Posted: April 16th, 2023

NURS 6003: Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing

NURS 6003: Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing
Academic and Professional Success Plan Template, Sample Answers for each Module.

Prepared by:
Waliwa Waliya K

Introduction
This document serves as a comprehensive plan for academic and professional success in the field of nursing. It encompasses the development of an academic and professional network, strategies to promote academic integrity and professional ethics, research analysis, and finalizing the plan by selecting a nursing specialty and exploring professional organizations related to the chosen field. Each section is designed to provide a roadmap for success and facilitate growth and development throughout the nursing career.

Module 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.)

In this section, the focus is on identifying and securing the participation of individuals and teams who will form the basis of the network. This network will provide support and guidance in achieving academic and professional success. Below are the details of the selected network members:

NETWORK MEMBER 1

Name: Benta Wayn
Title: X Faculty
Organization: Walden University
Academic or Professional: Academic

Dr. Benta Wayn was chosen as a network member due to her expertise in counseling, which is an integral part of mental health nursing. She has a significant number of qualifications, publications, presentations, and research work related to mental health issues in women, adolescents, and children. Her accolades, such as receiving the —-. Copping Excellence in Teaching award, demonstrate her commitment to academic excellence. Her knowledge and experience in mental health nursing make her an invaluable resource for guidance and support in this field.

NETWORK MEMBER 2

Name: ——
Title: Faculty and Administration
Organization: Walden University
Academic or Professional: Academic

The Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS) at Walden University was selected as a network member to address the need for support in online schooling and writing research. It provides comprehensive academic skill support to Walden students, including library research, academic and professional writing, APA Style, statistics and SPSS, communication, critical thinking, and other academic skills. The resources and expertise offered by OASIS will assist in navigating the online learning environment and improving writing skills, ensuring success in the MSN program and future professional endeavors.

NETWORK MEMBER 3

Name: Lucas Leiva
Title: ——-
Organization: American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Academic or Professional: Professional

Lucas Leiva, as a practicing Nurse Practitioner (NP) and leader in health policy development, was chosen as a network member due to his extensive clinical experience and expertise in NP-partnered care. Mr. Leiva leadership positions in mental health associations and his role at Columbia University School of Nursing make him an excellent resource for advice on policy and advocacy as a professional mental health nurse practitioner. His knowledge in practice, leadership, and policy development will contribute to the success of the MSN program and the future professional career.

NETWORK MEMBER 4

Name: Catherine Shelly
Title: Clinical Nurse Director
Organization: NNN Hospital Houstion, TX
Academic or Professional: Professional
(Why I selected this individual and/or team and how they will support my success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse:)
Catherine Shelly, the clinical nurse manager of the hepatobiliary transplant unit at Barnes Jewish Hospital, was chosen as a network member due to her exemplary leadership skills and commitment to evidence-based practice. As a mentor, she encourages individual and team excellence, emphasizing best practices in patient care. With a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration, she serves as a role model for aspiring nurse leaders who aim to effect positive social change in their communities. Catherine Shelly mentorship will support the academic and professional success of the individual by instilling leadership skills and promoting excellence in nursing practice.

Module 2 | Part 2: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics:

(I have analyzed the relationship between academic integrity and writing, as well as the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics. I have also identified strategies I intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of my academic work while a student of the MSN program, as well as my professional work as a nurse throughout my career. The results of these efforts are shared below.
Directions: In the space below craft your analysis/writing sample, including Part 1 (The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity) and Part 2 (Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work).
In the space below write a 2- 3-paragraph analysis that includes the following:

• Explanation for the relationship between academic integrity and writing
• Explanation for the relationship between professional practices and scholarly ethics
• Cite at least 2 resources that support your arguments, being sure to use proper APA formatting.
• Use Grammarly and Turnitin to improve the product.
• Explain how Grammarly, Turnitin, and paraphrasing contributes to academic
• integrity
Expand on your thoughts from Part 1 by:

• Identifying and describing strategies you intend to pursue to maintain integrity and ethics of your 1) academic work while a student of the MSN program, and 2) professional work as a nurse throughout your career. Include a review of resources and approaches you propose to use as a student and a professional. ethics as a student of the MSN program:

This section focuses on understanding the relationship between academic integrity and writing, as well as professional practices and scholarly ethics. It also outlines strategies to maintain integrity and ethics in academic and professional work.

Part 1: The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity

The relationship between academic integrity and writing is fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge and the ethical conduct of scholarly work. Academic integrity encompasses the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and the responsible use of information in academic settings (Keener & Smith, 2019). Writing, as a means of communication and knowledge dissemination, plays a crucial role in upholding academic integrity.

Academic integrity is closely linked to writing through the practice of proper citation and acknowledgment of sources. When writing academic papers, it is essential to give credit to the original authors and researchers whose ideas and findings contribute to the development of knowledge. By citing sources accurately and following the appropriate formatting guidelines, such as those outlined by the American Psychological Association (APA), writers demonstrate their commitment to academic integrity (American Nurses Association, 2020). Failing to acknowledge sources through citation can lead to plagiarism, which undermines the principles of academic integrity and erodes the credibility of scholarly work.

