Discussion Examining Nursing Specialties You Have Pro 187999
Discussion Examining Nursing Specialtiesyou Have Probably Seen One Or
Discuss the process of choosing a nursing specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals related to your chosen specialization. Describe any difficulties encountered during your decision-making process and the factors influencing your choice. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your specialty and explain how to become a member. Support your main post with three or more current, credible sources, citing them appropriately in APA format.
Note: The final response should be approximately 1000 words, with in-text citations and a reference list, incorporating credible sources to substantiate your discussion points.
Paper For Above instruction
Choosing a nursing specialty within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is a pivotal decision that shapes a nurse's career trajectory, professional development, and ability to impact patient care effectively. This choice reflects personal interests, professional goals, and the broader healthcare landscape's demands. As I embarked on my journey through the MSN program, I aimed to identify a specialty that aligns with my passion for patient advocacy and healthcare leadership, ultimately aspiring to serve as a nurse leader and advocate in public health settings.
My decision-making process involved extensive research, self-reflection, and consultation with mentors and colleagues. I considered factors such as the scope of practice, job market demand, compatibility with my skills and interests, and opportunities for advancement. Throughout this process, I encountered challenges, particularly balancing my personal commitments and assessing the long-term viability of various specialties. For instance, I initially gravitated towards acute care nursing but later recognized that my interests align more with community and public health nursing, emphasizing preventive care and health education. This realization was facilitated by reviewing literature on the evolving role of public health nurses and their impact on population health outcomes (Bickford, Marion, & Gazaway, 2015).
My choice of specialization in public health nursing was driven by a desire to contribute to health promotion and disease prevention at a community level, aligning with my professional goal to influence healthcare policy and advocate for vulnerable populations. Additionally, I am motivated by the expanding opportunities for nurses in public health through interprofessional collaboration and leadership roles, as highlighted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2011). To enhance my involvement and network in this field, I identified the American Public Health Association (APHA) as a key professional organization. Membership in APHA offers access to resources, policy updates, networking opportunities, and continuing education that are vital for staying current and advancing in public health nursing (APHA, 2020). Becoming a member involves registering online, paying annual dues, and actively participating in local or national committees and events.
The process of choosing my nursing specialty was complemented by exploring standards of practice and competencies outlined by relevant authoritative bodies. For public health nursing, the American Nurses Association (ANA) provides comprehensive guidance on roles and responsibilities, emphasizing community assessment, health education, and policy advocacy (ANA, 2013). These standards not only inform practice but also ensure accountability and professional growth, reinforcing my commitment to this specialty.
In conclusion, selecting a nursing specialty within the MSN program is an intricate process influenced by personal interests, professional aspirations, and the healthcare environment. The journey involves self-assessment, research, and engaging with professional organizations that support ongoing development and network building. As I continue my education and transition into public health nursing, I am confident that my decision aligns with my desire to make a meaningful difference in community health and health policy.
References
- American Nurses Association. (2013). Public health nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author.
- American Public Health Association. (2020). Join APHA. Retrieved from https://www.apha.org/join
- Bickford, C. J., Marion, L., & Gazaway, S. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.).
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2011). Implementing the ION future of nursing report—part II: The potential of interprofessional collaborative care to improve safety and quality. Charting Nursing’s Future, (17), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.37765/ChartingNursFut.2011.ed
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informatics: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author.