Academic and Professional Success Plan Template
Prepared by:
<INSERT NAME>
This document is to be used for NURS 6003 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing to complete Assessments 1-4. Just as importantly the document serves to organize your thoughts about planning for your academic and professional success.
For specific instructions see the weekly assessment details in the course or ask your instructor for further guidance.
Module 1 | Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network
I have identified and secured the participation of the following academic (at least two) and professional (at least two) individuals and/or teams to form the basis of my network. This network will help me to clarify my vision for success and will help guide me now and in the future.
Directions: Complete the information below for each member of your network. For more than four entries repeat the items below with details of your additional network member(s) in the ‘ADDITIONAL NETWORK MEMBERS’ section.
NETWORK MEMBER 1
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Academic or Professional:
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:
Notes:
NETWORK MEMBER 2
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Academic or Professional:
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:
Notes:
NETWORK MEMBER 3
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Academic or Professional:
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:
Notes:
NETWORK MEMBER 4
Name:
Title:
Organization:
Academic or Professional:
Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:
Notes:
Module 2 | Part 2: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics
I have analyzed the relationship between academic integrity and writing, as well as the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics. I have also identified strategies I intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of my academic work while a student of the MSN program, as well as my professional work as a nurse throughout my career. The results of these efforts are shared below.
Directions: In the space below craft your analysis/writing sample, including Part 1 (The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity) and Part 2 (Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work).
Part 1: Writing Sample: The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity
In the space below write a 2- 3-paragraph analysis that includes the following:
- Explanation for the relationship between academic integrity and writing
- Explanation for the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics
- Cite at least 2 resources that support your arguments, being sure to use proper APA formatting.
- Use Grammarly and Turnitin to improve the product.
- Explain how Grammarly, Turnitin, and paraphrasing contributes to academic integrity
PART 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work
Expand on your thoughts from Part 1 by:
- Identifying and describing strategies you intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of your 1) academic work while a student of the MSN program, and 2) professional work as a nurse throughout your career. Include a review of resources and approaches you propose to use as a student and a professional.
Module 3 | Part 3: Research Analysis
I have identified one topic of interest for further study. I have researched and identified one peer-reviewed research article focused on this topic and have analyzed this article. The results of these efforts are shared below.
Directions: Complete Step 1 by using the table and subsequent space below identify and analyze the research article you have selected. Complete Step 2 by summarizing in 2-3 paragraphs the results of your analysis using the space identified.
Step 1: Research Analysis
Complete the table below
| Topic of Interest: | ||||
| Research Article: Include full citation in APA format, as well as link or search details (such as DOI) | ||||
| Professional Practice Use:
One or more professional practice uses of the theories/concepts presented in the article |
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| Research Analysis Matrix
Add more rows if necessary |
Strengths of the Research | Limitations of the Research | Relevancy to Topic of Interest | Notes |
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Step 2: Summary of Analysis
Craft a summary (2-3 paragraph) below that includes the following:
- Describe your approach to identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research
- Identify at least two strategies that you would use that you found to be effective in finding peer-reviewed research
- Identify at least one resource you intend to use in the future to find peer-reviewed research
Module 6 | Part 4: Finalizing the Plan
I have considered various options for my nursing specialty, including a close look at my selected (or currently preferred) specialty and second-preferred specialty. I have also developed a justification of my selected (or preferred) specialty. Lastly, I have examined one professional organization related to my selected or preferred specialty and considered how I can become a member of this organization.
The results of my efforts are below.
Directions: Complete Step 1 by writing 2-3 paragraphs in the space below comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration – to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
Complete Step 2 by writing a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
Complete Step 3 by examining and identifying one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties
Use the space below to write 2-3 paragraphs comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration – to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty
Use the space below to write a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
Step 3: Professional Organizations
Use the space below to identify and examine one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
– END –
Below is a completed template for the Academic and Professional Success Plan:
Prepared by: [Your Name]
Module 1 | Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network
NETWORK MEMBER 1
- Name: Dr. John Doe
- Title: Professor of Nursing
- Organization: XYZ University
- Academic or Professional: Academic
- Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse: Dr. Doe’s expertise in nursing education aligns with my academic goals. His mentorship will guide me through the MSN program and enhance my understanding of advanced nursing concepts.
NETWORK MEMBER 2
- Name: Sarah Smith, MSN, RN
- Title: Nurse Educator
- Organization: ABC Hospital
- Academic or Professional: Professional
- Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse: Sarah’s experience as a nurse educator provides practical insights into the nursing profession. Her guidance will help me bridge theory with practice, fostering my development as a competent nurse.
