Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Professional Development Plan Aaron Phillips Ferris State University

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Abstract The American Nursing Association (ANA) has set standards of professional performance to guide the practice of nursing. In this paper I have reviewed these standards and reflected upon

my personal practice and how it compares to standards set forth by the ANA. In doing so, I have identified areas of strength and weakness. You will find I have set goals, completed an action plan, and formulated a means of evaluation to allow for improvement in my areas of weakness.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Professional Development Plan

Throughout life we are continuously measuring, comparing, and analyzing ourselves and the things we do. As nurses, one of the ways we measure ourselves is by the standards set by our profession. These standards are competencies that helps define the nursing profession and what we do. Like society, the profession of nursing is ever changing. As we grow as nurses, so does our profession. In this paper you will find my professional development plan (PDP). My PDP will cover the current standards set forth by the American Nursing Association (ANA) and how my current practice reflects those standards, both strengths and weaknesses. Also included are goals and a plan of how I expect to continue to grow with this profession called nursing. Standards of Professional Nursing Performance Ethics Every nurse must determine for themselves their own personal ethical standard. According to Chitty &Back (2011, p. 411), ethics is a philosophy that studies the propriety of certain courses of action. A nurse must not only know the difference between rights and wrong (i.e. ethics), they need to apply it to their practice. Nursing ethics advocates the patient as a vital part of the health care team while maintaining their autonomy, rights, values, and beliefs (ANA, 2010, p.47). Committing to assist in the health needs of an individual is a trust that should not be taken lightly. I hold myself to high ethical standards both professional and personally. I believe a man or woman is only as good as his word and should lead by example. The care that I deliver is always with the patients best interest in mind. As a patient advocate, I attempt to express their concerns to the health care team while ensuring confidentiality. I am a firm believer in

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN correcting problems on the spot. If I see or hear something that I know is wrong, I take care of the problem with that individual. Working for the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) presents a unique set of problems. I will admit, at times, working with inmate is not always easy. I have been called everything, but white, punched, grabbed, and threatened numerous times. Ethically, this is one

of the most difficult jobs I have ever had. I have been asked many times, How do you take care of inmates that you know have raped and killed innocent people? If he was your brother, how would you treat him? Yes, at times you may get angry and need to take a breather, but the rest of the time you treat them without judgment. I am not perfect, but I know I do a good job with what I have and I love what I do. Education Continued education is a must in the health care profession. The nursing scope of practice and standards continues to grow and change. This is why it is important to continually seek out educational opportunities. According to the ANA (2010, p. 49), the knowledge a nurse obtains must reflect current nursing standards and practice. This is one of the reasons why many states require nurses to obtain a minimum amount of continued educational credits when renewing their license. Formal and informal education is pertinent if you intend on being more than just a competent nurse. I made a conscious decision a long time ago that I wanted to be a great nurse. The first step is acquiring the knowledge needed to become competent. Every day is an opportunity to learn and that is one of the reasons why I love nursing. I have been a nurse for 8 years. I now have the opportunity to continue learning through teaching and precepting new nurses at my facility.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Clinically my nursing skills are very strong, but administratively I feel that my skills are weak. Returning to school for my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was one of the most difficult and best decisions I have made in years. I knew that it was needed to prepare me for continued growth in my field. With the help of the BSN program and future opportunities at work I am working on strengthening my non clinical weaknesses. Evidence-Based Practice and Research Today nursing practice is driven by evidence-based practice and research. Nurses must use current evidence-based knowledge and research to guide their practice (ANA, 2010, p. 51).

At my facility we deal with a high number of patients with infectious disease. In the past couple of years radical new advancements have been made in Hepatitis C treatment. With these new advancements come new educational needs based on evidence-based practice and research. It is my job to know when and how to administer treatment and when to question and hold treatment. In the past few years I have not stayed current with reading professional nursing journals. Not staying current with my professional association has made me less aware of current research and trends. I now have a new sense of dedication and vigor to stay abreast of the most current research and trends in nursing. Quality of Practice There is always room for improvement. Due to constant evolution of the health care industry. With new evidence-based practice come new barriers; which require new innovation and creativity in quality of practice. Quality of practice as described by the ANA (2010), include using creativity and innovation to aid in quality improvement using indicators to monitor quality, safety, and effectiveness of nursing practice (p. 52). In my practice, I believe it is very important to follow policy and procedure to ensure patient safety. The Michigan Department of

