knew from the beginning that the end goal was to become a family nurse practitioner as I can work with a broader population in full to meet the needs of all stages of life. A family nurse practitioner can work with the population through out their stages of life, from newborns to geriatrics. I enjoy working with people of all ages as a registered nurse, however I find myself wanting to advance given back more to the community. As I am practicing in the current fields I am working in my fields of urgent care and OB/GYN. I know two different world but I cannot leave neither fully behind. I have experience in the cardiovascular world which is a plus as that is an advanced field but I have contemplated about one or the other in a true advancement in but I could not come to just sticking with one and with a FNP I can have more flexibility with so much more in practice.

Being an Iowan alleviates my worries of me not practicing to my full potential as there is not limitations and full practice for the state of Iowa. I will not only because to practice my cares but I can contribute to being cost effective in my state and for our country. Supported by a growing body of evidence of the safe and cost-effective provision of care by APRNs (ANA, 2024). There are hopes that the limitations for other states will be put in to place because of the cost effectiveness of the nurse practitioner. Advancing and protecting the scope of practice for nurses, particularly advanced practice registered nurses, is a major initiative at ANA. ANA is working together with our state/territorial affiliates (nurses associations) to remove barriers and secure full practice authority (ANA, 2024).

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details

The main reason professional organizations exist is to further the profession (Echevarria, 2018). Furthermore, this is why I chose to discuss the professional orgazation of the American Nurses Associations. I am a current member and I have explore their resources of what they offer for the advanced practicing nurse and the registered nurses. I am confident in the credentialing and the certifications that they offer for the advancement of my career of an advanced professional.I have access to certifications and articles that can help me stay updated with current evidence-based practices and continuing education. There is access to certifications, where to sign up for testing locally or near by your location. And much more to explore will advancing or in the career as the ARNP. Lastly,  I am looking to join the American Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Newborn AWHONN. These associations will be an excellent resource to follow up on and keep up to date with resources and certifications in this field as well for my newborn and postpartum families.

 

References

American Nurses Association. (2024). Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). Retrieved from 
https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/aprn/
Links to an external site.
 on October 29, 2024.

Assoication of Women’s Health, Obestric, Newborn. (2024). 

AWHONN- Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses

Links to an external site.

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). 
Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization
Links to an external site.
. Nursing, 48(12), 35–38.

 

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John Kirby Tompkins

Oct 29, 2024 1:04pm
| Last reply Nov 1, 2024 8:24pm

Reply from John Kirby Tompkins

Module 6
 

Discussion Initial Post
 

An Explanation and Description to Specialization Choice
 

Ten years as an RN serving adults and children in inpatient mental health crisis settings. Ten more years as a Family Nurse Practitioner reaching the limits of that training trying to meet the needs of a rural underserved population. For example, for ten years there was only one child-adolescent psychiatrist in our county, and now he has retired. So, my choice for further specialization has been made by the logical progression of service to my local population.
 

The Walden PMHNP specialization program claims to be number 1 in enrollment in the USA and confers expertise in the care for mental and emotional well-being of patients throughout the lifespan, treating psychiatric disorders, brain disorders, and substance abuse issues. (Walden, n.d.).   
 

 
 

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details
 

During my family practice years, I comfortably relied on membership in the American Academy of Pediatrics. This enabled an alignment between my academic and professional development. I expect a similar benefit with membership in the Association of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. Specifically addressing alignment with ANA Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice are six values explicated by Echevarria (2018.):” professional development, career growth, networking, mentorship, service to the profession, and advocacy”.
 

 
 

References
 

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). 
Make connections by joining a professional nursing organizationLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Nursing
, 48(12), 35–38.
 

Walden University. (n.d.).
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved October 23, 2024, from 
https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing
Links to an external site.
 

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Veronica Monono

Oct 29, 2024 1:03pm
| Last reply Nov 1, 2024 10:49am

Reply from Veronica Monono

An Explanation and Description to Specialization Choice
 

Choosing a nursing specialty within the program can be challenging due to the vast number of fields available, each offering unique opportunities for growth and development. A common difficulty is balancing personal interests with career goals, job market demand, and the time commitment required for advanced expertise. My choice of specialty is PMHNP, I have always wanted to further my education in Psychiatric nursing and my second choice was public health, but I decided to pursue my MSN in Psychiatric nursing because mental health illnesses are real and have been neglected by many because of lack of education concerning the reality of mental health crisis and also they have limited access to care, especially those living on underserved areas and they might not have enough mental health facilities in their locality to care for their needs. The community must be educated about the reality of mental health, how it can be recognized in a loved one and the communities and when to seek help. (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2024)
 has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions, through Mental Health Awareness Month which is the month of May. NAMI actively participates in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
 

Furthermore, the key factors driving my decision include personal interest, career opportunities, work-life balance, skills, and strengths. Concerning Personal interest, I have always had a passion for helping people suffering from mental health illnesses my goal is for the communities to be aware of the reality of mental health, how to recognize it in loved ones and communities, and when to seek help from mental health institutions. In career opportunities, PMHNPs are well paid, and career opportunities are always available in every sector of the health care system. You can work from home, in hospitals, clinics, and community centers, just to name a few. This career opportunity helps to balance work and life, especially working from home or in other settings, which can give you flexible working hours. This career path helps you align your clinical skills in areas of strength with the specialty that would best utilize them. (Psychology Jobs, 2024) states that 
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners can choose to work with adults, adolescents, or children in a variety of settings based on his/her specialty. Many Psychiatric Nurses work in private practice or behavioral health clinics. Other settings include residential treatment centers or general practitioners’ offices. Working alongside other health professionals often means creating an interdisciplinary treatment plan to address patients’ health and wellness.
 

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details
 

One of the professional organizations that I would like to be affiliated with, will be the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP
)
.  According to (
the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2024)
 to become a member, I would have to choose a membership level either a student, regular, or an associate, and I will have to pay the membership fee, student memberships are often discounted. I can apply online with proof of student status if applicable. Membership benefits include access to educational resources, networking opportunities, conferences, and professional development tools. In (Cherry et al., 2019) an important factor essential to a nurse’s professional development is active membership in at least one professional organization. And that membership provides exposure and access to educational resources and rewarding networking opportunities with peers and colleagues. Professional organizations provide nurses with a network of experts to share clinical and administrative challenges and gain new ideas and knowledge.
 

 

References 
 
 

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). 
Membership
. AANP. Retrieved October 26, 2024, from 
https://www.aanp.org/membership
Links to an external site.
 

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L, Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019).
Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizationsLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49
(11), 517-519.
 

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). 
Mental Health Awareness Month
. NAMI. Retrieved October 26, 2024, from 
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mental-health-awareness-month/
Links to an external site.
 

PsychologyJobs. (2024). 
Psychiatric nurse practitioner career guide
. PsychologyJobs.com. Retrieved October 26, 2024, from 

PMHNP / Psych NP Jobs – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Career Guide 2026

Links to an external site.
 

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Leaticia Onyeise

Oct 29, 2024 1:53am
| Last reply Oct 31, 2024 6:18pm

Reply from Leaticia Onyeise

Reflection on my decision to pursue a specialty in the PMHNP Certification Program

As a registered nurse, I have worked in various areas of the nursing care units. During this journey, I have passionately cared for psychiatric and mental health disorder patients, including clients with depression, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. However, it has been an exciting journey providing services to help alleviate the pains and sufferings these categories of patients face in trying to get adequate care services. Especially those patients from rural and poor communities in our society; they suffer more when there is a lack of providers or disparities and discrimination in the system. As a result, I was motivated to pursue an advanced degree specialty in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program to qualify as a PMHNP. I want to be a catalyst for change in my community in this area of healthcare practice by playing a large role in raising awareness of mental health issues and the disparities in the system through advocacy and education to help close the gaps that exist in the service throughout the communities and society at large.

An Explanation and Description of Specialization Choice

Completing this program with a mental health nurse practitioner certification will be a big achievement and milestone for me.  A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse specializing in mental health care, providing comprehensive assessments and diagnoses, creating treatment plans, and medication management for patients with psychiatric disorders, including the ability to prescribe medications, depending on the state of regulations (Walden University, n.d.). Other vital facts about a psychiatric nurse practitioner include the scope of practice, educational training, conducting therapy sessions, prescribing medications, performing physical and psychosocial assessments, and developing treatment plans. It also involved engaging in further academic and continuing education training and certifications. Nurse practitioners
 
may collaborate with psychiatrists, maintain private practice, and work in schools and community mental health centers. Notwithstanding specialty, every nurse practitioner must maintain their continuing education, competency requirements, and license with their state board of nursing to continue and sustain practice.

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details

Professional nursing organizations are key in nursing and patient advocacy (Echevarria, (2018).  A professional association can assist nurses in meeting performance competencies, enhancing professional knowledge and skills, continuing education, achieving career growth and promotion, and providing research, mentoring, and networking tools. After my program, I plan to join a professional organization like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. It is a membership organization dedicated to psychiatric-mental health RNs and APRNs who work in various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, research, education, administration, private practice, military, and more (APNA, n.d.). The association prides itself on being an inclusive organization where all psychiatric-mental health nurses can find a home for the education, resources, and support they need to provide crucial mental healthcare services.  In addition, its mission and vision align with my planned practice goal. According to (ANA, n.d.), the APNA membership values are professional development, career growth, networking, mentorship, professional service, and advocacy. These values align with my own values and the nursing scope and standards of practice.

References

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). 
Make connections by joining a professional nursing organizationLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Nursing
, 48(12), 35–38.

Walden University. (n.d.).
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from 
https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing
Links to an external site.

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2024). 
About APNA
. 
https://www.apna.orgLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.

 

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Deco Tanjong

Oct 28, 2024 5:47pm

Reply from Deco Tanjong

                      Examining Nursing specialties

My decision to persuade my post-master certification in psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner is a journey that took me  years to finally make up my mind  and follow this route . At the beginning of my nursing career I worked in a nursing home , later on move to a mental health facility where my initial idea was to gain more experience and continue my pathway in to my psychiatric nurse practitioner . At the facility I faced some challenges like one of my patient spilled milk on me when I was trying to guide and correct her. So I left to the Hospital working on a medical and surgical unit where I have been working for the last four to five years.

Choosing to go back to the same pathway of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner was because of the rise in the need of metal health providers, and the believe that some people still have, that mental health is not  a challenge that a lot of people are facing in live and just sometime  need someone to give them a listening ear. Department of Health (n,d).

My goal is to educate people that even though you are a drug addict you still deserve the opportunity to make things right, if you became stressful and depressed the best option is not to commit suicide or kill people you still deserve the right to live and be given the opportunity to make the right choices. And no suicide attempt should ever be dismissed. Mental Health America (n,d).

My prominent professional organization I want to be a member is the American psychiatric Nurse practitioner(APNA) which will help connect me with nurses who understand what I will be doing because they do it too. American psychiatric nurse Association (n,d). Also the APNA will keep me up to dates  with every evidence based practice changes as healthcare is a field of change .

Reference:

Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). 
Nursing: Scope and standards of practice, third edition – 2015Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved from 
http://ebooks.iospress.nl/publication/12524
Links to an external site.
.

 

Scope of practice
. American psychiatric nurse practitioner . (n.d.).

 

 

 

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Lucia Almeida

Oct 28, 2024 11:30am
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 10:24pm

Reply from Lucia Almeida

Examining Nursing Specialties

Upon much contemplation, I chose Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) as this option gives more opportunities to address the patient’s unique needs. The scope of practice of FNP includes broader categories in healthcare and the ability to take care of patients of all ages children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2024). Planning entailed reflecting on my previous interactions within the nursing sphere which included aesthetics, IV therapy, and case management – and recognizing patient-centered care as an essential FNP component.

I also changed my mind about choosing Adult-Gerontology Primary Care over FNP because of the higher employment rate and ability to treat an extensive diversity of health problems. At first, I was drawn to adult care because of my responsibilities for handling medical and surgical cases, which provided me with knowledge about the requirements for the main adult groups. Yet, as I gathered information with the help of other experienced practitioners and thought about the needs in my community area, I realized that FNP gave a wider scope for advancements (American Psychiatric Nurses Association [APNA], 2024).

The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is a comprehensive online source that provides up-to-date information on FNP practice, current literature and research, and current educational offerings. Through its membership, the AANP offers networking avenues, clinical tools, and advocacy initiatives that support the FNP practice throughout the United States (AANP, 2024). Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides insight into employment rates and the growth potential within the FNP field, indicating a robust demand for FNPs nationwide (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [BLS], 2023). This source highlights that an increasing number of healthcare facilities rely on FNPs to meet diverse health needs, validating my choice in specializing in FNP.

As I researched the FNP path, I encountered several difficulties in transitioning into advanced practice nursing roles, which were more accentuated when identifying courses and clerkships to undertake. Nonetheless, the faculty members and support staff have provided crucial advice on how to proceed, including competencies that still need to be developed and important resources that will be required to become a competent FNP.

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2024). 
American association of nurse practitioners
. American Association of Nurse Practitioners; AANP Website. 
https://www.aanp.org/
Links to an external site.

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2024). 
About APNA
. 

Home

Links to an external site.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). 
Nurse practitioners: Occupational outlook handbook
. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-practitioners.htm

An Explanation and Description to Specialization Choice

My decision to pursue a post-master’s certificate to earn my Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practitioner (PMHNP) is a journey shaped by personal experiences, professional encounters, educational pursuits, and clinical exposure.  The program is designed to prepare registered nurses to support individuals experiencing mental health issues.  The focus is on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders across a variety of settings.  Students get advanced training in therapeutic communication, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based practices, alongside gaining practical experience through clinical rotations in mental health facilities.

Choosing to pursue the specialization of PMHNP can present several challenges.  It can be daunting to navigate the complexities of mental illnesses, including the stigma associated with them that takes an emotional toll.  The rigorous academic and clinical demands of the program have the potential to be overwhelming; therefore, strong time management and self-care practices are needed to avoid burnout. There are a variety of career paths within mental health nursing, such as opening up a private practice, inpatient care, or community health.  Weighing options and determining where my passion lies can be a significant source of stress.

Some factors that contributed to my decision to pursue a PMHNP program include a desire to make a difference in the population being cared for, coupled with my experiences working in mental health, which has allowed me to witness the impact of mental health issues on society at large.  According to (
van Dusseldorp et al., 2023
) research in somatic health care has shown that patients perceive nurse practitioners as dependable, supportive, and compassionate. They report feeling empowered, calm, and in control when receiving care from PMHNP.  The awareness and acceptance highlight the demand for qualified professionals in this area.  The evolving field that allows providing holistic care and patient advocacy is also a compelling reason to pursue this specialty (
Questions About Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
, n.d.
).

 

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details

One prominent professional organization that supports and serves the interests of psychiatric-mental health nurses is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA).  There are various benefits a membership offers, including access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy initiatives aimed at advancing psychiatric nursing (
Apna Membership Benefits – Join the Apna Community
, n.d.
).

Membership typically requires an annual fee, which grants access to resources such as continuing education courses and professional development programs that include access to journals and publications.  Individuals can visit their official website and fill out an online membership application (
Apna Membership Benefits – Join the Apna Community
, n.d.
).

In conclusion, the PMHNP program offers a rewarding yet challenging path for those interested in specializing in mental health nursing.  The decision-making process can be complex, but support from professional organizations provides valuable resources for aspiring psychiatric nurses who are often influenced by personal motivations and the realities of the profession (
Aanp Communities
,n.d.
).

​

References

Aanp communities
. (n.d.). American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved September 1, 2024, from 
Links to an external site.
https://www.aanp.org/membership/aanp-communities
Links to an external site.

Apna membership benefits – join the apna community
. (n.d.). APNA. 
Links to an external site.

Why Join APNA?

Links to an external site.

Questions about advanced practice psychiatric nurses
. (n.d.). APNA. 
Links to an external site.

Questions about Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses

Links to an external site.

van Dusseldorp, L., Groot, M., van Vught, A., Goossens, P., Hulshof, H., & Peters, J. (2023). How patients with severe mental illness experience care provided by psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. 
Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
, 
35
(5), 281–290. 
Links to an external site.
https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000867
Links to an external site.

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Caitlin J Mcelhaney

Oct 28, 2024 10:37am
| Last reply Oct 31, 2024 2:30pm

Reply from Caitlin J Mcelhaney

An Explanation and Description to Specialization Choice

In choosing to specialize as a psychiatric nurse practitioner (Psych NP), my journey stems from a deep desire to merge my nursing background with my academic foundation in forensic psychology. My work as a registered nurse in a behavioral hospital exposed me to the realities of mental health care, showing me the critical need for psychiatric professionals trained not only in mental health but also in the complex nuances of patient care across diverse and challenging settings. By integrating these two fields, I aim to address mental health issues with a holistic approach, acknowledging the complex interactions between mental health, trauma, and broader sociological factors.

Although the decision felt natural, I faced challenges in committing fully to this specialty, largely due to the intense demand, high levels of responsibility, and emotional toll involved in psychiatric nursing. The need to stay resilient in the face of difficult cases and patient experiences often requires sustained emotional and professional commitment, which can be daunting (Hammarström et al., 2019). However, my background in forensic psychology and passion for mental health care have consistently reaffirmed my choice. I am committed to fostering a supportive, empathetic, and evidence-based approach to care that aligns with patient-centered goals (American Psychiatric Nurses Association [APNA], 2024).

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details

One of the professional organizations I find valuable in supporting this journey is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). This organization is dedicated to advancing psychiatric-mental health nursing through ongoing education, practice resources, and professional development. Membership in APNA requires an active RN license, granting access to a wealth of resources including specialized training, conferences, and certification preparation. These offerings not only foster personal growth but also build the competencies necessary to address the demands of psychiatric nursing (APNA, 2024).