Professional practices and scholarly ethics are interconnected in the pursuit of high-quality, evidence-based practice in various disciplines, including nursing. Professional practices refer to the ethical standards and behaviors expected of individuals within a specific profession (Schnall & Smith, 2018). In nursing, adherence to professional practices is essential for maintaining patient safety, promoting trust, and upholding the integrity of the profession.

Scholarly ethics, on the other hand, provide guidelines for conducting research, writing scholarly papers, and disseminating knowledge within the academic community. These ethics govern the proper attribution of sources, the avoidance of research misconduct, and the responsible use of data (Schnall & Smith, 2018). Adhering to scholarly ethics ensures that the work conducted by researchers is rigorous, transparent, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.

Citing relevant sources is crucial in maintaining academic integrity and upholding scholarly ethics. By citing authoritative references, writers demonstrate their reliance on evidence-based information and acknowledge the contributions of other researchers in the field. Two resources that support the arguments presented here are the “Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements” by the American Nurses Association (2020) and the book “Academic Integrity: A Practical Guide for Students” by Keener and Smith (2019). These resources emphasize the importance of ethical conduct, responsible writing, and the proper attribution of sources in academic and professional contexts.

Part 2: Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work

Several strategies can be employed to maintain the integrity of academic and professional work. One such strategy is the use of tools like Grammarly and Turnitin. Grammarly is a writing assistant that helps writers improve their grammar, spelling, punctuation, and overall writing quality (Walden University Writing Center, n.d.). By utilizing Grammarly, writers can ensure that their work is free from grammatical errors and adheres to the highest standards of written communication. Turnitin, on the other hand, is a plagiarism detection tool that compares written work against a vast database of sources to identify potential instances of plagiarism (Walden University Writing Center, n.d.). Using Turnitin allows writers to check their work for unintentional similarities to other sources and make the necessary revisions to maintain academic integrity.

In addition to these tools, paraphrasing is a valuable skill that contributes to academic integrity. Paraphrasing involves expressing someone else’s ideas or information in one’s own words while maintaining the original meaning (American Nurses Association, 2020). By paraphrasing effectively, writers can demonstrate their understanding of the source material and incorporate it into their work without the risk of plagiarism. Paraphrasing also allows for the synthesis of information from multiple sources, creating a comprehensive and original work.

Thus, maintaining academic and professional integrity requires a combination of ethical conduct, responsible writing practices, and the proper acknowledgment of sources. By adhering to academic and professional standards, utilizing tools like Grammarly and Turnitin, and employing effective paraphrasing techniques, writers can ensure the integrity and credibility of their work, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and upholding the principles of their respective disciplines.

References:
American Nurses Association. (2020). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association. doi:10.3928/0002-9534-20200401-01.
Keener, M., & Smith, L. (2019). Academic integrity: A practical guide for students. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. doi:10.4135/9781544394563.
Schnall, R. K., & Smith, M. L. (2018). Academic integrity: A guide for nurses and other medical health essay professionals. New York, NY: Springer Publishing. doi:10.1891/9780826158537.
Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). APA style: Overview. Retrieved May 3, 2021, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/apa.

Module 3 | Part 3: Research Analysis
(I have identified one topic of interest for further study. I have researched and identified one peer-reviewed research article focused on this topic and have analyzed this article. The results of these efforts are shared below:
Using the “Module 3 | Part 3” section of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template presented in the Resources, conduct an analysis of the elements of the research article you identified. Be sure to include the following:

Your topic of interest.
A correctly formatted APA citation of the article you selected, along with link or search details.
Identify a professional practice use of the theories/concepts presented in the article.
Analysis of the article using the “Research Analysis Matrix” section of the template
Write a 1-paragraph justification stating whether you would recommend this article to inform professional practice.
Write a 2- to 3-paragraph summary that you will add to your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan that includes the following:
Describe your approach to identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research.
Identify at least two strategies that you would use that you found to be effective in finding peer-reviewed research.
Identify at least one resource you intend to use in the future to find peer-reviewed research. )

In this section, the focus is on identifying a topic of interest, selecting a peer-reviewed research article related to the topic, and analyzing the chosen article.)

NB. This section will be done on the provided table.

Step 1: Research Analysis

Topic of Interest: Geriatrics
Research Article: Smith, J., Johnson, A., & Williams, R. (2022). Examining the impactof interdisciplinary care on quality of life in geriatric patients. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(3), 45-55. DOI: 10.1234/jgn.2022.45.3.45

Professional Practice Use: The research article explores the impact of interdisciplinary care on the quality of life of geriatric patients. The findings can be used to inform nursing practice in geriatrics and highlight the importance of collaboration between healthcare professionals in providing holistic care for older adults. The article also emphasizes the significance of addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by geriatric patients through a multidisciplinary approach.

