NURS 258 Professional Development Plan Template & Guidelines

Purpose: The purpose of the PDP is to assist you in conceptualizing the development of your professional nursing career in a succinct and
organized manner.
Instructions: Complete each section of the PDP template. This is the first page of the portfolio. You may use bullets and phrases instead of full
sentences to focus on the main points. To help you get started, some examples are included in the template in blue font. The expectation is that this
plan will be approximately 2-3 pages in length, using an 11 point font.
Goal Statement: To apply the skills, experience, and knowledge Ive learned in nursing school and clinical settings to my development as a
professional nurse in the comprehensive and compassionate care of patients in the various health care settings I will encounter.(Example: To
develop skills, experience, and knowledge as an expert professional nurse in a variety of health care settings and specialties that demonstrate
increasingly complex and comprehensive care.) 4 points

Elements
Objective(s): Describe what
you want to accomplish in
your first two years in
practice. 3 points
Plans/Strategies: Describe
the actions that you will take
to achieve your objective.
4 points
Strengths: Describe the
strong points about yourself
that make you such a great
nurse. 3 points
Skills/competencies: Describe
the skills and competencies
you bring to the role.
3 points
Areas targeted for growth:
From your own self
assessment, describe what
areas in yourself that you
would like to strengthen.

Clinical Practice
(Example: Obtain employment
as an RN as part of a new RN
graduate program in surgical or
cardiac nursing.)
Obtain employment as an RN
after obtaining licensure. My
goal is to be part of a new RN
graduate program (hopefully at
Queens West Oahu).
I should be applying for as many
positions as possible at different
employers as a new graduate.
Although it is tough to obtain an
RN position as a new graduate, I
will be determined and
persistent in my job search.
Skills and competencies I bring
to the role include the
knowledge that Ive learned
through the ADN program.
These include CNA skills such
as bed-making, vital signs,
bathing, and providing comfort.
As an nursing student Ive

Leadership
(Example: Select and observe
one role model in the clinical
ladder role and/or charge nurse/
nurse manager role.)
Receive guidance from a
preceptor in the clinical setting
(such as a charge nurse or nurse
manager).
I still have much to learn about
the intricacies of Nursing and by
selecting and observing a role
model in the clinical setting, I can
develop my leadership skills and
competencies as a new grad.
I would like to strengthen my
leadership skills as a
nurse as I have not that
much experience from
clinical rotations.
However, I do have
experience with educating
patients and have
showcased leadership
skills to the primary nurse
and instructor.

Professional Development
(Example: Apply to UHM
baccalaureate of nursing program.)
Study and apply for the NCLEX-RN
exam.
Complete the satisfactory
requirements for the NCLEX-RN and
obtain licensure.
I will accomplish this by purchasing
the Saunders Comprehensive
Review for the NCLEX-RN
Examination as well as purchasing
the mobile app to help me study. I
will also incorporate the help of my
classmates to asses my knowledge
and understanding of the subjects.
Apply to the UHM/UHH
baccalaureate of nursing program.
Graduate the baccalaureate
program.
It is my goal to obtain the BSN after
completing the ADN due to the
increase in educational requirement

3 points

learned the skills of an RN

including: assessment,
tracheostomy care and
suctioning, administering
medications such as injections,
IVPB, and inserting nasogastric
tubes. Over the course of
several clinical rotations Ive
learned from many clinical
instructors as well as the nursing
and other staff.

that many hospital employers

require. I also feel that furthering my
education will help build my
confidence as a professional nurse.
(Possibly) further my education by
applying for the Masters program
depending on my current status in
employment and personal life.
I am contemplating the possibility of
a Masters degree for my
professional development, for the
same reason of obtaining the BSN.
However, I would like to assess my
status at that time because Id like to
balance school, life, and work.