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Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Professional Development Plan Tori Gwilt Ferris State University

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Abstract The American Nurses Association has written and published a book that discusses the approved practices of the proficient nurse. In this professional development plan paper, I will use the detailed information provided in the book to discuss the recognized code of ethics for nurses. I

will also utilize the material from the book to explain exactly how it relates to my current nursing practice. In addition, I will identify and begin to distinguish the greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses in my practice in relation to the American Nurses Associations established code. I will also discuss my anticipated plan for the future development of my nursing career. This will include what occupational path I would like to pursue, as well as the necessary steps that I need to take in order to attain my future goals. I have included a timeline in the paper in order to demonstrate a feasible amount of time to complete my goals.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Professional Development Plan Professional development is an integral part of the nursing field; it aids in the advancement and progression of the career whilst benefiting both the nurse and patient. The American Nurses Association (ANA) has established and adapted a set of nursing practice standards which are to be utilized to assist in a nurses daily work routine. The purpose of this professional development plan is to detail ANAs practice standards along with a description of how each standard relates to my current practice. Another intention of this paper is to formulate

personal goals for my career as a registered nurse, along with a time frame for the completion of the goals. Standards of Professional Nursing Performance Standard 7: Ethics Ethics refers to the moral belief system and guiding standards and ideals that are upheld by each person. In reference to nursing, it is imperative that the nurse respect the moral values of the patient, even if there is a difference in personal opinion. In addition, it is vital that the nurses actions are ethical. According to the ANAs Scope and Standards of Practice, it is the responsibility of the nurse to provide care in a manner that preserves and protects healthcare consumer autonomy, dignity, rights, values, and beliefs (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2010, p. 47). This combined with maintaining the patients confidentiality and identifying unsafe situations and practices are just a few of the ways in which the nurse can practice ethically. I believe that my strengths in ethical nursing practice involve recognizing circumstances and practices that are not safe and voicing my concern to others. For example, I was involved in a case in which the surgical technologist contaminated his glove. I very respectfully and politely

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN whispered to the technologist to please change his gloves because I noticed a break in the sterile technique. The surgical technologist complied, and the situation was quietly yet effectively remedied. I believe that my greatest weakness with ethical nursing is valuing the patients decision when it is so vastly different from my own. For example, I was recently the nurse during a surgical case in which a patient was having a procedure called an abdominal perineal resection. This is an invasive procedure performed for a patient who has rectal cancer. Because the patients religious affiliation was Jehovahs Witness, she declined blood products, even though she was informed that there was a potential for a large blood loss which could result in permanent injury or even death. As a nurse who wishes to care for others, it was very difficult for me to see her view and agree with her decision when it could mean her imminent death. Standard 8: Education Because of nursings ever changing environment, it is imperative that the nurses education is ongoing and specific to the job specialty. It is significant that the nurse not only engages in the educational information, but also displays a level of understanding and validates the competence of skills learned. This confirms that the nurse is knowledgeable and experienced, which increases patient safety (ANA, 2010).

In addition to the continuing educational credits required for every registered nurse, I also participate in a couple of different educational avenues. First of all, the hospital at which I work has a hospital wide mandated computer education entitled healthstream. This program involves reading (or watching a video) containing material and taking a post test in order to prove competence. Healthstream covers a variety of general topics, such as hand hygiene, proper medication administration procedures, electrical safety, and proper body mechanic

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN techniques. Secondly, as an operating room (OR) nurse, I am required to review and

demonstrate competence in an assortment of skills, such as proper instrument and sharp counting procedure, opening packages in a sterile fashion, recognizing breaks in sterility, scrubbing method, and prepping practices. This ensures that I am up to date on the skills that are required as part of my every day duties. Thirdly, returning to college to pursue my bachelors of science in nursing also proves that I am committed to expanding and strengthening my current skills in order to make myself an overall well rounded nurse. My greatest weakness in the educational realm is teaching others what I have learned. I do not believe that I am a great or naturally gifted teacher. Therefore I tend to leave the educational path to someone who is more knowledgeable and naturally competent at teaching. Standard 9: Evidenced-Based Practice and Research Evidenced-based practice is a process that involves applying tested and true data into real life situations in an effort to improve the patients safety and quality of care (ANA, 2010). As an operating room nurse, I consistently integrate evidenced-based data into my practice. A great illustration is when the hospital changed solutions from povidone-iodine (also known as Betadine) to an alcohol based product (known as Chloraprep) for prepping a patients abdomen before the start of the surgical procedure. This change was instigated due to legitimate research which states that alcohol-based solutions are quick, sustained, and durable, with broader spectrum antimicrobial activity (National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI], 2009). The change in this practice has helped to reduce the number of surgical site infections, which in turn ameliorates the patients outcome after surgery. Evidenced-based research includes investigating and examining a problem and discovering an innovative solution in an effort to improve patient results (ANA, 2010). Research

