Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
Consider the following scenario:
Isabel recently earned certifications offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the American Organization of Nurse Executives for nurse managers and leaders. She was especially proud of this accomplishment and was confident it would serve her well as she continued her career. At a conference last week, she had found herself talking with a colleague about certification. To her surprise, her colleague suggested that she look into certification through the Project Management Institute. It had not occurred to Isabel that she might need or want that type of certification, but upon further reflection she could see how important it was to be able to manage projects effectively. She wondered how pursuing this type of certification might further her professional development and lead to new opportunities down the road. At the very least, she decided it was worth exploring further.
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As you are aware, numerous nursing organizations offer opportunities for professional development, community service, and information gathering. There are also many certifications you can obtain through professional societies or organizations. Certifications recognize an individual’s specialty area knowledge and skills and can lead to professional empowerment. By obtaining certifications, you can help improve your quality of practice and increase your earning potential. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
In this Discussion, you consider development opportunities afforded through professional associations and examine how earning certifications can advance your career.
To prepare:
Reflect on your professional goals. These goals may relate to the practicum professional development objectives you established in Week 1 (Document Attached), but you are encouraged to take a broader view of what you would like to accomplish in the immediate future, as well as five or 15 years from now. Identify at least one goal that is especially important to you.
Think about the benefits of becoming involved in professional organizations and obtaining certifications.
If you already have a specialty or clinical certification, reflect on how this has impacted the achievement of your professional goals thus far.
Review information about two or more of the professional organizations listed in the Learning Resources. Consider the following questions:
As you explore each organization’s website, review the mission, vision, and value statements. Also examine the strategic plan, if possible. How do these align with your interests and your professional goals?
Investigate whether the organization offers networking opportunities with fellow professionals. Is there a local or regional chapter you could join?
What are the potential benefits of obtaining a certification through each organization? Examine the criteria for certification.
Evaluate your readiness and desire to become certified through each organization. What hesitations, if any, do you have?
How and why might this certification be useful to you and/or enhance your professional development?
Post a description of one or more of your professional goals. Explain a certification provided by a professional organization that would be of interest to you. Explain how and why this additional certification would be useful to you and/or enhance your professional development. Evaluate your readiness to obtain this certification, noting any reservations you may have.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days, using one or more of the following approaches:
Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.
Required Readings (Please use all references mentioned below)
Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Reminder: Review resources from previous courses as necessary.
Matthews, J. H. (2012). Role of professional organizations in advocating for the nursing profession. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 17(1), 1.
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
The author addresses the importance of involvement in professional organizations for nursing professionals.
Shekleton, M. E., Preston, J. C., & Good, L. E. (2010). Growing leaders in a professional membership organization. Journal of Nursing Management, 18(6), 662–668.
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
“In order to grow leaders an organization must make a commitment to develop and maintain an infrastructure that supports leadership development activities” (Shekleton, Preston, & Good, 2010, p. 667). The authors discuss findings from a leadership development program.
American Association of Critical Care Nurses. (n.d.). Certification for nurse managers and leaders. Retrieved May 20, 2013, from http://www.aacn.org/wd/certifications/content/cnmlhome.pcms?menu=certification
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation, in collaboration with the AONE credentialing center, offers certification for the nurse leader-manager.
American Medical Informatics Association. (2011). Clinical informatics becomes a board-certified medical subspecialty following ABMS vote. Retrieved from http://www.amia.org/news-and-publications/press-release/ci-is-subspecialty
This article addresses the movement to recognize clinical informatics as a subspecialty.
American Nurses Association. (2013). Leadership. Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ThePracticeofProfessionalNursing/Leadership
The ANA offers a leadership institute for professional development.
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (2013). ANCC certification center. Retrieved from http://www.nursecredentialing.org/certification.aspx
The ANCC is the largest and most prestigious credentialing organization. View the certifications available by specialty area.
American Organization of Nurse Executives. (2012). AONE credentialing center. Retrieved from http://www.aone.org/resources/certification/about_certifications.shtml
The AONE credentialing center, in collaboration with American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation, offers certification for the nurse leader-manager.
Healthcare Information and Management Systems. (2013). Health IT certifications. Retrieved from http://www.himss.org/health-it-certification?navItemNumber=13588
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology has specified certification criteria for electronic health records.
NMA. (2012). Welcome to NMA! Retrieved from http://www.nma1.org/
This organization promotes the development of leadership competencies and interpersonal skills.
