Introduction
AACN DNP Essentials aims to define the quality of nurses’ education and determine what must be included in the bachelor’s degree program. This program enables the transformation of nursing through a new competence-based approach. In addition to assessing the quality of education and planning nurse training, the AACN provides resources to facilitate the transformation of nursing (American Association of Colleges of Nurses [AACN], 2006). The organization is soliciting proposals to revamp the curriculum for nurses, with a focus on developing new strategies and tools to enhance the educational program.
During the course “Evolution of Nursing Practice: Application of Theory in Nursing Practice,” students had the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge that will help them meet the basic DNP competencies. This paper will reflect on the knowledge and the DNP competencies acquired during the last eight weeks.
Self-Assessment
Skills
After completing the training course, I acquired essential skills and knowledge that align with the competencies of a DNP. Such knowledge includes clinical leadership, proficiency in conducting expert consultations, and professional ability to lead a team (Zaccagnini & Pechacek, 2021). Additionally, I have developed the ability to make informed decisions based on ethical considerations.
All these skills are necessary and fully correspond to the DNP competencies. The AONL role-specific competencies encompass the ability to build relationships with the team, effective communication, professional qualities and skills, and the capacity to act promptly and accurately in the medical field (Shuman & Costa, 2020). During the course, I not only acquired these skills and knowledge but also sought to expand and improve them.
Course Participation Reflection
Based on the knowledge gained during this course, I realized that I was ready to apply the skills I had acquired in the workplace. Nevertheless, although I have gained considerable knowledge and skills, I need to further develop these skills and apply the information I have received in practice. Only by working directly with patients and using the knowledge gained in the course will I have an opportunity to understand what needs to be improved, what needs to be changed, and what turns out well enough.
Mentor Support Reflection
It is imperative that during practice, there is a reliable and experienced mentor who provides the necessary recommendations and helps prevent serious mistakes. Cooperation with a mentor is required to achieve academic goals, as a mentor is a person who immerses themselves in the profession, shares their accumulated experience, and in some cases, even inspires others to work (Giddens et al., 2022). In addition to working with a mentor, it is essential to consult additional literature that will help expand knowledge (Pillai et al., 2018). Later, if questions arise, they can be discussed with a mentor and get all the necessary answers and solutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding core professional competencies is of considerable importance. Effective communication with patients and colleagues, as well as the ability to make complex decisions while considering ethical considerations, are fundamental skills for nurses. Additionally, an essential skill is the ability to apply professional knowledge to benefit others.
For the scientific justification of the practice, it is necessary to have several skills that are necessary for practical work. Such skills include the ability to react quickly and promptly to situations, the knowledge of making leadership decisions, the capability to work in a team, and others. A competent and experienced mentor can play a significant role in setting the correct direction. I believe that this course allowed me to acquire all the necessary skills, and I became ready to meet the relevant DNP competencies for this course.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nurses. The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice, American Association of Colleges of Nurses, Washington, DC (2006).
Giddens, J., Douglas, J., & Conroy, S. (2022). The revised AACN essentials: Implications for nursing regulation. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 12(4), 16-22.
Pillai, S., Manister, N., Coppola, M., Ducey, M., & McManus-Penzero, J. (2018). Evaluation of a nurse residency program. Journal for Nurses in Professional Development, 34(6), 23-28.
Shuman, C. J., & Costa, D. K. (2020). Stepping in, stepping up, and stepping out: Competencies for intensive care unit nursing leaders during disasters, emergencies, and outbreaks. American Journal of Critical Care: An Official Publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, 29(5), 403–406.
Zaccagnini, M., & Pechacek, J. (2021). The doctor of nursingpractice essentials: A new model for advanced practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.