Notes:
Johnna Ernst is another professional within the Walden University teaching faculty and a professional who can guide me academically and professionally. I admire Johnna Ernst due to her experience and knowledge in higher education and preparing nurses to be competent to operate efficiently from the classroom to the hospital and other practice settings. Notably, Johnna Ernst has over 20 years of experience as a tutor in higher education settings. She has also authored two books that guide practitioners in the field of early childhood care. The major reason for having Johnna Ernst as a part of my academic and professional network is her experience in the fields of professional development and inclusion. I understand and appreciate the dynamic nature of the nursing profession. The nursing profession provides one with an opportunity to continuously grow at a personal level and professionally. In addition, nurses, especially nurse practitioners, will be in high demand to meet the growing demands for healthcare as the population ages and new diseases and healthcare risks emerge. NPs with broad skills, from providing clinical care to managing healthcare organizations, will be required to steer national and global health. This requires adopting a continuing professional development (CPD) plan that ensures that nurses commit to lifelong learning and keep their skills and competencies up-to-date with market shifts and demands (Mlambo et al., 2021). Engaging in a CPD and reaching such potential requires having someone in the professional network who understands the healthcare market and the professional areas to develop as an NP. With her invested interest in professional development and inclusion, Johnna Ernst will help grow my NP potential. Besides helping me develop technically, her skills are essential in helping me improve my cultural competency to provide inclusive care regardless of my patients’ background. Therefore, I believe that Johnna Ernst will be resourceful in helping me excel academically, professionally, and personally, as well as develop versatile skills to practice and work in any environment throughout my career.