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN is an aspect of nursing in which I have very limited experience. I believe that in order to be a successful researcher, one must have an adequate understanding of the protocols and procedures of the job. Having been a nurse for 4 years, I feel as if I have a good understanding of my job and am now at the point where I could begin doing some small research projects. This is something that I look forward to doing in the future. Standard 10: Quality of Practice The ANAs description of quality of practice states that the nurse not only completes the tasks, but does so in an efficient, effective, responsible, accountable, and ethical manner

(ANA, 2010, p. 52). In addition, this standard of nursing practice also involves using creativity and innovation to enhance nursing care along with developing, implementing, and/or evaluating policies, procedures, and guidelines and participating on and/or leading interprofessional teams to evaluate clinical care or health services (ANA, 2010, p. 52). To be honest, this is one standard in which I could put forth more effort into bettering my nursing practice. I believe that I excel in delivering safe, quality, and effective care. But looking through the list of competencies in the ANAs book, I also realize that I am not involved in any sort of group that evaluates practices and attempts to better nursing. Standard 11: Communication Adequate and successful communication is the cornerstone of a nurses duty. The nurse needs to be able to communicate effectively to the doctor as well as to other members of the healthcare team and the patient. This requires different levels of communication depending on if the nurse is talking to a medically educated healthcare member or a laymen patient who does not know medical terminology (ANA, 2010). I believe that I have adequate, well-rounded communication skills. I am able to explain details very thoroughly to the patient (without

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN sounding condescending), and speak professionally to a doctor about a medical situation. However, I believe that my greatest weakness in communication is my quietness and slight

shyness. I have no problem speaking up in regards to a patient safety issue, but I will usually not voluntarily speak up to discuss an issue unless a doctor directly asks my opinion on the matter. I tend to let the more experienced personnel speak, and listen to their opinions/suggestions. Standard 12: Leadership Balanced leadership is a crucial skill for every nurse to develop. The nurse oversees the nursing care given by others while retaining accountability for the quality of care given to the healthcare consumer (ANA, 2010, p.55). When it comes to leadership, I have a few areas on which I know I need to work. As for my strengths, I am a very fair person who is able to see both sides of every situation and understand the motives behind peoples actions (even if I do not fully agree with their decisions). As for my weaknesses, my slightly introverted personality does not enjoy being in the leadership position. I also have trouble making seemingly small decisions and often leave those choices up to other people. I do want to state that I am very effective and efficient at being the leader and making decisions in emergency situations. My shyness seems to disappear, because I recognize that the situation requires fast action. Standard 13: Collaboration This standard states that The registered nurse collaborates with the healthcare consumer, family, and others in the conduct of nursing practice (ANA, 2010, p. 57). It consists of cooperation and teamwork for the advancement and achievement of the final goal, which involves the betterment of the patient and/or following his wishes, desires, and needs. I believe that collaboration is one of my greatest strengths and the standard at which I excel. I generally

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN have a great attitude, and am able to set aside my personal feelings in order to focus my energy on what is best for the patient. Standard 14: Professional Practice Evaluation This standard is defined by the assertion that the registered nurse evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations (ANA, 2010, p. 59). In essence, the evaluation of ones own

practice helps to shed light on the areas of my practice on which I need to work. It also helps me to recognize the things at which I excel. I believe that the evaluation of ones own practice is very enlightening and informative. I found this professional development plan paper to be a very good tool used to evaluate my nursing practice. Another instrument used to evaluate my practice occurs at my workplace. Every year, I participate in an annual review. In short, each employee is required to answer questions on a sheet of paper pertaining to their work ethic, values, positive versus negative work traits, and goals for the next year. After filling out the paperwork, we each meet with our coordinator to discuss everything. I always find it very hard to evaluate myself. I know that there are always things that I can improve upon, as well as things at which I am naturally good. But with my personality, I always seem to focus more so on the things that I think I need to work on to improve my practice. Overall, the tool helps to give me a great view on my own personal practice. Standard 15: Resource Utilization Resources in the nursing profession are many. Resources can be an object, a person, a program, or a variety of other things. The nurse must learn to be safe, effective, and financially responsible in doling out resources (ANA, 2010, p. 60). I believe that I am very conscientious when it comes to actual need versus excessive waste of resources. In the operating room, many