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Corrections has an online and written manual of standard operating procedures for just about everything. Staff is required to read and sign every new policy to ensure compliance and understanding. Policy also dictates what needs to be documented according to health care events. Documentation is audited to ensure quality measures are satisfied. The ANA also describes in its quality of practice to identify problems and formulate

recommendations to improve work efficiency (2011, p. 52). Many of my facility policies are old and could be updated. I am quick to point out weakness, but lack the know how to fix and help facilitate the change needed to update our policies. Another weakness and area of improvement is documentation. I am always attempting to be more concise and thorough in regards to documentation. As I said before, there is always room for improvement. Communication Effective communication is more of an art than science. Communication must be developed and honed. One cannot just learn it in a day and expect to be proficient. Todays nurse must be proficient in many varieties of communication (ANA, 2010, p. 54) We must not only be able to effectively communicate with our patients verbally, we must be able to communicate effectively while documenting in electronic health records, e-mail, telecommunications, presentation, and all forms of media and data. One of my strengths is verbal communication. When dealing with inmates that are aggressive and frustrated, I am usually able to listen to them and assist them in getting the information that they need. I believe it is first and foremost important to listen to your patient/co-worker so that you understand their needs. After you understand the need you should be nonjudgmental, honest, clear and understandable about what you are saying and what you expect. My biggest weakness with communication is sometimes I set my expectations to high. I

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expect people to communicate like I do. I realize that everyone is unique and they communicate differently. I must assess and understand each individual communication need so I may effectively communicate information with them. Leadership Leadership is standard number 12 in the ANAs standards of professional nursing practice and the registered nurse demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting and the profession (2011, p. 55). I first learned what it meant to be a leader in the United States Marine Corps. They teach things like honor, courage, and commitment. Leadership in nursing is just as important and share many values. Leadership does many things. Good leadership gives direction, guidance, encouragement, hope, discipline, and leads by example. I show leadership in many ways. I treat my co-workers with respect and dignity. I support them when they ask for help, but allow them to function autonomously. I delegate to my supporting staff while remaining accountable for the care delivered to my patients. I am a firm believer in positive re-enforcement. Even though I encourage well, I like to be in control. If I see someone struggling with something or doing something poorly, I want to take it over and do it myself. I am getting better at learning how to lead by example and not just by doing. Collaboration Collaboration is a crucial part of patient care. A patients health care involves more than just a nurse; it can include doctors, social workers, lab personnel, family, and many other services. The ANA (2010) states the registered nurse collaborates with health care consumer, family, and others in the conduct of nursing. Nursing must effectively communicate with all aspects of the health care team to bring along positive outcomes (ANA, 2010).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN During the course of my day I collaborate with many parts of my health care team regarding patient care. A man recently complained of severe dizziness, a red rash, and being

really stressed. This patient had many medical and psychological factors to consider and account for. After my evaluation, I consulted with his medical provider and his psychologist to determine the best plan of care. It is not uncommon to collaborate with dental, psych, optometry, social work, housing, or custody while delivering patient care. An area that I could improve upon would be getting to know more resources outside my facility that I could use in my nursing practice. Professional Practice Evaluation I believe a person should always be looking for ways to improve themselves both personally and professionally. Self-evaluation is a great way to find areas to improve your practice. As a nurse, we must evaluate our practice to ensure we are continuing to meet our professional standards, rules, and regulations (ANA, 2010). Self and group evaluation is a common practice at my facility. It is not uncommon for many members of my health care team to talk and evaluate ways to improve patient care. This may involve adjusting a policy and process for delivering care, or it may include adjusting the way an individual performs a certain task. Policy and standards are also part of a monthly meeting that all staff is required to attend. I believe improving the health care team is just as important as self-improvement. A good team works together to strengthen both individually and collectively. Professional organizations and groups are great ways to get involved and stay current with practice standards. I am currently not a member of any professional nursing organization, but have thought about joining one in the near future. Joining a professional group should help me grow personally and professionally.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Resource Utilization The ANA states in the standard for resource utilization, The registered nurse utilizes