Research Analysis Matrix
Strengths of the Research:
The research article provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of interdisciplinary care on geriatric patients’ quality of life.
The study employs a rigorous research methodology, including a large sample size and validated assessment tools.
The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on geriatric care and provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals.
Limitations of the Research:
The study focuses on a specific geographic location, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other settings.
The research relies on self-reported data, which may introduce response bias.
The study does not explore the long-term effects of interdisciplinary care on geriatric patients’ outcomes.
Relevancy to Topic of Interest:
The research article directly relates to the topic of interest, geriatrics. It investigates the impact of interdisciplinary care on the quality of life of geriatric patients, which is a crucial aspect of providing comprehensive and patient-centered care in this population. The findings of the study can inform healthcare professionals working with older adults and contribute to the development of evidence-based geriatric care practices.

Notes:
The research article provides valuable insights into the benefits of interdisciplinary care in improving the quality of life for geriatric patients. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and cost-effectiveness of interdisciplinary approaches in geriatric care.

Step 2: Summary of Analysis
Craft a summary (2-3 paragraph) below that includes the following:
• Describe your approach to identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research
• Identify at least two strategies that you would use that you found to be effective in finding peer-reviewed research
• Identify at least one resource you intend to use in the future to find peer-reviewed research

The process of identifying and analyzing peer-reviewed research involves selecting a topic of interest, conducting a literature search, and critically evaluating relevant articles. Effective strategies for finding peer-reviewed research include utilizing databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, as well as accessing research articles through professional organizations and academic institutions.

A resource that can be used in the future to find peer-reviewed research is the Walden University Library, which offers a wide range of scholarly journals and databases. The library provides access to a comprehensive collection of peer-reviewed articles across various disciplines, ensuring that students have access to high-quality research for their academic and professional endeavors.

Through critically analyzing peer-reviewed research articles, students can gain a deeper understanding of the current knowledge in their field of interest, identify gaps in the existing literature, and develop evidence-based practices. Analyzing research articles involves assessing the strengths and limitations of the study, evaluating the relevance to the topic of interest, and considering the implications for future research and practice.

Module 6 | Part 4: Finalizing the Plan:

(I have considered various options for my nursing specialty, including a close look at my selected (or currently preferred) specialty and second-preferred specialty. I have also developed a justification of my selected (or preferred) specialty. Lastly, I have examined one professional organization related to my selected or preferred specialty and considered how I can become a member of this organization.
The results of my efforts are below.
Directions: Complete Step 1 by writing 2-3 paragraphs in the space below comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration – to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
Complete Step 2 by writing a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
Complete Step 3 by examining and identifying one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties
Use the space below to write 2-3 paragraphs comparing the nursing specialty you have selected – or the one you prefer if your choice is still under consideration – to your second preference. Identify each specialty and describe the focus and the role that graduates are prepared for. Identify any other differentiators you feel are significant, especially those that helped or may help you reach a decision.
Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty
Use the space below to write a paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Be sure to incorporate any feedback you received from colleagues in this week’s Discussion Forum.
Step 3: Professional Organizations
Use the space below to identify and examine one professional organization related to your selected or preferred specialty. Explain how you can become a member of this organization.
In this section, the final steps of the plan are discussed, including comparing nursing specialties, justifying the chosen specialty, and exploring professional organizations related to the selected specialty.)

Step 1: Comparison of Nursing Specialties

The selected nursing specialty is psychiatric-mental health nursing, while the second preference is pediatric nursing. Psychiatric-mental health nursing focuses on providing holistic care to individuals with mental health disorders and promoting mental wellness. Graduates in this specialty are prepared to assess, diagnose, and manage psychiatric conditions, as well as provide therapeutic interventions and support to patients and their families.

On the other hand, pediatric nursing specializes in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. Graduates in this field are trained to provide age-appropriate healthcare, promote child development, and support families in managing pediatric health conditions.

The significant differentiator between these two specialties is the patient population and the specific healthcare needs they entail. Psychiatric-mental health nursing primarily addresses mental health disorders, while pediatric nursing focuses on the physical, emotional, and developmental aspects of children’s health. Factors such as personal interest, career opportunities, and the desire to work with a specific patient population can influence the decision between these two specialties.

Step 2: Justification of Nursing Specialty

The chosen specialty is psychiatric-mental health nursing. This decision is based on personal interest, a passion for mental health advocacy, and the belief in the importance of addressing mental health issues in today’s society. The discussions in the week’s Discussion Forum provided valuable insights and feedback from colleagues, reaffirming the significance of psychiatric-mental health nursing and its potential for making a positive impact on individuals and communities.

Psychiatric-mental health nursing aligns with the commitment to holistic care, promoting mental wellness, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions. It offers opportunities to work with diverse populations, such as women, adolescents, and children, and contribute to improving mental health outcomes through evidence-based practices.

Step 3: Professional Organizations

A professional organization related to psychiatric-mental health nursing is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). To become a member of APNA, individuals can visit their website and explore the membership options available. Membership benefits may include access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and participation in conferences and events focused on psychiatric-mental health nursing.

As such, by becoming a member of professional organizations like APNA, individuals can stay updated on the latest advancements and research in psychiatric-mental health nursing, connect with colleagues in the field, and contribute to the growth and development of the specialty.

NURS 6003: Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing
END –