References

American Psychiatric Nurses Association. (2024). 
About APNA
.
 https://www.apna.org
Links to an external site.

Hammarström, L., Häggström, M., Devik, S. A., & Hellzen, O. (2019). Controlling emotions—nurses’ lived experiences caring for patients in forensic psychiatry. 
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being
, 
14
(1), 1682911. https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2019.1682911

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Cynthia Ngozika Ekenta

Oct 28, 2024 8:39am
| Last reply Nov 1, 2024 5:26pm

Reply from Cynthia Ngozika Ekenta

An Explanation and Description of Specialization Choice

From the beginning of my nursing career, I anticipated working with elderly adults and aimed to specialize as an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. I was attracted to the complexities of aging and the opportunity to address their health issues and enhance their quality of life. However, my current experience on the observation unit has marked a significant transformation in my nursing path.

In my interactions with some psychiatric patients who frequently visit the emergency room, I listened attentively to their narratives. I observed the significant difficulties they encountered, including stigma, access to care, treatment adherence issues, co-occurring conditions, lack of social support, economic challenges, and navigating a complex healthcare system. Their courage in confronting these obstacles resonated profoundly with me. I recognized that mental health is a crucial component of overall well-being, and many individuals, particularly the elderly, often contend with mental health challenges alongside physical ailments (Simmons et al., 2017). This enlightening experience shifted my perspective on nursing and encouraged me to reconsider my career path.

I developed a strong belief in the necessity for specialized mental health care and acknowledged that I could make a significant impact as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). My goal is to advocate for individuals struggling with mental illness, offering them the essential support and resources they need. The shortage of psychiatrists and other mental health providers has become a major challenge in our communities. Currently, forty percent of individuals with serious mental illness in the United States receive no treatment for their symptoms within one year due to this shortage (Costa & Olfson, 2016).

By choosing to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, I aim to assess, diagnose, prescribe treatments, and educate individuals with mental illness and their families, helping to reduce the stigma they face in their communities and within mental health facilities.

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details

To support my professional development in this specialty, I plan to join the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). This organization is dedicated to the practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing. It promotes health and wellness through the identification of mental health issues, prevention of mental health problems, and the care and treatment of individuals with psychiatric disorders (APNA, n.d.). Membership in the APNA will provide me with valuable networking opportunities, access to continuing education, and resources on evidence-based practices related to assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. I will either email the organization about my interest in becoming a member or visit their website to complete the membership form and pay the required fees.

In conclusion, my journey has led me to understand the vital role of mental health in patient care. I am committed to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to advocate for those struggling with mental illness and to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

 

References

APNA. (n.d.). Your resource for psychiatric mental health nursing. Retrieved from  
https://www.apna.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1
Links to an external site.

Costa, C., & Olfson, M. (2016). Shortage of mental health professionals providing mental health care: The author replies. 
Health Affairs
, 35, 1934. DOI:10.1377/hlthaff.2016.0933

Simmons, L., Jones, T., & Bradley, E. (2017). Reducing mental health stigma: The relationship between knowledge and attitude change. 
European Journal of Mental Health, 12
(1), 25–40. 
https://doi.org/10.5708/EJMH.12.2017.1.2
Links to an external site.

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Rebecca Blair Manges

Oct 28, 2024 8:05am
| Last reply Oct 30, 2024 12:46pm

Reply from Rebecca Blair Manges

An Explanation and Description to Specialization Choice

I am pursuing a post master’s certification in Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse practitioner. 12 years ago, I graduated from a family nurse practitioner program. I remember contemplating between the FNP and AGACNP program in 2009. During that time NP’s and PA’s were not used in an inpatient setting in my area except as a surgical assistant.  I ultimately decided on an FNP program as it made me more marketable. I do not regret my choice as I have had a wide variety of experiences in the primary care arena. I went back to the acute care setting in 2020, and I have found my clinical interest as a hospitalist. I am planning to use my clinical hours to gain more experiences in specialties to enhance my clinical knowledge. These areas include neurology, cardiology and infectious disease. I am also planning some clinical hours in a hospital that I am not professionally affiliated with.

 

Professional Organization in Selected Specialization and Membership Details

The American Nurse’s Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the one the certifying boards for the AGACNP certification. To obtain the AGACNP-BC certification one must complete a master’s or post master’s program and complete an initial 175 question exam (ANCC, 2020.). This certification is good for 5 years and requires the provider to meet several certification requirements to be eligible or renewal (ANCC, 2020). The American Associations of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) offer a acute care specialty practice group for nurse practitioners with a clinical interest in acute care. This program suggests that the provider have an acute care certification and requires a membership to the AANP (Acute Care Specialty Practice Group, N.D.). I have found involvement in professional organizations is a great way to make professional connections that promote growth and development.

 

References

Acute Care Specialty Practice Group
. (N.D.). American Association of Nurse Practitioners. https://www.aanp.org/membership/aanp-communities/acute-care

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certification (AGACNP-BC) | ANCC
. (2020). ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/adult-gerontology-acute-care-nurse-practitioner/

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Barbara A Shannon

Oct 28, 2024 7:32am

Reply from Barbara A Shannon

My choice to pursue a nursing specialty in Psychiatric Mental Health stems from a strong desire to address the growing need for mental health services and make a meaningful impact on individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Mental health is a crucial yet often underrepresented area of healthcare, and there is a significant shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in underserved communities (Finley, 2020). Becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner allows me to contribute to filling this gap and providing compassionate, evidence-based care to those who need it most.

Additionally, the holistic approach of the psychiatric mental health specialty aligns with my passion for treating the whole person addressing both mental and physical health needs (Kumar et al., 2020). Psychiatric mental health nursing focuses not only on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders but also on promoting mental wellness, educating patients and families, and advocating for those with mental illness (Kumar, 2020). This comprehensive approach to care resonates with my values as a nurse, as it allows me to build meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and provide continuous, integrated care.

Another reason for choosing this specialty is the growing recognition of mental health as an integral part of overall health. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and severe psychiatric illnesses are increasingly prevalent, yet many individuals still face barriers to accessing effective care (Kumar et al., 2020). By becoming a Psychiatric Mental Health – Nurse Practitioner, I can be part of the solution, advocating for mental health services, reducing stigma, and contributing to positive change in how mental health is viewed and treated in society.

In choosing to specialize in Psychiatric Mental Health, I encountered a few challenges and considerations that required careful thought. One of the difficulties was balancing my interest in various nursing specialties. As someone with a perioperative nurse background, I initially considered other advanced practice roles such as Pediatric Nurse Practitioner because of my experience with pediatrics. The decision to focus specifically on mental health involved reflecting on the most pressing needs within healthcare and where my skills could make the greatest impact. A major factor driving my decision was the growing recognition of mental health as an essential component of overall wellness and the significant shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in underserved populations (Mangano et al., 2020). Mental health disorders are rising, and more individuals are seeking mental health services than ever before (Mangano et al., 2020). Seeing how much these issues impact communities pushed me toward a role where I could actively contribute to improving mental health access and outcomes. Ultimately, these factors helped me clarify that specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health would allow me to combine my desire for long-term patient relationships, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and commitment to holistic care.

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) is a professional organization focused on advancing care for individuals with psychiatric and mental health disorders and supporting the development of psychiatric-mental health nurses (PMHNs). APNA promotes education, research, and policy advocacy to improve mental health care and represents psychiatric nurses at all levels, including Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. It offers resources such as continuing education, webinars, conferences, and certifications to enhance professional development.

To become a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association you can go to the website where there are various membership categories based on professional status. Full membership for registered is for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses who are working in psychiatric-mental health nursing. Affiliate membership is for individuals who are registered nurses but have an interest in psychiatric mental health nursing. International membership is for nurses who practice outside the United States. Student membership is for those who are enrolled in a nursing program. Once you select the appropriate membership type, you can fill out the membership application online at the American Psychiatric Nurse Association website. You will need to provide personal and professional information such as contact details, nursing credentials, and employment information. Depending on the membership category you chose, membership dues are due at the time of application completion. Payments can also be made online at the website. The benefits of the membership allow access to various continuing education courses, clinical resources, research publications, conferences, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts. The membership also comes with a subscription to the Journal of the Psychiatric Nurses Association. By joining APNA, you become part of a professional community that supports psychiatric-mental health nurses and contributes to advancing mental health care.

Finley B. A. (2020). Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners Meeting Rural Mental Health Challenges. 
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
, 
26
(1), 97–101. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390319886357

Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. 
Archives of psychiatric nursing
, 
34
(5), 275–280. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022
Links to an external site.

Mangano, E., Gonzalez, Y., & Kverno, K. S. (2020). Challenges Faced by New Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Prescribers. 
Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services
, 
58
(10), 7–11. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20200915-01

 

 

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Romel Suason

Oct 27, 2024 8:02pm

Reply from Romel Suason

Examining Nursing Specialties

After deciding on the specialty that I wanted to be part of with my MSN degree, I knew that it was the most important move toward taking my career and professional goals in nursing to a higher level. I decided to become an Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP) based on substantial thinking over my interest in clinical aspects and the prevailing needs within healthcare. I have always been passionate about caring for the aging population, particularly managing chronic conditions. The role of an AGPCNP aligns with my commitment to improving the healthcare status among the aged population through the prevention, education, and management of chronic diseases (Echevarria, 2018). The specialty also meets my needs because it provides an avenue to deliver patient-centered care, a concept central to my nursing philosophy.

However, it was not an easy choice. Firstly, I needed to narrow my choices within nursing. Two roles that first came to mind were Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, which had a variety of associated populations and settings. However, weighing my long-term goals with my interest in adult care, I found that the specialty of AGPCNP was best for my career goals. Another obstacle was balancing career growth goals against pragmatic realities like time investment, hard work, and financial burdens related to pursuing a higher degree. Besides the need to continue conducting my current responsibilities, such graduate studies also required a lot of planning and commitment. However, the fact that it offers quality, personalized care within a community I have been especially interested in proved a major aspect that kept me focused.

Several factors guided me toward taking this course. The first influence was the development of the need for primary health care nationwide, especially for the aging population. With the population aging, there comes a dire need for medical practitioners with the appropriate expertise in handling such patients. The AGPCNPs come in handy in meeting these gaps with holistic and evidence-based health care (Bickford et al., 2015). What attracts me to this position is the flexibility it allows a nurse practitioner to practice in various settings, be it outpatient, hospitals, or long-term care. Facilitated by this role, there are provisions for both acute and chronic care management, which further encourages me to establish a long-term relationship with patients and help them through several stages of their illness. What finally inspired me was the independence and leadership role accompanying the position of an AGPCNP. With each passing day, a nurse practitioner is recognized as a leader in health care, thus opening opportunities for me to manage health teams and advocate for policy change that promotes improved accessibility of care for older adults.

One of the large professional organizations associated with the AGPCNP specialty is the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA). The mission of GAPNA is to promote excellence in advanced practice nursing for older adults (Truant & Chan, 2017). A membership to GAPNA confers a number of benefits ranging from a plethora of continuing education resources to networking with other NPs and policy-supporting quality care of older adults. An active RN license and enrollment or completion of an advanced practice program in gerontology is requisite for being a member (Cherry et al., 2019). Membership includes but is not limited to students, currently practicing AGPCNPs, and other health professionals interested in or committed to caring for older adults. The available resources and support through GAPNA meet my professional goals of enhancing knowledge in caring for older adults and staying current on the best available evidence for practice.

In a recap, though a few factors have been considered when choosing a specialty, the growth in demand and the passion for improving the quality of care for the older population have factored into making it the correct path for me.

 

 

References

Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice, third edition – 2015Links to an external site. Retrieved from 
http://ebooks.iospress.nl/publication/12524
Links to an external site.

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L, Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations Links to an external site. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517-519.

Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization Links to an external site. Nursing, 48(12), 3538.

Truant, R., & Chan, R. J. (2017). Future ready: Strengthening oncology nursing leadership in the context of professional oncology nursing organizations Links to an external site. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 27(1), 2-4.

 

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Erin Roecker

Oct 27, 2024 4:03pm
| Last reply Nov 2, 2024 2:47pm

Reply from Erin Roecker

I have been a registered nurse for over five years and have done everything from travel ICU to PACU to now being a diabetes nurse educator. I received my BSN online a year after graduating from nursing school. I have always had a personal goal to obtain a master’s degree and finally decided to bite the bullet this year. This was not an easy decision to make as a full-time working parent of two toddlers and now taking on school on top of work and parenting. I decided on the MSN-FNP route because I work closely with FNPs daily as a nurse diabetes educator. Being a family nurse practitioner makes a lot of sense for me not only because of the broad range of patients and disease processes ill see, but also time wise. I’ve always envied critical care NPs or those NPs that specialize in emergency medicine or midwifery, but I can’t go back to the 12-hour shifts that comes with those specialties. FNP provides more of a work-home life balance that better fits my family and achieves my personal goal of an MSN and FNP. Another driving factor for me was how desperately needed both physicians and midlevel’s are in primary care now. “Current research shows that there is a shortage of practicing primary care providers. This predicament is projected to worsen as the United States experiences an unprecedented growth of its elderly population and federal healthcare reform aims to extend access to primary care to millions of new patients. Recent reports indicate that the system will need more than 50,000 additional primary care providers by 2025 (Miner, 2019).” By becoming an FNP I am also helping the provider shortage that is happening nationwide but particularly burdens the rural areas of Alaska. According to an article regarding FNP’s and provider shortages, “Patients are benefiting now more than ever before from the high quality, comprehensive, patient-centered health care services provided by nurse practitioners (PR Newswire, 2019).”

A professional organization that advocates for APRN’s is the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). According to the AANP website, “A membership gives you the opportunity to receive two digital journals, the latest news on topics that matter, access to a comprehensive library of continuing education (CE) activities for all specialties and experience levels at discounted pricing, advocacy at the state and national level, practice tools and so much more (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.).” Joining a professional organization like AANP is beneficial for APRN’s because they offer advocacy and support, continuing education, certification support and networking opportunities.

 

References:

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). 
Membership
. 
https://membership.aanp.org/start
Links to an external site.

Miner, M. A. (2019). Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, and the Shortage in Primary Care Providers: Professional Autonomy in the Public Discourse. 
Sociological Imagination
, 
55
(1), 51–67.

PR Newswire. (2019, January 28). Nurse Practitioner Role Continues to Grow to Meet Primary Care Provider Shortages and Patient Demands. 
PR Newswire US
.

NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University

WEEK 4 ASSIGNMENT 

Case studies are a useful way for you to apply your knowledge of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of pharmacology to specific patient cases and health histories.
 

For your Week 4 assignment, evaluate drug treatment plans for patients with various disorders and justify drug therapy plans based on patient history and diagnosis.
 

DIRECTIONS

For each of the scenarios below, answer the questions using your learning resources, Medscape, and clinical practice guidelines (i.e., JNC 8, AHA, ACC etc.). Lecturio is an optional resource but highly recommended. Be sure to thoroughly answer ALL questions. When recommending medications, write out a 
complete medication order
. What would you send to a pharmacy? 
Include the following information: drug, dose, route, frequency, duration (if applicable), quantity, # of refills and indication for use.  An example of a complete prescription is as follows:
 
lisinopril 10mg #30 tabs, take 1 tab PO once daily for high blood pressure, refills: 2
.
 Also state if you would continue, discontinue or taper the patient’s current medications. Review and discuss ALL labs and possible interactions. Use 
at least 3 sources
 for 
each scenario
 and cite sources using APA format; include in-text citations. You do not need an introduction or conclusion paragraph. Please also review assignment rubric.
 

SCENARIO 1  – NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University

What are the errors in the following prescriptions (5 total)? Rewrite each prescription correctly. What is each medication classification? What is the mechanism of action (MOA)?
 

linaglipton 5 mg PO daily #30 5 RF
 

Tresiba inject 10 units SC TID with meals #1 box of 5 pens 1 RF
 

tiotropium (Spiriva) 2.5 mcg PO BID #60 1 RF 
 

Qulipta 60 mg PRN for migraine #30 1 RF
 

levothyroxine 88 mg PO daily #30 5 RF
 

Scenario 1 SOLVED:
Prescription Error Identification & Correction – NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University

Prescription mistakes are a global public health issue, leading to severe medication responses and poor patient outcomes, especially among the elderly (Agustí et al., 2023). Adverse medication responses, inappropriate usage, interactions, inaccurate doses, and poor compliance are compounded by systemic inefficiencies such as prior authorization delays. To reduce these hazards, advanced practice nurses must grasp pharmaceutical categorization, MOA, and prescription formatting.

The prescription “linagliptin 5 mg PO daily #30 5 RF” has three significant errors, including the medicine name is misspelt (“linaglipton” should be “linagliptin”), the abbreviation “RF” should be “refills,” and the amount “#30” should be “30 tablets.”  This might cause dispensing errors and patient damage. The exact prescription is Linagliptin 5 mg tablet, one tablet daily. Give 30 pills and 5 refills for type 2 diabetes. Linagliptin inhibits DPP-4. Inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme increases incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP), which enhance glucose-dependent insulin release and reduce glucagon production, decreasing blood glucose (Aroda et al., 2012).

“Tresiba inject 10 units SC TID with meals #1 box of 5 pens 1 RF” is dangerously inaccurate. Tresiba (insulin degludec) is a once-daily basal insulin; “TID with meals” might lead to harmful buildup and severe hypoglycemia (Philis-Tsimikas et al., 2019). “Inject” is redundant, “SC” is better, and “#1 box of 5 pens” is unclear. Mixing strengths (100 vs 200 units/mL) or moving from pen to syringe can cause an overdose. Correct prescription: 100 units/mL insulin degludec (Tresiba) injection. Daily subcutaneous injection of 10 units. Dispense one refill and one 3mL pre-filled pen (300 units). For diabetes. Its long-lasting effect results from multi-hexamer synthesis upon injection (Philis-Tsimikas et al., 2019).

