Please respond to the two following discussion posts
Post 1
Strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals
A portfolio is a visual representation of the individual, their experience, strengths, abilities, and skills. A portfolio should also provide evidence of how an individual has developed both personally and professionally (Casey et. al., 2013). A portfolio brings to light the strengths or advantages that make a nurse shine in comparison to others in the same group. Changes are being made every day and employers are evolving in the way they search the job market for potential employees that are of good interest to them. The following paragraphs will discuss two strategies that would help us include academic activities and accomplishments in our portfolio.
Burns clearly gave us the elements that are required in a nursing portfolio. By following the list that she provides, will give us an opportunity to include academic achievements and activities. It is a long list of points she created, and she advises us to use only objective information that can be verified (2018). This portfolio may include education validation with copies of transcripts, professional experiences, teaching roles or mentorships, leadership roles, articles or publications as well as conference presentations, community involvements, professional recommendations, resumes, and analysis (Burns, 2018). It is also important to create an engaging portfolio, but each portfolio will vary according to each individual’s preferences, experiences and career goals (Casey et. al., 2013).
Another strategy we can use is to create a digital portfolio for use in this digitalized environment. The world today is very digital thus choosing the best platform to create an ePortfolio is very important. We all have a lot of online activity both professionally, personally, and academically. Hannans et. al stated that an estimate of 60-80% of perform online searches for potential hires thus digital identity is very important (2017). Digital ePortfolios provide the individual with an opportunity to add more components to their portfolio. ePorforlio can also help with networking which is important to professional growth. Creating websites, regular blogging and reaching out to professional organizations will help improve our professional careers.
Reading through the goals of Walden University, the goal to prepare professional nursing leaders who are empowered to promote positive social change for individuals, families, and populations by addressing the social determinants of health locally, nationally, and globally is particularly interesting in this light. Walden University wants to equip all students with the resources and education they need to take on the various challenges that we see locally, professionally, and globally. Social change is evolving every day from LGBTQ+, to abortion and other social determinants of health are significant today. Walden University provides a platform where individuals can become aware of social issues and determine how to interact with these changes in society.
References
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16-17.
Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. British Journal of Nursing, 15(11), 547–552.
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdfLinks to an external site.
Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University Practicum Manual. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/msn/practicum-manual/introductionLinks to an external site.
Post 2
Strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments in my professional development goals
I aim to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) to help make mental health more accessible, work with patients to help improve their mental health and become involved in health policy development to help improve my community. As a Master in Nursing (MSN) student, I must develop a professional portfolio as I complete the program that would guide me academically while preparing me for my professional career path. In today’s workforce, professional portfolios are essential. Three reasons to develop a portfolio include self-promotion, structure and direction, and evidence and outcome. (Burns, 2018, p. 16)
A professional portfolio is an excellent way to showcase my skills and accomplishments and highlight my academic and professional growth. A well-developed portfolio depicts a chronological representation of my professional development. The portfolio does not replace a resume that overviews past skills, education, employment, and other professional activities; it instead provides a detailed look at the nurses’ accomplishments (Chang et al., 2019).
One strategy I plan to use to include academic activities and accomplishments in my professional development goal is creating specific professional goals that are measurable and timely. I would then create a plan to reach my goals, documenting my achievements as I go along. By documenting my progress, I can keep track of the goals I have set, allowing me to see where I am succeeding and where I may need to improve. I can utilize digital folders to keep my goals and accomplishments organized before moving them into my portfolio. Following these steps will also allow me to hold myself accountable. A second strategy I can utilize to add to my activities and accomplishments is volunteering. Volunteer work is one way to obtain knowledge and practice nursing skills, expand my network personally and professionally, and give back to my community. A third strategy I can utilize is lobbying for health policy changes, attending professional seminars and workshops, health-related community fundraisings, and health fairs. These are great ways to meet other Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Doctors, and other professionals I can network with. These are all valuable tactics to help me reach my professional development goals.
How My Goals Align with Walden University’s Emphasis on social change.
My goal of becoming a PMHNP is one I have long wanted to achieve to help reach my personal and professional goals and help bring about positive change in society. Being part of Walden University PMHNP program will help achieve this goal. I aspire to bring positive changes to my community by volunteering, attending professional development workshops, and lobbying for health changes. Walden University’s emphasis on social change aligns with my professional development goals. It is interested in “supporting positive change through the development of principled, knowledgeable and ethical scholar-practitioners, who are and will become civic and professional role models by advancing the betterment of society.” (Walden, n.d.)
Reference
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a Nursing Portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16–17.
Chang, C. P., Lee, T. T., Mills, M. E., & Hsieh, Y. P. (2019). E-portfolio functional requirements for the final semester baccalaureate practicum course: A qualitative research study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 35(5), 405-411.
Vision, mission, and goals (n.d.). Walden University. Retrieved July 17, 2023, from https://academics.waldenu.edu/handbook/vision-mission-goals
