Posted: May 15th, 2023

DEVELOPING AN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

Academic and Professional Success Plan Template

Prepared by:

This document is to be used for NURS 6002 Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing to complete Assessments 1-4. Just as importantly the document serves to organize your thoughts about planning for your academic and professional success.
For specific instructions see the weekly assessment details in the course or ask your instructor for further guidance.

Week 1 | Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network

I have identified and secured the participation of the following academic (at least two) and professional (at least two) individuals and/or teams to form the basis of my network. This network will help me to clarify my vision for success and will help guide me now and in the future.

Directions: Complete the information below for each member of your network. For more than four entries repeat the items below with details of your additional network member(s) in the ‘ADDITIONAL NETWORK MEMBERS’ section.

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ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PART 1: DEVELOPING AN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
When was the last time you read Meditation XVII of John Donne’s Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions?
Unless you are a student of seventeenth-century poetry, you may not be all that familiar with this piece. However, you may be much more familiar with one of its well-known phrases: “No man is an island…”.
As you begin your journey toward achieving your academic and professional goals, you have a great opportunity to network with academics and professionals who can help ensure you do not travel alone. This network can help to clarify your own vision for success and can help guide you now and in the future. To paraphrase Donne, no one is an island. As you begin your journey toward achieving your academic and professional goals, you have a great opportunity to network with academics and professionals who can help ensure you do not travel alone. This network can help to clarify your own vision for success and can help guide you now and in the future. To paraphrase Donne, no one is an island.
Begin creating an academic and professional network by identifying which academic and professional connections and resources with which you need to collaborate to succeed in your MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
Resources:
• Nurse.org. (n.d.). List of nursing organizationsLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://nurse.org/orgs.shtml
• Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networkingLinks to an external site. [Blog post]. Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/
• Walden University (n.d.). Connect to WaldenLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://www.waldenu.edu/connect
• Walden University. (n.d.). College of Nursing. Retrieved October June 5, 2020, from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges-schools/college-of-nursing
Review the College of Nursing’s vision and mission.
• Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalogLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Select College of Nursing, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning Outcomes on this page.
• Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalogLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Select Introduction, then the link “Vision, Mission, and Goals” under the Introduction header. Review Walden’s vision, mission, and goals.
• Walden University. (n.d.). Writing CenterLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter
• Wofford, P. (2018, May 24). 10 networking tips for nurses who hate networkingLinks to an external site.. Retrieved from https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

To Prepare:
• Consider individuals, departments, teams, and/or resources within Walden University and within your profession that you believe can support your academic and professional success.
• Identify at least two academic and at least two professional individuals, colleagues, or teams that might help you succeed in your MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
• Download the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template.

The Assignment:
Academic and Professional Network
Complete Part 1 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template. Be sure to address the following:
• Identify at least two academic and at least two professional individuals or teams to collaborate with to be successful in your MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
• Explain why you selected these individuals and/or teams and how they will support your success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
Submit Part 1 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template.

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ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PART 1: DEVELOPING AN ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL NETWORK

As you embark on your journey toward achieving your academic and professional goals, it is important to recognize the value of building a strong network. By collaborating with academic and professional individuals or teams, you can enhance your success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse. In accordance with this, the following individuals and resources have been identified as crucial contributors to your academic and professional network:

Academic Connections:

Academic Advisor: Your academic advisor is an essential resource who can provide guidance and support throughout your MSN program. They possess in-depth knowledge of the program requirements, course offerings, and academic policies. Their expertise will help ensure that you stay on track and make informed decisions regarding your academic journey.

Faculty Members: Developing strong relationships with faculty members is vital for your academic success. Professors can offer valuable insights, mentorship, and academic support. They can provide guidance related to coursework, research opportunities, and career development in the nursing field. Faculty Members: Developing strong relationships with faculty members is vital for your academic success. Professors can offer valuable insights, mentorship, and academic support. They can provide guidance related to coursework, research opportunities, and career development in the nursing field.

Professional Connections:

Nursing Associations/Organizations: Engaging with professional nursing associations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) or the National League for Nursing (NLN), can provide numerous benefits. These organizations offer networking opportunities, access to industry conferences and events, continuing education resources, and platforms for professional advocacy. By actively participating in these associations, you can stay updated with the latest advancements in nursing, connect with experienced professionals, and expand your professional network.

Colleagues and Peers: Building connections with fellow nursing students, practicing nurses, and healthcare professionals is invaluable. Engaging in collaborative discussions, study groups, and professional events with your peers can foster a supportive environment and encourage knowledge sharing. These connections can provide you with diverse perspectives, practical insights, and potential career opportunities.

These selected individuals and resources will support your success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse through their expertise, guidance, and networking opportunities. Your academic advisor will ensure you have a clear understanding of program requirements and assist you in navigating any academic challenges. Faculty members will provide mentorship and support to enhance your learning experience. Engaging with nursing associations and organizations will expose you to a broader professional community, facilitating knowledge exchange and career growth. Finally, connecting with colleagues and peers will create a supportive network for ongoing collaboration and professional development.

Through leveraging these academic and professional connections, you will be better equipped to achieve your academic goals, excel in your MSN program, and thrive as a practicing nurse.