 PLACE YOUR ORDER HERE

The prescription “tiotropium (Spiriva) 2.5 mcg PO BID #60 1 RF” contains route and frequency problems. Inoculation of tiotropium is once daily (“BID”), not twice (“PO”). The proper prescription is a tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat) 1.25 mcg per actuation. Orally inhale 2 puffs (2.5 mcg) every day. One inhaler (60 puffs), one refill. To maintain COPD. Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) block M3 receptors, preventing bronchoconstriction (Agustí et al., 2023).

The prescription “Qulipta 60 mg PRN for migraine #30 1 RF” misuses “PRN”. Daily preventative medicine Qulipta (atogepant) is not used for acute attacks (Vernieri et al., 2025). The prescription is Atogepant (Qulipta) 60 mg tablet, taken once daily. 30 pills, 1 refill. For episodic migraine prevention. According to Vernieri et al. (2025), it selectively blocks the CGRP receptor, inhibiting the neurogenic inflammation and vasodilation implicated in migraine pathophysiology.

The life-threatening mistake in the levothyroxine prescription “levothyroxine 88 mg PO daily #30 5 RF” is milligrams instead of micrograms. 88 mg is 1000 times the usual amount. The exact prescription is one levothyroxine sodium 88 mcg tablet taken once a day on an empty stomach. Give 30 pills and 5 refills. The metabolic regulator levothyroxine is a synthetic T4 prohormone converted to active T3 for hypothyroidism.

 

 
SCENARIO 2 – NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University

PK is a 16-year-old female diagnosed with mild persistent asthma since age 12. During her visit today, she reports having to use her albuterol MDI 3 days per week over the past 2 months. Over the past week she has been using albuterol at least once per day. She reports being awakened by a cough 5 nights during the last month. She also has a fluticasone MDI, which she uses “most days of the week.” Her current medications include: Flovent HFA 44 mcg two puffs BID, Proventil HFA two puffs Q 4-6 hr PRN shortness of breath, fexofenadine 180 mg po daily, diphenhydramine 50 mg qhs prn. What treatment plan would you implement for PK? What medication changes would you make? Include a
complete medication order
. How would you monitor the effectiveness of this plan, and what patient education would you provide? 
 

NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University – SCENARIO 3 

ES is a 45-year-old African American male that was prescribed bisoprolol for his high blood pressure
SOLVED
. Blood pressure today is 142/89 HR 60 RR 15. He states that he only occasionally takes the medication because he does not like the side effects. What information would you provide to the patient at his visit? What is his goal blood pressure? How is hypertension treated per current guidelines (JNC 8, ACC, AHA)? How would you improve his treatment? Include a complete medication order.
 

 
SCENARIO 4 – NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University

TF is a 60-year-old male presenting to the clinic for medication refills
(SOLVED)
. Current medications include acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil 5 mg po qhs, anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody lecanemab (Leqembi) 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks for early Alzheimer’s disease, and atorvastatin 40 mg po daily. His lab work today includes: fasting BG is 195 mg/dL; HgA1C = 8.5%. Basic Metabolic Profile (BMP) is normal except for Cr 1.9 and eGFR 28. What is his goal A1C? Please SELECT and DISCUSS which of the following would be best to prescribe for TF:
 

canagliflozin (Invokana) 100 mg PO daily
 

exenatide (Byetta) 5 mcg SC twice daily
 

glimepiride 1 mg PO daily
 

glyburide 2.5 mg PO daily
 

metformin 500 mg PO daily 
 

semaglutide (Ozempic) 0.25 mg SC once weekly 
 

sitagliptin (Januvia) 50 mg PO daily
 

NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University

Walden University Nursing Academic and Professional Success Plan Template   

                                      

Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

This document is to be used for
NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing
to complete Assessments 1-4. Just as importantly the document serves to organize your thoughts about planning for your academic and professional success.

For specific instructions see the weekly assessment details in the course or ask your instructor for further guidance.

 

Module 1 | Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network

 

I have identified and secured the participation of the following academic (at least two) and professional (at least two) individuals and/or teams to form the basis of my network. This network will help me to clarify my vision for success and will help guide me now and in the future.

 

NETWORK MEMBER 1

 

Name: xxx

 

Title:
Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Surgeon

 

Organization:
xxx

 

 

Academic or Professional:
Professional

 

Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success I n the MSN program or Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practicing nurse:
xx is a xx with extensive knowledge and skills in Wound Care treatment. Geriatric Medicine, Internal Medicine. He is well known amongst wound care specialists where I live. He has been a friend, a mentor to me and I know will overcome the challenges that I may encounter during my MSN program with him behind me.

 

Notes:
xx has been a mentor for many Wound care specialists in southern California and hence, this will form a very good foundation for me. I am certain he will help me identify my academic capabilities.

 

 

NETWORK MEMBER 2

 

Name:
xxx

Title:
Nurse Practitioner

Organization:
xxx

Academic or Professional:
Academic

Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program or Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practicing nurse:
xx is a mental health nurse practitioner and Professor who has practiced for 10 years. I selected xx because she has appropriate expertise in patient care, more especially in the field of mental health, which is one of my fields of interest. Leila will provide insights on critical aspects of patient care including effective communication as well as clinical decision making.

 

Notes:
The involvement of xx in several nursing associations and organizations will help me expand my professional network. In addition, collaborating with Leila will help me be informed about current trends in psychiatric health.

 

NETWORK MEMBER 3

 

Name
: xxx

Title:
Director of Nursing Programs

Organization:
xx

Academic or Professional:
Academic

 

Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program or Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practicing nurse:
Dr. Cha is responsible for the oversight of graduate nursing programs and is critical in curriculum development for advanced practice nurses. Her over 30 years of experience and advanced knowledge in graduate nursing curriculum will help align my goals with real-world scenarios.

 

Notes:
The involvement of xx in Nursing education will be essential in ensuring that I utilize available opportunities including internship programs. She has been my professor, mentor, friend, adviser and savior for so many years.

 

 

NETWORK MEMBER 4

 

Name:
xx

Title:
Internal Medicine, Surgeon, Pain Management Doctor

Organization:
 xx

Academic or Professional:
Professional

Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program or Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) and as a practicing nurse:
xx is a Pain management Doctor, internist, Geriatric Doctor and surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. The extensive knowledge he has in patient care and even nursing leadership will help me transit smoothly to professional practice.

 
Notes:
He has already accepted my offer to start my practice with him hopefully in the next 3 years if everything goes according to plan.

Module 2 | Part 2:
Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics

 

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

 

Academic and Professional Success Plan (Part 2; Sections I & II)

Understanding one’s ultimate goals as a nurse professional and a well-defined strategic plan to achieve the goals defines one’s journey towards both academic and professional success. Maintaining academic integrity and professional ethics, which are key in one’s scholarly and professional practice, remains imperative. According to Grace & Willis (2019), academic integrity lays the foundation for students to engage critically, produce original work, and contribute meaningfully to their academic discourse. On the other hand, ethical conduct is critical in one’s professional setting as it fosters trust and credibility while ensuring the overall well-being of one’s patients (Yamada et al., 2024). This section explores the link between one’s writing work and academic integrity, professional practices, and scholarly ethics. It also discusses diverse strategies to ensure integrity and ethics in professional and academic journeys, utilizing tools such as Turnitin, Grammarly, and comprehensive paraphrasing techniques.

Section I
: Connection Between Proffeisona and Academic Integrity

Cutri et al. (2021) in his article, denoted that academic integrity is critical to scholarly work, as it is the foundation of credibility and originality in one’s research work and ideas. Academic credibility in writing is portrayed by proper citation and credit to sources used, avoiding plagiarism, which acknowledges other authors’ work. A transparent and clear acknowledgment of other people’s ideas allows readers to trace the development of ideas and foster a scholarly community founded on trust and respect for other people’s works and ideas (R. Harrad et al., 2024).

Regarding professional nursing, scholarly ethics lays the foundation for research and nursing practice. According to Wong et al. (2019), nurse professionals must adhere to diverse ethical standards. This protects patient privacy and honesty and ensures informed consent. On the other hand, ethics in scholarly work demands accountability, accuracy, and transparency in research and professional publications. Ensuring and practicing scholarly ethics enhances nurses’ professional credibility while aligning with nursing practice’s broader ethical obligations. For example, they are outlined in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics (Numminen et al., 2019). Failure to observe the ethics or violations can result in tainted public image and trust for healthcare professionals and organizations.

Turnitin and Grammarly have become indispensable tools in students’ writing process as they help understand and maintain academic integrity. The tools help identify unintentional plagiarism, hence ensuring the writer uses the right citations in his writing. Grammarly helps refine one’s writing in terms of clarity and grammar, helping to produce well-presented and flowing ideas with no grammatical errors. Turnitin identifies areas that may require additional paraphrasing or citation, hence advocating for integrity in writing. Quality writing work is key to one’s academic and professional journey. The availability of tools such as Turnitin and Grammarly helps one to produce quality work, which, in addition to conveying the intended ideas correctly and in their own words, also ensures they give credit to the sources and original authors.

Section II
: Strategies to Help Maintain Integrity in Academic and Professional Works

Practicing and maintaining integrity in one’s professional and academic process remains essential in ensuring trust and credibility. Different ways can be integrated to ensure integrity as an MSN student. Regarding academic work, one approach that will ensure integrity is the constant use of writing tools such as Grammarly and Turnitin. Integrating these tools will be critical in ensuring my writings are well-structured, plagiarism-free, and clear. In addition, Turnitin will allow me to produce non-plagiarized work and original, well-paraphrased, and perfectly cited work. Utilizing these tools will be invaluable as they will help format the writings to the expected quality.

Secondly, I would make it a culture to conduct and engage in ethical research practices. According to Grace & Willis (2019), research will be part of the academic process throughout the MSN program. To ensure integrity, I will ensure ethical foundations in my research, such as honesty when reporting collected data and maintaining transparency throughout the research process. With different identified professionals as resource persons, I will also prioritize seeking guidance from the identified mentors when faced with complex situations in academic work. This approach would make me adhere to the best practices as a student and professional.

In professional practice as a nurse, ensuring integrity is key to one’s impact as a nurse and for patient care. One of the key approaches or strategies to ensure integrity in my professional conduct is adherence to the American Nurses Association code of ethics. According to Numminen et al. (2019), the ANA code of ethics emphasizes protecting patient privacy or confidentiality, providing care with respect, and respecting patients’ rights and well-being. To remain informed and in-line with new developments within my practice, I will engage in lifelong learning by participating in gin nursing forums on ethics and integrity. These participations will ensure I am well versed with emerging ethical issues in healthcare and nursing practice. Ultimately, the strategy will ensure I remain effective and aligned with professional conduct, fostering integrity. With healthcare and patient care becoming a team effort, practicing and maintaining integrity will be critical to my professional growth, leadership, team and collaboration, and patient trust and safety (Yamada et al., 2024).

In addition to lifelong learning, I would also work closely and collaborate with my professional and academic mentor’s network. This collaboration will provide an avenue for constructive feedback and guidance, improving my professional conduct. In my journey as a nurse professional and an MSN student, mentors, colleagues, and peers will be indispensable resources, helping me navigate complex ethical situations in my practice at work and academically. In summary, integrating writing tools, adherence to nursing professional guidelines, lifelong learning, and mentorship will help practice integrity and navigate the complex ethical situations in the workplace and through the academic process.

In conclusion, success in academic and professional nursing practice demands a well-laid plan. Integrity remains key to success and credibility. Academic integrity aligns with producing well-researched, original, and quality scholarly work. On the other hand, professional integrity demands nurses to uphold ethical standards, protecting patient trust and safety. Utilizing writing tools and practicing ethical research will ensure integrity in my research journey. Upholding professional ethics will ensure growth and success as an MSN student and a professional.

 

 

References

 

Cutri, J., Abraham, A., Karlina, Y., Patel, S. V., Moharami, M., Zeng, S., Manzari, E., & Pretorius, L. (2021). Academic integrity at doctoral level: the influence of the imposter phenomenon and cultural differences on academic writing.
International Journal for Educational Integrity
,
17
(1).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40979-021-00074-w

Grace, P. J., & Willis, D. G. (2019).
Nursing ethics and professional responsibility in advanced practice
(3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Numminen, O., Repo, H., & Leino-Kilpi, H. (2019). Moral courage in nursing: A concept analysis. 
Nursing ethics
, 
24
(8), 878–891.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733016634155

Harrad, R. Keasley, & Jefferies, L. (2024). Academic integrity or academic misconduct? Conceptual difficulties in higher education and the potential contribution of student demographic factors.
Higher Education Research & Development/Higher Education Research and Development
, 1–15.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2024.2339833

Wong, S. S., Lim, S. W., & Quinlan, K. M. (2019). Integrity in and Beyond Contemporary Higher Education: What Does it Mean to University Students?. 
Frontiers in psychology
, 
7
, 1094. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01094

Yamada, M., Asakura, K., Sugiyama, S., & Takada, N. (2024). Insights from defining nurses’ career success: An integrative review. 
Nursing open
, 
11
(1), e2040.
https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.2040

 

 

Module 3 | Part 3:
Research Analysis – Walden University Nursing Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

 

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

 

Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 3: Research Analysis

Step 1: Research Analysis

Complete the table below

Topic of Interest:

Opioid Epidemic Reduction in the United States

Research Article:

Include full citation in APA format, as well as link or search details (such as DOI)

Winhusen, T., Walley, A., Fanucchi, L. C., Hunt, T., Lyons, M., Lofwall, M., Brown, J. L., Freeman, P. R., Nunes, E., Beers, D., Saitz, R., Stambaugh, L., Oga, E. A., Herron, N., Baker, T., Cook, C. D., Roberts, M. F., Alford, D. P., Starrels, J. L., & Chandler, R. K. (2020). The Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA): Evidence-based practices in the HEALing Communities Study.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
,
217
, 108325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108325

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7533113/#:~:text=The%20ORCCA%20places%20greater%20emphasis,rather%20than%20being%20discrete%20steps
.

 

Professional Practice Use:

One or more professional practices use of the theories/concepts presented in the article

 The opioid epidemic has been a public health concern in the United States. As a result, the United States health system has been indulging different approaches to curb opioid mortality and morbidity rates overall since it affects the patient’s well-being as well as overall healthcare services costs. As expressed by Winhusen et al. (2020) article, one of the strategies is the Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA). As illustrated in the article, ORCCA emphasizes incorporating evidence-based strategies to minimize fatalities related to opioid overdose. The strategy also showcases ways overdose reduction approaches overlap the care continuum instead of projecting discrete steps.

 

ORCCA is crucial in healthcare because it does not point to any specific strategy since it allows the utilization of different strategies that may meet the intended goals so long as the strategy upholds scientific evidence. Such consideration presents flexibility in preventing opioid deaths and hospitalizations since healthcare organizations design approaches that meet specific organizations varying readiness, feasibility, needs, or desirability. Hence, healthcare professionals can adopt the ORCCA strategy in their respective healthcare organizations to help the country fight against high opioid-related morbidities and mortality rates.

Research Analysis Matrix

Add more rows if necessary

Strengths of the Research

Limitations of the Research

Relevancy to Topic of Interest

Notes

The article by Winhusen et al. (2020) is peer-reviewed, and the review members are outlined in the contributors section.

 

 

The authors state that the ORCCA development approach limitation lies in the formal literature systematic review as stipulated in preferred meta-analyses and systematic reviews reporting items since they did not complete it.

The article is relevant to the topic of interest since it highlights ORCCA as one of the evidence-based strategies that the United States should uphold when fighting against opioid use to minimize the high mortality and morbidity rates associated with opioid use.

In 2020, America recorded about $1.5 trillion of the cost associated with opioid use (Joint Economic Committee, 2022). Therefore, the United States healthcare system should prioritize evidence-based strategies that will help the country fight the opioid epidemic since it is also contributing to higher healthcare expenditures.

The research incorporated a workgroup involving evidence-based practices experts from every site to help standardize community requirements.

 

 

Missing the necessary reporting on meta-analyses and systematic reviews may have resulted in the absence of better strategies to support the incorporation of evidence-based practices in healthcare services.

 

For instance,

 

 

 

 

 

The workgroup developed the project’s specific ORCCA strategies related to the selected HEALing Communities Study (HCS), proving to other health researchers the need to adopt such strategies depending on the respective communities’ needs.

 

 

 

 

 

The research has provided visual presentations in tables and figures, which helps readers scrutinize the credibility and reliability of the information and recommendations.

 

 

 

 

 

The research assesses 57 HCSs, which increases the study’s feasibility, thus increasing the chances of fostering sustainability and achieving desired healthcare outcomes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The article also includes a references section, thus promoting academic integrity by recognizing other authors’ works.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Summary of Analysis

Peer- Reviewed Research Identification and Analyzation

For Winhusen et al. (2020), its identification involved the integration of Boolean operators in the PubMed Central database. The reason for selecting PubMed Central is that it guarantees medical researchers’ retrieval of full articles. Since PubMed Central also provides different articles ranging from peer-reviewed to original studies, it was necessary to search through the paper to assess if it is peer-reviewed (Logullo et al., 2023). As a result, there was a need to skim through the paper to assess if it is a peer-reviewed paper where the authors stated that it was reviewed internally and externally by the individuals stated in the contributors’ section. For the article analysis, a summary of the key points was made, which made it easier to identify the article’s aim, its strengths and limitations, and its significance to the topic of interest.

