The Assignment 2: 3 Pages APA Format With At Least 3 Referen

The Assingment 2 3 Pages Apa Format At Least 3 References Assingm

The assingment: 2-3 pages, APA format, at least 3 references ( assingment template is attached below) Explain how your academic and professional goals align with Walden’s University vision, mission, social change message, social determinants of health, and university outcomes as well as the AACN DNP Essentials. Be specific. Explain how you plan to incorporate social change throughout your program of study (DNP in psychiatric) and in professional practice. Be sure to include how social change may contribute to your practicum/field experience (psych nursing) and your role in professional practice.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Walden University’s mission and vision emphasize social change and transformative education, principles that resonate profoundly with my personal and professional aspirations in psychiatric nursing. Pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) aligns with Walden’s commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based practice, leadership, and community engagement. My goal is to integrate these values into my professional practice, fostering social change within the mental health field, especially in underserved populations, and contributing meaningfully to my practicum and future roles as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Alignment with Walden University’s Mission and Vision

Walden University’s mission emphasizes social change through education, community engagement, and social justice. As a future DNP student specializing in psychiatric nursing, I aim to advance mental health care by advocating for vulnerable populations and reducing disparities. Walden’s focus on social justice aligns with my goal to address social determinants affecting mental health—such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to care—by promoting equitable health policies and culturally sensitive interventions. This alignment ensures that my academic pursuits contribute directly to improving health outcomes and promoting social justice within the mental health system.

Social Change and Social Determinants of Health

Social change is integral to my approach in nursing practice, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). Economic stability, education, neighborhood environment, health access, and social context influence mental health outcomes significantly (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2005). I plan to incorporate social change by developing programs that focus on community outreach, stigma reduction, and policy advocacy to enhance access to mental health services. Integrating SDOH into my practice will involve educating patients on managing social risks, advocating for policy reforms, and collaborating with community organizations to foster environments conducive to mental well-being.

Incorporating Social Change into the DNP Program and Professional Practice

Throughout my program, I intend to incorporate a social change component by engaging in research projects that focus on disparities in mental health care access and quality. I will use evidence-based frameworks to implement community-based interventions tailored to culturally diverse populations. In my professional practice as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I plan to advocate for policy changes that promote integrated mental health services, especially in underserved areas. By participating in policy discussions, community education, and interdisciplinary collaborations, I aim to influence systemic changes that contribute to social justice and health equity.

Role in Practicum and Field Experience

My practicum will focus on serving underserved communities with limited mental health resources, applying culturally competent care practices, and implementing community-driven interventions. This experience will allow me to directly observe and address social determinants impacting mental health, develop leadership skills, and foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Engaging in fieldwork will also enhance my understanding of systemic barriers and inform strategies for sustainable social change, reinforcing my commitment to advocacy and health equity.

Conclusion

In summary, my academic and professional goals are intricately aligned with Walden University’s mission and the AACN DNP Essentials, emphasizing social justice, leadership, and community engagement. By integrating social change principles into my education and practice, I aspire to contribute to positive transformations in mental health care, advocating for vulnerable populations and promoting health equity. My practicum experiences will serve as a platform to implement and exemplify social change, ensuring my role as a proactive, culturally competent psychiatric nurse committed to advancing the health and well-being of diverse communities.

References

Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R. (2005). Social determinants of health. Oxford University Press.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. AACN.

Walden University. (2023). Mission, vision, and core values. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/mission-and-values

World Health Organization. (2014). Social determinants of mental health. WHO.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Assessing progress on social determinants of health: Proceedings of a workshop. The National Academies Press.

Heiman, H. J. (2012). Social determinants and mental health. Clinical Social Work Journal, 40(2), 234–245.

Green, B. L., & McGowan, P. (2010). Principles of public health nursing. Pearson.

Williams, D., & Mohammed, S. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: Evidence and needed research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20–31.

Thompson, S. (2018). Leadership in mental health nursing: Overcoming disparities. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 25(5), 345–351.

Harper, S. (2017). Addressing social determinants of mental health: Policy implications. Health Policy, 121(8), 783–789.