Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Professional Development Plan Carly A. Macklin Ferris State University

Abstract A written analysis has been developed in order to document my assessment of the professional behaviors demonstrated within my work as a nurse. Using the American Nurse Association (ANA) Standards of Professional Nursing Performance, I have evaluated my functioning as a nurse to clarify my strengths and weaknesses. I have also developed my professional careerrelated goals. Included within these goals are the specific details and timeframes set for both short-term and long-term professional ambitions. A plan for an evaluation method to monitor and assess my progress in meeting these goals is included.

Professional Development Plan In order to achieve excellence within any profession, one must assess and evaluate their performance. Working professionals are often subject to performance reviews completed by management, which assist in providing the individual with knowledge of their strengths, as well as areas needing improvement. The working nurse may be familiar with this evaluation tool within the workplace setting. In addition to these guidelines, The American Association of Nurses (ANA) has provided professional standards that state the duties that all registered nurses, regardless of role, population, or specialty, are expected to perform competently (ANA, 2010, p. 31). This professional development plan has allowed me to evaluate the application of the ANA standards within my current professional work. In addition to the knowledge gained by this analysis, I have learned where action is needed and how to address the areas that fail to meet the ANA standards. Furthermore, other areas of needed growth have been established as the plan of my five year and ten year professional nursing goals has been developed. Continued application, analysis and evaluation using the ANA standards will allow me to monitor my progress as I work to achieve these aspirations. Current Professional Behaviors Ethics The impact of the care that nurses give to others requires that we adhere to standards and actions that protect healthcare consumer autonomy, dignity, rights, values and beliefs (ANA, 2010, p. 47). As I reflect on this topic, I can quickly identify instances where adherence to this standard is evident on a daily basis when providing patient care. Yet, ethical issues often involve

emotion, and personal opinions are influenced by assumptions and entrenched beliefs and points of view. This can lead to areas of weakness in the accomplishment of meeting this set norm. My job related actions maintain my patients dignity and rights by providing thorough care with the focus on maintaining privacy and respect for personal beliefs (ANA, 2010, p. 47). I have cared for a 94 year old who wished to remain a full resuscitation and respected these wishes in moments of health crisis. I have worked with family and physicians in the coordination of providing comfort and palliative care for the 70 year old with end stage emphysema. I go about my work with strict compliance to hospital and government standards of confidentiality, all while remaining careful not to cross any professional nurse-patient boundaries. In the above mentioned areas we are required to protect, it is easy to analyze my behavior and claim the ease of meeting the standard of ethics. Yet, deeper consideration is needed. There have been instances within my current role as a health care nurse where I have shied away from investigating the need to fully clarify the ethics of a situation. It is not always clear within a patient and caregiver relationship how much control is actually given to the patient, and there are times when one would question the appropriateness of care given within a situation. I fear that my apprehension and desire to avoid confrontation may be limiting my ability to fully meet this ANA standard. This realization is something I must learn from, as my hesitation may be preventing me meeting this professional standard. Education With advances in technology and research, and changes in patients needs as our world evolves, the registered nurse needs to continue to seek knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing practice (ANA, 2010, p. 49). By complying with workplace standards of

educational competency testing and state continued education requirements, I have shown that I meet the basic standards of education. In addition, I am currently in the process of working to obtain my Bachelors of the Science of Nursing (BSN) degree from Ferris State University. My reasons for doing this are to seek advancement my profession, and expand the knowledge I possess of my nursing vocation. Upon reflection of this standard, I can see that the motivation behind a great deal of my nursing education is based on requirement rather than personal independent knowledge attainment. This may be due to the fact that I still am working to find an area or specialty within this profession that will serve as my professional niche. While the areas of cardiology and community based nursing have been great learning experiences, my personal and professional needs have been met. I have determined that in order to strengthen this area of weakness, I must start educating myself in order to assist in the determination of what variation of the nursing profession appeals to me most. In addition to my continued education in the Ferris State BSN program, further self-education, including research and review of nursing publications will assist with this. Evidence-Based Practice and Research As a working health-care clinician, I have followed agency polices of professional behaviors that have been developed as the result of evidenced-based research. Therefore, I have used current evidence based nursing knowledge, including research findings, to guide practice (ANA, 2010, p. 51). In addition, I have been involved with unit studies by providing data to aid in the development of research findings, such as studies involving the length of foley catheter

