NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties
I have always been fascinated by Nursing Education and Leadership. As a teacher, I have the ability to breakdown complex concepts into small pieces of information, facilitating understanding and comprehension. Teaching, educating, and influencing future generations of healthcare professionals has been my imperative goal since I completed a master’s program in Advance Nursing Education. However, with the transition from Jamaica to the United States, my teaching duties have been on hold to a certain extent. As a leader, I have found a way to convey my teaching skills into daily practice outside the classroom. Leaders mentor, coach, empower, motivate.
Although my passion for leadership and education goes hand in hand, the decision to pursue the Post Master’s Certificate in Nursing Executive responds to a strategy I had to play to obtain an RN license in the state of Georgia. I am thankful that Walden University offers such a convenient program. The post master’s certificate adds greater depth and value to my portfolio, enhancing professional respect and recognition. (Walden University, 2020). In the end, the benefits of completing the post mater’s certificate will be immeasurable.
Current Difficulties and Factors Driving the Decision
As an international nurse, the transition from Cuba to Jamaica to the United States has not been easy. Passing the NCLEX and obtaining the RN license endorsement in GA have been the two most difficult tasks I have ever faced. Not being able to obtain the endorsement is the driving force to pursue the postmasters’ certificate. The Georgia Board of Nursing only accepts credential evaluations from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). This agency requires transcripts to be sent directly from the university where the applicant completed the program of study. Although I graduated with a master’s degree from The University of the West Indies in Jamaica, and the CGFNS has already received the transcripts, they cannot issue the evaluation without the BSN documentation. Cuba is a particular country that, due to political reasons, does not release transcripts. Long story short, to qualify for license endorsement in GA, I decided to complete a program in this country to, basically, end the nightmare of transcripts. I also hold a multi-state license issued in FL, and even though GA is a member of the eNLC, many employers still require a GA license. I was surprised that after a year of sending countless applications and receiving no for an answer, I was accepted at a rehabilitation center. Without having previous experience in this area, I had to accept the offer.

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Professional Organization
The American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) is one of the organizations that I plan to join. The AONL is the voice of nursing leadership and the only organization dedicated to this specialized field. Previously known as the American Organization for Nurse Executives (AONE), the AONL changed its name in 2019 to better reflect its core mission and vision. These statements resonate with my future professional goals. The AONL mission is “to shape health care through innovative and expert nursing leadership.” Its vision is “Nursing leadership-one voice advancing health” (American Organization for Nursing Leadership, 2020a); among the benefits of joining this organization are networking and career development. The applicant can tailor his/her membership by selecting a specific type; for instance: full, associate, student, group and team, and international. I find this very flexible since nurse leaders are often appointed for a short period of time based on need instead of a career path. Additionally, the AONL offers the opportunity to professional nurses from other countries who support its mission and vision statements to become a member (American Organization for Nursing Leadership, 2020b).
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties References
American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2020a). American Organization for Nursing
Leadership. https://www.aonl.org/about/overview
American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2020b). Become an AONL Member.
https://www.aonl.org/membership/join
Walden University. (2020). An Opportunity to Make a Difference.
https://www.waldenu.edu/online-certificates-programs/nursing-post-masters/nurse-executive
My first step when choosing a nursing specialty within the program was to know what I absolutely did not want to do within this profession. I Immediately knew that I was not interested in psychiatric nursing, pediatrics or maternity. Nursing education is a specialty that I am very interested in, but not at this time. I would love to be an adjunct faculty at a college or university once I have been a nurse for 15 years or greater. Having been a nurse for only 7 years, I believe that gaining more experience in the field will help me to become an even better instructor. Moreover, I realized that I was no longer interested in working in a hospital setting so the acute care nurse practitioner program also did not seem like a good fit for me. I chose the adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (AG PCNP) program because I wanted to work with the older population and build long-term relationships with my patients. I also like the fact that this specialty’s scope of practice is based on patient needs rather than the setting itself (Adult-Gerontology NP Competencies Work Group, 2016).
