Professional Development Plan The purpose of this assignment is to formulate a plan that will guide me as I pursue the graduate nursing program at Walden University. This proposal will complement all facets of my life, as a Registered Nurse, a wife, a mother, and an emerging scholar-practitioner. Education and Professional Background My nursing career began in 1992, after graduating from an RN Diploma program. The education I received afforded diverse career opportunities, from staff nurse in a cardiovascular recovery unit (CVRU), operating room (OR) supervisor in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center specializing in ophthalmology and occularplastics, a residential RN for autistic children living in an intermediate care facility, to my present position as a Continuous Quality Assurance RN. Each position provided unique learning experiences that I will use as I engage in my graduate studies. While working in the CVRU, I assisted with the development of a “Fast Track” Recovery Program. As an OR supervisor, I had an opportunity to hone my managerial skills, delegate responsibilities and cultivate a team environment. My work with autistic and developmentally disabled children and adults improved my skills as a patient advocate. Today, I focus on patient safety. Professional Goals Attaining my baccalaureate was a future goal, as I have completed the prerequisite courses; however, the RN to MSN bridge program replaced that goal. The standards as set forth by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), to earn accreditation, provides me with the confidence that Walden University commits to the mission and vision statements as 7 defined in the handbook. I will graduate as a nurse scholar, leader/manager, equipped with the tools necessary to function as an agent of change for the better of society. Course Learning Goals My immediate goal is developing a scholarly voice and gaining proficiency with the standards for writing developed by the American Psychological Association. The course descriptions peak my interest regarding the current health care delivery system and becoming proactive toward the future changes of health care reform. Practicum I look forward to having the opportunity to be mentored by an influential nurse leader/manager. I see no limits to what I can learn through the mentoring of others. Summary This paper provided the chance to put my goals on paper. I identified strengths and weaknesses from past experiences. I will reflect upon this paper as I progress through my studies at Walden University. The projected date of graduation as per my plan is August 2013, and I begin my journey as a nurse scholar, leader/manager
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