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN supplies are wasted on a daily basis. Over the years, I have learned to refrain from opening

certain surgical supplies until the doctor verbally states that he wants the item on the sterile field. However, there are a handful of doctors who do not want to have to wait on anything. At the start of the case, these few doctors want every supply opened up and ready to use in the event that it is needed. In a situation such as this, I appraise my coordinator of the situation, yet follow the doctors instructions. In spite of this, the job has taught me to be a good steward of the resources that I have been given. Standard 16: Environmental Health Part of being a good steward is learning to value everything around you and take care of the assets you have been given. According to the ANA, it involves adhering to standards that are environmentally safe (2010, p. 61). This includes such practices as correctly disposing of potentially harmful substances that I come into contact with every workday blood, urine, and body tissue. Another way in which I (and the rest of the operating room) try to be environmentally friendly is by recycling. In the past, we used to throw away everything. In the past year, we have implemented recycling bags for uncontaminated cardboard, paper, and plastic wrappers. In addition, we began saving the batteries from disposable equipment (approximately 100 batteries each day.) This initiative has enabled employees to personally take batteries whenever needed. Also, the remaining supply of batteries is donated to the hospital daycare so the children can play with electronic toys. My weakness in this area is performing these practices in the real world. For example, when I go to a grocery store, I do not always sanitize the handle of the cart or carry hand

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sanitizer in an effort to decrease the transmission of germs. However, I am attempting to better myself in these practices. Goals Five Year Goals: First of all, this paper has made me realize that I need to join the shared governance council at work. It is an important piece of the professional aspect of nursing. This would help me to develop the ANAs number ten standard of quality of practice. I have talked to my coordinator, and plan on going to the next scheduled meeting. My final semester in Ferris State Universitys Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will be spring of 2014. After graduation, my next professional goal is to continue my education and pursue a degree as a nurse anesthetist. According to an article written for an online nurse anesthesia website, a manual published by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics expects that advanced practice nurses, including CRNAs, will be in high demand The same article also states that the employment outlook for CRNAs is excellent (Beattie, 2007). In order to make this dream a reality, I need to be certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). I plan on accomplishing both of these tasks during the fall 2013 college semester when I am only taking one class at Ferris State University. I also need to have approximately one to two years of critical care nursing experience before applying to the anesthesia program. After I complete my BSN, I plan to transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) floor in order to fulfill that requirement. After I become more comfortable with my job in the ICU, I plan on taking the pre-requisite courses needed for the nurse anesthesia program as described on both University of Michigan and Michigan State Universitys nurse anesthetist program website.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Ten Year Goals: Within the next ten years, I hope to achieve my goal in becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Before I can apply to the program, I will need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) which is required for entrance into both masters and doctorate

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programs. After that is completed, I hope to apply at both the University of Michigan as well as Michigan State University and fulfill my dream of becoming a CRNA. Evaluation I am very excited about my current and future career in the nursing field. I look forward to a time when I am able to practice as an advanced nurse, yet I also am trying not to rush forward in life and enjoy each day of my nursing career. As of now, I am looking forward to graduating from Ferris State University on time with my Bachelors degree. This will be a monumental step in the correct direction toward obtaining my end goal. As life changes, I may have to adjust the time frame that some of my goals are completed, but I am steadfast in the path that I wish to pursue. Conclusion Nursing is a vibrant and exhilarating job arena with many different options available. This paper has helped me to realize the scope and standards of practice in my current field of practice. This information has allowed me to discover the things on which I need to concentrate in order to become a better nurse. Through the writing of this project, I have been able to ascertain attainable goals for myself, both short-term, and long-term. And finally, this paper has helped me to discover, hone, and plan for my future career. I am very proud to call myself a registered nurse, and I look forward to continuing to help people in the future, whether it is as a surgical nurse, ICU nurse, or as a nurse anesthetist.

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References American Nurses Association [ANA] (2010). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (2nd Ed.). Silver Spring, Maryland: Author Beattie, L. (2007). The employment outlook for nurse anesthetists. Anesthesia and Healthcare News. Retrieved from http://www.anesthesiazone.com/featured-newsarticle.aspx?id=2444 Ferris State University, (n.d.) My degree worksheet. Retrieved from http://fsuapp10.ferris.edu: 9060/IRISLink.cgi Michigan State University, (n.d.) NA: Admissions. Retrieved from http://nursing.msu.edu/MSN %20programs/Nurse%20Anesthesia%20Concentration/NA%20Admissions.htm National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI]. (2009). Skin preparation for the prevention of surgical site infection: Which agent is best? Reviews in Urology, 11(4), 190-195. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2809986/ University of Michigan, (n.d.) Anesthesia MS Admission Requirements. Retrieved from http://www.umflint.edu/graduateprograms/programs/anesthesia.page

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