Professional organizations seek to advance the profession and interests of its members. However, the cost of membership can be a deterrent for many nurses especially if a nurse wants to become a member of multiple organizations. Since membership to these organizations comes at a cost, it would behoove the nurse to take time choosing an organization to join. Choosing the right organization includes ensuring that membership in a particular organization is in line with personal and professional goals (Echevarria, 2018). As a future AG PCNP, I am interested in becoming a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). I believe that no matter the specialty, it is extremely important to build a solid foundation as I advance in the nursing profession in a new role. This organization provides flexibility with membership, offering six options for membership based on where you are in your career. For example, there is a student NP membership with an annual fee of $55. This membership is made specifically for the student nurse practitioner who does not have experience in the role. It provides opportunities for networking and free continuing education courses to facilitate career growth (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.). In order to apply for membership, simply click the link that says “Join AANP” and the user will be redirected to another page for which they will be given prompts to join. Licensing information is required and the annual fee is due at the time of registration (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.).
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties References
Adult-Gerontology NP Competencies Work Group. (2016). Adult-gerontology acute care and primary care NP competencies. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/NP_Adult_Geri_competencies_4.pdf
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. N.d. Membership. Retrieved November 1, 2021 from https://www.aanp.org/membership
Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35–38.
You have probably seen one or more of the many inspirational posters about decisions. A visual such as a forked road or a street sign is typically pictured, along with a quote designed to inspire.
Decisions are often not so easily inspired. Perhaps you discovered this when choosing a specialty within the MSN program. This decision is a critical part of your plan for success, and you no doubt want to get it right. This is yet another area where your network can help, as well as other sources of information that can help you make an informed choice.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.
To Prepare:
Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
Hello Lorie! I was drawn to your response to this discussion when I began reading about how you were influenced by many of your colleagues who have their Nurse practitioner degree. For one, I too was influenced to begin my career because of others who worked in the roles in which I would eventually hope to work in, as well. I was inspired by my many amazing nurses who took part in my care when I was in the hospital, having my first child. I was so inspired by their incredible and compassionate care. But even more inspiring was their skill, knowledge, and ability to think and work quickly under pressure, in high risk and emergent situations. I truly decided that I wanted to be just like them. Moreover, after I obtained my RN licensure, and worked in the very unit I had hoped to, I got the privilege of working alongside many mid-level providers and advanced practice nurses. Consequently, I decided to also continue my career by obtaining my FNP, because of those providers who continued to inspire me. I think our stories, though very different in some ways, sends a very important message that holding these professional titles is not just about patient care, but so many other roles as well. One being: inspiring others in the healthcare setting to want to work in this field of helping others. This helps to grow the numbers of healthcare workers who truly want to help others in a time where having enough of us to fill the demand for healthcare workers is crucial to community and global health.
By Day 3 of Week 10
Post an explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program. Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty and provide details on becoming a member.
I have chosen to pursue a degree in the MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner program here at Walden University. For me the decision was easy, honestly. I am actually a transfer student here at Walden University and had started a FNP program several years ago at a local university in my state. Well life happened and I ultimately took a 4 year long break after I was about a third of the way done with their program. I was able to transfer a lot of credits to Walden University in their MSN-FNP program. I will be beginning my clinicals for the FNP program at Walden in the spring term. I am taking this transition course as a requirement Walden has for navigating their programs. I have known that I have wanted to be an FNP since I became a nurse. As a bedside RN I am always seeking autonomy and critically thinking. I enjoy interpreting labs and diagnostics and “putting the pieces together” to understand diagnoses. I work in the ER and I find myself thinking of differential diagnoses immediately after triaging someone. I enjoy this part of care. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (2012) states that “Nurse Practitioner graduates have knowledge, skills, and abilities that are essential to independent clinical practice” (para.3). They discuss how nurse practitioners have an advanced knowledge of the healthcare system. I want to continue to grow as a nurse and build on my knowledge. Cherry et al. (2019) discuss how one important component to professional development is the commitment to lifelong learning. Becoming a family nurse practitioner would be a lifelong commitment to continuous education and clinical practice. This is something that I am dedicated to do.
An organization I would like to apart of as a FNP would be the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. I would like to join this group because they are recognized nationally and offer many benefits with their members. The AANP offers different conferences, events, CE credits, clinical references, and clinical tools to its members (AANP, n.d). To become a member, one must be a licensed NP or a student in a NP program. To become a member as a student you must enter your demographic information, your program and school, and pay a 55$ annual fee. The student fee is discounted compared to the normal fee. Then you can have access to all the benefits. The AANP (n.d) states that “Being a part of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners® (AANP) is more than just a membership — it’s a real opportunity to make a measurable difference in the strength of your profession and the health of this country” (para.1).