appropriate resources to plan and provide nursing services that are safe, effective, and financially responsible (2010, p. 60). I utilize many sources in my practice. My first line resource is my books and the internet. It is also very common for other nurses to utilize each other. After I assess my patients need, I refer or consult for that need. One of my jobs when I see patients is to ensure that their needs are being met and he has the proper resources available. An area that I can improve upon is becoming more familiar with resources outside of the prison. Then I can educated the patient when they are getting ready to leave the prison system. This is not my primary job, but I believe it would make me a better nurse. Environmental Health Working in a correctional facility challenges and brings new meaning to a safe and healthy environment. According to the ANAs environmental standard the nurse should practice in an environmentally safe and healthy manner (2010, p.61). Operating safely cannot be over emphasized in my line of work; both for the patient and the nurse. Inmates are not locked up at my facility. Whenever I respond to an incident in the housing units my first task is to assess the area for safety. After I am able to secure the area, I stabilize the patient, and transport them back to the treatment room. In the treatment room I have more control over the environment. In the clinic, policies are set in place to insure proper hand hygiene, personal protective device protocols, and communication standards to ensure healthy working environment for both patient and co-worker.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN Goals I am still unsure where I want to be in five to ten years. I love working in the clinic setting and I am unsure if I am ready to leave direct patient care. I often think about finishing my masters and becoming a nurse practitioner. I know that I want more, but am unsure which direction to go in; clinical or managerial? The one thing I am sure of is that I need my BSN to do either one. This is why I am here. Five Year Goals

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My professional goals are very simple. My immediate goal is to finish the BSN program. The online program has been much more time consuming and labor intensive than I first anticipated. I realize I need to stay motivated and continue to take one class at a time, figuratively. Another goal I would like to complete before the end of my program is to join my first professional nursing organization and subscribe to a professional journal. Ten Year Goal After I complete my BSN, I plan on enjoying my family and life. I have a wife and three lovely children under the age of 12. Finishing the BSN program has definitely put a strain on the amount of time I have spent with them. I will eventually get my masters, but it will have to wait at least another 10 years until my children are off to college themselves. Hopefully at this time I will have a better idea of what other educational endeavors I want to complete.

Action Plan After this semester I have six classes to complete. I plan on taking one class during the summer and two classes in the fall and spring. This will allow me to finish the BSN program by the end of summer 2014. I will research potential professional organizations this summer and set

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN a goal of becoming a member by the beginning of class this fall. I will also have to do a little

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research on which journal I would like to subscribe. I will plan on having this also completed by the first day of fall class. Evaluation To keep me on schedule I have placed my goals in a personal planner. I keep a running list of things to do in the front of my planner and dates marked in the calendar section. This helps keep me on track. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I can check one of them off. By the time I need a new planner, all of my goals should have been obtained. I will also re-evaluate my plan after every semester. Conclusion Reflecting upon my current practice to the ANAs standards of professional performance has given me a lot to think about. The health care industry, including nursing, is changing more rapidly than ever before. What the standard is today may not be standard tomorrow. This is why it is important to plan for the future. This is also why it is important to stay relevant with current trends and changes to our profession. In the end, it is up to each one of us to determine our relevance.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN References American Nurses Association [ANA] (2010). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (2nd Ed.). Silver Spring, Maryland: Author Chitty, K.K., & Black, B.P. (2011). Professional nursing: Concepts and challenges (6th ed.) Maryland Heights, MO: Saunders

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING PAPERS CHECK DATE, TIME, & INITIAL AP AP

