Difficulties in determining nursing specializations

Week 6: Standards of Practice Learning Objectives Students will: • • • • • Analyze difficulties in determining nursing specializations (D) Compare nursing specialties (A) Justify selection of MSN specialization (A) Analyze nursing specialization professional organization engagement strategies (A) Create Academic Success and Professional Development Plans(A) Discussion: 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. Often decisions are 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. 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. Difficulties in determining nursing specializations

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. Support main post with 3 of more current, credible sources and cite source within content of posting and on a reference list in proper APA. “I did the week 6 discussion already just do 2 replies to these students discussion following the instructions carefully” JUST REPLY TO THE 2 STUDENTS BELOW Be sure to offer support from at least 2 current, credible sources in each required response to classmates’ main post and cite per APA. Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days, by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose. Reply #1 to this student discussion Student PS RE: Discussion – Week 6 COLLAPSE My choice of nursing specialty within the program is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). I was introduced to mental health care nursing during my clinical rotation. While attending it was not a popular area for students as we were fearful of the unpredictable nature of psychiatric patients. However, the need for a job and financial constraint was a formidable aspect that would cause me to apply for a position as a mental health technician within the same facility of my clinical rotation. It was during my employ as a mental health technician that I had a better understanding of the types of mental health disorders and their behaviors. I grew to understand that mental health disorder not only affects a specific population, but it affects all lives whether it is a minor depressive period or just a mood we are experiencing. It affects every race, age, any strata of a social group, rich, poor, in fact mental disorder can be a real issue for many persons or everyone but the difference was in how it is controlled through coping mechanisms and sometimes with the use of medications. Another aspect of mental/behavioral health disorder was the substance abuse issue that many people faced. It was at this point that I made the decision to continue within this area, of study. I believed I had the personality and capability to deal with this population. Areas of strength which I possess included patience, understanding, empathy for the psychiatric patient population. Although I have had minimal psychiatric issue which I always try to resolve through spiritual belief and other coping mechanisms I have develop my own technique for maintaining emotional balance. I thought of myself as a best fit nurse for the position of psychiatric nurse, who could positively contribute to the wellness of patients in my care. My conviction to work in this area also stemmed from the many cases of patients within my country, who do not get the treatment, which could improve their quality of life significantly. Instead the population would just categorize them as a “mad man” or a “mad woman” which saddens me. It has been almost eight years and my passion and love for my job has never decreased, in fact it has grown where, I want to make a more meaningful connection with this population, hence the reason to continue studying presently. It is my desire to advocate for my patients and do more to help them live a better quality of life, despite mental illness. Difficulties that I have encountered was my inability to continue studying due to financial restraints. Another concern lies in my ability to care for the wide cross section of patient population between the ages of 4-90. Other areas of concerns learning how to effectively reach the population that has a substance abuse problem and prevent possible future relapse by this patient population. My driving force to complete my goal is my conviction, caring, determination, hard work and high sense of integrity and the need to advocate for my patient population. The importance of joining a nursing organization serves many purposes. Valid reasons for joining a nursing organization the provision of continuity of care through seminars, webinars, journal with useful information to promote improved patient care. A nursing organization provides the ability to network or collaborate with other professionals, it provides members with the ability to obtain peer reviewed research, it provides job opportunities for professionals seeking jobs, of course the benefits cannot be ignored from savings to be obtained at a reduced rates for example with