NR 451 Week 8 Graded Discussion Topic: Your Nursing Destiny
NR451
NR 451
Your Nursing Destiny
This week’s graded topic relates to the following
... [Show More] Course Outcome (CO).
CO5: Develops a plan for continued personal and professional development through enrollment in graduate education, continuing education programs, certification attainment, professional reading and participation in professional organizations’ and service to the community. (PO#5)
Now that each one of you is very close to completing this major accomplishment in your nursing career, please share your professional development plans to keep up to date in your chosen specialty and nursing in general.
In what professional nursing organizations do you currently participate? What organizations might you think about participating in for the future?
What nursing certifications are you considering?
How might consideration of continuing your education to pursue a graduate degree fit into your future plans?
Answer
Every profession is characterized by professional culture that fosters ethos and values of the profession among its members. Through a series of actions, professional organizations nurtures and maintains a professional culture. In every industry, professional organizations are established to advocate on behalf of their members while representing the core values of the profession. This is the same case with the nursing profession. Professional nursing organizations does not only advocate on behalf of the members but also gives opportunities for nurses to connect with colleagues, attend conventions aimed at continuing education, learn about recent changes in healthcare, and gain specialized professional certifications (Matthews, 2012). In nursing, the first professional organization to be founded was the American Society of Superintendents of Training Schools for Nurses, established in 1893, and today, it is known as National League for Nursing. Other major nursing professional organizations in existence today include the American Nurse Association (ANA), the American Red Cross, the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association, State Nursing Associations, and the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). The professional organization that I currently participate is the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). It has been one of the most valuable resources for student nurses since its establishment in 1969 (Matthews, 2012). It provides students with career resources for employment, and also educational journals for students in all nursing degree programs.
For the future, the professional organization that I might consider participating in is the American Nurses Association (ANA).While it is the largest professional organization for nurses in the country, there are state connections which makes it more useful for all nurses and easy to join and participant in as well (Matthews, 2012). ANA provides it members with a wealth of research information through an online library. I would want to be a member of ANA because it will be a great addition to my resume as a nurse especially considering that I am still seeking for better employment opportunities. Also, as a member of ANA, I will have free access to top nursing journals and magazines, and I have an opportunity to network with other nurses.
There are two nursing certifications that I am considering: Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA), and Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP). When I obtain the CRNA certification, I am able to administer anaesthesia during surgical procedures. In the U.S. each state has different requirements for nurses seeking to be certified as CRNA although all certifications are administered by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anaesthetists (Matthews, 2012). Certified clinical research professionals include medical and clinical laboratory technicians, medical scientists, and medical and clinical laboratory technologists.
My consideration to continue my education to pursue my graduate degree fits into my future plans in the sense that I will obtain the minimal requirements to pursue the certifications mentioned above. For instance, to be a certified CCRP, one must have a degree in nursing, medical technology, statistics, clinical laboratory, or business administration. Without any of these degrees, one might not be capable of pursuing the certification, hence limiting the employment opportunities. Therefore, if I decide to continue education and pursue a graduate degree, I am in a good position to earn my certifications so as to position myself well for good job opportunities. [Show Less]