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties References
American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (n.d). AANP Member Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/membership/member- m benefits
Cherry, B., Caramanica, L., Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). Leveraging the Power of Board Leadership in Professional Nursing Organizations. Journal of Nursing Administration, 49, 517-519. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000805
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. (2012). Nurse Practitioner Core Competencies. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/npcorecompetenciesfinal2012.pdf
By Day 6 of Week 10
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by sharing your thoughts on their specialty, supporting their choice or offering suggestions if they have yet to choose.
Submission and Grading Information
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:
Week 10 Discussion Rubric
Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6 of Week 10
To participate in this Discussion:
Week 10 Discussion
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties Rubric Detail
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Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan:
Click here to ORDER an A++ paper from our Verified MASTERS and DOCTORATE WRITERS: NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties
- Write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table comparing at least two nursing specialties, including your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
- Write a 2-3 paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
- Identify the professional organization related to the specialization you have chosen to focus on for this Assignment and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.
Points Range: 77 (77%) – 85 (85%)
A fully completed and detailed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided that accurately and fully describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.
A clear and accurately justified statement describes in detail the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with sufficient evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
A bachelor’s degree in nursing is an impressive accomplishment. I have worked with mental health and mental disability populations for the past seven years as a registered nurse. I have the ability to care for people in a way that makes a difference due to my compassion and love. I’ve decided to pursue a nursing profession as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a Mental Health specialty (MHNP). Because I know what I want and why I want it, selecting a nurse practitioner specialty was not difficult for me. I chose MHNP because mental illness and post-traumatic disorders are the root cause of many cases of mental illness, substance abuse, and suicide. The majority of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals have dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance use disorder. According to Kennder, K. S. (2019), mental disease is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental variables. The majority of our patients had encountered a terrible event and endured intense emotional suffering. Unfortunately, these individuals are vilified, ostracized, and marginalized as opposed to receiving the necessary help and therapy.
I was born and reared in Rwanda, one of the East African countries, where mental illness is thought to be a myth. Due to a lack of understanding of mental health problems, Rwandans with mental health disorders are completely ignored and shunned by their families and society. In Rwanda, those with mental illness are supposed to be possessed by sorcerers and witches. Instead of seeking professional treatment, their family take them to a traditional doctor or priest in an attempt to rid them of the witchcraft, but this has no effect. Due to the stigma associated with it, families abandon individuals to perish on the streets. Families absolutely reject those who suffer from mental illness due to the stigmatization that surrounds them. To make matters worse, the government lacks the resources to assist those with mental illness. Imagine a nation of more than twelve million people with only one mental health facility in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. The majority of clinicians lack adequate knowledge of mental disease. There are no mental health clinics or institutions in every village. I chose to pursue MHNP in order to be in a position to assist my people back home. I will raise awareness of mental health disorders and dispel the notion that they are related with witchcraft. I shall hold numerous seminars at home and educate my people on the reality and treatability of mental health disorders.
Working in numerous nursing settings with a variety of roles is the finest aspect of the profession of nursing. Nursing is a constantly evolving profession. Joining a professional association is vital for staying abreast of the most recent local, regional, and worldwide knowledge and practices (Matthews, 2012). The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is a professional association for nurse practitioners (NP) that provides advocacy for practice, information on current topics, free continuing education, journal subscriptions, and opportunities for professional development and promotion. This year, this group boasts 119,000 members, a significant increase from previous years. AANP provides NP students the opportunity to join for only $ 55 per year. As soon as an individual completes an NP program and obtains certification as an NP from a nationally recognized certifying organization, the annual membership fee is $150. (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2021).
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties References
American Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (AANP). (2021). Participate in the nurse practitioner’s voice (2021). In Membership of AANP. https://www.aanp.org/membership
Kendler, K. S. (2019). From many to one to many: the hunt for psychiatric disorder causes JAMA Psychiatry 76(10):1085-1091. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.1200. PMID: 31215968
J. Matthews (2012). Professional organizations’ role in promoting the nursing profession. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, volume 17, issue 1, page 3.
