Alignment between My Professional Goals and Walden’s Vision, Mission and Social Change Message, Social Determinants of Health, and University Outcomes, and the AACN DNP Essentials

Nursing education provides nurses with numerous opportunities for career improvement. I choose to pursue a DNP program at Walden University to meet professional objectives including increasing my prospects of becoming a nurse educator. As an educator, I hope to teach nurses, and contribute to the advancement of the nursing education by developing training curricular that can help nurture nurses’ skills (Walden University, 2023). Additionally, I am pursuing the DNP program to contribute to the advancement of the nursing knowledge, which essentially, provides the foundation for the clinical practice.

Alignment with Vision

My professional goals resonate with Walden’s vision which emphasizes judging the quality of knowledge in terms of how students can apply it. I see pursuing the DNP program as a chance of acquiring knowledge which I hope to use in nurturing nurses in learning settings, and contributing to the development of the nursing research. I understand that at the end of the DNP program, my competency will depend on how well I am able to apply the knowledge I acquire in improving the nursing knowledge (Walden University, 2023).

Alignment with Mission

As captured in Walden’s mission statement, the institution is committed to creating conditions that support the growth of students, allowing them to make meaningful social change. This mission aligns with my goal of expanding my nursing knowledge, which I see driving social change by positioning me for more advanced roles in areas such as leadership. Working in leadership role will present me with the privilege and the voice of championing for patients, and contributing to the progression of the policy initiatives meant to improve health equity.

Alignment with Social Change Message

Walden’s commitment to the advancement of the social change agenda reflects in its social change message which reinforces the development and application of health-promoting ideas towards promoting the wellbeing and development of diverse populations’ wellbeing and dignity. I consider learning with the intent of training and developing the nurse’s knowledge, as a means of making change because through sharing with students what I learn during the DNP program, they will acquire skills and knowledge that are essential for driving social change (Read, Pino Betancourt, & Morrison, 2016).

Alignment with Social Determinants of Health

Walden University seeks to prepare nursing professionals to be competent in addressing the gap in access to care because of various social factors including illiteracy, poverty and work conditions. From a professional standpoint, pursuing the DNP program will help improve my understanding of how SDOH come into play in causing the divide in access to health services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). By understanding this relationship, I will be in a position to come up with meaningful solutions, and incorporate the same into health programs.

My professional objectives equally resonate with the DNP essentials and Walden’s professional outcomes. I want to develop analytical skills, and learn about how to optimize quality by leveraging effective leadership approaches. I hope that engaging in research will provide me with the chance to realize this objective (Walden University, 2022). Additionally, I will present me with the opportunity to advance my role, and drive change.

Plan on Incorporating the Social Change throughout the Program of Study and Interprofessional Practice

As I pursue the DNP program, I plan to incorporate social change through the program by first educating myself about the health divide, and SDOH, reflecting on my privileges and prejudices. Second, I will contribute to the discussions about the implications of social factors on health.

I also intend to take advantage of the collaborative opportunities by seeking these opportunities, and working with others to discuss the means of promoting positive social development. Social change will help improve my practicum by preparing me with the necessary skills of working with socially disadvantaged groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Walden University’s commitment to excellence and social change reflects in the institution’s mission and vision, which I feel align with what I want to achieve as I pursue the DNP program. Although I want to broaden my research skills, and contribute to the development of the nursing curriculum, I see learning at Walden as an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge that will help me