Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan Sample One

Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Part 6: Finalizing the Plan Sample One

Nurses must advance their knowledge and competencies to fit in the current healthcare systems because of the existing dynamics and complexities surrounding quality health care. Advancing education and practical skills allow nurses to play a significant role in transforming clinical contexts and promoting interventions to address institutional challenges (Jormfeldt et al., 2018).

For instance, one of the benefits of advancing education in nursing practices is that it enables professionals to incorporate evidence-based practices (EBPs) in solving problems and making informed decisions. As an aspiring psychiatric-mental health nurse, I know that a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is inadequate. Therefore, my BSN was only a gateway to higher education level, including Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN). As a result, I have decided to advance my career by selecting two nursing specialties of interest.

I have the determination to enroll in the Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN), where I will pursue either a master’s degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing (PMHN) or family nurse practitioner (FNP). My first choice (PMHN) entails various priority areas because it allows nurses to work with families, individuals, groups, and communities to identify issues regarding mental health. Advanced practice registered nurses in psychiatric-mental health play a significant role in providing primary care for vulnerable populations, assessing causal factors, and promoting health.

On the other hand, a master’s degree in family nursing practice (FNP) will allow me to work with families and communities while providing patient care across the lifespan, especially for the underserved population sections. Further, the FNP field will enable me to perform physical exams for patients within my specialty, develop care plans, and collaborate with other professionals in delivering primary care to the underserved population. Although the two fields are fundamental in promoting quality health care services, I prefer enrolling for an MSN in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice because its activities my strengths, knowledge, and the dream of delivering care to psychiatry patients.

The psychiatric-mental health domain is a fundamental specialty because of the issues surrounding nurses’ roles in delivering quality care for patients with mental health concerns. Lake (2017) argues that the current treatments and the dominant mental health care model do not effectively address challenges in this specialty. The reason for failing to address clinical constraints related to cognitive health is that mental illnesses account for approximately one-third of all adult disabilities (Lake, 2017). Arguably, this consideration validates the claim that mental health patients overwhelm the current global health system.

Similarly, dealing with causal factors such as depression, stress, and suicidal ideations is a daunting endeavor for nurses. Consequently, many unaddressed gaps and untapped opportunities exist in this operational area. My desire to advance knowledge in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice relies massively on the determination to help people struggling with mental concerns. Also, this field is ever-transforming, meaning I will have opportunities to develop my career and access benefits such as job promotions or increased pay.

Although psychiatric-mental health nurses require prerequisite professional and interpersonal skills, colleagues always acknowledge my ability to relate with other people, applying evidence-based practice in projects, and effective collaboration during my clinical rotations in the psychiatry department. For instance, my BSN instructor indicated that I portrayed professional attributes and personal characteristics that will allow me to excel in the psychiatry specialty.

Complements from my preceptor and peers are icing on the cake because they enhance the determination to transform the psychiatry department. Although I possess the necessary skills that will help me execute my responsibilities well, I am aware of various challenges facing psychiatric nurses. In this sense, the primary challenge when delivering care to patients with different mental health concerns is establishing meaningful relationships with them, their families, and other professionals. Also, nurses face challenges in embracing patient-centeredness principles when dealing with psychiatry patients.

One of the most prominent strategies to address these challenges is joining a reputable organization in the specialty to facilitate informati