Two Strategies for Effective Peer-Reviewed Research Finding

The two strategies that would be effective in searching for peer-reviewed articles are verifying the journal’s credibility and searching in multiple databases. For instance, to verify journal credibility, it will be necessary to scrutinize the peer-review process that the article follows and if it contains a reputable editorial board (Oermann et al., 2021). It will also be necessary to search for the articles in multiple databases to limit my search to provide peer-reviewed articles feed only. These strategies will help find high-quality articles that meet the recommended peer-reviewed threshold.

One Resource for Future Peer-Reviewed Research

The resource that will be useful in future peer-reviewed articles research is CINAHL. It will be crucial because it provides peer-reviewed articles only for nursing and other medical fields, thus increasing their accuracy and credibility (Hopia & Heikkilä, 2020). The journals are also published in English, while their indexes make it easier to access them. The only challenge one may face as a student when using CINAHL concerns the subscription fee, but generally, the database is necessary to enhance evidence-based research in nursing.

 

 

References

Hopia, H., & Heikkilä, J. (2020). Nursing Research Priorities Based on CINAHL database: a Scoping Review.
Nursing Open
,
7
(2), 483–494. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.428

Joint Economic Committee. (2022, September 28).
The Economic Toll of the Opioid Crisis Reached Nearly $1.5 Trillion in 2020 – The Economic Toll of the Opioid Crisis Reached Nearly $1.5 Trillion in 2020 – United States Joint Economic Committee
. Www.jec.senate.gov. https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/democrats/2022/9/the-economic-toll-of-the-opioid-crisis-reached-nearly-1-5-trillion-in-2020#:~:text=September%2028%2C%202022&text=Adapting%20an%20approach%20used%20by

Logullo, P., Beyer, J. A. de, Kirtley, S., Schlüssel, M. M., & Collins, G. S. (2023). Open access journal publication in health and medical research and open science: benefits, challenges and limitations.
BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine
. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2022-112126

Oermann, M. H., Wrigley, J., Nicoll, L. H., Ledbetter, L. S., Carter-Templeton, H., & Edie, A. H. (2021). Integrity of databases for literature searches in nursing.
Advances in Nursing Science
,
44
(2), 102–110. https://doi.org/10.1097/ans.0000000000000349

Winhusen, T., Walley, A., Fanucchi, L. C., Hunt, T., Lyons, M., Lofwall, M., Brown, J. L., Freeman, P. R., Nunes, E., Beers, D., Saitz, R., Stambaugh, L., Oga, E. A., Herron, N., Baker, T., Cook, C. D., Roberts, M. F., Alford, D. P., Starrels, J. L., & Chandler, R. K. (2020). The Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA): Evidence-based practices in the HEALing Communities Study.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
,
217
, 108325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108325

 

Module 6 | Part 4:
Finalizing the Plan

 

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

 

The results of my efforts are below.

 

Directions: Write a 2-3 paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization or PMC. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.

 

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

 

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

 

 

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

or Post Master’s Certificate

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

Specialization is essential in nursing practice as it allows nurses to focus on a specific areas of care. Nurses may specialize in different areas including oncology, pediatric, cardiology, mental-health, women care, and geriatric care among others. For nurses, there is a broad categories of specialty to choose from. Focusing on a specific area of care enables nurses to acquire professional knowledge and specific skills that allows the nurse perform their role in a specific areas effectively and efficiently. According to, specializing is important as it fosters professional expertise, enhanced patient outcomes and improved quality and safety of patient care. In addition, when nurses focus on specializing, it boosts on job satisfaction and commitment which directly impacts patient care. Given the importance of specializing, in the next section, I will discuss my area of specialty and identify differentiators that helped me settle on this particular specialty.

My first choice of specialty is Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and my second choice was advanced practice registered nurse. A PMHNP is a registered nurse who primarily focuses on mental health care (psychiatry) across lifespan. The role of a PMHNP involves assessing, diagnosing, treating and monitoring patients with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. In addition, a PMHNP is tasked with developing individualized treatment plans, prescribing medications, offering psychotherapy, and implementing behavioral interventions to help patients cope with mental illnesses. A PMHNP is also actively involved in health promotion through educating patients, families and communities on mental health which fosters a well- informed society on mental health and substance abuse. A second factor that helped me settle for the PMHNP as my first specialty is the population served. While for some specialties such as pediatric, geriatric, and women’s care focus on serving a specific situation, a PMHNP focuses on providing care across the lifespan.  I find joy and satisfaction serving in underserved communities, which encompasses of infants, adolescents, young adults, adults and geriatrics. As such, I will be able to offer my services to every patient who may present with mental health issues and substance abuse disorder. Thirdly, I settled for the PMHNP choice because of its broad spectrum for practice settings. For PMHNP, one can work in different settings including private practice, hospital setting, community health facilities, government, and private organizations.

My second specialty choice was the advanced practitioner registered nurse (APRN), which focuses on providing a variety of services that promote patient care. The role of an APRN involves assessing, diagnosing, treating and managing patients. In addition, APRNs are involved in the management of chronic illnesses and providing preventing care services. They are also involved in promoting public health through continuous health education among the public. A major differentiator is that made me settle for PMHNP is that one focuses on mental health patients. APRNs may also serve in different practice settings including hospitals, and community-health care facilities. While the settings are similar, a PMHNP can also serve in facilities that offer mental health services, which will help narrow my search for facilities I can work with after my graduation.

Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty

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

My choice of settling for the PMHNP specialty is guided by the rise in demand for mental health services. In the current world we are living in, individuals encounter factors such as poverty, violence, discrimination, inequalities, lack of care access and increased prevalence in chronic illnesses has caused significant stress among the global population. This has seen a rise in number of patients with mental health illnesses. According to, National Institute of Mental Health (n.d) it is estimated that more than one in every five adults has a mental illness. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused isolation and disruption in daily activities contributing to increased mental illnesses among population. As a result, patients and families are experienced high disease and economic burden, prompting the need to seek for mental health services. As such, my choice to settle for the PMHNP specialty was guided by the rise in demand for mental health services. Walden University Nursing Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

Substance abuse has also become a persistent issue affecting diverse populations and societies. Substance abuse does not discriminate gender, age, or race with the highest prevalence being among patients aged between 15-64 years. Alhammad et al. (2022) claim that approximately 11.8 million patients die of alcohol abuse and an estimated 200 million abusers of cannabis and other illicit drugs have been recorded. In addition, the availability of over-the-counter drugs has also contributed to the increased prevalence of substance abuse and other mental comorbidities. There is therefore a need to help mitigate the prevalence of mental illnesses and substance use disorder, which guided me to settling for the PMHNP specialty Walden University Nursing Academic and Professional Success Plan Template.

Lastly, my choice to settle for the PMHNP specialty was also guided by my compassion in serving underserved communities and marginalized groups. According to Monk-Cunliffe, (2023), underserved communities and marginalized groups encounter inequalities in mental health outcomes and access to mental health services. As such, psychiatric nurses have a role in addressing factors that contribute to mental health inequalities. By specializing in mental health, I can support patients in underserved communities and marginalized populations to understand and address the complex factors that cause inequalities.

Step 3: Professional Organizations

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

Nursing professional organizations are critical in promoting public health and addressing major health issues. The organizations serve as crucial channels for advocating for policies that benefit populations. According to, Chiu et al. (2021) nursing organizations provide a platform for nurses, to air their needs and that of the community which promotes nurses and patient well-being. In addition, nursing organizations provide opportunities for continuing education and career development for nurses and platforms for advocacy of the highest quality care for the population. There are many nursing organizations for nurses with the American Nursing Association being the largest U.S nursing organization with over 3.4 million nurses. However, there are specific nursing organizations that support the interests of in specific role. For example, organizations such as the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association are available for PMHNPs to join.

In my role as a PMHNP, I plan to join the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. This organization will play a critical role in my career advancement as it provides resources such as free courses and loans for members to continue their education. In addition, the organization will be influential in enhancing my knowledge and skills as it provides networking opportunities with other experienced members. The organization offers various memberships including regular, affiliate, international, student, retired and military. When joining the organization, I shall look into membership rates of the available plans and necessary requirements and enroll for one. This will provide me with the opportunity to advocate for nurses, patients, and public health.

References

Alhammad, M., Aljedani, R., Alsaleh, M., Atyia, N., Alsmakh, M., Alfaraj, A., Alkhunaizi, A., Alwabari, J., & Alzaidi, M. (2022). Family, individual, and other risk factors contributing to risk of substance abuse in young adults: A narrative review.
Cureus
. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.32316

Chiu, P., Cummings, G. G., Thorne, S., & Schick-Makaroff, K. (2021). Policy advocacy and nursing organizations: A scoping review.
Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice
,
22
(4), 276–296. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544211050611

Monk-Cunliffe, J. (2023). How can we overcome health inequalities in psychiatry?
BJPsych Bulletin
,
47
(4), 228–230. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjb.2023.49

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.).
Mental illness
. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

Tiliander, A., Olsson, C., Kalèn, S., Ponzer, S. S., & Fagerdahl, A. (2022). Factors affecting nurses’ decision to undergo a specialist education and to choose a specialty.
Nursing Open
,
10
(1), 252–263. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.1300 Walden University Nursing Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

SCENARIO 4 – NURS-6521 Week 4 Assignment Walden University

TF is a 60-year-old male presenting to the clinic for medication refills. Current medications include acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil 5 mg po qhs, anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody lecanemab (Leqembi) 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks for early Alzheimer’s disease, and atorvastatin 40 mg po daily. His lab work today includes: fasting BG is 195 mg/dL; HgA1C = 8.5%. Basic Metabolic Profile (BMP) is normal except for Cr 1.9 and eGFR 28. What is his goal A1C? Please SELECT and DISCUSS which of the following would be best to prescribe for TF:
 

canagliflozin (Invokana) 100 mg PO daily
 

exenatide (Byetta) 5 mcg SC twice daily
 

glimepiride 1 mg PO daily
 

glyburide 2.5 mg PO daily
 

metformin 500 mg PO daily 
 

semaglutide (Ozempic) 0.25 mg SC once weekly 
 

sitagliptin (Januvia) 50 mg PO daily

 

SOLVED – Scenario 4:
Diabetes Management in Elderly Male with Alzheimer’s and Renal Impairment

Managing type 2 diabetes in a 60-year-old guy with Alzheimer’s disease and significant renal impairment (eGFR 28 mL/min/1.73m², Stage 4 CKD) requires prioritizing safety and quality of life. The ADA 2025 Standards of Care recommend a relaxed target A1C (e.g., <8.0%).  Aggressive control raises hypoglycemia risk, which is especially harmful in cognitively challenged people (difficult to notice symptoms) and connected to dementia. Avoiding hypoglycemia is more important than meeting glycemic objectives. Drug selection must be considered for severe renal impairment and polypharmacy (donepezil, atorvastatin, lecanemab). Some medications are contraindicated, such as Canagliflozin (SGLT2i, eGFR<30), Exenatide (GLP-1 RA, not advised if CrCl<30), and Metformin (eGFR<30, lactic acidosis risk). Sulfonylureas like Glimepiride and Glyburide are unsafe owing to their significant hypoglycemia risk renal impairment (metabolite buildup) and Alzheimer’s. GLP-1 RA semaglutide (Ozempic) is preferable. It has several benefits, including cardiorenal protection, with “26% lower [risk of] major kidney disease events” in T2D and CKD patients compared to non-use (Baser & Lu, 2025). No renal dose adjustment needed; Low intrinsic hypoglycemia risk;  A weekly subcutaneous dose may simplify the protocol. If GLP-1 RA is inappropriate because of expense, injectable aversion, or GI irritation, sitagliptin 25 mg daily (dose-adjusted for eGFR<30) is an option. However, it has lower A1C-reducing potency and fewer cardiorenal advantages than semaglutide (Tye et al., 2022). BUY A HUMAN-WRITTEN PAPER HERE Blood glucose (Fasting/PP, SMBG, or CGM to reduce hypoglycemia risk and burden), renal function (eGFR/SCr – critical for all medication decisions), and lipid panel (monitoring atorvastatin efficacy and CV risk) are essential labs and monitoring. Polypharmacy raises serious medication interactions and safety concerns:  Donepezil (AChE inhibitor) might aggravate asthma, peptic ulcers, seizures, urinary blockage, and cardiac issues; watch for side effects and cognitive impairments that may hide hypoglycemia. Atorvastatin interacts with grapefruit, antivirals, cyclosporine, fibrates, and antifungals, raising myopathy and ADR risks. Despite no direct DDI with semaglutide, lecanemab has boxed warnings for Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA-E, ARIA-H) and intracerebral haemorrhage, especially with anticoagulants. Semaglutide prescription: Pre-filled pen with 0.25 mg/0.5 mL semaglutide (Ozempic). For 4 weeks, inject 0.25 mg subcutaneously weekly, then increase to 0.5 mg. One 2 mg/1.5 mL pen (four 0.25 mg or two 0.5 mg doses), no refills (reassessment after titration). For type 2 diabetes, there is a need to monitor for nausea/vomiting and signs of pancreatitis and educate the patient/caregiver on hypo/hyperglycemia recognition and management. TF is a 60-year-old male presenting to the clinic for medication refills References Agustí, A., Celli, B. R., Criner, G. J., Halpin, D., Anzueto, A., Barnes, P., Bourbeau, J., Han, M. K., Martinez, F. J., De Oca, M. M., Mortimer, K., Papi, A., Pavord, I., Roche, N., Salvi, S., Sin, D. D., Singh, D., Stockley, R., Varela, M. V. L., . . . Vogelmeier, C. F. (2023). Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2023 Report: GOLD Executive Summary. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine , 207 (7), 819–837. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202301-0106pp Aroda, V. R., Henry, R. R., Han, J., Huang, W., DeYoung, M. B., Darsow, T., & Hoogwerf, B. J. (2012). Efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 Inhibitors: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Clinical Therapeutics , 34 (6), 1247-1258.e22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2012.04.013 Carey, R. M., Wright, J. T., Taler, S. J., & Whelton, P. K. (2021). Guideline-Driven management of hypertension. Circulation Research , 128 (7), 827–846. https://doi.org/10.1161/circresaha.121.318083 Gruffydd-Jones, K. (2025). BTS/NICE/SIGN guideline for asthma 2024: Diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management. How does this compare to GINA 2024? Npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine , 35 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41533-025-00425-x Philis‐Tsimikas, A., Billings, L. K., Busch, R., Portillo, C. M., Sahay, R., Halladin, N., Eggert, S., Begtrup, K., & Harris, S. (2019). Superior efficacy of insulin degludec/liraglutide versus insulin glargine U100 as add‐on to sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitor therapy: A randomized clinical trial in people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism , 21 (6), 1399–1408. https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.13666 Price, D. B., Román-Rodríguez, M., McQueen, R. B., Bosnic-Anticevich, S., Carter, V., Gruffydd-Jones, K., Haughney, J., Henrichsen, S., Hutton, C., Infantino, A., Lavorini, F., Law, L. M., Lisspers, K., Papi, A., Ryan, D., Ställberg, B., Van Der Molen, T., & Chrystyn, H. (2017). Inhaler Errors in the CRITIKAL Study: Type, Frequency, and Association with Asthma Outcomes. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice , 5 (4), 1071-1081.e9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2017.01.004 Tye, S. C., De Vries, S. T., Mann, J. F. E., Schechter, M., Mosenzon, O., Denig, P., & Heerspink, H. J. L. (2022). Prediction of the effects of liraglutide on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes based on Short-Term changes in multiple risk markers. Frontiers in Pharmacology , 13 . https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.786767 Vernieri, F., Iannone, L. F., Lo Castro, F., Sebastianelli, G., De Santis, F., Corrado, M., Marcosano, M., Ornello, R., Grazzi, L., Montisano, D. A., De Cesaris, F., Munafò, A., Fofi, L., Doretti, A., Vaghi, G., Pistoia, F., Ferrandi, D., Battistini, S., Sacco, S., . . . Altamura, C. (2025). Effectiveness and tolerability of atogepant in the prevention of migraine: A real life, prospective, multicentric study (the STAR study). Cephalalgia , 45 (4). https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024251335927 TF is a 60-year-old male presenting to the clinic for medication refills

Strategies for Academic Portfolios

In the realm of marketing, a successful branding strategy is one of the most important contributors to organizational success. A solid branding strategy can help add visibility and credibility to a company’s products.

Similarly, nurse-scholars can build a personal brand to add visibility and credibility to their work. You can begin building your brand by developing and maintaining an academic portfolio. Such an activity can help share the results of your efforts and contribute to your success. This Module’s Discussion asks you to consider and share strategies for building your portfolio.

Note
: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.

 

Resources

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.

Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

Reflect on strategies that you can pursue in developing portfolios or portfolio elements that focus on academic achievements.

Review one or more samples from your own research of resources focused on portfolio development.

By Day 3 of Week 8

Post
 an explanation of at least two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. Then, explain how those goals may align with the University’s emphasis on social change. Be specific and provide examples.

By Day 6 of Week 8

Respond
 to at least 
two
 of your colleagues’ posts by offering additional ideas regarding academic achievements to include or offering alternative ways of presenting the current achievements.

This topic is closed for comments.

DH

Donna Hopkinson

Oct 17, 2024 5:56pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 5:36pm

Reply from Donna Hopkinson

Hello Everyone,

Personal branding plays a key role in a nurse’s staying on track with goals and objectives. Academic activities and accomplishments are crucial for the professional development of nurse scholars. One of the key strategies is engaging in publications and research processes. Nurse scholars can conduct research and publish the results for professional growth and improving individual knowledge. A nurse scholar can focus on researching marginalized communities and then publishing the research to support health equity and social betterment. This strategy consistently increases knowledge and helps improve the experience. Nurse scholars can foster personal brands by supporting different needy communities.