certification or recertifications. Walden University (2018). One organization which I have considered which has standards that affect different levels of nursing is the American Nurses Association (ANA). The association is the framework of many nursing practices, it primary goal is to advocate for patients, so they will receive best quality care. The American Nurse Association (2015). It is easy to become a member of the American Nurse Association, it is cost effective and it provides affordable payment plan. The goal is to promote wellness and health among the patient population. The American Nurses Association (2015). An organization which is pertinent to my area of study is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). This organization helps with the health and wellness promotions of individuals with mental health issues, preventing mental health problems and treatment of these individuals. Registered nurses can become a member of the organization by paying due and engaging in activities that promotes the goals of the organization. Walden University (2018). Another organization that I find interesting and would like to be a member of which is useful is the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). Membership to this organization are invited based on leadership and accomplishments and are designated as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing. The organization provides evidence-based, care for diverse patient population, one area of emphasis for this organization is Psychiatric Mental Health & Substance abuse, violence, women health implementing policies for substance use. The organization contributes significantly to psychiatric care through programs such Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). SAMHSA provides funding by creating system of care to children with serious mental health conditions and their family. Walden University (2018). In concluding the benefits of joining a nursing organization, particularly one that fits within your area of specialty include personal and professional development, access to mentorship services, access resources within specialized areas. An important aspect is individual’s ability to make meaningful contribution such creating policies to the benefit of patients. Quinn-Szcesuil (2016). Membership encourages proactivity and profound impact in our ability to influence patients care outcome. Reference Quinn-Szcesuil, J. (2016). Why you should join a nursing association. Retrieved from https://dailynurse.com/join-nursing-association/ The American Nurses Association. (2015) Nursing Informatic: Scope and Standard of Practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: author. Walden University. (n. d). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://www.wadldenu.edu/masters/master-of-sceienceinnursing Reply #2 to this student discussion Student SB RE: Discussion – Week 6 COLLAPSE My specialization of choice is Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practioner and when I decided to pursue my MSN, I knew this was the field I wanted to study. I currently practice as a home health RN and see a variety of patients in their homes and at assisted living facilities and I truly enjoy this population. I believe this population is underserved and they need a full array of attention both mentally and physically. For that reason, I value the importance of social networking and connecting with others involved in treating this population. Joining a professional organization is one way that I can align with the ANA Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (Echevarria, (20180)). According to Echevarria, this will allow me to grow professionally, make strong connections and find proper mentors. VNAAH is the perfect membership for me to obtain because this organization “supports, promotes, and advocates for the role of missiondriven hoe-based care providers including home health, hospice, and palliative care” (VNAA, 2020). VNAA also belongs to ElevatingHome, which is an “industry organization formed to align, unify, and strengthen the home-based care industry (VNAA, 2020). To join you simply email Heather Corbin through the link provided on their website to start the process of joining or click the apply for individual membership link. VNAA allows individual memberships which is great, and it is $250 per year. According to (Cherry, Caramanica, Everett, Fennimore, Scott, 2019), as nurses evolve and grow, they are influenced by mentors, coaches and experience therefore, it is essential to commit to lifelong learning for strong professional development. Joining a professional nursing organization and being a part of groups of nurses that focus on influencing and growing the nursing profession is essential to my success (Cherry et al, (2019)). Cherry, B., Caramanica, L., Everett,L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). ‘ Difficulties in determining nursing specializations

Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517519. https://ovidsp-ovidcom.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=ovft&AN=000051 10-201911000-00002&PDF=y&Counter5=PDF_email_jump_start%7c00005110-20191100000002%7covft%7covftdb%7covftu Echevarria, I. M. (2019). Make connections by joining a nursing association. Nursing, 48(12), 35-38. VNAA, advancing quality, value and innovation in home-based care. (2020). https://www.vnaa.org/ Learning Resources Required Readings Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice, third edition—2015. Retrieved from https://www.augusta.edu/nursing/cnr/documents/seminar-files/pp8.28.pdf Cherry, B., Caramanica, L, Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (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. Quinn-Szcesuil, J. (2016). Why you should join a nursing association. Retrieved from https://dailynurse.com/join-nursing-association/ Truant, R., & Chan, R. J. (2017). Difficulties in determining nursing specializations

Future ready: Strengthening oncology nursing leadership in the context of professional oncology nursing organizations. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 27(1), 2-4. Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing Document: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template (Word document) Choose among the following to review your specialization’s Scope and Standards of Practice or Competencies: American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author. Nursing Informatics • E-book: Nursing Informatics: Scope and Standards of Practice “The Scope of Nursing Informatics Practice: Functional Areas of Nursing Informatics” (pp. 18–3 Nursing Education Website: Competencies for the Academic Nurse Educator National League for Nursing. (2019). Nurse educator core competency. Retrieved from http://www.nln.org/professional-development-programs/competencies-for-nursingeducation/nurse-educator-core-competency Note: The competencies for the Academic Nurse Educator do not encompass the competencies or scope and standards of practice for the Nursing Professional Developer. The set of competencies associated with that specific role within the Nurse Education specialization will be examined in future competencies throughout your specialization program of study. Nurse Executive Website: Nurse Executive Competencies American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2015). AONL Nurse Executive competencies. Retrieved from https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leadercompetencies Public Health Nursing Website: Public Health Nurse Competencies Quad Council Coalition. (2018). Community/Public Health Nursing [C/PHN] competencies. Retrieved from http://www.quadcouncilphn.org/documents-3/2018-qcc-competencies/ American Nurses Association. (2013). Public health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.) Silver Spring, MD: Author. Week 6 Discussion MY DISCUSSION I CHOICE ADULT-GERONTOLOGY ACUTE CARE NURSE PRACTITIONER. Honestly, I always wanted to be an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner back in 2000, I started my own search about the path to get there. I did Radiology first in 2002 to get into hospitals which was very difficult to get into them. I did a short cut because for nursing program there were long waiting list. Then I did a transitional program from Radiology technologist to RN in 14 months in 2008. Difficulties in determining nursing specializations

I discovered every day my passion to take care of the sickest patients with difficult conditions. It was time for me to put in practice all my experience in diagnostic and therapeutic radiography to patients on clinical nursing aspect. Finally, I transferred to a nursing position in ICU. I like to study the clinical cases of every patient, and memorizing all diseases found along the day. I like to do my own follow up on the next day about previous of anything that was happening regarding the body respond to treatment given. After all, I decided to pursue my MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner AG-ACNP or ACNP here at Walden University. ACNP provides advanced nursing care to patients suffering severe illnesses, typically in an emergency department, ambulatory care clinic or other short term stay facility. ACPN is a key care provider and impact lives, oversee your own group of patients and provide complete, preventive, and continuous healthcare across the spectrum of adolescence to older adulthood (Walden, 2018). They are ready to diagnose and treat acute medical conditions, working in collaboration with the physician and other members of the health care team. The ACNP profession is one of the more fast-paced nursing career choices, and it is loaded with responsibility and variety. An acute care nurse practitioner may work in an emergency room, operating room, critical care units vs Family Nurse Practitioner are more limited to walk-in clinic, doctors’ office, and community-based environment, ACNPs care for patients suffering from acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome or shock. They also care for pre- and post-operative patients, and may perform advanced, invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Acute care nurse practitioners may serve as case managers and team leaders. I also recommend to be part of any nurse professional organization to get inform about their mission. Some organizations offer opportunities that others do not; nurses should become familiar with these and weigh the benefits. For example, if the goal is to enhance professional development, a nurse can factor in whether an organization offers educational resources (Echeverria, 2018). Similarly, it is recommended that nurses achieve specialty certifications and continuing-education opportunities whenever available to develop and maintain their knowledge base and skill set. I will get into an ACNP such as The National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the National Black Nurses Association are geared toward minority nurses and will give all the education necessary to excel (Quinn, 2016). Difficulties in determining nursing specializations

ACNP is for me the best choice that fit my expectations. Moreover, the current health care crisis in the US has resulted in a particular need for acute care specialists, in spite of a decrease in the number of facilities providing such care. That’s because more patients are uninsured or under-insured. Unable to pay for preventative or ongoing medical care, these patients are more likely to turn to emergency rooms and other acute care settings. ACNPs are therefore in tremendous demand in these settings, particularly because they can provide lower-cost primary care than physicians (Ana, 2015). Resources American Nurses Association. Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice. 3rd ed. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association; 2015. [Context Link] Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35–38. Quinn-Szcesuil, J. (2016). Why you should join a nursing association. Retrieved from https://dailynurse.com/join-nursing-association/ Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing …Difficulties in determining nursing specializations