NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties
In my case, the nursing specialty I would love to choose is Acute Care. An Acute Care Nurse Practitioner is one who advanced practices the nursing role to care for critically ill patients with the intent of improving continuity of care and patient outcomes. This role is especially valuable as they are very helpful to ease the load off physicians. In fact, one eye-catching fact that intrigues me about them was the history of this position. This position was initially created to decrease the increasing workload of physicians and address the lack of acute care in hospitals. This high priority position seems to be very fitting for me as I love to take control and lead in times of confusion. I believe I can use my experience and calm and collected mindset to aid the situations. The reasons as to why I decided this nursing specialty was because of my experience as an Acute Surgical RN.
I started my first job as an Emergency room RN. As a nurse in acute care, I was responsible for time-sensitive illnesses and injury, rapid intervention to prevent death or disability, and restoring optimal health to patients. Acute care nurses must be able to react quickly and efficiently during high stress situations. Emotions are very high during these cares, but a nurse must be professional while practicing empathy for patients and their families.” (“acute care nurse practitioner role in Canada: Longwoods.com,” n.d.) I always wanted to be part of
critical communication and coordination link between all aspects of patient care of the acute and critically ill patients. The acute care, as a speciality, in NP program attracts me due to my past experience and a very rewarding position as you see patients improve but it can be a humbling experience every day which prompts further learning and improvement of skills. I believe that seeing what an Acute setting is like would prepare me promptly for such a specialization; supportive leadership of health care managers; and stable and predictable funding.
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The difficulties that I had making this choice of specialization is that there are so many different options to choose from. It is very difficult and stressful to pinpoint the exact field you would like to dive into. Looking at each category of the MSN program, I saw that everyone had their own advantages. Knowing that this decision will determine what you will have to do daily is something that requires lots of thought and care. I wanted to do something where I could use my experience from the past and learn more in the process.
The sole factor that drove me towards my position was the patients at my hospital. Seeing them get more satisfaction from NPs compared to their designated Physicians. These patients had fewer unnecessary readmissions and emergency visits. In fact, Nurse practitioners are proven to decrease patient hospitalizations, ER visits and lengths of stay at various facilities, keeping health care costs down for patients, institutions, and taxpayers, and reducing time and income lost from work. (“Online acute care nurse practitioner MSN program | Walden University,” n.d.) Seeing all these amazing this done by previous Nurse Practitioners inspires and drives me to make my decision. This satisfaction I receive treating the patients, alongside my passion, is my driving force.
Finally, the last factor that is driving me to choose this specialty is my experience and expertise in the topic care (Forbes & Jessup, 2004). This journey requires rigorous graduate level academic preparation, acquisition of new knowledge and skills, and major changes in function and scope of practice. Graduate nursing education can be a time of great inspiration and excitement, yet it is also a time of upheaval and challenge for students while they struggle to meet academic demands and begin to make the transition from RN to FNP The American Association of Nurse Practitioners or AANP is one of the largest professional organizations in the USA. Within this association, there is the Acute Care Specialty Practice Group (SPG) which provides the opportunity to interact with colleagues in the same field. The AANP membership is customized to be a unified way to network and advocate their issues. AANP. “Whether you are just beginning your NP education or retiring from the profession, you can support the NP role while receiving member benefits that, in turn, support you personally and professionally”. (“AANP | The American Association of Nurse Practitioners,” 2019) The process to gain the membership is very seamless and easy. Simply, go onto their website at aanp.org and find the membership section. Then go to the NP type and follow the procedure to get the membership. There is a $150 fee; however, once you are in the organization you are given the rights to voting in Association elections. They do not look at you at a simple member, but as a unique part of their large society. It is a very helpful setting for old and new Nps.