 

The second strategy nurse scholars should focus on is working as an academic mentor. This leadership role also helps in managing committees and leading the nurses in the right direction through mentoring. Nurse scholars under this strategy develop highly strong leadership skills and understand the current trends in the healthcare field. “Students’ engagement in academic-related learning activities is one of the important determinants of students’ success. Identifying the best teaching strategies to sustain and promote nursing students’ engagement in academic and clinical settings has always been a challenge for nurse educators” (Ghasemi et al., 2020). Nurse scholars can decide on whether to work full-time or part-time as mentors for some students and guide them on different nursing programs. This will be a support system for students in the research process and bring change to society.

 

The university has provided students to transform their personal and professional careers as scholars to foster positive change in the community. These strategies discussed above will support the community and society in improving healthcare and making this world a better living place. The research contributions will be helpful in preventing illnesses which is also the key step of the university. It helps people as a guide and education to bring social change in society. Participating in community-based activities like sports activities for disabled persons and health screening for women will foster a positive change by nurse scholars.

References

Ghasemi, M. R., Moonaghi, H. K., & Heydari, A. (2020). Strategies for sustaining and enhancing nursing students’ engagement in academic and clinical settings: a narrative review. 
Korean Journal of Medical Education
, 
32
(2), 103–117. https://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2020.159

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Marie Christine Magadan Franco

Oct 16, 2024 10:38pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 6:56pm

Reply from Marie Christine Magadan Franco

As a nurse scholar, developing a personal brand is essential to increasing your reputation and visibility in the industry. Documenting and showcasing your papers and research initiatives is a good way to build an academic portfolio. You can paint a complete picture of your achievements in the nursing profession by posting summaries of your research findings and links to published articles or conference presentations. This shows off your proficiency and dedication to expanding the field’s body of knowledge. Including information from a study you conducted on patient care techniques and presented at a nursing conference, for instance, in your portfolio, can draw interest from colleagues and possible partners (East, 2015).

Another essential strategy is to reflect on your professional development through continuous education and skills enhancement. Including certifications, workshops, and courses you have completed can show your dedication to lifelong learning. For instance, if you complete a certification in advanced practice nursing, highlighting this in your portfolio can emphasize your readiness to take on more complex roles in healthcare (Casey & Egan, 2013). This aligns well with Walden University’s emphasis on social change, as it demonstrates your ability to adapt and contribute to improving healthcare practices, ultimately benefiting patient outcomes and community health.

Establishing clear goals to address healthcare inequities or enhance patient education may match your professional development objectives with Walden University’s emphasis on social change. For instance, a community outreach program can be created to educate marginalized groups about health issues. By adding this project to your portfolio, you demonstrate your abilities, expertise, and dedication to improving society. An all-encompassing approach to brand development promotes a more equitable healthcare environment, enhancing your career prospects and linking your work with larger social objectives (Hannans & Olivo, 2017).

 

References

Casey, D., & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. 
British Journal of Nursing
, 
15
(11), 547–552.

East, R. (2015). Developing a nurse practitioner portfolio. 
ACORN: The Journal of Perioperative Nursing in Australia
, 
28
(4), 35.

Hannans, J., & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. 
American Nurse Today
, 
12
(11), 48–49. Retrieved from 
https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Links to an external site.

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Justina Chinyere Ibe

Oct 16, 2024 10:27pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 9:54pm

Reply from Justina Chinyere Ibe

My Professional Development Goals 

My professional development goal is to be professionally and academically up to date with academic and professional developments in Nursing, and make myself “visible” in my profession.  That means that I have to be up to date with evidence-based-practices and researches in nursing and have a portfolio that will showcase and highlight my professional and academic achievements. Having a portfolio will make me more visible to potential employers, academic and professional opportunities, and collaborations.  In this age of technology, e-portfolios are more accessible. McMillan et al., (2014) pointed out some of the benefits of e-portfolio a way to reflect and evaluate self achievements, showcase skills, assess and review programs, and showcase one’s professional standards.

Instead of Professional Development Goals, Thompson et al, (2020) identifies the goals as “Individual Development Plans, (IDP)”. According the them, each plan is individualistic to each scholar. The purpose of IDP is to allow individuals to identify, develop, and pursue career aspirations while prioritizing the trajectory of their education and career.

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

McMillan et al., (2014) pointed out the following as strategies for showcasing academic activities and accomplishments:

A clearly developed website. This will be useful for potential employers. McMillan et al., (2014).

Having an e-portfolio

Including the URL of the e-portfolio on resume, business cards or cover letters.

The following, according to Casey & Egan (2010) are the different ways one can showcase academic achievements and accomplishment:

Records of education and training in advanced skills such

as diagnostics to include some corroborative evidence

of advanced skill competency such as OSCE or witness

testimony

Reports of audits of practice include documentation reviews

Patient perspective through/patient stories

 Peer review of practice

Feedback from colleagues and line managers

Notes from clinical supervision undertaken

 Case studies

Reflection on practice events and incidents including commentary on development and refinement of

advanced skills over time

My Goals alignment with Walden University Social Change

Being academically and professionally up to date in my profession and making myself visible for advancement opportunities and employers will help me to better serve my community. This is in line with Walden University Goal for social change which among other goals, aim “to produce graduates who are scholarly, reflective practitioners and agents of positive social change”. Thus, my activities should reflect technological, employer and professional changes.

References

Casey DC, & Egan D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. 
British Journal of Community Nursing, 15
(11), 547–552.

McMillan, L. R. , Parker, F. & Sport, A. (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment tool. 
Nursing Management (Springhouse), 
45
 
(4), 52-54. doi: 10.1097/01.NUMA.0000444882.93063.a7.

Thompson, H. J., Santacroce, S. J., Pickler, R. H., Allen, J. K., Armer, J. M., Bakken, S., Bowles, K. H., Conley, Y. P., Dunbar, S. A., Ellington, L., Grey, M., Heitkemper, M. M., Herr, K. A., Lake, E., McCarthy, A. M., Melnyk, B., Miaskowski, C. A., Moore, S. M., Naylor, M. D., & Stone, P. W. (2020). Use of individual development plans for nurse scientist training. 
Nursing Outlook
, 
68
(3), 284–292. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2020.01.001
Links to an external site.

Walden University Handbook. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://academics.waldenu.edu/handbook/vision-mission-goals#s-lg-box-30141422

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Sheena Chambers

Oct 16, 2024 7:07pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 8:10pm

Reply from Sheena Chambers

 Professional Development Goals

It is a good to plan out goals for professionalism and how to grow because there is always room for improvement in our job. Some goals I plan to have in my education and for the future are to have effective communication, improve time management, start networking and be an effective thoughtful leader.

How one can begin to set goals are to set clear, measurable goals for oneself. The acronym S.M.A.R.T is looking at specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals to create an effective growth plan so that it is possible to stay motivated. One way I specifically wanted to grow is to build relationships and network. This is a wonderful way to gain exposure to new opportunities, have a support system and a way to get out and meet people. Another way to network would be to attend industry events, join professional organizations, or use LinkedIn to connect with those in my field of work (Hall, 2023).

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

            Strategies to include academic activities and accomplishments into my goals could be to seek out mentorship, take on new challenges, keep a growth mindset and reflect and adjust. Having a mentor is a fantastic day to find guidance, support, and feedback so one can achieve goals. Finding someone I respect and admire that mentor could promote growth and give inside guidance I may have not thought of. Taking on new challenges is a fantastic way to develop new skills. Volunteering for new projects, assignments or adding some responsibilities to challenge myself within my education (Hall, 2023).

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

            Walden University’s social change mission includes providing a diverse community of professional careers to provide positive social change. The Walden University vision looks at an inclusive online learning community where all knowledge is valued to solve critical and societal challenges to promote greater good. The Center for Social Change focuses on three major commitments. These commitments are empowering change-makers, building community, and elevating social change outcomes. The big goal is to work towards the greater good and making inclusive goals that involve social change for the world. Some of the guiding values that align with my own from Walden are understanding, inspiring, advocating and connecting with the community for positive social change. Being inspiring and an advocate is essential to keeping yourself motivated to do the right thing and to be there for others. Being an advocate is essential for not only school or goals, but to serve people as future practitioners and doing the greater good for the community (Walden 2024).

 

References

Hall, Thompson-Markward. 2023. 
How to Promote Professional Growth Throughout the Year. 
Retrieved from: https://tmhdc.org/2023/01/24/how-to-promote-professional-growth-throughout-the year/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAlalQobChMl2o6EyYWRiQMVjWBHAR1o5S3PEAAYAyAAEglNb_D_BwE

Walden University. 2024. 
Social Change. 
Retrieved from: https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change

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Eloisa Solarana Almaguer

Oct 16, 2024 6:51pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 9:47pm

Reply from Eloisa Solarana Almaguer

Strategies for Developing Academic Portfolios

The development of academic portfolios is an essential practice in contemporary education, especially at institutions like Walden University, which emphasizes social change (Hannans & Olivo, 2017). A portfolio not only documents academic achievements but also allows students to reflect on their learning and personal growth. To maximize the effectiveness of a portfolio, it is vital to implement clear and coherent strategies.

Collection and Selection of Materials

One of the most effective strategies for developing an academic portfolio is the careful collection and selection of materials, as this process involves gathering a variety of works that reflect both the student’s achievements and progress (Chae & Lee, 2021). The collection should include not only final projects but also drafts and ongoing work that demonstrate the evolution of critical thinking and acquired skills. For example, a student might include essays, research projects, and oral presentations that showcase their ability to research and communicate complex ideas.

The selection process is equally crucial; students must choose those works that best evidence their development and align with their professional goals. This selection should be thoughtful, considering not only the most impressive work but also those that tell a story about their learning journey (van der Gulden et al., 2022). For instance, an education student might select a project on innovative teaching methods from a previous course, highlighting how this work relates to their desire to implement changes in the classroom.

Reflection and Projection

Another vital strategy is reflecting on the work completed, as this component allows students to assess their own learning and make connections between their academic experiences and professional goals. According to Chae & Lee (2021), through reflection, students can identify areas of strength and weakness, as well as establish plans for future improvement. For example, a student might reflect on how a specific course helped them develop leadership skills in education and how they plan to apply those skills in their future career.

Projection, on the other hand, involves thinking about the future and how current achievements can influence professional goals. This may include identifying opportunities to apply learning in real-world or community contexts (Hannans & Olivo, 2017). In this sense, a student might plan to engage in community initiatives that promote inclusive education, aligning with Walden’s focus on social change.

Conclusion

When developing academic portfolios focused on academic achievements, it is essential to implement strategies for collecting and selecting materials, as well as fostering reflection and projection of learning. These practices not only enrich the portfolio but also prepare students to actively contribute to social change through their education.

References

Chae, S. J., & Lee, Y. W. (2021). Exploring the strategies for successfully building e-portfolios in medical schools. 
Korean journal of medical education
, 
33
(2), 133–137. https://doi.org/10.3946/kjme.2021.188

Hannans, J., & Olivo, A. Y. (2017). 
Craft a positive nursing digita identity with an ePortfolio
. Myamericannurse.com. https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf

van der Gulden, R., Timmerman, A., Muris, J. W. M., Thoonen, B. P. A., Heeneman, S., & Scherpbier-de Haan, N. D. (2022). How does portfolio use affect self-regulated learning in clinical workplace learning: What works, for whom, and in what contexts?. 
Perspectives on medical education
, 
11
(5), 247–257. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40037-022-00727-7

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Selina Villanueva

Oct 16, 2024 4:25pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 10:36pm

Reply from Selina Villanueva

Professional Development Goals

In addition to completing this program, I plan on improving my skills in critical areas of my professional practice. This includes enhancing my cultural competence and evidence-based practice (EBP) in nursing. Cultural competence and EBP in nursing are integral to providing patient-centered and culturally sensitive care supported by the most recent and relevant scientific evidence (Ličen & Prosen, 2023). Thus, I believe I will be able to use my academic activities and accomplishments to promote clinical interventions that are integral to achieving optimal population health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

 Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

There are several strategies that I can use to include my academic activities and accomplishments in my professional portfolio. According to Casy and Egan (2013), professional portfolios are a “dynamic tool that allows and records professional growth” (p.550). Thus, I will gather all the relevant materials indicating my academic activities and goal accomplishments throughout my professional and academic experiences and include them in my portfolio. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, class presentations, research papers, certificates, and project reports. Also, I will use the strategy of reflection to demonstrate my personal, academic, and professional growth toward achieving my goals in cultural competence and EBP in nursing. According to Biedermann et al. (2022) and Mohajer et al. (2023), reflection is important in highlighting learning at a personal level and linking academic activities to one’s professional development. Thus, the two strategies highlighted above will be essential to ensuring my portfolio reflects the disparate ways my academic achievements are linked to my nursing practice and professional development goals.

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

As mentioned earlier, my professional development goals involve improving EBP in nursing and culturally competent and sensitive care. This approach to nursing aligns with Walden University’s commitment to positive social change because it promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in care delivery (Walden University, n.d.). Moreover, my goals ensure that my nursing practice is guided by scientific evidence and patients’ cultural considerations, leading to increased involvement of communities, families, and patients in healthcare decision-making. The expected outcome of such practices includes optimal patient health outcomes, improved satisfaction, and positive changes to communities’ health-seeking behaviors, which reflect positive social change that is inclusive and respectful of the patient population’s diverse cultural backgrounds.

References

Biedermann, N., Ahern, T., & Harrison, H. (2022). Professional portfolio development: Personally and professionally rewarding and satisfying. 
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 27
(6), 41.

Casy, D., & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. 
British Journal of Nursing, 15
(11). 547-552

Ličen, S., & Prosen, M. (2023). The development of cultural competences in nursing students and their significance in shaping the future work environment: A pilot study. 
BMC Medical Education, 23
(1), 819-827. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04800-5

Mohajer, S., Li Yoong, T., Chan, C. M., Danaee, M., Mazlum, S. R., & Bagheri, N. (2023). The effect of professional portfolio learning on nursing students’ professional self-concepts in geriatric adult internship: A – quasi-experimental study. 
BMC Medical Education, 23
(1), 114-126. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04097-4

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Social change
. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change

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Cenda Hemingway

Oct 16, 2024 3:44pm
| Last reply Oct 20, 2024 7:50pm

Reply from Cenda Hemingway

              Strategies for Academic Portfolios

Academic portfolios are essential for the professional development of nursing students or graduates. They provide a platform to showcase accomplishments, skill sets, knowledge, and interests, providing a comprehensive professional growth record. Traditionally, job qualifications have been assessed through resumes alone, but technological advancements have introduced e-portfolios, broadening career opportunities beyond paper documentation.

E-portfolios create a digital footprint that allows individuals to express creativity while outlining their professional goals. They also provide a means for students to connect with professional organizations, thereby enhancing their knowledge base (Hannans, et al.,2017). Walden aims to facilitate learning through diverse and innovative approaches that promote critical thinking and professional excellence (Walden University. (n.d.). Consequently, e-portfolios foster shared experiences and expand global networking beyond traditional word-of-mouth.

Developing an e-portfolio will significantly enhance my resume by highlighting my academic growth and career accomplishments (McMillian, et al.,2014). I will include all relevant professional organizational memberships, such as the American Nursing Association (ANA), and community service activities, such as Bridge of Life, founded by DaVita. Additionally, I plan to maintain a detailed record of clinical skills learned and tracked hours. I will document all certifications earned and awards received, ensuring that my digital footprint reflects projects completed in my nursing specialty and scholarly research contributing to social change and advancing healthcare.

Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). 
Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio 
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
American Nurse Today
, 12(11), 48–49. Retrieved October 16, 2024, from 
https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Links to an external site.

McMillan, L. R., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). 
Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment tool 
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Nursing Management
, 45(4), 52-54

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Walden University catalog 
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved October 16, 2024 from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

 

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Deco Tanjong

Oct 16, 2024 3:07pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 2:45pm

Reply from Deco Tanjong

                        My professional development goal

My professional development goal is to obtain my master’s degree in mental health before the end of the 2026 academic year, which will permit me to start applying skills that I learn from school, both theoretical and practical experience. After obtaining my LPN, RN, and now RN to MSN, I strongly believe I can do more than that.

Also, I am hoping that after my advanced practical nursing license, I will continue to obtain my Doctorate in nursing, which will give me the opportunity to practice in a vast community.

Strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments

To help maintain and keep up with evidence-based practice, I will maintain my membership with nursing organizations like the American Nurse Association where I will receive updates and stay current with my practice.  I will make sure I follow up and complete my post-certification to continue my nursing education, by Undertaking at least 35 hours of learning activities relevant to my area of practice Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013).

Also, I will create a demographic portfolio with all my certificates acquired, my resume, and my years of practice in my specific area of practice. I will also maintain a personal and professional portfolio or learning activity. Casey, D . (2013).

Goals alignment with Walden University

Walden University, for the past 5oyears, has been empowering patinate people to make a difference in their lives and in their communities, which aligns with one of my goals of obtaining my certification and licensure so I can be able to help communities struggling with Mental health disorder and help give them hope. Casey, D. (2013)

Reference:

Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). 
The use of professional portfolios for career enhancementLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
British Journal of Nursing
, 15(11), 547–552.

Burns, M. K. (2018). 
Creating a nursing portfolioLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 93(3), 16-17.

 

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Qiana Felder

Oct 16, 2024 1:08pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 10:52pm

Reply from Qiana Felder

Professional Development Goals

One of my main professional development goals is to be a lifelong learner. Doing so will ensure I am current on new evidence-based practices that could be implemented into my patient care plans.  Another goal is to be involved in a professional nursing organization like the American Nursing Association (ANA). The ANA provides many opportunities for nurses to advance their careers, such as networking events, certifications, and conferences.  I would also like to work with this association to advocate for policy change. This role of policy advocacy not only promotes policies that enhance healthcare, nursing practice, and workplace conditions but also empowers us as nurses to influence the future of our profession.