indwelling time in relation to urinary tract development. Within the classroom setting, I have shared results of third-party research findings with colleagues and peers (ANA, 2010, pg. 51). I have yet to be involved in taking initiative in the development of research based studies (ANA, 2010, pg. 51). Although Ive assisted in obtaining information for such projects, I have yet to demonstrate adequate personal participation in this very important aspect of my profession. Furthermore, aside from school, I have not professionally showcased and demonstrated research findings in a workplace setting to promote the application of the results to advance patient care. I must plan to better demonstrate compliance with this professional skill. As I advance from a novice level of nursing skill, to a more experienced professional, I cannot make excuses for not involving myself with the educational values necessary to provide the soundest and most appropriate care for my patients. Quality of Practice Upon review of the competencies that account for the ANA standard of quality, multiple areas of my practice need work. I possess confidence in the quality of my care documentation accountability, adherence to workplace policies and overall performance in regards to my daily tasks as a nurse (ANA, 2010, p. 52). Also, since starting work as a homecare nurse, my abilities to be resourceful and to think critically have grown tremendously due to the nature of the job. It has increased my confidence in my autonomy and independence in practice. My ability to provide quality care improves as my experience base does. Due to my growing experience, I can no longer use the excuse I once did to rationalize the areas of quality practice in which I am lacking. My involvement with quality improvement activities must improve. I have used my newness and novice nurse status to explain why I have

not been involved in unit based projects and committees. My focus has been on the daily nursing tasks at hand. Yet, I cannot expect to grow in professionalism in the manner necessary if I continue to make excuses. Personal involvement with quality improvement at a higher level within my workplace is needed as I strive to meet the ANA standards of professionalism (ANA, 2010, pp. 52-53). Leadership Although I have never considered myself a natural leader by way of taking charge and giving direction, I know that I have often taken a leadership role within my profession. In times of stress, I will be quick to offer assistance to colleagues, all while treating them with respect, trust and dignity (ANA, 2010, p. 55). As I have grown as a registered nurse, my skill in delegation and communication with co-workers has developed to a level that I am confident in. Yet, this process of analysis continues to confirm the focus I need to place on increasing my participation with professional organizations. It seems I may not have correlated unit based workplace research, committees and projects with professional growth. This is not an excuse but a fact. Further study of my profession, and the key elements that make it such, have led to a better understanding of the need to push myself to grow in areas Ive either not been comfortable in, or areas that have not been of much interest. In order to strengthen my leadership skills, I need to apply what I am learning and seek opportunities that will assist in my development in this area. In addition, further thought in this provides the realization that my knowledge and ever growing background in my field is very valuable. I would be a lesser nurse today had it not been for numerous mentors. This must be kept in mind as I work with others who will have the professional needs I did when first entering the workforce.

Professional Practice Evaluation According to the ANA Standards of Professional Practice (2010), the nurse must critically reflect on their actions and evaluate the application of these professional principles within the scope of their vocation (ANA, 2010, p. 59). I have met this standard as part of my current workplace requirements. Each year, the employee is asked to perform a self-evaluation based on set quality and performance measures. Two peers and the immediate supervisor is required to do the same evaluation of the staff member. This has provided me a comparison tool that has showcased how my personal perceptions measure with others. While workplace evaluations are a helpful tool, they often do not aid in the development of action(s) to achieve goals identified during the evaluation process (ANA, 2010, p. 59). This is an area that could be improved and may provide opportunity to enhance my leadership skills by addressing this management. A yearly review or evaluation should do more than just provide feedback. The inclusion of plans for professional improvement will assist the nurse to meet the competencies required for this ANA standard. Resource Utilization Had it not been for my decision to work in the nursing setting of homecare for the last year, my professional behaviors in relation to the standard of resource utilization would be greatly lacking. Due to this transition into continuing care nursing, my knowledge of community resources and care management of the patient has expanded to a level that I have found beneficial in providing adequate and thorough patient care. Working as a care manager, it is essential that I insure that supply needs are met. In addition, I assist with medication obtainment, transportation resources, and referrals to community support services. This allows me to assist

the healthcare consumer and family in identifying and securing appropriate services to address needs across the healthcare continuum (ANA, 2010, p. 60). I assess the needs present and follow up by evaluating the patients progress to goals set at the start of care. Despite this, skill and action within this area is not complete. The competencies that I am meeting in this area are somewhat limited to the individual, and not the organization or the nursing role as a whole. In part, this may be due to the lack of experience I have in management and administration roles. Those who oversee healthcare functioning are able to meet this professional standard by way of monitoring and guiding overall agency performance. With continued education and experience, I too may be in a position that will allow me the development of this professional behavior within a larger scope such as this. Collegiality In a stressful field such as healthcare, positive relationships amongst co-workers are crucial in the successful development of the registered nurse. I have worked to aid in the establishment of a supportive and healthy work environment in each place of employment I have been (ANA, 2010, p. 135). My co-worker relationships have been essential in my progression to a confident working nurse. I am an advocate for peer respect and seek to remain uninvolved in workplace activities that are counter-productive to working relationships. I continue to grow more comfortable with sharing knowledge I have attained during my short time as nurse. Yet, this area has much room for improvement. I tend to shy away for opportunities to formally educate others as I continue to view myself as a nurse that is still new to the profession. Reflection of this leads me to understand that I still possess some insecurity as a nurse. It is important that I remember that regardless of experience, I must never stop asking