References
AANP | The American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2021, Nov 14). American Association of Nurse Practitioners. https://www.aanp.org/? gclid=CjwKCAjwmf_4BRABEiwAGhDfSbB3XIfgFLRdk2qeSs_ThVUVYJOPmmXHk YIke2q8QJcRXBrQoCuATBoCwfsQAvD_BwE
The acute care nurse practitioner role in Canada:: Longwoods.com. (n.d.). Longwoods Publishing :: Longwoods.com. https://www.longwoods.com/content/22272/nursing- leadership/the-acute-care-nurse-practitioner-role-in-canada Online acute care nurse practitioner MSN program
Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University: Accredited Online University Online Degree Programs. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/msn-nurse-practitioner-
I worked on a gen/med floor in a level one trauma hospital when I started nursing. It provided a good foundation for being a new nurse, but it was a slower-paced job than I was expecting. Downtime has always been challenging for me, so I decided to change positions and become an intensive care nurse. Here is where I found my passion for action, well, in a sense. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and had more confidence in my skills at the end of each shift. And as I took on the position of charge nurse, I realized that I was good at being a leader. I enjoyed working in a high-intensity environment, and people responded well to me. With this in mind, I decided to take things a step further in my career, so I applied to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program here at Walden
As an ICU travel nurse, technically a “COVID ICU travel nurse,” the workload has become more demanding in the past year and a half. During this time, I couldn’t physically be with my family due to obvious reasons, which made coping alone difficult. I also started noticing a feeling of being utterly drained of energy. I was burned out! According to research, health workers can encounter various psychological difficulties when working in high-pressure and high-risk situations, such as those associated with disasters and pandemics (Salamah, 2020). So instead of taking the break I so desperately needed, I decided to head back to nursing school and keep that momentum of intensity going. Unfortunately, distraction is a coping mechanism I have learned to master. So it’s clear to say, here is where I’ve been struggling a bit with making a definite career choice. Though I love taking care of patients and providing support to families, I started questioning whether or not working in a hospital setting as a nurse practitioner is what I wanted to do. I knew I needed some guidance and clarity if I wanted to stay on the path of becoming an acute care NP.
Being an active member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), I knew that I would find information to tackle my fatigue and learn new ways to plan for career advancement in the field I once loved. In addition, AACN provides resources to assist nurses in prioritizing their well-being while providing substantial care to patients and their families. For example, nurse leaders affiliated with the organization offer sessions on practical mindful activities to improve personal and organizational resilience during current challenging times in healthcare. As a result, nurses will learn to implement strategic pauses and thoughtful moments into their workday (Bay, 2021).
There are several professional nursing organizations whose primary focus is on critical care nursing for nurses practicing in acute care, one being AACN. The AACN has provided progressive and critical care nurses with world-class resources, education, and support for over 50 years and has over 130,000 members (AACN, 2021). Listed below are some of the membership options for those who are interested in joining. Membership fees can be found on the AACN website.
- Active membership is open to any registered nurse licensed in the United States interested in critical care nursing and is in good standing with their state or territory’s licensing office. Additionally, nurses who work in research, administration, education, medical-surgical, telemetry, progressive care units, home health, or any other healthcare agency are qualified (AACN, 2021).
- Any LVN or LPN, non-nurse professional, or student working in these fields, as well as any healthcare consumer or member of the business or political community, is eligible. However, affiliate members cannot vote, hold office, or serve on national or chapter committees (AACN, 2021).
- Professional nurses who have an RN license in a country other than the United States are eligible. Membership includes all AACN privileges; however, all benefits, including a member card, are provided digitally (through email or the Web). International members are not eligible to run for office or participate on national or chapter committees (AACN, 2021).
- Any resident of the United States (or a non-citizen of the United States who resides inside the United States) enrolled in an accredited professional nursing program and is not currently licensed as a registered nurse is eligible. Membership in the AACN entitles them to all AACN advantages. However, student members cannot vote, hold office, or serve on national or chapter committees (AACN, 2021).
References
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2021). AACN Membership Types and Rates. https://www.aacn.org/membership/aacn-membership-types-and-rate
Bay, L. M. (2021). Mindfulness: Using Pause Principles to Enhance Your Nursing Practice. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. https://www.aacn.org/education/ce-activities/nti18396/mindfulness-using-pause-principles-to-enhance-your-nursing-practice.
Salamah, B. (2020). Exploring the mental health needs of intensive care unit nurses facing the pandemic of covid-19. ScholarWorks@UARK. https://scholarworks.uark.edu/nursstudent/13/.
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 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.
To Prepare:
Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
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.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 10 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 10
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 10 Discussion
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Name: NURS_6003_Module06_Week11_Assignment_Rubric
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Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan:
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- Write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table comparing at least two nursing specialties, including your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
- Write a 2-3 paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
- Identify the professional organization related to the specialization you have chosen to focus on for this Assignment and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.
Points Range: 77 (77%) – 85 (85%)
A fully completed and detailed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided that accurately and fully describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.
A clear and accurately justified statement describes in detail the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with sufficient evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing is an impressive accomplishment. I have worked with mental health and mental disability populations for the past seven years as a registered nurse. I have the ability to care for people in a way that makes a difference due to my compassion and love. I’ve decided to pursue a nursing profession as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a Mental Health specialty (MHNP). Because I know what I want and why I want it, selecting a nurse practitioner specialty was not difficult for me. I chose MHNP because mental illness and post-traumatic disorders are the root cause of many cases of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide. The majority of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals have dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorder. According to Kennder, K. S. (2019), mental disease is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental variables. The majority of our patients had encountered a terrible event and endured intense emotional suffering. Unfortunately, these individuals are vilified, ostracized, and marginalized as opposed to receiving the necessary help and therapy.