Project Management Institute. (2013). What are PMI certifications? Retrieved from http://www.pmi.org/Certification/What-are-PMI-Certifications.aspx
PMI recognizes that many professionals of varying skill and education levels are or will be involved with projects. The organization offers certification for professionals involved in project management.
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Assignment1.docxMaster of Science in Nursing
NURS 6600: Capstone Synthesis Practicum Nursing Informatics and Leadership & Management
Practicum Professional Experience Plan
Course Description
Students in this course apply the MSN curriculum experience by translating knowledge into practice through participation in professional activities and the development of a culminating project. Students apply theory, principles, and concepts related to their area of specialization in order to enhance nursing practice and promote positive social change. Note: This course requires a minimum of 144 practicum hours.*
*Note: Students enrolled in the Nursing Informatics specialization will have already completed 72 hours of a practicum experience in NURS 6431. This course provides an additional 144 practicum hours.
Complete each section below.
Section 1: Quarter/Term/Year and Contact Information
Quarter/Term/Year:
Student Contact Information
Name: Chizelle T. Archie
Street Address: 2275 Wintergreen Drive
City, State, Zip: Semmes, Alabama 36575
Home Phone:
Work Phone: 251-607-5135
Cell Phone: 678-266-8180
Fax:
E-mail: chizelle.archie@waldenu.edu chizelle.archie@att.net
Preceptor Contact Information
Name: Crystal McDonald
Organization: Springhill Medical Center
Street Address: 3719 Dauphin Street
City, State, Zip: Mobile, Alabama 36608
Work Phone: 251-460-5202
Cell Phone: 251-463-7448
Fax:
E-mail: crystal.mcdonald@springhill.org
Section 2: Practicum Professional Development Objectives
Refer to the instructions in Week 1 to create practicum professional development objectives that meet the requirements for this course
Objective 1: Improve time management skills in a leadership role while managing work life balance.
Objective 2: Gain confidence and experience in my role performance in a supportive environment with preceptor, and other experienced health care professionals in leadership roles in a variety of settings.
Objective 3: Utilize effective relaxation and stress reduction techniques to allow me to complete my task that will ultimately lead to my beginning a new career as advanced beginning professional.
Section 3: Projected Timeline/Schedule
Estimate how many hours you expect to work on your practicum each week. Per the practicum guidelines, you may use half your hours for professional development and up to half for your Practicum Project (i.e., 72 hours to accomplish your practicum professional development objectives and 72 hours to complete your Practicum Project objectives, which you will establish later in this course). Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
This timeline is intended as a planning tool; your actual schedule may differ from the projections you are making now.
I intend to complete the 144 practicum hours according to the following timeline/schedule:
Number of Hours Projected for Week Number of Weekly Hours for Professional Development Number of Weekly Hours for Practicum Project Week 1 15 8 7 Week 2 15 8 7 Week 3 15 8 7 Week 4 14 6 8 Week 5 12 4 8 Week 6 14 8 6 Week 7 14 8 6 Week 8 11 6 5 Week 9 12 6 6 Week 10 12 6 6 Week 11 10 4 6 Total Hours (must meet the following requirements) 144 Hours 72 72 Section 4 – Signatures
Student Signature (electronic): Chizelle T. Archie Date: 08/31/2017
Practicum Faculty Signature (electronic)**: Date:
** Faculty signature signifies approval of Practicum Professional Experience Plan (PPEP)
Submit your Practicum Professional Experience Plan on or before Day 7 of Week 1 for Faculty review and approval.
Once approved, you will receive a copy of the PPEP for your records. You must share an approved copy with your Preceptor. The Preceptor is not required to sign this form.
© 2013 Laureate Education, Inc. 1
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RubricDetail-DiscussionRubic.pdf
6/1/2017 Rubric Detail – Blackboard Learn
https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/bbgsdeeplinksBBLEARN/app/course/rubric?course_id=_16279233_1&rubric_id=_111208_1 1/4
OutstandingPerformance Excellent Performance
Competent Performance
Room for Improvement
Poor Performance
ContentMain Posting
30 (30%) 30 (30%)
Main posting addresses all criteria with 75% of post exceptional depth and breadth supported by credible references.
27 (27%) 29 (29%)
Main posting addresses all criteria with 75% of post exceptional depth and breadth supported by credible references.
24 (24%) 26 (26%)
Main posting meets expectations. All criteria are addressed with 50% containing good breadth and depth.
21 (21%) 23 (23%)
Main posting addresses most of the criteria. One to two criterion are not addressed or superficially addressed.
0 (0%) 20 (20%)
Main posting does not address all of criteria, superficially addresses criteria. Two or more criteria are not addressed.
