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2 references pr response plz
Discussion 1
Nurses seeking to further their careers must highlight and focus on their attributes and accomplishments that reveal their significant value to future employers. An effective strategy that can be utilized by nurses advancing in their role as a future nurse practitioner is to create a portfolio that provides documentation of competency of how they would provide safe and competent care to the patient population they choose to serve. Casey & Egan (2010) discuss what documents are essential to include in the portfolio, such as records of education and training of advanced skills, peer review of practice, feedback from colleagues and managers, and reflection of practice events and incidents that include feedback on development and refining those skills over time.
In the nursing profession, professional development is essential to be successful when furthering your education into an advanced nursing role by implementing long-term goals. When developing your goals, utilizing the SMART method, the goal is broken down and is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (Bsn, 2023). In addition to setting SMART goals, developing professional relationships with colleagues, and obtaining certifications specific to the specialty in which an individual is currently working, these help to further the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best patient care and outcomes (Bsn, 2023).
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” When discussing professional development and goals set in place to achieve as one advance into high levels of education goes hand in hand with social change. Walden University (n.d.) discusses social change and how they encourage and empower their students to be change-makers, build community, and elevate the social change outcomes. There is an excellent need to connect people, resources, and opportunities for positive social change, which aligns perfectly with the nursing profession (Walden University, n.d.). We are connecting with the community to provide resources to implement positive social change and outcomes as they receive care under our licensure. Walden University (n.d.) states that positive social change is a process of applying and creating ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals. As a result of improved positive social change, there are improved human and social conditions (Walden University, n.d.).
The focus on social change at Walden University (n.d.) provides an outlook on developing principled, knowledgeable scholar-practitioners who will serve society as they advance into their new professional roles.
Discussion 2
Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Portfolios showcase your knowledge, abilities, and progress as an individual, a student, and a professional (Francis, 2023). Creating a portfolio is essential for both individuals and organizations, as it enhances their credibility and visibility within a given context. What drew me to the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program was my desire to support the mental health of the adolescents in my community. I want to keep focused on my original objective, and creating a professional development plan will help me achieve just that. I’ve discovered how important professional networking is through this course.
The first strategy I will use is outlining my educational background and professional accomplishments. These are crucial elements aimed to draw in the appropriate audience so that we can communicate and build positive relationships. The benefits of networking are many, including improved social well-being, increased innovation, strengthened connections with other professionals, and enhanced professional interactions (Lopez, 2023).
An additional strategy I will be using is expand my social network is to open a LinkedIn account. “a social media platform designed specifically for building career profiles and making professional connections (Hannans & Olivio, 2017). A key benefit of using LinkedIn is being able to leverage your connections for referrals and resources. Employers are increasingly using the Internet to study possible hires. My goal is for this search to yield a positive professional impression. It’s a good idea to keep your LinkedIn profile up to date with information about your nursing job, education, and certifications.
The emphasis on social change at Walden University fits with my aim because, as a scholar-practitioner, I will use what I’ve learned to contribute to constructive social change in my community (Walden University, n.d.). My professional development goal will allow me to assist adolescents who experience mental health issues in my community. By building my professional accomplishments and professional social network, I will showcase my learning progression and achievements.