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1. Page Numbers: Did you number your pages using the automatic functions of your Word program? [p. 230 and example on p. 40)] 2. Running head: Does the Running head: have a small h? Is it on every page? Is it less than 50 spaces total? Is the title of the Running head in all caps? Is it 1/2 from the top of your title page? (Should be a few words from the title of your paper). [p. 229 and example on p. 40] 3. Abstract: Make sure your abstract begins on a new page. Is there a label of Abstract and it is centered at the top of the page? Is it a single paragraph? Is the paragraph flush with the margin without an indentation? Is your abstract a summary of your entire paper? Remember it is not an introduction to your paper. Someone should be able to read the abstract and know what to find in your paper. [p. 25 and example on p. 41] 4. Introduction: Did you repeat the title of your paper on your first page of content? Do not use Introduction as a heading following the title. The first paragraph clearly implies the introduction and no heading is needed. [p. 27 and example on p. 42] 5. Margins: Did you leave 1 on all sides? [p. 229] 6. Double-spacing: Did you double-space throughout? No triple or extra spaces between sections or paragraphs except in special circumstances. This includes the reference page. [p. 229 and example on p. 40-59] 7. Line Length and Alignment: Did you use the flush-left style, and leave the right margin uneven, or ragged? [p. 229] 8. Paragraphs and Indentation: Did you indent the first line of every paragraph? See P. 229 for exceptions. 9. Spacing After Punctuation Marks: Did you space once at the end of separate parts of a reference and initials in a persons name? Do not space after periods in abbreviations. Space twice after punctuation marks at the end of a sentence. [p. 8788] 10. Typeface: Did you use Times Roman 12-point font? [p. 228] 11. Abbreviation: Did you explain each abbreviation the first time you used it? [p. 106-111] 12. Plagiarism: Cite all sources! If you say something that is not your original idea, it must be cited. You may be citing many timesthis is what you are supposed to be doing! [p. 170] 13. Direct Quote: A direct quote is exact words taken from another. An example with citation would look like this: The variables that impact the etiology and the human response to various disease states will be explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007, p. 1). Please note where the quotation marks are placed, where the final period is placed, no first name of author, and inclusion of page number, etc. Do all direct quotes look like this? [p. 170-172]

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14. Quotes Over 40 Words: Did you make block quotes out of any direct quotes that are 40 words or longer? [p. 170-172] 15. Paraphrase: A paraphrase citation would look like this: Patients respond to illnesses in various ways depending on a number of factors that will be explored (Bell-Scriber, 2007). It may also look like this: Bell-Scriber (2007) found that [p. 171 and multiple examples in text on p. 40-59] For multiple references within the same paragraph see page 174. 16. Headings: Did you check your headings for proper levels? [p. 62-63]. 17. General Guidelines for References: A. Did you start the References on a new page? [p. 37] B. Did you cut and paste references on your reference page? If so, check to make sure they are in correct APA format. Often they are not and must be adapted. Make sure all fonts are the same. C. Is your reference list double spaced with hanging indents? [p. 37] PROOFREAD FOR GRAMMAR, SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, & STRUCTURE 18. Did you follow the assignment rubric? Did you make headings that address each major section? (Required to point out where you addressed each section.) 19. Watch for run-on or long, cumbersome sentences. Read it out loud without pausing unless punctuation is present. If you become breathless or it doesnt make sense, you need to rephrase or break the sentence into 2 or more smaller sentences. Did you do this? 20. Wordiness: check for the words that, and the. If not necessary, did you omit? 21. Conversational tone: Dont write as if you are talking to someone in a casual way. For example, Well so I couldnt believe nurses did such things! or I was in total shock over that. Did you stay in a formal/professional tone? 22. Avoid contractions. i.e. dont, cant, wont, etc. Did you spell these out? 23. Did you check to make sure there are no hyphens and broken words in the right margin? 24. Do not use etc. or "i.e." in formal writing unless in parenthesis. Did you check for improper use of etc. & i.e.? 25. Stay in subject agreement. When referring to 1 nurse, dont refer to the nurse as they or them. Also, in referring to a human, dont refer to the person as that, but rather who. For example: The nurse that gave the injection. Should be The nurse who gave the injection Did you check for subject agreement? 26. Dont refer to us, we, our, within the paperthis is not about you and me. Be clear in identifying. For example dont say Our profession uses empirical data to support . . Instead say The nursing profession uses empirical data.. 27. Did you check your sentences to make sure you did not end them with a preposition? For example, I witnessed activities that I was not happy with. Instead, I witnessed activities with which I was not happy. 28. Did you run a Spellcheck? Did you proofread in addition to running the Spellcheck?

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29. Did you have other people read your paper? Did they find any areas confusing? 30. Did you include a summary or conclusion heading and section to wrap up your paper? AP 31. Does your paper have sentence fragments? Do you have complete sentences? AP 32. Did you check apostrophes for correct possessive use. Dont use apostrophes unless it is showing possession and then be sure it is in the correct location. The exception is with the word it. Its = it is. Its is possessive. Signing below indicates you have proofread your paper for the errors in the checklist: ______________Aaron Phillips_______________DATE:___04/07/2013______