Course Requirements and Attendance
20 (20%) 20 (20%)
Responds to two colleagues’ with posts that are reflective, are justified with credible sources, and ask questions that extend the Discussion.
18 (18%) 19 (19%)
Responds to two colleagues’ with posts that are reflective, are justified with credible sources, and ask questions that extend the Discussion.
16 (16%) 17 (17%)
Responds to a minimum of two colleagues’ posts, are reflective, and ask questions that extend the Discussion. One post is justified by a credible source.
14 (14%) 15 (15%)
Responds to less than two colleagues’ posts. Posts are on topic, may have some depth, or questions. May extend the Discussion. No credible sources are cited.
0 (0%) 13 (13%)
Responds to less than two colleagues’ posts. Posts may not be on topic, lack depth, do not pose questions that extend the Discussion.
Rubric Detail Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.
Name: NURS_6241_Discussion_Rubric Exit
Grid View List View
6/1/2017 Rubric Detail – Blackboard Learn
https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/bbgsdeeplinksBBLEARN/app/course/rubric?course_id=_16279233_1&rubric_id=_111208_1 2/4
OutstandingPerformance Excellent Performance
Competent Performance
Room for Improvement
Poor Performance
Scholarly Writing Quality
30 (30%) 30 (30%)
The main posting clearly addresses the Discussion criteria and is written concisely. The main posting is cited with more than two credible references that adhere to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. No spelling or grammatical errors. ***The use of scholarly sources or real life experiences needs to be included to deepen the Discussion and earn points in reply to fellow students. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
27 (27%) 29 (29%)
The main posting clearly addresses the Discussion criteria and is written concisely. The main posting is cited with more than two credible references that adhere to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. No spelling or grammatical errors.
24 (24%) 26 (26%)
The main posting clearly addresses the Discussion criteria and is written concisely. The main posting is cited with a minimum of two current credible references that adhere to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. Contains one to two spelling or grammatical errors.
21 (21%) 23 (23%)
The main posting is not clearly addressing the Discussion criteria and is not written concisely. The main posting is cited with less than two credible references that may lack credibility and/or do not adhere to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors.
0 (0%) 20 (20%)
The main posting is disorganized and has one reference that may lack credibility and does not adhere to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition or has zero credible references. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors.
6/1/2017 Rubric Detail – Blackboard Learn
https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/bbgsdeeplinksBBLEARN/app/course/rubric?course_id=_16279233_1&rubric_id=_111208_1 3/4
OutstandingPerformance Excellent Performance
Competent Performance
Room for Improvement
Poor Performance
Professional Communication Effectiveness
20 (20%) 20 (20%)
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues and response to faculty questions are answered if posed.
Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas effectively written in Standard Edited English.
Responses posted in the Discussion demonstrate effective professional communication through deep reflective discussion which leads to an exchange of ideas and focus on the weekly Discussion topic.
18 (18%) 19 (19%)
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.
Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas effectively written in Standard Edited English.
Responses posted in the Discussion demonstrate effective professional communication through deep reflective discussion which leads to an exchange of ideas and focus on the weekly Discussion topic.
Responses are cited with at least one credible reference per post and a probing question that extends the Discussion. Adheres to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. No spelling or grammatical errors.
16 (16%) 17 (17%)
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.
Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas effectively written in Standard Edited English.
Responses posted in the Discussion demonstrate effective professional communication through deep reflective discussion which leads to an exchange of ideas and focus on the weekly Discussion topic.
Responses are cited with at least one credible and/or contain probing questions that extends the Discussion. Adheres to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. May have one to two spelling or grammatical errors.
14 (14%) 15 (15%)
Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.
Provides opinions that may not be concise or ideas not effectively written in Standard Edited English.
Responses posted in the Discussion may lack effective professional communication that does not extend the Discussion, leads to an exchange of ideas and/or not focused on the weekly Discussion topic.
Responses are not cited and/or do not contain a probing question. May not adhere to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. May have more than two spelling or grammatical errors.
0 (0%) 13 (13%)
Communication may lack professional tone or be disrespectful to colleagues.
Provides opinions that may not be concise or ideas not effectively written in Standard Edited English.
Responses posted in the Discussion lack effective professional communication through discussion that does not extend the Discussion, do not lead to an exchange of ideas and/or not focused on the weekly Discussion topic.
Responses are not cited and do not contain a probing question. May not adhere to the correct format per the APA Manual 6th Edition. May have multiple spelling or grammatical errors.
