Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Professional Development Plan Sara Towers Ferris State University

Professional development plan Abstract

The professional nursing organization, American Nurses Association (ANA), has developed the scope and standards that apply to the practice of all professional nurses. This is a professional development plan, which shows how the standards reflect on my current nursing practice. Included are my five and ten year goals. A plan was developed and a method to evaluate the progress towards reaching the goals.

Professional development plan The standards of professional performance describe a competent level of behavior in the professional role. Registered nurses are accountable for their professional actions to themselves, their healthcare clients, their peers, and to society. In my professional development plan, I have reflected with my strengths and weaknesses how I met these standards. As part of the standards I have included my five and ten year goals towards my nursing profession. Standards of Professional Performance Standard 7: Ethics As a professional nurse it is our standard to follow the Code of Ethics. It is intended to guide the practice of registered nurses in all practice settings with all types of clients (Chitty & Black, 2011, p70). Within the Code of Ethics it is stated that the nurse promotes,

advocates for and strives to protect the health, safety and rights of the patient (ANA, 2010). Serving the mental health population this Code of Ethics is the foundation of my nursing practice. One of the first things our patients are told when being admitted into the psychiatric hospital is they have rights, even if the patient is admitted involuntary. They sign a document, which is called release of information that indicates who they give permission to know about their treatment. Patients are told if the name isnt on that document staff could not even acknowledge if they were at the hospital or not. This has caused many issues with families who were following up with their loved ones and the patient decided they did not want their family involved with their care. After collaborating with our hospital s rights advisor, she indicated the proper way to respect our patients rights and be appropriate with

Professional development plan the family members. We now have a message box for each patient. The patient has to verbally give an assigned number to who they want to notify them. A message is left and throughout the day the messages are passed on to the patient to return their calls. This procedure has improved the quality of our patients rights to privacy. Standard 8: Education The registered nurse attains knowledge and compe tence that reflect current nursing practice (ANA, 2010 , p.49). There are many things that I do to stay current with my

education in my specialty. Mental health has several areas that continue to change, from the medications, risk assessments, policies and procedures. Every year we have what is called annual skills update. This is a time for our hospital to review things like infection control, code of conduct and ethics, and safety. As a nurse I also review any new equipment that I would be using in my field. Throughout the year many in-services are offered to learn about new medications and how they will be helpful with my population of patients. Monthly there is an in-service on different types of mental illness and the treatment. Outside of my work place I read many articles and stay current with my CEUs. As I continue with my professional education, obtaining my BSN is my first step. This will improve my critical thinking skills as well as my leadership skills. It will broaden my knowledge of a stronger foundation of nursing. More nurses are returning to school to prepare for the wider opportunities offered by the baccalaureate degree (Chitty & Black, 2011, p.155). As the demand for higher educated nurses increases, the more important it will be to obtain higher degrees. Standard 9: Evidence-Based Practice and Research

Professional development plan The registered nurse integrates evidence and research findings into practice (ANA ,

2010, p.51). The motivation behind evidence based practice, (EBP) was the belief that most of health care practice was based on intuition, experience, clinical skills, and guesswork, rather than science (Chitty & Black, 2011, p.258). After studying the information on evidence-based practice it gave me a whole different outlook about nursing. I be gan to understand why nursing became what it is today. I learned the many different types of scientific methods such as quantitative research and qualitative research. I found the process of research the most interesting. Taking maybe a simple problem, review the literature, formulate the question or hypothesis, design a study, implement it, and come up with a conclusion based on the findings. I see how important it is now in my work environment to address the problems so that over time, after research and planning we can improve that problem. I find it important to base my nursing practice on evidence -based related to the best available research finding to make the best clinical decisions that are most effective and beneficial. I find it fascinating to read about how research comes about and all the different ways it can go. How precise the study has to be to determine an outcome. I think I am now more aware of problems in my work environment which could improve with the help of reading literature and find if any research that has been done in that area so that I could implement it in my workplace. I feel this is an area that I would enjoy focusing more on in my nursing practice. Standard 10: Quality of Practice