10.3912/OJIN.Vol17No01Man03
I appreciated reading your article. I believe it is admirable that you are getting a degree in mental health. I presently work in the Electroconvulsive Therapy unit of our Behavioral Health hospital, so I have direct experience with the effects of mental health on individuals. My heart bleeds for these individuals, and I encounter so many untreated cases of depression, therefore I admire you for stepping up to provide optimal care for your patients. I discovered this post written by a mental health nurse, and her thoughts resonate strongly with me. “Mental health is a fundamental, intrinsic phenomenon and a universal requirement of humanity. Mental health is delicate and sophisticated; a delicate robe that is easily torn and tattered, momentarily shifted and forgotten. Some persons have poorer mental health and are more forgetful than others. (McCabe, 2005). I believe that mental health is one of the least treated and underdiagnosed ailments worldwide. I believe it is crucial that we raise awareness of this issue and treat our patients effectively.
We appreciate your sharing,
Crystal
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties References
McCabe, S. (2005). Where is Mental Health Care in Psychiatric Nursing? Psychiatric Care Perspectives, 41(3), 133-135. doi:https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1111/j.1744-6163.2005.00024.x
J. Matthews (2012). Professional organizations’ role in promoting the nursing profession. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, volume 17, issue 1, page 3.
10.3912/OJIN.Vol17No01Man03
I worked on a gen/med floor in a level one trauma hospital when I started nursing. It provided a good foundation for being a new nurse, but it was a slower-paced job than I was expecting. Downtime has always been challenging for me, so I decided to change positions and become an intensive care nurse. Here is where I found my passion for action, well, in a sense. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and had more confidence in my skills at the end of each shift. And as I took on the position of charge nurse, I realized that I was good at being a leader. I enjoyed working in a high-intensity environment, and people responded well to me. With this in mind, I decided to take things a step further in my career, so I applied to the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP) program here at Walden.As an ICU travel nurse, technically a “COVID ICU travel nurse,” the workload has become more demanding in the past year and a half. During this time, I couldn’t physically be with my family due to obvious reasons, which made coping alone difficult. I also started noticing a feeling of being utterly drained of energy. I was burned out! According to research, health workers can encounter various psychological difficulties when working in high-pressure and high-risk situations, such as those associated with disasters and pandemics (Salamah, 2020). So instead of taking the break I so desperately needed, I decided to head back to nursing school and keep that momentum of intensity going. Unfortunately, distraction is a coping mechanism I have learned to master. So it’s clear to say, here is where I’ve been struggling a bit with making a definite career choice. Though I love taking care of patients and providing support to families, I started questioning whether or not working in a hospital setting as a nurse practitioner is what I wanted to do. I knew I needed some guidance and clarity if I wanted to stay on the path of becoming an acute care NP.
Being an active member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), I knew that I would find information to tackle my fatigue and learn new ways to plan for career advancement in the field I once loved. In addition, AACN provides resources to assist nurses in prioritizing their well-being while providing substantial care to patients and their families. For example, nurse leaders affiliated with the organization offer sessions on practical mindful activities to improve personal and organizational resilience during current challenging times in healthcare. As a result, nurses will learn to implement strategic pauses and thoughtful moments into their workday (Bay, 2021).
There are several professional nursing organizations whose primary focus is on critical care nursing for nurses practicing in acute care, one being AACN. The AACN has provided progressive and critical care nurses with world-class resources, education, and support for over 50 years and has over 130,000 members (AACN, 2021). Listed below are some of the membership options for those who are interested in joining. Membership fees can be found on the AACN website.
- Active membership is open to any registered nurse licensed in the United States interested in critical care nursing and is in good standing with their state or territory’s licensing office. Additionally, nurses who work in research, administration, education, medical-surgical, telemetry, progressive care units, home health, or any other healthcare agency are qualified (AACN, 2021).
- Any LVN or LPN, non-nurse professional, or student working in these fields, as well as any healthcare consumer or member of the business or political community, is eligible. However, affiliate members cannot vote, hold office, or serve on national or chapter committees (AACN, 2021).
- Professional nurses who have an RN license in a country other than the United States are eligible. Membership includes all AACN privileges; however, all benefits, including a member card, are provided digitally (through email or the Web). International members are not eligible to run for office or participate on national or chapter committees (AACN, 2021).