Timely Submission
0 (0%) 0 (0%) All criteria met: Initial post submitted on time. Response to two peer initial posts. Response on 3 separate days.
5 (5%) 0 (0%)
5 points deducted for responding to less than two peers or 5 points deducted for responding less than three days.
10 (10%) 5 (5%)
5 points deducted for responding to less than two peers and 5 points deducted for responding less than three days.
10 (10%) 10 (10%)
10 points deducted for Initial post submitted late.
20 (20%) 15 (15%)
Initial post submitted late and 5 points deducted for responding to less than two peers and/ or 5 points deducted for responding less than three days.
Total Points: 100
6/1/2017 Rubric Detail – Blackboard Learn
https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/bbgsdeeplinksBBLEARN/app/course/rubric?course_id=_16279233_1&rubric_id=_111208_1 4/4
Total Points: 100
Name: NURS_6241_Discussion_Rubric
Exit
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POST-1.docx
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 2
Top of Form
Healthcare continues to increase in complexity. Junger, Trinkle, and Hall (2106) indicated specialty certification increases the confidence level of both the certified leader and in the supporting executive leadership. Certification indicates a high level of specialty competence. This post will discuss my post-graduation professional goals; certifications which would enhance professional development; personal readiness to pursue certification, and reservations to beginning the certification process. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
Professional Goals
Completion of my Master’s Degree in Nursing (MSN) has been my predominate professional goal for the last several years. As I reach that goal, personal reflection on “what’s next” professionally has been forefront in my mind. Completing my career at my current organization and retirement are in my ten-year plan. Prior to retiring, I would like to continue to contribute to the success of the organization and be promoted to the Director of Staffing/Supervision.
Certifications Enhancing Professional Development
. To meet my contribution and advancement goals, I am considering two different certifications. The Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and Certified Nurse Manager Leader (CNML) certifications would enhance both of my professional goals.
The violence in healthcare and the number of mass casualty events has increased the need for CISM training and certification to enhance colleagues’ processing and personal coping. We currently utilize an outside agency to meet the needs of our colleagues. Pender and Anderson (2016) indicated peer facilitators with organizational history are more effective than facilitators from outside the organization.
The CNML certification is the Association of Nurse Executives (AONE) measures the skills necessary to be a successful nurse manager (AONE, 2012). The preparation for this certification will ensure a strong knowledge base for the financial, human resource, performance improvement, and strategic planning aspects of the nurse manager role. Demonstrating competency through the CNML certification will demonstrate high level competence and support promotion to a Director role within my organization (Junger, Trinkle, & Hall, 2016).
Readiness and Reservations
Shekleton, Preston, and Good (2010) indicated financial and human resources need to be dedicated to leadership development. Personal resources, such as time and money, also need to be dedicated to professional development. The pursuit of this Master’s Degree has utilized significant personal time and money. My organization would financially support both certifications; the time commitment would remain a personal contribution.
During this Master’s degree, certain aspects of personal and family goals have been placed on hold. Work-School-Life balance has been challenging. I have personal reservations to immediately committing to both certifications immediately following completion of this program. However, I could envision personal goals to achieve both within the next 24 months. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
Summary
Mathews (2012) indicated nursing organizations advocate and provide a voice for the nursing profession. Membership and certification through these organization provides professional development and strengthens the profession. While I do not plan to pursue a doctorate degree, I do intend to complete both the CISM and CNML certifications within the next 24 months as a continuation of my professional development.
Reference
American Organization of Nurse Executives. (2012). AONE credentialing center. Retrieved from http://www.aone.org/resources/certification/about_certifications.shtml
Hammerle, A. (2017). Critical incidents in the ED: Enhancing staff support with debriefing programs. Nursing Management, 48(9), 9-11. doi:10.1097/01.NUMA. 0000522180.69005.1e
Junger, S., Trinkle, N., & Hall, N. (2016). Nurse leader certification preparation: how are confidence levels impacted?. Journal Of Nursing Management, 24(6), 775-779. doi:10.1111/jonm.12381
Matthews, J. H. (2012). Role of professional organizations in advocating for the nursing profession. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 17(1), 1.
Pender, D. A., & Anderton, C. (2016). Exploring the Process: A Narrative Analysis of Group Facilitators’ Reports on Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. Journal For Specialists In Group Work, 41(1), 19-43. doi:10.1080/01933922.2015.1111485
Shekleton, M. E., Preston, J. C., & Good, L. E. (2010). Growing leaders in a professional membership organization. Journal of Nursing Management, 18(6), 662–668.