Professional development plan The registered nurse contributes to quality nursing practice (ANA, 2010, p.52). Using indicators to monitor quality, safety, and effectiveness of nursing practice (ANA, 2010, p.52), would be demonstrated by documenting when a patient requests any as needed medication, how often it is requested and the effectiveness when taken. This information would be evaluated by the attending psychiatrist, and any changes to their treatment would be made. My daily goal is to not only complete that tasks that are expected of me but to also do that little extra that is meaningful to my patients. For example, print out information on their new medications and answer any question they may have. Walk with the patients to the group rooms instead of just giving directions and maybe it might be to just get them a n extra cup of coffee on their meal trays. I have found that all the little things mean the m ost when patients feel the worst. I feel an area which I do need to become more involved in is with analyzing organizational systems and implementing process to remove or weaken the barriers. Standard 11: Communication The registered nurse communicates effectively in a variety of formats in all areas of practice (ANA, 2010, p.54). Nurses use their communication skills in all phases of the nursing process. These skills are vital to effective nursing care and to effective interaction

with others in health care (Chitty & Black, 2011, p.200-201). As a psychiatric nurse I spend much of my day talking and listening to my patients. Using therapeutic communication is a vital part of my nursing care. I not only focus on the teaching of their illness and

Professional development plan medication, I listen to what brought them to the hospital, their crisis, their lack of support and help them begin to refocus and live a healthier lifestyle. Standard 12: Leadership The registered nurse demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting and the profession (ANA, 2010, p. 55). Leadership skills are foundation blocks for nursing professional practices. Nurses have multiple opportunities to exercise leadership at the bedside, in clinical teams, and in management teams (Chitty & Black, 2011, p. 366). As a team leader on my unit it is my responsibility to make up assignments for the shift. I collaborate with the whole interdisciplinary team in order to meet the needs of the patients and their treatment plan. As a professional nurse I show respect, trust and dignity whenever working together with others. Delegating tasks to other disciplines, while retaining accountability for the quality of care given is another example of demonstrating leadership. Although at this time I am not currently a member of a professional organization, ANA states leadership is demonstrated by doing so. I feel with the additional knowledge and importance of keeping up to date with new nursing issues, it is important to consider membership in the future. Standard 13: Collaboration The registered nurse collaborates with the healthcare consumers, family, and others

in the conduct of nursing practice (ANA, 2010, p.57). I feel that it is important for the whole team to work together to achieve the best possible outcome for the patients. On our

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treatment plan there is a section for each discipline to document what their goals are for that patient. That way everyone has an understanding of what the plan of care is and what interventions need to be focused on. As the patient meets the goals, that also is documented. I have found this to be helpful in explaining to the patient what goals have been met and what needs to be accomplished before discharged. Chitty states collaboration is a positive process that benefits the people involved, as individuals and as a group; the organization in which they work; and the health care consumers (Chitty & Black, 2011, p.216). Standard 14: Professional Practice Evaluation The registered nurse evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations (ANA, 2010, p.59). There are several different ways I evaluate my practice. One of the most important is feedback from my patients. I feel that what they have to say about the care I give to them reflects me as a nurse. Another effective way for me to evaluate my practice is through my annual reviews with my supervisor. At this time I do except constructive feedback regarding my nursing practice and the areas that need to be improved. Feedback from peers also is helpful as I continue to strive to deliver the best possible care to my patients. On a daily bases I feel its important to evaluate your day and ask yourself the questions, Did I accomplish what needed to be done? Was I a ble to make a difference in the treatment plan? Did I present myself in a professional manner? As a team player, I continually evaluate how the shift is going. I verbalize appreciation and give suggestion when needed in order to maintain safety and the best patient care.

Professional development plan Standard 15: Resource Utilization

The registered nurse utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide nursing services that are safe, effective, and financially responsible (ANA, 2010, p.60). One of the main reasons mental health patients return to the hospital is related to they were unable to fill their prescriptions due to the high cost. As a professional nurse, part of my assessment when reviewing medications is, do they have prescription coverage? Even with insurance coverage the cost can be more than what they can afford. According to Chitty, nurses are positioned to produce even more meaningful savings by providing excellent patient care and being advocates for their patients pocketbooks (Chitty & Black, 2011, p.352). Standard 16: Environmental Health The registered nurse practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner (ANA, 2010, p.61). It has been proven that hand sanitizer is a safe and healthy option for hand hygiene. If you walk into any health care facility you will notice several forms l ocated in open areas for its use. In my work environment, a psychiatric hospital you wont find any hand sanitizer on the units for patients to use. Even though it is safe for using for sanitizing hands it also contains alcohol. No products containing alcohol are permitted for patient use according to my hospital policies. This is an example of how even though safe for the environment it may not always be safe for the patients. Goals Five Year Goals

