When I Started My Nursing Journey It Became Clear To Me

When I Started My Journey In Nursing It Became Clear To Me That Advanc

When I started my journey in nursing, it became evident that advancing my knowledge and skills was essential to improving patient outcomes and delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care. This realization led me toward pursuing specialization as an Adult and Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. My decision was inspired by observing nurse practitioners in my workplace who collaborated closely with patients and nursing staff to ensure optimal care. An adult-gerontology acute care nurse provides a range of services from preventative measures to critical interventions, aiming to stabilize patients' conditions, prevent complications, and restore health. Over my 15-year career in nursing, I have worked with the adult and gerontology population, beginning as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), then LPN, RN, earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and currently pursuing a master's degree. Each step has allowed me to build upon my foundational knowledge, aligning my skills with the evolving demands of contemporary nursing practice.

As I seek to become a nurse practitioner, I will be able to enhance and expand my core competencies, such as clinical judgment, leadership, and evidence-based practice, which are essential for delivering comprehensive care (Cherry et al., 2019). My educational journey at Walden University, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), assures me that I will receive a rigorous curriculum designed to improve health outcomes through advanced clinical skills and knowledge. The program emphasizes patient-centered care tailored to adults and older adults, equipping me with the tools necessary to serve this growing demographic effectively.

The dynamic demographic shifts, notably population growth and aging, are primary considerations with significant implications for healthcare. According to Walden University (2018), these trends will likely increase the demand for healthcare providers specializing in older adult populations. Addressing these needs calls for specialized training and skills, which my intended advanced practice role will support. In addition to academic preparation, I aspire to join professional nursing organizations that foster ongoing professional development, networking, and leadership. Such organizations can provide valuable opportunities to share best practices, develop leadership skills, and advocate for nurses' and patients' rights. Becoming part of these professional communities will not only enhance my personal growth but also position me to contribute meaningfully to healthcare improvements and policy advocacy (Echevarria, 2018).

Paper For Above instruction

My journey into the nursing profession has been marked by a continuous pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to providing high-quality patient care. This commitment has guided my educational and professional choices, leading me to specialize as an Adult and Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The increasing complexity of healthcare, driven by demographic shifts and advancements in medical science, necessitates advanced practice nurses who possess not only clinical expertise but also leadership and advocacy skills to improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

Throughout my 15-year nursing career, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of adult and gerontology care, starting from entry-level as a CNA and progressing through LPN and RN roles to earn my BSN. Each phase has contributed to a solid foundation that supports my aspiration to advance further into nurse practitioner roles. My educational journey at Walden University is strategic; its CCNE accreditation confirms that the curriculum aligns with national standards for nursing education, ensuring that I acquire evidence-based clinical skills along with a broader understanding of healthcare delivery systems. The program’s emphasis on patient-centered, holistic care is particularly relevant for the aging population, which is expanding at a rapid pace.

The demographic trends underscore the importance of specialized healthcare providers for older adults. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, approximately 20% of the population will be aged 65 and older, increasing the demand for healthcare professionals equipped to address age-related health issues (Walden University, 2018). As such, pursuing an advanced degree is both timely and essential. The role of an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner will enable me to provide a spectrum of services—from health promotion and disease prevention to managing complex acute illnesses—ensuring that the older adult population receives timely, effective, and compassionate care.

In addition to academic pursuits, I recognize the value of engaging with professional organizations to enhance my career. These organizations offer networking opportunities that facilitate the exchange of knowledge, sharing of best practices, and leadership development. Particularly in the realm of acute and gerontology care, collaboration and advocacy are vital for advancing nursing practice and influencing health policy. For example, organizations such as the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association (GAPNA) provide platforms for continuing education and advocacy efforts that support nurses in their professional roles (Echevarria, 2018).

Ultimately, my goal is to become an influential practitioner who not only provides exceptional patient care but also contributes to the nursing profession through leadership, research, and policy advocacy. I intend to leverage professional organization memberships to stay current with healthcare innovations, participate in leadership development programs, and advocate for policies that improve healthcare access and equity for vulnerable populations such as the elderly. This comprehensive approach—combining advanced education, professional engagement, and advocacy—will position me to make meaningful contributions to healthcare systems while fulfilling my personal and professional aspirations.

References

• Cherry, B., Caramanica, L., Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019). Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations. JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11).
• Echevarria, I. M. (2018). Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization. Nursing, 48(12), 35-38.
• Walden University. (2018). Master of science in nursing (MSN). Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.waldenu.edu.
• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (2020). About AACN. https://www.aacn.org
• Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association. (2021). Mission and vision. https://gapna.org
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Projected population age 65 and over. https://www.census.gov
• Benner, P. (2001). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. AJN The American Journal of Nursing, 101(11), 91-92.
• Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.
• Roach, M. S. (2002). The human act of healing: A spiritual necessity. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 34(2), 131-138.
• Burnes Bolton, L., & Molloy, M. (2018). Leadership in nursing: Knowledge, skills, and management. Routledge.