consider how the Walden mission and vision as well as the College of Nursing's mission and vision apply to your professional and academic goals. You will also begin to identify individuals and teams who can help you along the way as you begin designing the “blueprint”—your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan—that will guide you toward your own vision for academic and professional success. Finally, you will explain the importance of networking and how it can help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
Review the Walden and College of Nursing mission and vision statements, Walden’s goals and University Outcomes, and the MSN Program Learning Outcomes presented in this Module's Learning Resources.
Reflect on your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
Consider how the information in these resources fit with your own goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.
Also consider academic and professional individuals and teams with whom you may collaborate in support of your efforts as a student at the university and as a professional within your organization and career.
Consider the importance of networking and how it may help you achieve your professional and academic goals.
Full Answer Section
Walden College of Nursing Mission: "To prepare competent and compassionate nurse practitioners who are committed to serving the needs of diverse populations..."
My Goals: This aligns perfectly with my desire to provide high-quality care to patients from all backgrounds.
Walden's Goals and University Outcomes: These emphasize lifelong learning, critical thinking, and research skills – all essential for a successful NP.
My Goals: I aim to be a lifelong learner, continually update my knowledge, and contribute to the field through evidence-based practice.
MSN Program Learning Outcomes: The program focuses on developing clinical reasoning, leadership skills, and the ability to translate research into practice.
My Goals: These align with my desire to become a well-rounded NP, capable of making sound clinical decisions, leading teams, and implementing best practices.
Becoming a Scholar-Practitioner:
The scholar-practitioner model, emphasized by Walden, resonates deeply. My goal is to integrate research and theory into my clinical practice, constantly seeking improvement and contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge.
Supportive Individuals and Teams:
- Faculty Mentors: Walden faculty can offer guidance, feedback, and support throughout my academic journey.
- Clinical Preceptors: Preceptors during clinical rotations will provide invaluable practical experience and mentorship.
- Support Groups: Online communities and student groups at Walden can offer peer support and networking opportunities.
- Professional Organizations: Connecting with professional organizations within my NP specialty can provide resources and networking opportunities.
Importance of Networking:
Networking plays a crucial role in professional and academic success. Building relationships with:
- Nurse Practitioners in my field: Can offer insights, career advice, and potential job opportunities.
- Professors and researchers: Can provide mentorship, research collaboration opportunities, and strengthen my academic profile.
- Other students: Can offer peer support, study groups, and valuable connections.
By actively participating in professional organizations, online forums, and alumni networks, I can expand my knowledge base, gain valuable insights, and potentially discover new career paths.
Conclusion:
Walden University's mission, program structure, and the scholar-practitioner model all align perfectly with my academic and professional aspirations. By utilizing the support systems offered by Walden and actively networking with professionals, I aim to achieve academic success and become a well-rounded, contributing Nurse Practitioner.
Sample Answer
Having reviewed the Walden University mission, College of Nursing's mission, program goals, and learning outcomes, I can see a clear alignment with my own academic and professional aspirations. Here's a breakdown of how they connect:
Walden University Mission: "To empower students to make a difference by confronting those challenges where they live, in their professions, and on a global scale..."
My Goals: My goal is to become a skilled and compassionate Nurse Practitioner (NP), improving patient care in my community and potentially impacting healthcare access in underserved areas.