Introduction
Outlining a plan for continuing education is essential for nursing professionals who are determined to pursue post-secondary learning in their sphere of knowledge or to acquire new expertise. Careful planning can help an individual decide which post-graduate programs or courses can be effective in enhancing their knowledge and skills as well as determine the career path they want to pursue. This paper will focus on outlining a personal plan for continuing education of a Registered Nurse currently studying for a Master of Science in Nursing Administration.
2017
It is expected that the Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration will be acquired in April 2017. The Nursing Administration curriculum comprised subjects targeted at giving students core theoretical and practical knowledge about key procedures in advanced practice nursing, nursing research evidence-based practice, advanced leadership, financial management, and other foundations of nursing administration (West Virginia Wesleyan College, 2017).
During the Summer of 2017, it would be beneficial to take up a Leadership and Management course to acquire some basic leadership skills for pursuing a degree in Doctor of Nursing Practice, the key competency for which includes the development of advanced skills for increased leadership roles (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2016).
2018
From Fall 2017 to Summer 2019, it is planned to continue acquiring the nursing education in Doctor of Nursing Practice. This educational program emphasizes clinical practice-oriented leadership training (All Nursing Schools, n.d.). Finishing a DNP program aligns with the established career plan of working at a manager or executive level in a healthcare facility (All Nursing Schools, n.d.).
In the Summer of 2018, I am planning to do some volunteering work at local healthcare facilities to get familiar with the basic procedures of nursing management and advanced leadership. Helping out nurses and nursing managers in a professional setting is an important stage within the process of continuing education because it will help a nursing professional develop effective practical leadership and management skills that would help pursue a career in nursing management. Furthermore, volunteering work will create a solid basis for professional relationships with healthcare providers, which is very useful for an aspiring nursing executive (Wiskow, Albreht, & de Pietro, 2010).
2019
From Fall of 2018 to Spring 2019, I am planning to continue studying for a degree in Doctor of Nursing Practice to acquire knowledge in leadership practices, clinical research methods, evidence-based practice, as well as statistics and data analysis (Black, Balneaves, Garossino, Puyat, & Qian, 2015). However, taking classes on campus may not be the right decision due to the need for enhancing my practical skills in the sphere of nursing management. In this case, it would be effective to pursue an online DNP program during which I will start working on a doctoral thesis in the sphere of nursing management.
In summer 2019, it is expected that I will continue my extra-curriculum practice and try to determine which healthcare setting will be the most appropriate for my future career as a nursing manager (and later a nursing executive). I may apply for a long-term position in a facility and continue my education in an actual nursing setting because practical skills are more valuable than the theoretical knowledge taught in universities. I view my future career as a path of continuous education and growth, so there is no point in my life at which I am planning to stop learning.
References
All Nursing Schools. (n.d.). About a doctoral degree in nursing. Web.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2016). The Doctor of Nursing Practice. Web.
Black, A., Balneaves, L., Garossino, C., Puyat, J., & Qian, H. (2015). Promoting evidence-based practice through a research training program for point-of-care clinicians. The Journal of Nursing Administration, 45(1), 14-20.
West Virginia Wesleyan College. (2017). Nursing administration curriculum. Web.
Wiskow, C., Albreht, T., & de Pietro, C. (2010). How to create an attractive and supportive environment for health professionals. Web.