 

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

Creating a nurse portfolio that includes academic activities and accomplishments can be vital to making you more marketable for career advancement by showcasing your worth to prospective employers. Portfolios can also help identify areas where improvement is necessary, serving as a tool for engaging in self-assessment and planning for personal development (Casey & Egan, 2013).

Furthermore, I will actively engage in professional nursing organizations’ conferences to network with fellow nursing professionals. This networking opportunity can be invaluable for your career growth, providing a platform to exchange knowledge, learn from others’ experiences, and build professional relationships. I will also utilize an e-portfolio, which will be readily available for viewing by scanning a QR code. Creating an ePortfolio can aid in preparing for academic applications and professional interviews (Hannana & Olivo, 2017).

 

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

Walden University encourages a dedication to positive change by pursuing, acquiring, and applying knowledge to benefit communities (Walden University, 2024). This aligns with my goal of becoming a PMHNP to help underserved communities. I will apply knowledge gained from my experiences and evidence-based practices to help youth struggling with mental health disorders and promote a positive change in hopes of reducing the mental health stigma.

 

References

Casey DC, & Egan D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. British Journal of Community Nursing, 15(11), 547-552

Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolioLinks to an external site. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from 
https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Links to an external site.

Walden University. (2024). Social Change. Walden University. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
Links to an external site.

 

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John Kirby Tompkins

Oct 16, 2024 9:37am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 1:30pm

Reply from John Kirby Tompkins

Module 5 Initial Discussion Post
 

Professional Development Goals
 

On my journey in nursing from LPN to MSN level, my professional goals have included acquiring, maintaining, and improving my clinical skills, always with the objective of improving patient outcomes. Following the ANCC continuing education protocols has been one strategy for maintaining my professional goals. Yet, upon reflection, and at this time in my career, it is important to adapt in more explicit fashion, Walden’s vision of positive social change. In particular, I identify with the notion of a deliberate process of creation and application to achieve improvement in social conditions. (Walden, n.d.)
 

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments
 

 First, I see the need to create an e-Portfolio that will contain elements of my traditional resume along with my ANCC continuing education record. In addition, I could add a blog from a reseach and training institute that featured and reflected my specific training experience in effectively meeting pediatric emotional, behavioral, and educational needs. Casey (2013) states “rather than just a retrospective account of continuing professional development activities, a portfolio can be used as a vehicle for engaging in self-assessment and personal and professional development planning”.
 

 And so, secondly, I need to challenge myself to be involved in research. Areas of interest include those with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), those who are incarcerated, and immigrants being assimilated into an area with a long history of being underserved.
 

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change
 

The Walden Vision promotes a deliberate thoughtful process of integrating who I am with where I want to go. In my professional life I have valued finding and being guided by the meaningfulness of whatever I do. This e-portfolio device can justify itself by promoting my professional sense of self, tracking evidence of work-related complexity and outcomes, and providing career structure and direction. (Burns, 2018).
 

References
 

Burns, M. K. (2018). 
Creating a nursing portfolioLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 93(3), 16-17.
 

Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). 
The use of professional portfolios for career enhancementLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
British Journal of Nursing
, 15(11), 547–552.
 

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Walden University catalogLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved October 14, 2024) from 
https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Links to an external site.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Joan Chikaodi Clement

Oct 16, 2024 6am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 11:02am

Reply from Joan Chikaodi Clement

Two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals and alignment with University’s emphasis on social change. 

One of the strategies that I will use is documenting academic achievement as well as pursuing certification.  Impliedly, I will document my academic achievement such as research projects I have included and published, certifications as well as degrees.  Keeping records of my academic achievements will depict my achievements as well as my growth as a mental health specialist.  One area that I will focus on is documenting the research projects that I have conducted and published.  The Walden social change focuses on developing principled, knowledgeable, and ethical scholar-practitioners, who are and will become civic and professional role models by advancing the betterment of society (Walden University, n.d.). My goal of documenting academic achievement in areas such as research aligns with this social change because it will depict my commitment to the contribution of knowledge and the need to make change in the mental health field through the generation of evidence and knowledge.

Another strategy is documenting evidence-based projects in the portfolio. EBP has been the cornerstone of improving health outcomes hence the need to incorporate and document to demonstrate its effectiveness (Connor et al., 2023).  Documenting these achievements will show my ability to apply evidence in patient care which will help advance the nursing profession.   Evidence-based practice aligns with Walden’s social change which denotes that a positive social change results in the improvement of human and social conditions. Lastly, I will pursue a leadership position and document this in my portfolio. The rationale for this is that with a leadership person, I can influence healthcare practices and policies positively.  For instance, joining a lead to personal growth, enhanced 
professional
 perspective, and knowledge development, and by pursuing leadership in such an organization I would influence policy change (Cline et al., 2019). This aligns with Walden’s social change of advancing the betterment of society.

References

Cline, D., Curtin, K., & Johnston, P. A. (2019). Professional Organization Membership: The Benefits of Increasing Nursing Participation. 
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
, 
23
(5), 543–546. https://doi.org/10.1188/19.CJON.543-546

Connor, L., Dean, J., McNett, M., Tydings, D. M., Shrout, A., Gorsuch, P. F., Hole, A., Moore, L., Brown, R., Melnyk, B. M., & Gallagher-Ford, L. (2023). Evidence-based practice improves patient outcomes and healthcare system return on investment: Findings from a scoping review. 
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing
, 
20
(1), 6–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/wvn.12621

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. https://academics.waldenu.edu/handbook/vision-mission-goals#s-lg-box-30141422

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Nicole Greco Carl

Oct 16, 2024 1:11am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 11:05am

Reply from Nicole Greco Carl

Professional Development Goals

One of my professional development goals is to obtain an advanced degree by the year 2027.

Another professional development goal of mine is to become a 104 NP by my third year of obtaining my Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), (Ecareers, 2023).

 

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

For my first goal, I am moving towards faster. I am already in the PHMNP program, however, to keep up with this goal, I need to stay focused and balance work, family, friends, and now school. To help me on this path, I deleted all social media besides Instagram. On other platforms, like TikTok, I was wasting time which I knew should be used towards my studies. “Excessive use of TikTok can also lead to a decrease in productivity and an overall decrease in quality of life” (Ainsworth, 2024).

To obtain my second goal, I first need to succeed in my first goal. Already, during this first block of classes, I am learning the requirements regarding a 104 NP and what I am to do to obtain it once I become a 103 NP. Once I am a 103 NP, the wisest strategy for me will be to find a respected, trustworthy, and educated medical doctor that I can work with and learn from for the three years needed before becoming a 104 NP.

 

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

Walden’s goals center around three main goals; “empowering change-makers, building community, and elevating social change outcomes”(Walden, 2024). By achieving my goals, I will have the tools, resources, and knowledge to help the community around me that I see struggling. I see many younger patients in the hospital now, and because of their culture and or background, their parents struggle with the subject of mental health and their child needing treatment for it. I plan to work with this part of the community and help some of the older generation that has a hard time understanding that health is not just physical.

 

References:

Ainsworth, A. (2024, June 6). 
Tiktok addiction: How to spend less time on TikTok
. Next Level Recovery. https://www.nextlevelrecoveryassociates.com/blog-posts/tiktok-addiction#:~:text=The%20dopamine%2Dfueled%20reward%20system,to%20take%20action%20right%20away.

eCareers, H. (2023, May 18). 
6 strategies for Achieving Nursing Professional Development Goals
. healthecareers.com. https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/nurse-credentialing-and-education/strategies-for-achieving-nursing-professional-development-goals

Walden, university. (2024). 
Social Change
. Walden University. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change

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Mishay Brooks

Oct 15, 2024 10pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 12:54pm

Reply from Mishay Brooks

Professional Development Goals

Setting clear professional development goals is important for me as a nurse-scholar to grow both academically and professionally. These goals not only help me focus on improving my skills but also guide me in contributing to the nursing field in meaningful ways. Two of my primary goals include gaining expertise in my nursing specialty and contributing to academic literature through research and publications (Vázquez-Calatayud et al., 2021). These goals support my long-term objective of staying at the forefront of evidence-based practice while ensuring that I continue to provide innovative and patient-centered care.

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

To build an academic portfolio that reflects my accomplishments, I need to strategically include academic activities that demonstrate my growth and contributions. One way I can strengthen my portfolio is by actively engaging in research and scholarly publications. Publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals or presenting at professional conferences not only adds credibility to my work but also showcases my expertise. For example, I can focus on topics such as leadership in nursing or improving patient outcomes through innovative care models (Burns, 2018). These activities will allow me to contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practice, reinforcing my commitment to enhancing the nursing profession.

Another strategy I will use is pursuing professional certifications and participating in continuing education courses. By obtaining certifications in specialized areas such as psychiatric nursing or emergency care, I can demonstrate my commitment to professional excellence (Burns, 2018). In addition, attending workshops, seminars, or enrolling in advanced courses will help me stay updated with the latest advancements in my field. Including these achievements in my portfolio will reflect my dedication to lifelong learning and maintaining the highest standards of care for my patients.

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

One of the most important aspects of my professional development is aligning my goals with Walden University’s emphasis on positive social change. Walden defines positive social change as the process of creating strategies and actions that improve human and social conditions. As a nurse-scholar, I recognize that my work must have a meaningful impact not only on individual patients but also on the broader healthcare system and society (Walden University, n.d.). For example, my research could focus on healthcare disparities or improving access to mental health services for underserved populations. By publishing work that addresses these systemic issues, I can actively contribute to the promotion of social change, a core value of Walden University.

Additionally, I plan to participate in community outreach programs and volunteer for health promotion initiatives, which will allow me to make a direct impact on the health outcomes of my community. Including these activities in my portfolio will highlight how I am working to advance both healthcare quality and social equity (Walden University n.d.). By aligning my academic and professional development goals with Walden’s mission of fostering positive social change, I am not only developing my skills but also becoming an agent of change in my community. My portfolio will reflect my dedication to improving healthcare systems and creating a lasting, positive impact on society.

Conclusion

Incorporating academic activities and accomplishments into my professional development goals will help me build a strong personal brand as a nurse-scholar. By focusing on publishing research, gaining certifications, and contributing to positive social change, I will demonstrate my commitment to advancing nursing practice and improving healthcare systems. Aligning these goals with Walden University’s emphasis on social change further supports my mission to make a meaningful and lasting impact, both locally and globally.

References

Burns, M. K. (2018). 
Creating a nursing portfolioLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 93(3), 16-17.

Vázquez-Calatayud, M., Errasti-Ibarrondo, B., & Choperena, A. (2021). Nurses’ continuing professional development: A systematic literature review. 
Nurse Education in Practice
, 50, 102963. 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471595320310490
Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Walden University catalogLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

 

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Rebecca Blair Manges

Oct 15, 2024 7:46pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 9:11pm

Reply from Rebecca Blair Manges

Professional Development Goals

 
As a current family nurse practitioner, I have worked in a couple of areas of practice, including primary care and oncology. During COVID, I ended up in an acute care role and found my area of practice where I can best serve my patients. When we look at goal setting, we must identify both long- and short-term goals. For example, I have attended conferences and training to strengthen my practice. Achieving a post-master’s certification as an Adult Gerontology Acute Nurse Practitioner is vital to my long-term goals. I want to use evidence-based practice and continue with activities that promote professional growth. 
 

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

I started a professional portfolio when I started my master’s program. This portfolio includes all my clinical training as an FNP student, procedure logs, chart audits, and reviews. This information has helped me secure employment and is essential for clinic, hospital, and insurance credentialing. It has served as an important part of my career growth. It is also what led me back to school for additional education. Burns (2018) suggests three reasons for creating a nursing portfolio: self-promotion, evidence of outcomes, and structure and direction. A portfolio should show self-awareness, recognize the knowledge inherent in everyday nursing practice, and identify areas that need further development (Casey et al., 2010).

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

Completing further education to improve my practice to improve patient outcomes aligns with Walden University’s vision of social change. Walden University defines its goal as “to provide 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, ND). As a hospital provider, I care for acute issues that sometimes arise due to a lack of accessible primary care. I must help empower patients and aid with outpatient resources.

 

 

                                                                   References

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 
93
(3), 16–17.

Casey DC, & Egan D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. 
British Journal of Community Nursing, 15(11
), 547-552.

Walden University. (N.D.). 
Social change
. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-changeLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.

I

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Debra Stone

Oct 15, 2024 5:31pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 2:01pm

Reply from Debra Stone

Professional Development Goals

A nursing portfolio showcases the nurse’s education, skills, accomplishments, and professional experiences (Burns, 2018). By creating a nursing portfolio, you can identify areas for improvement in your skills or knowledge to improve competency. A professional portfolio allows the practitioner to showcase self-awareness, recognize the knowledge inherent in everyday nursing practice, and identify areas that need further development (Casey & Egan, 2010). Maintaining an updated portfolio is crucial to demonstrate your capabilities and expertise. Nurse practitioners often work autonomously and have less oversight, and with the broad scope of their practice, there can be some concerns regarding their competence and qualifications (Casey & Egan, 2010). As a Nurse Practitioner student, setting professional development goals is essential to guiding my learning experiences and preparing me as a future practitioner.

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

Integrating academic activities and accomplishments into my professional development goals is essential for continuous growth and career advancement. Two effective strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments are pursuing specialized certifications relevant to my nursing field and joining professional organizations. Engaging in professional organizations and keeping specialty certifications relevant to their patient population can enhance clinical skills and affirm expert competence in a specific clinical area (Constable et al., 2021).

Joining professional nursing organizations and attending conferences can help you connect with peers to stay current on best practices and build valuable professional relationships. Organizations and conferences will provide opportunities to connect with industry leaders, peers, and mentors in the NP community who can support your career development. Obtaining specialized certifications that align with your nursing field gains expertise and recognition, such as becoming a Nurse Practitioner or obtaining specialized certifications (e.g., pediatrics, public health, oncology). Attaining specialized certifications and joining professional organizations highlight your commitment to continuous learning and involvement in the professional community. By aligning your academic activities with your career objectives, you can advance your nursing career and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

My professional development goals align with Walden University’s emphasis on social change. Specialized certifications or practicing in public and community health areas enable nurses to improve access to healthcare and address social determinants of health, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering social change through improved health outcomes for underserved populations (Walden, n.d.). As a future nurse practitioner working in primary or emergency care, I can utilize the skills and knowledge I obtained from Walden University to advocate for and implement positive social change that will benefit communities, particularly those in underserved communities.

 

References

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16-17.

Casey, D. C., & Egan, D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. 
British Journal of Community Nursing
, 
15
(11), 547–552. 
https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2010.15.11.79625
Links to an external site.

Constable, M., Mulkey, M., & Aucoin, J. (2021). Hospital value-based purchasing: How acute care advanced practice nurses demonstrate value. 
Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
, 
34
(1), 12–17. 
https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000606
Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). Vision, Mission, and Goals. https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=178&navoid=63595

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Qurita Powell

Oct 15, 2024 5:03pm
| Last reply Oct 15, 2024 7:47pm

Reply from Qurita Powell

Initial Post

                                         Strategies for Academic Portfolios

As a student working towards obtaining an MSN degree with a PMHNP specialization, I understand the importance of incorporating academic accomplishments into professional growth plans. This integration is essential in presenting growth, professionalism, and conformity to the objectives of the nursing profession. This post will explain two essential strategies for incorporating academic activities and accomplishments into my professional development goals. These strategies include creating an electronic or ePortfolio and engaging in professional conferences. I will also describe how these strategies connect with Walden University’s focus on creating positive change in the world and explain its application in psychiatric mental health nursing practice with examples.

The first strategy identified is to develop an extensive electronic portfolio that covers the subject matter. In a paper by Hannans and Olivo (2017), the authors suggested that an ePortfolio can be used to present academic and clinical portfolios. The course projects, the research papers, and the clinical case reports will form the basis of the ePortfolio, with all documents highlighting the aspects of psychiatric mental health. This strategy aligns with the Walden University mission by enabling me to showcase projects that shed light on mental health inequalities or suggest approaches to reach communities that are not adequately reached (Walden University, n.d.).

The second strategy is participating in professional conferences and presenting academic work. Burns (2018) placed major significance on presenting educational achievements in a nursing portfolio. As a result, I can share my academic progress in psychiatric mental health nursing through paper research at a conference and case presentations. This is consistent with the University’s social change agenda of creating avenues through which the knowledge could help enhance mental health care practices and results.

These strategies can help me achieve my professional growth goals since they document my academic work and the advancement of the discipline. They also correspond with the Walden social change focus because they address the social needs for enhancing mental health services. For instance, submitting a case of culturally competent care in a diverse community mental health facility is possible, arguing that my achievements in the class and social change impact positively (Casey & Egan, 2013).

References

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16–17.

Casey, D., & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. British Journal of Nursing, 15(11), 547–552.

Hannans, J., & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49. 
https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-
Links to an external site.
 content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. 
https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Links to an external site.