NETWORK MEMBER 3
- Name: Dr. Emily Johnson
- Title: Nurse Researcher
- Organization: Research Institute of Nursing Excellence
- Academic or Professional: Professional
- Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse: Dr. Johnson’s research expertise will expose me to evidence-based practices crucial for advanced nursing roles. Her mentorship will refine my research skills, empowering me to contribute to nursing scholarship.
NETWORK MEMBER 4
- Name: Mark Thompson, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
- Title: Family Nurse Practitioner
- Organization: Community Health Clinic
- Academic or Professional: Professional
- Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse: Mark’s experience as a family nurse practitioner aligns with my career aspirations. His clinical insights will enrich my learning experience, preparing me for the challenges of advanced nursing practice.
Module 2 | Part 2: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics
Part 1: Writing Sample: The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity
Academic integrity is foundational to scholarly pursuits, ensuring honesty and credibility in academic writing. It encompasses principles of honesty, fairness, and transparency, crucial for upholding academic standards. Similarly, professional ethics in nursing encompass values of integrity, compassion, and respect for patient autonomy. The correlation between academic integrity and writing lies in maintaining originality and acknowledging sources through proper citation, fostering a culture of intellectual honesty. Professional practices, guided by scholarly ethics, ensure nurses adhere to ethical standards in clinical decision-making, safeguarding patient welfare (Smith & Johnson, 2020).
Grammarly and Turnitin serve as essential tools in promoting academic integrity by detecting grammatical errors and identifying instances of plagiarism, respectively. Paraphrasing reinforces academic integrity by expressing ideas in one’s own words while crediting the original source, thus avoiding plagiarism.
Part 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work
To uphold academic integrity, I will adhere to ethical principles by citing sources accurately, acknowledging contributions from others, and avoiding plagiarism. Regular use of Grammarly and Turnitin will ensure the quality and originality of my academic work. Additionally, I will cultivate a habit of critical thinking and ethical reasoning to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in nursing practice.
As a professional nurse, I will uphold ethical standards by prioritizing patient advocacy, maintaining confidentiality, and practicing within my scope of competence. Continuous professional development through evidence-based practice will enhance my clinical decision-making skills, ensuring the delivery of safe and effective care to patients. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and adherence to professional codes of ethics will guide my practice, promoting patient-centered care and professional integrity.
Module 3 | Part 3: Research Analysis
Step 1: Research Analysis
| Topic of Interest: Nursing Leadership Styles |
|---|
| Research Article: Smith, A., & Johnson, E. (2022). Leadership Styles in Nursing: A Systematic Review. Journal of Nursing Management, 25(3), 45-58. DOI: 10.XXXXX |
| Professional Practice Use: The article explores various leadership styles in nursing and their impact on patient outcomes. Nurses can utilize findings to adapt leadership approaches, fostering a positive work environment and improving patient care. |
| Research Analysis Matrix |
| Strengths of the Research |
| Comprehensive literature review |
Step 2: Summary of Analysis
My approach to identifying peer-reviewed research involved utilizing academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar, employing keywords related to my topic of interest. Effective strategies included refining search criteria and critically evaluating search results to select relevant articles. Additionally, accessing journals through institutional subscriptions facilitated access to full-text articles.
In future research endeavors, I intend to utilize resources such as institutional libraries and online databases to access peer-reviewed literature. Collaborating with colleagues and mentors can also provide valuable insights and recommendations for relevant research sources.
Module 6 | Part 4: Finalizing the Plan
Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties
Upon comparing psychiatric mental health nursing to pediatric nursing, I found that both specialties offer distinct opportunities and challenges. Psychiatric mental health nursing focuses on promoting mental wellness and treating psychiatric disorders across the lifespan. Graduates are prepared to assess, diagnose, and manage mental health conditions, working in diverse settings such as psychiatric hospitals, community clinics, and correctional facilities. On the other hand, pediatric nursing emphasizes the care of infants, children, and adolescents, encompassing preventive care, acute illness management, and family support. Graduates are equipped to deliver comprehensive pediatric care in various settings, including hospitals, pediatric clinics, and schools.
Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty
I chose psychiatric mental health nursing as my MSN specialization due to its holistic approach to patient care and the growing demand for mental health services. The discussions in this week’s forum highlighted the significance of addressing mental health issues within healthcare, underscoring the need for skilled psychiatric nurses. Moreover, my personal experiences and passion for advocating mental wellness further reinforce my decision to pursue this specialty.
Step 3: Professional Organizations
One professional organization related to psychiatric mental health nursing is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). To become a member, I can visit the APNA website and complete the membership application process online. As a member, I will gain access to resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs tailored to psychiatric nursing practice.
This concludes the Academic and Professional Success Plan template.
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