Career Goals: Strengths and Challenges Related to Nursing Practice Competencies

Career Goals: Strengths and Challenges Related to Nursing Practice Competencies

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Expectations

In the field of education, there’s a significant shift towards competency-based learning. Ensuring that preceptors stay updated on the clinical skills and student outcomes required is crucial for the success of advanced practice students (Roberts et al., 2020). I eagerly anticipate embarking on this phase of the program. I’ve been working towards this week since March 2021, and even though my expectations might not be entirely clear to me, I’m excited. As I transition from a nursing role to a provider role, which has been a part of my life for over 16 years, I feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I aim to approach this rotation with an open mind and a hunger for knowledge. My goal is to learn how to conduct myself professionally in the provider role, master the art of diagnosis formulation, and excel in dictation and documentation to optimize reimbursement and enhance patient outcomes.

Strengths & Challenges

My nursing experience is a formidable strength. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside knowledgeable and experienced healthcare professionals. This exposure has allowed me to witness and participate in a wide array of healthcare activities that not everyone gets to experience. My natural curiosity drives me towards research and learning, and I’m open to constructive criticism, always aiming to learn from my mistakes. With a solid foundation in primary patient care spanning from infancy to old age, thanks to my work in the Emergency Department, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with both MDs and mid-level Nurse Practitioners, observing their assessment methods and intervention decisions.

Developing a Small Informatics Project for Your Organization, Part 2: Implementation

However, my challenges primarily reside within myself. While I have confidence in my abilities once I’ve mastered them, I often doubt my capacity to tackle new, initially overwhelming tasks. Simulated learning, which is integrated into both undergraduate and graduate programs, can be a challenge for me because it feels impersonal and detached from real-world scenarios. Despite being used in conjunction with clinical hours and not as a replacement (Nye et al., 2019), simulated learning is considered an effective learning method.

Career Goals

Initially, my decision to start the FNP program was primarily motivated by financial considerations. As a single mother of an eight-year-old, I wanted to provide her with a better childhood than I had and ensure she had access to every opportunity. However, my perspective has evolved since then. I’m now engaged and have three more children to consider. I can now view the program as an educational opportunity in its own right, rather than solely for its monetary benefits.

Throughout my RN to MSN program, I’ve found myself eagerly anticipating research and classes. I’ve started applying what I’ve learned in my courses to assess my patients in the ED. I’ve developed a renewed interest in educating individuals about health promotion and disease prevention. In my mid-forties, my career aspirations have shifted from ambitious goals of flight nursing or assisting in the operating room to a desire to work in primary care with a skilled mentor. Factors such as mentorship, increased autonomy, opportunities for growth and learning, and achieving a work-life balance influenced my decision to transition into the provider role (Faraz, 2019).

I eagerly anticipate the next chapter in my journey.

References

Faraz, A. (2019). Facilitators and barriers to the novice nurse practitioner workforce transition in primary care. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 31(6), 364–370. [https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000158](https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000158)

Nye, C., Campbell, S. H., Hebert, S. H., Short, C., & Thomas, M. (2019). Simulation in advanced practice nursing programs: A North-American survey. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, pp. 26, 3–10. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2018.09.005](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2018.09.005)

Roberts, L. R., Champlin, A., Saunders, J. S. D., Pueschel, R. D., & Huerta, G. M. (2020). Meeting preceptor expectations to facilitate optimal nurse practitioner student clinical rotations. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 32(5), 400–407. [https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000304](https://doi.org/10.1097/jxx.0000000000000304)

RESPONSE 1

The nurse practitioner-patient relationship holds immense importance for us as nurse practitioners, as our practice revolves around a holistic and patient-centered approach, encompassing not only the medical aspect but also the psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our patients (Buttaro, Trybulski, Bailey, & Sandberg-Cook, 2013). It’s essential to recognize that each individual, regardless of their shared characteristics such as ethnicity or socioeconomic status, has unique experiences and needs. Additionally, in every patient encounter, we have the opportunity to empower and educate our patients on improving and taking control of their own health (World Health Organization, 2016). What are your thoughts on this matter?

References

Buttaro, T. M., Trybulski, J., Bailey, P. P., & Sandberg-Cook, J. (2013). Primary care: A collaborative practice (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

World Health Organization. (2016). Health topics: Health promotion. Retrieved from: [http://www.who.int/topics/health_promotion/en/](http://www.who.int/topics/health_promotion/en/)

RESPONSE 2

Excellent post! We seem to share similar strengths and weaknesses. While simulations offer certain advantages, I’ve also found them to be somewhat impersonal, unrealistic, and challenging to learn from. Personally, I prefer to dive headfirst into hands-on patient situations. Moreover, like you, I struggle with confidence when faced with unfamiliar challenges. Choosing a competent preceptor who fosters a positive and judgment-free working environment can help address this weakness. Makarem et al. (2019) suggest that an environment that provides opportunities for professional practice and skill improvement, coupled with teaching and assessment strategies that boost students’ confidence, can enhance professional confidence. Another crucial aspect is developing self-trust. It took me some time, but once I realized that I possessed the necessary skills, competence, and mindset, I gained the confidence to tackle any task, no matter how unfamiliar it seemed. Building self-trust can significantly boost confidence and personal development (Goodyear, 2021). Given the shortage of primary care providers and the aging population, there is a growing demand for nurse practitioners in healthcare (Poghosyan, 2017). It’s reassuring to know that individuals like us are contributing to the solution.

References

Goodyear, C. (2021). Overcoming the overwhelming. Nursing Management, 52(2), 56–56. Retrieved November 30, 2022, from https://journals.lww.com/nursingmanagement/fulltext/2021/02000/overcoming_the_overwhelming.