 

 

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Lenore Louise Benton-Bey
 (She/Her)

Oct 15, 2024 3:49pm

Reply from Lenore Louise Benton-Bey

Discussion Five

Professional Development Goals

 
The professional development goals that I am focusing towards are enhancing my knowledge and using that to build a strong foundation by furthering my career and family nurse practice as a family nurse practitioner (FNP). I can do this by completing my master’s and obtaining a certification that prepares me with an advanced registration nurse practice. In order to ensure patients to receive quality care and safe delivery of services, nurse hires must be adept at clinical reasoning and critical thinking, with the ability to efficiently navigate multidimensional patient care situations in coordination with members of an interprofessional team (McMillan et al, 2014). Once obtained,  I’ll be continuing my education by following up with journals that focus on evidence-based practices that are pertinent to family practice and all that it offers. And putting it to use with my career practices to give the most valuable and trusted care, advice and guidance for managing acute and chronic conditions. It is important to me as a nurse to use the health promotion practices and counseling for the patients and their families. There for if they are confident with what I am able to educate towards them, they will do their part to educate others, most importantly their families.

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

As an adult learner I find that I have great motivation towards advancing my career which assists with guiding me towards success. For Adult Learners,  Readiness to learn: Their readiness to learn within their social roles is apparent, Motivation to learn: As a person matures the motivation to learn is internal (Knowles, 1984 p.12). These criteria are obviously desirable characteristics for community nurses who are taking on increasingly autonomous and complex roles in response to the demands of political and societal changes (Casey and Egan, 2013). I will attend at least 2 to 4 conferences or networking events a year either in persons or online to connect with professionals and expand best practice options to utilize for the community and my practice. Pursuing advanced certifications and obtain additional certifications in specialized areas and in family nurse practice will allow others experience my expertise. As well show the commitment to my professional development and growth. I also look forward to participating in quality improvement initiative by taking an active role with projects within the nursing practice setting to enhance patient outcomes and promote evidence-based practice for the FNP.

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

With that being said as I am able to work on quality projects, this will be a great opportunity for me to build onto other projects like participating on committees within my local organization or professional associations related to nursing that can contribute to decision-making and policy development. Walden University believes that education and social change are fundamental to the provision and maintenance of democratic ideals and principles, especially that of the common good (Walden University, 2024). Using that social change theory in mind I can see myself hosting health screenings and organizing health fairs or screenings for conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer to help identify health issues early. Most importantly do what we nurses do best, by providing education on risk factors and encouraging the better outcomes and providing a positive impact on the health of the community. Supporting vulnerable population is a mission that aligns with Walden University’s social change. Working with vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, low-income individuals, or individuals with disabilities. Working with these population I am able to provide health education, support, and resources to improve their overall well-being as an FNP.

 

Reference

Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). 
The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement
Links to an external site.
. 
British Journal of Nursing
, 15(11), 547–552.

McMillan, L. R., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). 
Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment tool
Links to an external site.
. 
Nursing Management
, 45(4), 52-54.

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Walden University catalog
Links to an external site.
. 
Visions,Mission, and Goals
. Retrieved October 14, 2024 from 
https://catalog.waldenu.edu

 

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Leaticia Onyeise

Oct 15, 2024 2:53pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 10:24pm

Reply from Leaticia Onyeise

Professional Development Goals

Goals are milestones developed to guide achieve something over time. They are used to measure and determine success.  The goals can be short-term or long-term and easy or challenging to reach. The goals can also impact one’s life, family, education, career, or profession, depending on how they are developed, set, or achieved. According to the Walden Academic Skill Center (n.d.), goals must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based (SMART). For example, as a nurse or healthcare provider, communication with patients and others must be concise, clear, complete, and compassionate to achieve better healthcare outcomes in service and practice. Casey et al. (2013) defined professional development as a series of learning and training experiences and actions one must take to improve his or her skills and knowledge to advance in a career or profession. Therefore, developing smart goals will allow a nurse to set both short-term and long-term goals that can result in reaching professional milestones in career achievements.  Also, establishing professional development goals and the processes it took to achieve success and create academic professional portfolios demonstrate one’s professional competency and capabilities to potential employers.  For example, my smart goals will include being efficient in my practice or service, meeting and maintaining my certification requirements, continuing my academic and professional development needs, and being efficient with my time management. All these will include undergoing academic and professional training, being licensed and maintaining professional practice standard requirements, having mentors and a network of people to collaborate with and trust, and improving my communication skills to serve patients and families effectively.

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

As a registered nurse for over 13 years, I desire advanced training to acquire more skills, knowledge, and specialty as a healthcare provider. Presently, I work as a psychiatric nurse, caring for patients with various types of mental health disorders.  This is my eighth year caring for this category of patients who are very challenging and difficult to care for.  Therefore, one of my professional improvement strategies will include earning an advanced nursing degree or a specialized Psychiatric Mental Healthcare Nurse Practitioner certification. This is why I enrolled with Walden University School of Nursing to acquire a specialty program degree or certificate to gain additional skills and knowledge to continue and further serve this category of patients now and in my future practices. There is a need for more mental health professionals to help serve and meet the healthcare needs of this class of patients in rural, poor, and minority communities throughout the nation.  According to McMillan et al. (2014), other strategies will include improving my professional and scholarly research skills to better understand mental health issues and challenges, resolving critical disparities in our mental healthcare system, and refining my interpersonal skills, including communication, collaboration, and teamwork.  Any of these strategies will be essential in achieving academic and professional success as a Walden University student and a future psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

I aim to complete my advanced degree program in mental health and serve in the community. To achieve this, my short-term goals will include completing my assignments on time, getting good grades, and managing my time efficiently. My long-term goals will also include completing my advanced degree certification in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program and advancing my career. Therefore, my goals and vision align with those of Walden University. The school’s goal and vision are to produce graduates who can use their knowledge to positively impact their profession, community, and society (Walden, 2022a) and with a learning community where graduates can apply their knowledge to solve critical societal challenges.  Furthermore, Walden (2022b) states that the university’s mission is to provide quality, student-centered degree programs that help career professionals become scholar-practitioners who can positively impact society.  As a potential mental healthcare nurse practitioner, my vision is to establish and provide evidence-based, patient-centered, and holistic services that will positively impact the community and society at large. This also aligns with the school’s goals and mission.

 

Reference

Casey, D. and Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. Links to an external site. 
British Journal of Nursing
, 15(11), 547–552.

Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from 
https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971
Links to an external site.

McMillan, L. R., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). 
Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment toolLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Nursing Management
, 45(4), 52-54.

Walden University Academic Skills Center (n.d.). Smart goals setting: School-life success strategies, from Walden University Website
:  
SMART Goals – Academic Skills – Academic Guides at Walden University
Links to an external site.

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Veronica Monono

Oct 15, 2024 11:56am
| Last reply Oct 20, 2024 6:58am

Reply from Veronica Monono

Professional Development Goals
 

Academic activities and accomplishments in my professional development goals are essential for advancing my career and contributing meaningfully to my field of study. Strategies that can help my professional goals may include pursuing advanced degrees and certification. Pursuing advanced degrees and certifications could involve enrolling in graduate programs and obtaining certification in the relevant field. I can deepen my academic skills and knowledge to achieve enormous professional growth in two or more fields of study
 (Smith, 2020).
 For example, after completing the MSN program in PMHNP, I can obtain certification that can qualify me to work as a public health nurse practitioner thereby creating an impact in our communities. By pursuing an advanced degree, I can align my professional development goal with the university’s emphasis on social change, for example, if my university has a strong focus on sustainability, as a student in the PMHNP program I can address the existence and reality of mental health illnesses in our communities thereby educating communities on how to deal and identify people suffering from mental health illnesses.
 

 

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments
 

Engaging in the professional nursing portfolio is a strategy for including academic activities in my professional goal. Burn, (2018) describes a professional portfolio as evidence of a nurse’s skills, educational achievements, and professional experience. Creating a professional nursing portfolio is an excellent tool to showcase a nurse’s expertise in their field of study and their academic and professional achievement and to stand out in their academic department and the job market as employers go through their resume or portfolio. 
 

Additionally, engaging in research projects is another strategy for including academic activities in my professional goal, that is writing academic papers, and presenting at conferences at Walden University or other conferences relating to my field of study, which demonstrate expertise in my field of study. According to  (
Green & Brown 2019)
 conducting research projects on health disparities in underserved communities, that is like communities suffering from mental health illnesses without access to adequate care faculties to accommodate their needs, can be incorporated into my professional development goal by setting goals to publish my research findings in a peer-reviewed journal and present my work at national or international nursing conferences. This can be aligned with the University’s emphasis on social change by contributing to evidence-based practices that address social inequities. For instance, researching ways to improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations directly supports social change initiatives focused on health equity.
 

 

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change
 

Walden University strives to create positive social change by providing graduates with the right tools to become knowledgeable and ethical scholar-practitioners for the good of society (Walden University, n.d.). My goals align well with Walden’s vision of social change as I am reaching a higher degree of education to raise healthcare standards for all individuals in our communities.  As a Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in a health care setting, I will be working towards moving into a leadership position to utilize the new skills and knowledge obtained at Walden University to impact my patients and peers in a positive light.
 

 

 

References
 

Burns, M. K. (2018).
 
Creating a nursing portfolioLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 93(3), 16-17.
 

Green, P., & Brown, J. (2019). Publishing Your Research 101: Practical Guidelines for Authors and Reviewers. Radiographics, 39(7), 2130-2132.
 

 

Smith, J. (2020). The Importance of Professional Development and Continuing Education in Nursing. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 51(6), 247-248.
 

 

Walden University. (n.d.). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved November 10, 2020,
 

from 
https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=178&navoid=63595
Links to an external site.
 

 

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Lucia Almeida

Oct 15, 2024 6:16am
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 11:10am

Reply from Lucia Almeida

According to the nursing career model, one of the activities to pursue is academic activities that foster the development and complementing of clinical skills, including research and attending similar conferences. Research increases the existing stock of human and formal knowledge, thus improving students’ reasoning abilities for best practice of evidence-based nursing. For example, the analysis of the first healthcare studies on telemedicine effectiveness can yield valuable information about how to enhance patient access to care. It also can result in the authoring of joint publications, which is very beneficial to professional growth and those who want to show that they are dedicated to their profession towards continuous learning.

Another recommendation is education, explicitly continuing education and certification, which strengthens professional positions and fits well with the healthcare field. For example, when one acquires a certification in geriatric nursing, one will be proving expertise in an area rapidly expanding because of the geriatric population. Through the acquisition of such knowledge I am in a position to offer quality appropriate care to the elderly thus making me a asset to any health care facility will focus on care for older people. Through a package of these academic achievements, I will establish the career advancement foundation and help implement the necessary changes to address the needs of vulnerable groups in my field of practice (Burns, 2018).

These goals align with the university’s focus on social justice as the process and impacts of change proposed for patients rely on knowledge application to better their lives and shift them from the current state for the better (Walden University, n.d.). Due to my emphasis on research and specialized training in my endeavors, I hope to advance healthcare practices for equitable blindness, especially for the missed population. For instance, the patient throughput can be studied on benchmark telemedicine to understand rural patronage’s challenges and, hence, launch the outreach program. Likewise, if I acquire knowledge on the health of the elderly, then it would make it easier to push for reforms that would enhance the quality of care given to elderly patients, which would be very helpful in terms of healthcare rights.

References

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 
93
(3), 16–17.

Park, M., Jeong, M., Lee, M., & Cullen, L. (2020). Web-based experiential learning strategies to enhance the evidence-based-practice competence of undergraduate nursing students. 
Nurse Education Today
, 
91
, 104466. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104466
Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Social change
. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change

Professional Development Goals

 
During my journey of becoming a family nurse practitioner, creating professional development goals is crucial to gauge my progress. To provide my patients with the best care, utilizing the latest evidence-based practice (EBP) research and clinical guidelines is essential. For me, this means utilizing credible research databases to find pertinent information and joining nurse practitioner associations that release new clinical guidelines and studies. I also want to enhance my clinical assessment skills and knowledge of medications, chronic diseases, and common illnesses and create a network of professionals from whom I can receive advice. I want to be a professional, optimistic provider that my patients trust to give them holistic care that improves their quality of life.

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

 
Utilizing a portfolio to showcase academic activities and accomplishments will help nursing professionals promote themselves, provide evidence of competencies to potential employers, and see if any of their goals need more attention (Burns, 2018). In recent years, e-portfolios have become the most common way portfolios are created and shared (Nastaran Najaffard et al., 2024). Clinical competence is essential in advancing education and becoming an independent provider. This is why monitoring academic activities, accomplishments, and clinical competencies through a portfolio is important to understand which competencies may need more attention. E-portfolios are easy to access, update, and refer to when needing to realign with goals that need to be met (Nastaran Najaffard et al., 2024). I plan to utilize an e-portfolio to monitor my progress and competencies while advancing my education to becoming a family nurse practitioner.

Goals and Alignment with Walden UnUniversity’social Change

Utilizing my education to improve my community and patient outcomes aligns perfectly with Walden UnUniversity’sision on social change. In their social change vision, Walden University discusses that they also support ethical scholar-practitioners as they become professional role models through bettering societies (Walden University, 2015). This also aligns with my goals of influencing positive social change in my workplace, community, and society through my professional manner, evidence-based practice, clinical skills, and knowledge. In conclusion, utilizing an e-portfolio to showcase academic activities and accomplishments is crucial to staying aligned with personal and professional goals and managing competencies. My ultimate goal as a family nurse practitioner is to utilize my scholarly advancements to influence positive social change within my workplace, community, and society.

References

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a Nursing Portfolio. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 
93
(3), 16–17.

Nastaran Najaffard, Mohammadi, A., Mojtahedzadeh, R., & Afagh Zarei. (2024). E-portfolio as an effective tool for improvement of practitioner nurses’ clinical competence. 
BMC Medical Education
, 
24
(1). 
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05092-z
Links to an external site.

Walden University. (2015). 
Social change
. 
Www.waldenu.edu
Links to an external site.
. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
Links to an external site.

 

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Leticia Ariel Hernandez
 (She/Her)

Oct 14, 2024 10:58pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 9:18pm

Reply from Leticia Ariel Hernandez

Strategies for Academic Portfolios

Strategies to Promote Professional Development Goals

One of the approaches to integrating academic activities into the professional development plan is to keep an accurate and well-organized academic portfolio. This portfolio should record some of the accomplishments that the person has achieved in their career, including publications, presentations, research projects, certifications, and continuing efforts in education (Burns, 2015). In this manner, the portfolio can be used to monitor progress, demonstrate competence, and plan for future endeavors such as employment or promotion. This strategy is not only about career advancement but also about constant learning and academic success.

In addition, there is the strategy of establishing appropriate academic achievement targets aligning with career plans (Burns, 2015). For instance, a healthcare professional may aim to write articles to be published in scientific journals or deliver papers at conferences in the healthcare field. These academic achievements can be aligned to a comprehensive professional development strategy, such that every accomplishment is relevant and propels their career forward. By having tangible and timely objectives, professionals remain focused on academics and gain more experience and recognition in their disciplines.

It is also important to look for ways to collaborate with other students or mentors in academic and professional settings. Collaborating in research, writing articles, or working on projects allows people to expand their perspectives and enrich their portfolios (East, 2015). It not only enhances knowledge and skills but also builds professional contacts. Such affiliations may open up other academic prospects and contribute to pursuing professional aspirations. These collaborations may be incorporated into the professional portfolio to showcase the skills in teamwork and advancement of knowledge in the field. Collectively, these approaches enable attaining academic and career-related goals, thus creating a solid foundation for future progress.

Alignment with the University’s Emphasis on Social Change

The professional development goals of building academic achievements also correlate with the mission and goals of Walden University, as it highlights the importance of personal growth for the betterment of society. Walden supports the concept of education as a tool to assist an individual in addressing issues affecting society, and academic goals are relevant to this cause. For instance, if a nurse-scholar has done a study on health disparities or mental health among vulnerable groups, then the findings from such studies can inform policy advocacy or inform the development of effective health promotion interventions that will increase the use of health services. An example could be a nurse who investigates the mental health interventions that could be used on vulnerable groups. Through presenting this research at conferences or interacting with the health organizations in the area, the scholar contributes to the improvement of the health care of needy populations. These actions are consistent with Walden’s mission of preparing scholar-practitioners to advance positive change in their respective disciplines.

Walden University’s mission to foster social change is realized by empowering students. Learners with good career portfolios can play a major role in transforming society. From research, advocacy, or community involvement, the alignment of professional goals with the university’s mission means that students are not only building their careers but also improving society’s quality of life (East, 2015). The emphasis on social change helps in developing scholar-practitioners to transform society for the better.

 

 

References

Burns M. K. (2015). Creating a Nursing Portfolio. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 
90
(2), S6–S7.

East, R. (2015). Developing a nurse practitioner portfolio.

 

 

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Cynthia Ngozika Ekenta

Oct 14, 2024 9:49pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 7:31pm

Reply from Cynthia Ngozika Ekenta

Professional Development Goals

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner student, my professional development goals include enhancing my clinical skills, participating in mental health research, and advocating for underrepresented groups. These objectives seek to improve my competence in providing effective mental health care while fostering commitment to social change and equity within the profession.
                

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

As a psychiatric nurse practitioner student, engaging in research projects is crucial for my professional development. Conducting research augments my academic understanding and enables me to contribute to evidence-based practices in mental health care. Research is essential for guiding treatment decisions and enhancing patient outcomes. I can directly implement this knowledge in my clinical practice by examining research on therapeutic interventions. Research indicates that student participation in research activities markedly improves critical thinking abilities and enriches comprehension of clinical practices (Brady et al., 2018). Critical thinking is essential in psychiatric nursing, as it entails the analysis of intricate situations and formulating informed decisions. Research enables me to critically assess evidence, evaluate treatment alternatives, and gain a deeper understanding of mental health disorders. Establishing a goal to co-author a paper or present at a conference can yield significant experience and augment my resume. Presenting my findings enables me to interact with colleagues and specialists, obtain feedback, and enhance my concepts. This active involvement in research equips me for evidence-based practice, guaranteeing that my future care is grounded in the most current scientific evidence.