Bottom of Form
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POST-2.docx
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY 3
Professional Goals
Professional development is very import to me. In fact, the organization I work for, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) fully supports and encourages professional development and certification. The national Office of Nursing Services (ONS) has a list of approved certifications on their website. If an employee of the Veterans Affairs (VA) obtains a certification on the approved list, they could be financially rewarded for their achievement and the certification will count towards their future promotions. The VA also supports the education of leaders through the offering of many national leadership programs. I am a graduate of the Northeast Chapter Healthcare Leadership Institute (NECHLI) where I met one week a quarter for one year with my classmates at different locations in the United States. We learned about leadership and completed many individual and group projects to strengthen our skills. In 2010, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) did a study that demonstrated that a workshop for president-elect members of the AANA helped to grow the organization by developing and maintaining the leadership and managerial skills of their future leaders (Skeleton, Preston, & Good, 2010). The VA’s programs do just that and work towards growing the next set of leaders in the VA. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
I am interested in applying for another Leadership Program called Leadership VA (LVA). This program is similar but focuses directly on the ways to grow in the VA and move forward to an executive position. I will be applying for this program by the end of this month. I have recently joined another professional organization, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. I had been a member years ago and recently renewed my membership. I wanted to do this so I could establish a connection with fellow nurses at the local, regional and even national level. The resources they offer for professional development, career and community involvement will certainly help me reach my future goals. I also hope to advocate for the profession through the organizations I am involved with. Advocacy, the cornerstone of nursing, seeks to influence the polices and decisions that influence and affect the nursing profession (Matthews, 2012). I have been a strong advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association and have seen first-hand how our efforts continue to make a difference. Nurses have a strong voice, but only if unified and collectively working together for a cause. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
My professional goal is to continue to improve my administration skills in my current position of Associate Chief of Nursing Services for Geriatrics and Extended Care. The future for GEC services is bright and there are so many opportunities in this area. The growth of home based primary care and short term skilled care allow for the chance to improve on the services offered and increase access to many veterans, especially in the rural areas of Pennsylvania. I am hoping to be ready to embark on a Nurse Executive role in about five years.
Certification Goal
I am already a certified Gerontological Nurse and a Certified Case Manager. I am proud of these certifications and I always work towards maintaining the necessary credits I need to renew them when it is time. The next certification on my list to achieve would be to earn Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The mission of this organization is to advance members and healthcare management excellence (American College of Healthcare Executives, 2017). This certification is important to me because it is recognized as the premier requirement for all nurse executives in the VA. The resources available to a Fellow in ACHE are amazing and I would be able to network with other nurse executives and gain more knowledge on the role and responsibilities of the position.
I feel I am ready for this certification now and I have plans to begin studying for the exam after the new year. The only reservation I have is the cost of the membership and exam. It is pricey, but an investment that I am willing to take.
Another certification that I would like to obtain is the Nurse Executive certification through the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). This is an approved certification and I think it would enhance my resume when I pursue a Nurse Executive position in the VA. My goal is to work towards this in the next five years.
Finally, one professional goal I have that involves certification is to encourage my nursing home staff to become certified. To do this, I have prepared the list of relevant certifications on the VA’s approved list. My plan is to start working with the staff development team to help these employees prepare for the exams. One strategy I learned was from the University of Vermont’s solution to allow time while on duty to study or to work with someone to fill out the application (Stern, 2016). In the VA, we cannot pay for the employee to take the exam, but we can compensate them for achieving the certification. Nurse certification can serve as an indicator of a high level of competence for the nurses (Junger, Trinkle, & Hall, 2016). Increasing the amount of certified staff will also enhance the quality of care we provide to our veterans. Discussion: Professional Development and Certification
References
American College of Healthcare Executives. (2017). About ACHE. Retrieved from : http://www.ache.org/abt_ache/facts.cfm
Junger, S., Trinkle, N., & Hall, N. (2016). Nurse leader certification preparation: how are confidence levels impacted? Journal of Nursing Management, 24, 775-779. Retrieved from Walden Library Databases.
Matthews, J.H. (2012). Role of professional organizations in advocating for the future of nursing. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing. 17(1). Retrieved from Walden Library Databases.
Skeleton, M.E., Preston, J.C., & Good, L.E. (2010). Growing leaders in a professional membership organization. Journal of Nursing Management, 18(6), 662-668. Retrieved from Walden Library Databases.
Stern. G. (2016). To be the best department starts Cert Now!. Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology, 9/10, 377-379. Retrieved fromwww.aami.org.