Professional development plan This past year I have made the decision to continue with my nursing education and pursue my BSN degree. Although, there are and will be more obstacles to overcome I am

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very determined to complete my degree the summer of 2015. I have been in the same place of employment for the past ten years which has worked well with my family. I work only 4 days a week which does allow time for school. They have also agreed to be flexible with my working hours if it interferes with my class time. Following my completion of the BSN program, I plan on pursuing employment with the VA in the mental health clinic. I have a strong passion for both our vets and mental health and feel this will be the best way to fulfill both of my passions. I enjoy educating about mental health and want to work more with prevention of crises. My goal is to improve the quality of life with mental illness and decrease the need for hospitalization. Ten Year Goals In the next ten years, I want to be working towards my masters degree in nursing. Since I have been back to school, the thought to continue on with my education has become more realistic. The rapidly changing health care system requires nurses to possess increasing knowledge, clinical competency, greater independence, and autonomy in clinical judgments (Chitty & Black, 2011, p.158). The graduate program in nursing through Ferris State University is designed to provide a learner-centered curriculum that prepares nurses with knowledge and skills needed for a variety of advanced specialty roles. The MSN program is designed to meet the needs of bachelor prepared nurses who want to further their educational growth. It would take an additional 37 credit hours to complete the masters program.

Professional development plan Evaluation of Goals I feel completing my BSN in the next few years is obtainable. After this semester I

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will have 37 more credits to finish the BSN program. Since I work full-time, I will only be taking 2 courses per semester. I have decided not to use financial reimbursement through my employer related to the commitment of staying employed there for one year following completing the BSN program. I have a college savings that has been used only for what my Pell grants dont cover. As a single mother, I have been able to demonstrate to my children the importance of continuing with education and working towards goals in life. My life has changed so much this past ten years that I find it hard to evaluate my next ten years. I will be about 47 years old when I complete the BSN program. My kids hopefully will be having kids and because I am so close to them I know I will want to be close to any grandbabies I have. I will always continue with my education but, at this point I dont have a time period of completing the MSN program. Throughout this course I have obtained so much knowledge about nursing that I didnt know and feel that it has benefited me as a professional nurse. Conclusion Nursing Standards of Professional Performance describe the roles of all professional nurses. Nurses should be self-directed and purposeful in seeking necessary knowledge and skills to enhance career goals. As I think about my own personal development plan, I can see how my critical thinking skills and professionalism has improved. This reflection has allowed me to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses and to continue with my education to deliver quality patient care.

Professional development plan References American Nurses Association [ANA] (2010). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (2nd Ed.). Silver Spring, Maryland: Author

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Chitty, K.K., & Black, B.P. (2011). Professional nursing: Concepts and Challenges (6th ed.) Maryland Heights.MO: Saunders Elsevier. http://www.ferris.edu/HTMLS/colleges/alliedhe/Nursing/MSN-program/HOME-NursingMSN.htm

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CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING PAPERS CHECK DATE, TIME, & INITIAL ST 8/5/13 ST 8/5/13