I was born and reared in Rwanda, one of the East African countries, where mental illness is thought to be a myth. Due to a lack of understanding of mental health problems, Rwandans with mental health disorders are completely ignored and shunned by their families and society. In Rwanda, those with mental illness are supposed to be possessed by sorcerers and witches. Instead of seeking professional treatment, their family take them to a traditional doctor or priest in an attempt to rid them of the witchcraft, but this has no effect. Due to the stigma associated with it, families abandon individuals to perish on the streets. Families absolutely reject those who suffer from mental illness due to the stigmatization that surrounds them. To make matters worse, the government lacks the resources to assist those with mental illness. Imagine a nation of more than twelve million people with only one mental health facility in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The majority of clinicians lack adequate knowledge of mental disease. There are no mental health clinics or institutions in every village. I chose to pursue MHNP in order to be in a position to assist my people back home. I will raise awareness of mental health disorders and dispel the notion that they are related with witchcraft. I shall hold numerous seminars at home and educate my people on the reality and treatability of mental health disorders.
Working in numerous nursing settings with a variety of roles is the finest aspect of the profession of nursing. Nursing is a constantly evolving profession. Joining a professional association is vital for staying abreast of the most recent local, regional, and worldwide knowledge and practices (Matthews, 2012). The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is a professional association for nurse practitioners (NP) that provides advocacy for practice, information on current topics, free continuing education, journal subscriptions, and opportunities for professional development and promotion. This year, this group boasts 119,000 members, a significant increase from previous years. AANP provides NP students the opportunity to join for only $ 55 per year. As soon as an individual completes an NP program and obtains certification as an NP from a nationally recognized certifying organization, the annual membership fee is $150. (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2021).
References
American Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (AANP). (2021). Participate in the nurse practitioner’s voice (2021). In Membership of AANP. https://www.aanp.org/membership
Kendler, K. S. (2019). From many to one to many: the hunt for psychiatric disorder causes JAMA Psychiatry 76(10):1085-1091. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.1200. PMID: 31215968
J. Matthews (2012). Professional organizations’ role in promoting the nursing profession. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, volume 17, issue 1, page 3.
10.3912/OJIN.Vol17No01Man03
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I appreciated reading your article. I believe it is admirable that you are getting a degree in mental health. I presently work in the Electroconvulsive Therapy unit of our Behavioral Health hospital, so I have direct experience with the effects of mental health on individuals. My heart bleeds for these individuals, and I encounter so many untreated cases of depression, therefore I admire you for stepping up to provide optimal care for your patients. I discovered this post written by a mental health nurse, and her thoughts resonate strongly with me. “Mental health is a fundamental, intrinsic phenomenon and a universal requirement of humanity. Mental health is delicate and sophisticated; a delicate robe that is easily torn and tattered, momentarily shifted and forgotten. Some persons have poorer mental health and are more forgetful than others. (McCabe, 2005). I believe that mental health is one of the least treated and underdiagnosed ailments worldwide. I believe it is crucial that we raise awareness of this issue and treat our patients effectively.
We appreciate your sharing,
Crystal
References
McCabe, S. (2005). Where is Mental Health Care in Psychiatric Nursing? Psychiatric Care Perspectives, 41(3), 133-135. doi:https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/j.1744-6163.2005.00024.x
J. Matthews (2012). Professional organizations’ role in promoting the nursing profession. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, volume 17, issue 1, page 3.
10.3912/OJIN.Vol17No01Man03
The response clearly identifies and accurately describes in detail the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response clearly and accurately describes in detail how to become an active member of this organization.
Points Range: 68 (68%) – 76 (76%)
A partially completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided that partially describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.
A partially justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with some evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
The response partially describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response partially describes how to become an active member of this organization.
Points Range: 59 (59%) – 67 (67%)
A vague or inaccurately completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided describing the selected and second-preferred specialization.
A vague or inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
The response vaguely or inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response vaguely or inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 58 (58%)
A vague and inaccurately completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided describing the selected and second-preferred specialization or is missing.
A vague and inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague and inaccurate evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum, or is missing.
The response vaguely and inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response vaguely and inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization, or is missing.
Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization:
Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria.
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.
A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided which delineates all required criteria.
Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.
Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive.
Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time.
Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is vague or off topic.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time.
No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion was provided.
Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards:
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list.
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct APA format with no errors.
Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.
Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
Total Points: 100
Name: NURS_6003_Module06_Week11_Assignment_Rubric