Participating in community outreach initiatives is essential for my professional development. These programs facilitate applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, enhancing mental health awareness and mitigating stigma. A study by Pescosolido et al. (2010) demonstrates that community outreach enhances mental health literacy and diminishes stigma, particularly within underserved populations. Defining explicit objectives, such as facilitating workshops or performing mental health evaluations, enables me to utilize my training and effectively affect a significant impact proficiently. Organizing a mental health awareness event can inform community members about available resources and the significance of seeking assistance. These outreach experiences enrich my educational journey and cultivate essential skills, including communication and advocacy. Interacting with diverse populations enhances my capacity to communicate intricate information and cultivate trust. Research participation and community outreach are essential to my growth as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, establishing my role as an advocate for mental health awareness and social reform. 
          

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

Both strategies—conducting research and engaging in community outreach—align closely with Walden University’s dedication to social change. Conducting research enables me to augment the knowledge foundation that underpins effective mental health interventions, particularly for marginalized groups encountering distinct obstacles to care. Studies demonstrate that tackling social determinants of health, including socioeconomic status and resource accessibility, can markedly enhance mental health outcomes (Muntaner et al., 2019). This corresponds with Walden’s focus on addressing health disparities and promoting equitable care. Community outreach initiatives promote Walden’s mission by improving mental health literacy and diminishing stigma. Pescosolido et al. (2010) emphasize that outreach programs are essential for enhancing public comprehension of mental health matters. Engaging in awareness-promoting activities enables me to dismantle misconceptions and motivate individuals to pursue assistance. I seek to impact my professional development and the wider community through these efforts. By merging research with practical outreach, I can improve my clinical skills while advocating for the needs of those I assist. My dedication to research and community involvement reflects Walden University’s mission of fostering positive social change.

Reference

Brady, S. J., McKenzie, M., & O’Connor, M. (2018). Student involvement in research: A critical component of a baccalaureate nursing education. 
Nursing Education Perspectives
, 39(3), 156–158. 
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NEP.0000000000000278
Links to an external site.

Muntaner, C., Lynch, J., & Smith, G. D. (2001). Social capital, disorganized communities, and the third way: understanding the retreat from structural inequalities in epidemiology and public health. 
International journal of health services: planning, administration, evaluation
, 
31
(2), 213–237. 
https://doi.org/10.2190/NVW3-4HH0-74PX-AC38
Links to an external site.

Pescosolido, B. A., Medina, T. R., Martin, J. K., & Long, J. S. (2013). The “backbone” of stigma: identifying the global core of public prejudice associated with mental illness. 
American journal of public health
, 
103
(5), 853–860. 
https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2012.301147
Links to an external site.

 

 

 

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Barbara A Shannon

Oct 14, 2024 5:42pm
| Last reply Oct 20, 2024 10:16am

Reply from Barbara A Shannon

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

Incorporating academic activities and accomplishments into professional development is a key aspect of advancing your career and making a broader impact. One strategy for integrating academic activities into your professional development is actively seeking certifications, workshops, and continuing education that align with your field of expertise (Kumar et al., 2020). For example, as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), obtaining additional certifications in trauma-informed care, substance abuse treatment, or geriatric psychiatry could enhance your clinical skills and broaden your scope of practice (Kumar et al., 2020). This ensures you remain current with evolving standards in mental health care, strengthening both your personal and professional growth (Happell et al., 2022). This aligns with Walden University’s social
 
change by acquiring new skills that enable you to provide better care to underserved and vulnerable populations. By staying up to date with the latest evidence-based practices, you can help reduce health disparities and promote mental well-being, which aligns with Walden University’s mission to foster positive social change through education and service to the community (Singh et al., 2022).

Another strategy is to engage in academic research or publish scholarly articles that contribute to the knowledge base in your field (Fraino & Selix, 2021). By participating in research initiatives, conducting studies, or writing articles on mental health care, you can influence practice standards, contribute to the improvement of patient care, and establish yourself as an expert in your specialty (Fraino & Selix, 2021). Engaging in research can also provide opportunities to present at conferences, which further solidifies your role in shaping the field (Fraino & Selix, 2021). This aligns with Walden University’s social change by contributing to research and knowledge dissemination, you advance healthcare policies and practices that can have a significant impact on public health. Sharing insights through publications and conferences helps educate other professionals and raise awareness about pressing issues such as mental health stigma, access to care, and community-based interventions, thus supporting the broader goal of creating a healthier, more equitable society (Happell et al., 2022).

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

Walden University emphasizes creating social change through knowledge application, advocacy, and service to the community. By pursuing continuous learning and contributing to the academic and clinical community, you are actively working toward improving mental health care systems, reducing disparities, and advancing public health initiatives—all of which are crucial components of social change (Hammoudi Halat et al., 2023). Whether through direct patient care, research, or education, these strategies ensure that your professional development is intertwined with making a positive impact in your community and beyond (Fraino & Selix, 2021).

References

Fraino, J., & Selix, N. (2021). Facilitating Well-Rounded Clinical Experience for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Students. 
The journal for nurse practitioners: JNP
, 
17
(8), 1004–1009. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2021.05.015
Links to an external site.

Hammoudi Halat, D., Soltani, A., Dalli, R., Alsarraj, L., & Malki, A. (2023). Understanding andFostering Mental Health and Well-Being among University Faculty: A Narrative Review. 
Journal of clinical medicine
, 
12
(13), 4425. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12134425

Happell, B.,  Donovan, A. O.,  Warner, T.,  Sharrock, J., &  Gordon, S. (2022).  Creating ortaking opportunity: Strategies for implementing expert by experience positions in mentalhealth academia. 
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
, 29,  592–602. 
https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12839
Links to an external site.

Kumar, A., Kearney, A., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. 
Archives of psychiatric nursing
, 
34
(5), 275–280. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022
Links to an external site.

Singh, V., Kumar, A., & Gupta, S. (2022). Mental Health Prevention and Promotion-A Narrative Review. 
Frontiers in psychiatry
, 
13
, 898009. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.898009

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Social change
. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
Links to an external site.

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Erin Roecker

Oct 14, 2024 1:45pm
| Last reply Oct 19, 2024 11:23am

Reply from Erin Roecker

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

By including academic accomplishments into one’s professional development goals one can enhance their skill set and make themselves for marketable. This can be done by choosing academic interests that benefit personal goals. For example, if a registered nurse wants to be a nurse manager a degree in leadership or management would be beneficial both academically and personally. In my case, I have a personal goal of becoming a nurse practitioner, thus a master’s degree in nursing with an interest in FNP makes sense both academically and personally. Another way to include academic accomplishments into one’s professional development goals is by showcasing those accomplishments as a portfolio. According to an article regarding nursing portfolios, “A professional portfolio is a compilation of carefully selected materials that document the nurse’s competencies. The materials placed in a portfolio illustrate the background skills, and expertise of the nurse (Oermann, 2002).” This portfolio can include certifications, special skillsets and any pertinent projects. Portfolios serves as concrete evidence of a nurse’s skillset and background.

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

According to the Walden University 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, n.d.).” My aim is to transform myself into a compassionate, understanding, and caring provider so I can make positive social change in my community. My hope is to continue working for Indian health services in the state of Alaska which has such a large need for compassionate and educated providers to serve the rural population here. Promoting social change can be achieved through advocacy, culturally competent care and education. Social change is also achieved by bridging the gap between lack of care due to provider shortages in Alaska. Midlevel’s help bridge that gap and get more people access to care. According to an article regarding outmigration of Native Alaskans, access to care was a large factor in moving from rural to urban areas. “Barriers preventing access to social services such as health care diminish the quality of life of residents in rural Alaska and may motivate rural residents to seek such services elsewhere (Driscoll, Dotterrer, Miller, & Voorhees, 2010).” By bridging that gap through social change hopefully more Native Alaskans can get what they need where they currently reside.

References:

Driscoll, D., Dotterrer, B., Miller, J., & Voorhees, H. (2010). Assessing the influence of health on rural outmigration in Alaska. 
International Journal of Circumpolar Health
, 
69
(5), 528–544. 
https://doi.org/10.3402/ijch.v69i5.17683
Links to an external site.

Oermann MH. (2002). Developing a professional portfolio in nursing. 
Orthopaedic Nursing
, 
21
(2), 73–78. 
https://doi.org/10.1097/00006416-200203000-00013
Links to an external site.

Walden University. (n.d.). 
Social change
. 
https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
Links to an external site.

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Romel Suason

Oct 14, 2024 12:52pm
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 6:41pm

Reply from Romel Suason

Strategies for Academic Portfolios

Portfolio-based learning for nursing professionals is associated with developing professional self-concept, a crucial aspect of professionalism in nursing that translates into excellence in care. Specifically, through portfolio learning, nursing interns learn the various aspects of professional self-concepts, such as building self-esteem, caring, communication, professional knowledge, staff relations, and leadership (Mohajer et al., 2023). The ultimate result of such learning by nursing students is improved overall confidence in the care offered to various population members. Therefore, this post will discuss at least two strategies that nurses could use to build their portfolios with examples.

The portfolio is a workplace-based tool for monitoring and reflecting on clinical practice (Najaffard et al., 2024). It enhances nursing clinical competence development to ensure effective patient care (Najaffard et al., 2024). Developing an effective nurse portfolio provides a clinical governance tool that will foster nursing students’ learning and assessment of their clinical competence (Najaffard et al., 2024). Therefore, developing a high-quality nurse portfolio is crucial to developing clinical competence and translates to effective patient care. One strategy that nurses could utilize to build their portfolios is employing e-portfolio tools and templates. A shift to the utilization of electronic machinery to simplify and streamline work in all areas of life has resulted from the adoption of technological advances in various aspects of life. In the development of portfolios, using e-portfolios resulted in a significant increase in knowledge and performance scores demonstrated by the nurses (Najaffard et al., 2024). Additionally, the e-portfolio improves nurses’ awareness and performance in clinical governance due to their utilization to develop a comprehensive nursing portfolio (Najaffard et al., 2024). One of the strategies nurses could use in building their portfolio is an e-portfolio, which enhances knowledge in portfolio building, simplifies portfolio development, and enhances nurses’ clinical competence.

The other strategy nurses could use to include academic activities and accomplishments into their professional development goals is listing their academic achievements and activities in their professional portfolio and aligning them with future professional goals. Focusing on work histories, grants, and professional networking opportunities through research and conference speeches could help nurses identify other professional goals that would be of value to their professional development (Burns, 2018). Other areas of focus include listing academic activities that align with involvement in the community and expert recommendations received throughout the nurse’s academic journey (Burns, 2018). Outlining these recommendations would open the nurse’s eyes to future professional development opportunities that could be developed into professional goals guiding further clinical and professional nursing practice

competence.

Professional development goals through portfolio creation align with the university’s emphasis on social change by highlighting areas that the nurse could develop to enhance their contribution to society. The nurse could identify impact areas where they could lend their expertise to improve community well-being. An example is through professional networking to identify gaps in community health that the nurse could help address. The conduction of community health assessments will allow the nurse to decipher how to apply their academic and clinical competencies as resources to address challenges occurring locally, regionally, and globally. Further, engaging with community members will increase the nurse’s awareness of social justice issues affecting the community served by the nurse. By developing professional networks to fight these social injustices, the nurse will contribute to community reparative processes and result in positive social change. Therefore, developing a professional self-concept through portfolio building will allow nurses to apply their professional expertise to effect social change.

 

 

References

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 
93
(3), 16–17.

Mohajer, S., Yoong, L. T., Chan, M. C., Danaee, M., Mazlum, R. S., & Bagheri, N. (2023). The effect of professional portfolio learning on nursing students’ professional self-concepts in geriatric adult internship: a quasi-experimental study. 
BMC Medical Education
, 
23
(114). 
https://doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12909-023-04097-4
Links to an external site.

Najaffard, N., Mohammadi, A., Mojtahedzagdeh, R., & Zarei, A. (2024). E-portfolio as an effective tool for improvement of practitioner nurses’ clinical competence. 
BMC Medical Education
, 
24
(114). 
https://doi.org/10.1186%2Fs12909-024-05092-z
Links to an external site.

 

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Caitlin J Mcelhaney

Oct 14, 2024 11:44am
| Last reply Oct 18, 2024 6:36pm

Reply from Caitlin J Mcelhaney

Professional Development Goals

One of my primary professional development goals is to enhance my clinical expertise in psychiatric nursing by incorporating evidence-based practices (EBP) into my daily patient care. This involves staying updated with the latest research and clinical guidelines to improve patient outcomes, particularly in behavioral health settings. Another key goal is to pursue leadership roles in mental health initiatives, both within my organization and in broader professional nursing networks. By doing so, I aim to contribute to the advancement of mental health care, reduce health disparities, and promote a culture of continuous improvement in nursing practice. According to Melnyk et al. (2017), the implementation of EBP not only improves healthcare quality but also equips practitioners with the necessary skills to lead and influence change, aligning well with my career aspirations to drive positive outcomes in mental health care settings. 
 

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

Incorporating academic activities and accomplishments into professional development goals is essential for bridging the gap between scholarly work and practical application in a clinical setting. One effective strategy is incorporating research and evidence-based practice (EBP). Engaging in research related to psychiatric nursing interventions and applying EBP in clinical care can enhance a practitioner’s role by improving patient outcomes and advancing the field. For instance, studying therapeutic communication in patients with schizophrenia and implementing new communication strategies in practice not only demonstrates leadership in clinical innovation but also contributes to professional growth (Melnyk et al., 2017). Another strategy is engaging in academic leadership and mentorship. Taking leadership roles in professional organizations or mentoring other nurses offers valuable experience and networking opportunities. For example, mentoring nursing students on research or clinical decision-making can enhance leadership skills, aligning with professional development by fostering collaboration and promoting career advancement (Yoder-Wise, 2019).

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

Walden University places a strong emphasis on social change by encouraging the use of academic knowledge to address real-world issues. Aligning professional goals with evidence-based practice (EBP) contributes to this mission, as it promotes positive social change by improving patient outcomes, reducing health disparities, and enhancing community health. Through research and EBP, professionals can make a direct impact on society by addressing pressing healthcare challenges (Walden University, 2020). Additionally, engaging in academic leadership and mentorship helps develop skilled healthcare professionals, empowering them to contribute to systemic improvements in healthcare. By mentoring future nurses or leading within professional organizations, individuals foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, which aligns with Walden’s vision of nurturing agents of social change. Ultimately, integrating academic accomplishments into professional development not only facilitates personal growth but also contributes to societal well-being and aligns with the university’s commitment to social responsibility and positive impact.

References:

Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholt, E., Gallagher-Ford, L., & Kaplan, L. (2017). 
The state of evidence-based practice in US nurses: Critical implications for nurse leaders and educators
. Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(7/8), 379-384.

Walden University. (2020). 
About social change
. https://www.waldenu.edu/about/social-change

Yoder-Wise, P. S. (2019). 
Leading and managing in nursing
 (7th ed.). Elsevier.

 

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Lisa Starkey

Oct 14, 2024 7:16am
| Last reply Oct 17, 2024 11:21am

Reply from Lisa Starkey

Discussion 5

Professional Development Goals

My professional development goals are specific and focus on enhancing my knowledge and expertise in the psychiatric mental health field, explicitly obtaining advanced certifications, and engaging in evidence-based research that highlights underserved communities and addresses health disparities.  Developing a professional portfolio showcases my academic capabilities and emphasizes my ability to conduct evidence-based research while presenting findings effectively.  These contributions to my field ultimately support improved patient outcomes and promote social change (
Burns, 2018
).

 

Strategies for Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

A compelling portfolio development strategy may include a detailed record of documenting key academic projects, presentations, research papers, and capstone projects.  For example, my collaboration with faculty and peers on research focused on mental health interventions for underserved populations.  Showcasing my academic accomplishments enhances my knowledge while providing opportunities to publish findings that support me in gaining valuable insights to shape my professional practice (
Siddiqui et al., 2022
).  The presentation of research findings dedicated to mental health has the potential to bolster my credentials and foster broader discussions in support of improving mental health access.  I am allowed to network and become exposed to the latest developments in the mental health space.  The exposure will enable me to incorporate new ideas and best practices (
Schmidt, n.d.
).

 

Goals and Alignment with Walden University’s Social Change

Walden University’s emphasis on social change aligns with my professional development goals of serving the mental health population to improve health outcomes.  Investigating effective interventions for populations often encountering systemic barriers to care will promote reducing care gaps in mental health services.  My advanced certificate aligns with Walden’s commitment to creating a positive social impact.  Walden’s dedication to critical thinking, research, and discovery cultivates scholarly and reflective professionals.  I aspire to be in alignment with providing quality mental health services.  Based on my experience thus far at Walden, I will be fully equipped to advocate for equitable mental health services, given the existing disparities within healthcare (
Academics: Student Catalog, Handbook, and University Guidebooks: Student Catalog, Student Handbook, and University Guidebooks
, n.d.
).

​

References

Academics: Student catalog, handbook, and university guidebooks: Student catalog, student handbook, and university guidebooks
. (n.d.). Retrieved August 27, 2024, from 
Links to an external site.
https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Links to an external site.

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. 
Ohio Nurses Review
, 
93
(3), 16–17.
Links to an external site.

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 
5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking
. BluePipes Blog. Retrieved August 27, 2024, from 
Links to an external site.

5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking

Links to an external site.

Siddiqui, Z., Fisher, M. B., Slade, C., Downer, T., Kirby, M. M., McAllister, L., Isbel, S. T., & Christine Brown Wilson. (2022). Twelve tips for introducing e-portfolios in health professions education. 
Medical Teacher
, 
45
(2), 139–144. 
Links to an external site.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0142159x.2022.2053085