PROOFREAD FOR: APA ISSUES

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1. Page Numbers: Did you number your pages using the automatic functions of your Word program? [p. 230 and example on p. 40)] 2. Running head: Does the Running head: have a small h? Is it on every page? Is it less than 50 spaces total? Is the title of the Running head in all caps? Is it 1/2 from the top of your title page? (Should be a few words from the title of your paper). [p. 229 and example on p. 40] 3. Abstract: Make sure your abstract begins on a new page. Is there a label of Abstract and it is centered at the top of the page? Is it a single paragraph? Is the paragraph flush with the margin without an indentation? Is your abstract a summary of your entire paper? Remember it is not an introduction to your paper. Someone should be able to read the abstract and know what to find in your paper. [p. 25 and example on p. 41] 4. Introduction: Did you repeat the title of your paper on your first page of content? Do not use Introduction as a heading following the title. The first paragraph clearly implies the introduction and no heading is needed. [p. 27 and example on p. 42] 5. Margins: Did you leave 1 on all sides? [p. 229] 6. Double-spacing: Did you double-space throughout? No triple or extra spaces between sections or paragraphs except in special circumstances. This includes the reference page. [p. 229 and example on p. 40-59] 7. Line Length and Alignment: Did you use the flush-left style, and leave the right margin uneven, or ragged? [p. 229] 8. Paragraphs and Indentation: Did you indent the first line of every paragraph? See P. 229 for exceptions. 9. Spacing After Punctuation Marks: Did you space once at the end of separate parts of a reference and initials in a persons name? Do not space after periods in abbreviations. Space twice after punctuation marks at the end of a sentence. [p. 8788] 10. Typeface: Did you use Times Roman 12-point font? [p. 228] 11. Abbreviation: Did you explain each abbreviation the first time you used it? [p. 106-111] 12. Plagiarism: Cite all sources! If you say something that is not your original idea, it must be cited. You may be citing many timesthis is what you are supposed to be doing! [p. 170] 13. Direct Quote: A direct quote is exact words taken from another. An example with citation would look like this: The variables that impact the etiology and the human response to various disease

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states will be explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007, p. 1). Please note where the quotation marks are placed, where the final period is placed, no first name of author, and inclusion of page number, etc. Do all direct quotes look like this? [p. 170-172] 14. Quotes Over 40 Words: Did you make block quotes out of any direct quotes that are 40 words or longer? [p. 170-172] 15. Paraphrase: A paraphrase citation would look like this: Patients respond to illnesses in various ways depending on a number of factors that will be explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007). It may also look like this: Bell-Scriber (2007) found that [p. 171 and multiple examples in text on p. 40-59] For multiple references within the same paragraph see page 174. 16. Headings: Did you check your headings for proper levels? [p. 62-63]. 17. General Guidelines for References: A. Did you start the References on a new page? [p. 37] B. Did you cut and paste references on your reference page? If so, check to make sure they are in correct APA format. Often they are not and must be adapted. Make sure all fonts are the same. C. Is your reference list double spaced with hanging indents? [p. 37] PROOFREAD FOR GRAMMAR, SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, & STRUCTURE 18. Did you follow the assignment rubric? Did you make headings that address each major section? (Required to point out where you addressed each section.) 19. Watch for run-on or long, cumbersome sentences. Read it out loud without pausing unless punctuation is present. If you become breathless or it doesnt make sense, you need to rephrase or break the sentence into 2 or more smaller sentences. Did you do this? 20. Wordiness: check for the words that, and the. If not necessary, did you omit? 21. Conversational tone: Dont write as if you are talking to someone in a casual way. For example, Well so I couldnt believe nurses did such things! or I was in total shock over that. Did you stay in a formal/professional tone? 22. Avoid contractions. i.e. dont, cant, wont, etc. Did you spell these out? 23. Did you check to make sure there are no hyphens and broken words in the right margin? 24. Do not use etc. or "i.e." in formal writing unless in parenthesis. Did you check for improper use of etc. & i.e.? 25. Stay in subject agreement. When referring to 1 nurse, dont refer to the nurse as they or them. Also, in referring to a human, dont refer to the person as that, but rather who. For example: The nurse that gave the injection. Should be The nurse who gave the injection Did you check for subject agreement? 26. Dont refer to us, we, our, within the paperthis is not about you and me. Be clear in identifying. For example dont say Our profession uses empirical data

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to support . . Instead say The nursing profession uses empirical data.. 27. Did you check your sentences to make sure you did not end them with a preposition? For example, I witnessed activities that I was not happy with. Instead, I witnessed activities with which I was not happy. 28. Did you run a Spellcheck? Did you proofread in addition to running the Spellcheck? 29. Did you have other people read your paper? Did they find any areas confusing? 30. Did you include a summary or conclusion heading and section to wrap up your paper? 31. Does your paper have sentence fragments? Do you have complete sentences?

32. Did you check apostrophes for correct possessive use. Dont use apostrophes unless it is showing possession and then be sure it is in the correct location. The exception is with the word it. Its = it is. Its is possessive. Signing below indicates you have proofread your paper for the errors in the checklist: Sara Towers___________________________________________DATE:__8/5/13______________ A peer needs to proofread your paper checking for errors in the listed areas and sign below: Shari Van De Burg_____________________________________________________DATE:_______________