- Any resident of the United States (or a non-citizen of the United States who resides inside the United States) enrolled in an accredited professional nursing program and is not currently licensed as a registered nurse is eligible. Membership in the AACN entitles them to all AACN advantages. However, student members cannot vote, hold office, or serve on national or chapter committees (AACN, 2021).
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties References
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2021). AACN Membership Types and Rates. https://www.aacn.org/membership/aacn-membership-types-and-rate
Bay, L. M. (2021). Mindfulness: Using Pause Principles to Enhance Your Nursing Practice. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. https://www.aacn.org/education/ce-activities/nti18396/mindfulness-using-pause-principles-to-enhance-your-nursing-practice.
Salamah, B. (2020). Exploring the mental health needs of intensive care unit nurses facing the pandemic of covid-19. ScholarWorks@UARK. https://scholarworks.uark.edu/nursstudent/13/.
A PMHNP is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. They are registered nurses who have specialized in psychiatric mental health nursing and who have completed a Master’s degree in psychiatric mental health nursing. PMHNPs work with patients who have a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and borderline personality disorder (Cherry et al., 2019). They provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling for their patients. They may also prescribe medication to their patients as needed.
There are many reasons why I developed interest in PMHNP. My own choice of specialty was informed by personal experience with mental health problems that hat has negatively impacted the lives of my close family members. This is one of the reasons I feel so passionate about working in this field. It was hard for me to make this choice of becoming a PMHNP then I realized this was my passion to help others and my family with mental illness all along. It was not a hard decision for me to choose PMHNP because I had so much experience with it dealing with mentally ill patients has always been my passion.
Comparison between FNP and PMHNP
There are a few key differences between Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP). First, the focus of care. FNPs graduates are prepared to provide primary care for families, whereas PMHNP graduates focus specifically on mental health disorders. This can include diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, providing psychotherapy, and prescribing medications (Cherry et al., 2019). Second, the level of training. FNPs complete a Master’s degree, while PMHNPs earn a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Finally, FNPs are certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), while PMHNPS are certified through the American Nurses Association’s Commission on Psychiatric Nursing Certification (Buppert, 2020). Mental illness is often misunderstood and fear-driven, but it is important to remember that these are real illnesses that impact real people’s lives. As a psychiatric nurse, I would have the opportunity to help people who are struggling with these conditions regain their health and quality of life.
There are a few different roles that graduates may hold within the Family Nurse Practitioner specialty. Some may work in clinics or doctor’s offices, while others may work in hospitals or other healthcare settings. Many FNPs also work in rural and underserved areas, providing much-needed care to those who might not have access to it otherwise. FNPs can provide primary care to patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. They can diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, and provide education and counseling on various health topics. They also help patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (MAAPPN) is one of the professional nursing organization that is involved in the regulation of PMHNP nurses. This professional organization composed of psychiatric nurse practitioners and certified registered nurse anesthetists (Beck et al., 2020). The MAAPPN is the only statewide organization that represents advanced practice psychiatric nurses in Massachusetts. The MAAPPN provides advocacy, education, and networking opportunities to its members. It also promotes the role of psychiatric nurse practitioners and certified registered nurse anesthetists in the provision of mental health care in Massachusetts. To become a member of the MAAPPN, one must be a licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner or certified registered nurse anesthetist residing in Massachusetts (Beck et al., 2020). To join as an APRN, one must first verify their membership eligibility and then complete the online MAAPPN Member Application plus the required fees.
NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties References
Beck, A. J., Page, C., Buche, J., & Gaiser, M. (2020). The distribution of advanced practice nurses within the psychiatric workforce. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 26(1), 92-96. https://doi.org/10.1177/1078390319886366
Buppert, C. (2020). Nurse practitioner’s business practice and legal guide. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Cherry, B., Caramanica, L., Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Scott, E. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11), 517-519. https://journals.lww.com/jonajournal/Abstract/2019/11000/Leveraging_the_Power_of_Board_Leadership_in.2.aspx
Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing2020, 48(12), 35-38. https://journals.lww.com/nursing/FullText/2018/12000/Make_connections_by_joining_a_professional_nursing.12.aspx
The response clearly identifies and accurately describes in detail the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response clearly and accurately describes in detail how to become an active member of this organization.