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questions. The professional nurse will never run out of knowledge left to learn. Therefore, I must take pride in what I have accomplished thus far and share this success with those asking the questions that I once did. Collaboration Healthcare cannot function with nurses alone. Teamwork is a constant and required element needed for successful outcomes. As a working nurse, every day I am collaborating with my patients in order to mutually work to attain patient centered goals. Also, coordination of care is established between the various disciplines providing patient services. Currently, I take part in interdisciplinary care conferences at work. This provides a team building process where nursing communicate directly with the therapy, aide and social work departments to determine and evaluate patient needs and goals (ANA, 2010, p. 57). I can improve my professional behaviors in collaboration by continuing to educated myself on this matter, with focus regarding conflict management. Learning techniques to resolve inconsistencies and disagreements between both co-worker and patient relationships will help me to fully meet the competencies required within the collaboration standard. Professional Goals Five Year Goals Taking what I have learned from this analysis of professional behavior, I have developed multiple professional goals that I plan to complete within the next five years. I will graduate from the Ferris State University BSN program by December of 2013 with a B average (University of Michigan School of Nursing, 2010, Admission Requirements, para. 1). In 2014, I will begin research and application to graduate level nursing degree programs. To support both

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my short and long term goals, I plan to seek new employment in an inpatient setting by October of 2011. This career move needs to push me out of comfort zones and strengthen my knowledge and skills as a nurse. This new area of employment must be a change from cardiac and community health nursing. A new patient demographic will aid in increasing my experience and confidence while helping me further my journey towards finding the field of nursing that serves me professionally and personally. By the end of 2012, I plan to be involved in a unit based committee that seeks to provide better quality of care. This will improve my leadership and research behaviors while also strengthening communication and collegiality. Action Plan. After my relocation summer of 2011, I need to work towards obtaining employment with the focus of new variations of this career field. Once hired and after the completion of orientation, I can focus on involving myself in efforts that work to improve agency and unit functioning and better patient care. If these do not exist, a leadership role must be taken to create a council that fills this role. Outside of work, I will continue to follow my set plan for my BSN completion. Once completed, continued education in graduate level studies will be sought, with this goal remaining in focus throughout my BSN studies as well. Evaluation. I have set specific years for each goal when developing my plan. Within each year I must meet the goal set. At the end of each year, I must review my progress and the outcomes of this plan. This will be documented in written form for personal review and reflection. If my aims have not been met, why? I will seek the reason and cause for the lack of completion. What changes to the plan need to be made? I must answers these questions, and then modify what remains of the plan as required as my professional journey continues. 10 Year Goals

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I plan to continue working to gain experience through my career that will aid in the accomplishment of my ultimate career goals. With five years goals to obtain varied professional experience, this will aid in my interest in obtaining a specialty as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). By 2016, I hope to apply to the University of Michigans FNP program. A variation of nursing experience will prepare me to better develop the skills needed to deliver cutting edge, community-based primary health care to individuals and families across the lifespan (University of Michigan, 2010, Family Nurse Practitioner Program, para. 1). A goal of completion of this program by the end of 2021 has been established. This level of education will provide me with deeper knowledge and skill to strengthen and elevate my professional development in every ANA standard above and beyond the baseline competencies required. Action Plan. My plan for BSN completion is geared towards eventual study in advanced practice nursing. I have chosen to complete my BSN, two classes per semester, in order to focus on academic success. By giving myself the goal of starting my Masters studies in 2016, I have allowed time for research and proper application to this program, and will also evaluate other universities FNP programs for further comparison. With plans to have completed my education by 2021, I have permitted time to complete potential prerequisites and requirements not met by my undergraduate degree, which will vary depending on program and school. Evaluation. I will evaluate the success of this plan according to the timelines I have set for program completion. In addition, each semester I will assess and monitor my grade average in order to track my academic success. I will follow the timeline I have established and monitor its progress the same way I will be evaluating my five year goals. This will be done with yearly review and modification of action plans. I must remain flexible yet focused in order to proceed in my plans to meet my ultimate goals.

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Conclusion Understanding the need for growth is necessary when striving for professional excellence. By isolating and recognizing my weaknesses, an appropriate plan for improvement can be developed. With the analysis of my professional strengths and weaknesses in relation to the ANA Standards of Professional Practice, I have been able to tailor my career goals to meet the needs established by this review. This will in turn support and enhance my level of

professionalism, while also bolstering my success in the preparation and execution of my short and long term career goals.

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References American Nurses Association. (2010). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed). Silver Spring, MA: Nursesbooks.org. University of Michigan School of Nursing. (2010). Family Nurse Practitioner Program. Retrieved from http://nursing.umich.edu/sondrupal-dev/academic-programs/mastersprograms/family-nurse-practitioner. University of Michigan School of Nursing. (2010). Masters Programs Admission Requirements. Retrieved from http://nursing.umich.edu/admissions/application-information /requirements/masters-programs.