I am currently interested in two specialties within the nursing profession. One of my current interests is cardiology. The main reason I am interested in cardiology is because I have spent the majority of my nursing career in cardiology and I am very familiar with the field. While I chose the primary care route, cardiology is covered both in acute care and primary care. Because I have a lot of experience working in cardiology I am open to continuing within that field after I graduate from the MSN program. The other field I am interested in is general primary care. I enjoy helping people with their overall health and well being. Primary care deals with a patient’s long term health. Many of the primary care nurse practitioner positions are out of doctors offices rather than hospitals. This allows for a much more desirable work schedule rather than the demanding 24/7 coverage that the hospitals provide. The difficulties of the demanding hospital schedule is what has led me towards wanting to work in a doctor’s office setting rather than in the acute care setting. I will be very happy pursuing a future in both primary care or cardiology.
One professional organization affiliated with my chosen specialty is the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA, 2021). The PCNA is an organization that provides nursing certifications on various cardiovascular related subjects. The PCNA has a cost to become a member and it provides continuing education for all of its members along with clinical tools, access to journals, and many other educational tools (PCNA, 2021). Another great professional organization affiliated with both cardiology and primary care is the American Nurses Association Michigan (ANA-Michigan, 2021). The ANA-Michigan is only $15 a month to join and provides a lot of educational information along with many networking opportunities. One organization affiliated to primary care is the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN, 2021). The AAACN aims to bring the community of ambulatory care nurses together by providing networking and education. It costs $130 to join the AAACN and many leadership and networking opportunities are available for members (AAACN, 2021). All three of these professional organizations can be very helpful to keep my education current and to become more involved within my chosen specialty.
Points Range: 68 (68%) – 76 (76%)
A partially completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided that partially describes the selected and second-preferred specialization.
A partially justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with some evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
The response partially describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response partially describes how to become an active member of this organization.
Points Range: 59 (59%) – 67 (67%)
A vague or inaccurately completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided describing the selected and second-preferred specialization.
A vague or inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
The response vaguely or inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response vaguely or inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 58 (58%)
A vague and inaccurately completed paragraph or comparison matrix table is provided describing the selected and second-preferred specialization or is missing.
A vague and inaccurately justified statement describes the reasons for choosing the MSN specialization with vague and inaccurate evidence of incorporating feedback from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum, or is missing.
The response vaguely and inaccurately describes the professional organization related to the specialization selected. The response vaguely and inaccurately describes how to become an active member of this organization, or is missing.
Written Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization:
Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria.
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.
A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion is provided which delineates all required criteria.
Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.
Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is stated, yet is brief and not descriptive.
Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%- 79% of the time.
Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment is vague or off topic.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time.
No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion was provided.
Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards:
Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding.
Written Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list.
Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Uses correct APA format with no errors.
Points Range: 4 (4%) – 4 (4%)
Contains a few (1-2) APA format errors.
Points Range: 3.5 (3.5%) – 3.5 (3.5%)
Contains several (3-4) APA format errors.
Points Range: 0 (0%) – 3 (3%)
Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors.
Total Points: 100
Name: NURS_6003_Module06_Week11_Assignment_Rubric
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NURS 6003 Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties Rubric
Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Main Posting |
45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources.Supported by at least three current, credible sources.Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
|
40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth.Supported by at least three credible sources.
Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
Responds to some of the discussion question(s).One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed.Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis.
Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Post is cited with two credible sources. Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Contains some APA formatting errors. |
0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately.Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria.Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis.
Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Contains only one or no credible sources. Not written clearly or concisely. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style. |
Main Post: Timeliness |
10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3.
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3.
|
First Response |
17 (17%) – 18 (18%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.Responds fully to questions posed by faculty.Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources.
Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed.
Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth.Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication.Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed.
Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. |
0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication.Responses to faculty questions are missing.
No credible sources are cited. |
Second Response |
16 (16%) – 17 (17%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.Responds fully to questions posed by faculty.Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources.
Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed.
Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. |
12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth.Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication.Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed.
Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited. |
0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication.Responses to faculty questions are missing.
No credible sources are cited. |
Participation |
5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|
0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
|

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