chrisbookheimer.weebly.comchrisbookheimer.weebly.com/uploads/1/...c_professional… · web viewas...

Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1

Professional Development Plan

Christina M. Bookheimer

Ferris State University

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2

Abstract

The purpose of my professional development plan is to help me describe and analyze my current

strengths and weaknesses in relationship to being a nurse. The goal of this paper is to put into

perspective where I am now in my career and where I plan to be in five and ten year increments.

A plan for achieving these goals has been thought through as well as a way to evaluate if I am

meeting my goals. The ANA Standards of Professional Nursing Performance is the primary

reference and guideline for this paper.


Professional Development Plan

The time required to compile this professional development plan has allowed me to

reflect on my past experience and future endeavors. In doing this I have been able to

contemplate my current strengths and weaknesses in relationship to the American Nurses

Association (ANA) Professional Nursing Performance Standards (ANA, 2004). By examining

these behaviors, I was able to set realistic goals to address my weaknesses and further my

professional skills and career. Goals have been set for both a five year and ten year time frame.

An evaluation process to help identify if goals are being met is also discussed. I feel that the

overall purpose of this paper as part of the RN to BSN program at Ferris State University is

summarized by “registered nurses prepare themselves to be resourceful, to respond to the

challenges of delivering nursing care to individuals and communities, to incorporate technology

into their art of caring, and to remain visionaries as the future unfolds” (ANA, p. 17).

Current Behaviors

Quality of Practice

According to the ANA, quality of practice means “the registered nurse systematically

enhances the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice” (ANA, 2004, p. 33). This is

accomplished by “documenting the application of the nursing process in a responsible,

accountable, and ethical manner” (ANA, p. 33). As a home care nurse, charting is of utmost

importance. There is typically no other professionals seeing the patient and thus a clear and

accurate picture of what is occurring with the patient is paramount. I excel in this area. The

documentation system that we utilize flows through the nursing process well and covers all

aspects.


Another measurement criteria for quality of practice is “uses results of quality

improvement activities to initiate changes in nursing practice” (ANA, p. 33). Monthly staff

meetings allow us to discuss and implement items that are necessary into our practice. This

occurs quite frequently in relationship to ever changing standards and regulations as set forth by

the government.

As to “uses creativity and innovation in nursing practice to improve care delivery” the

home care setting has afforded me wonderful opportunities to grow in this area. This is another

area that overall I use on a day to day basis. Examples may be in utilizing phone visits,

telemedicine, coordination of services and various teaching aides that I would use at a visit.

Quality of practice also includes “participates in quality improvement activities”. This is

an area where I meet some of the standard but have room for growth. Future growth would be

primarily in the “developing, implementing, and evaluating policies, procedures and/or

guidelines to improve quality of practice” (ANA, 2004, p. 33) area of this standard.

Education

“To advance in your professional career, you must broaden and build on your knowledge

base” (Kearney, 2008, p. 2). The education standard of professional performance is defined as

“the registered nurse attains knowledge and competency that reflects current nursing practice”

(ANA, 2004, p. 35). Knowledge is essential to my growth as a professional nurse and to my

advancing career. I believe that currently I am demonstrating my willingness and ability to

pursue education which is evidenced by our recent RN to BSN plan (Appendix A). My past

experiences in meeting this standard has included seeking certifications in specialty areas,

staying current on continuing education needs for my licensure and reading magazines and

journals that are pertinent to the nursing field.


The portion of this standard that I need improvement in would be “maintains professional

records that provide evidence of competency and life long learning” (ANA, p. 35). My record

keeping consists of a file drawer labeled “Chris Work” that is stuffed with everything and

anything related to nursing. This would definitely be a weak area of my professional

performance.

Professional Practice Evaluation

This standard refers to “the registered nurse evaluates one’s own nursing practice in

relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules and regulations”

(ANA, 2004, p. 36). In writing this paper I am actually addressing part of this standard in that

“identifying areas of strengths, as well as areas in which professional development would be

beneficial” (ANA, p. 36) is a measurement criteria. As a home care nurse where I am employed

we routinely participate in “peer review” (ANA, p. 36). During the yearly review process we

have to identify three of our peers to fill out a questionnaire about us. This information is then

shared with us by our manager. Conversely, we each end up reviewing each other. Also during

our yearly review we set goals and the following year we assess if those goals have been met.

The weakness that I can identify is that I do not do a “self-evaluation of practice on a regular

basis” (ANA, p. 36). I am typically evaluating others and not my self. This is an area that

growth should come with being more in tune with my self.

Collegiality

The ANA states that this standard is “the registered nurse interacts with and contributes

to the professional development of peers and colleagues” (ANA, 2004, p. 37). Having been in

home care for about 13 years, it typically falls on my shoulders to do a lot of training and

precepting. Currently I work with Ferris State University students, Baker College students and


new employees on a regular basis. Another area that falls into this standard is that I frequently

go to special trainings, conferences, and seminars and then come back and share this information

at staff meetings. Most that know me at work, know that they can come to me with anything. I

usually have an ear that they can borrow, a hug that they may need or just a smile and laugh to

keep the day light. The potential weakness is that I care too much. I do tend to take on a lot of

emotional burden and stress from my peers and then I have a hard time channeling it. This could

potentially cause personal and/or professional burn out.

Collaboration

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine, as retrieved online, states that a

Type A personality is “a relatively distinct set up character traits, commonly observed in

aggressive, hard-driving, ‘workaholics’; a temperament characterized by excessive drive,

competitiveness, a sense of time urgency, impatience, unrealistic ambition, and need for control”

(2002). In simple words, just doesn’t always play well with others. This is how I am when it

comes to getting work done. I like to do it myself, get it done, take the responsibility and move

on. According to the ANA this standard is defined as “the registered nurse collaborates with

patient, family, and others in the conduct of nursing practice” (ANA, 2004, p. 38). The

measurement criteria for this standard talks about “communicates” (ANA, p. 38), “partners”

(ANA, p. 38) and “collaborates” (ANA, p. 38). I do these things because it is mandated by our

policies, procedures and regulations that are part of home care. However, I do not like doing

them and most times do them grudgingly. This is definitely an area for improvement and growth

on my part.

Ethics


Ethics seems to be one of those elusive larger than us issues. The ANA standard for

ethics is “the registered nurse integrates ethical provisions in all areas of practice” (ANA, 2004,

p. 39). In most areas of the measurement criteria they are used daily in my practice.

Confidentiality is huge in health care. There are many policies in place that promote this. On

admission to home care this is a topic that is discussed during the consent signing. It comes up

repeatedly with yearly staff development and computer training. Confidentiality is to be

respected and there are times that it can be difficult to maintain. The measurement criteria

“serves as a patient advocate” (ANA, p. 39) has actually gotten me in trouble before with

doctors. However, I will always advocate for my patients. This is my job. The weakness that I

identify is in “demonstrates a commitment to practicing self-care, managing stress” (ANA, p.

39). As discussed prior, this is something that I need to work on. Nurses tend to take care of all

those around us first and then whatever is left over goes to ourselves.

Research

On first thinking about this standard my thoughts were that this would be a huge

weakness of mine. After reading the meaning “the registered nurse integrates research findings

into practice” (ANA, 2004, p. 40) my opinion changed. As a wound care certified nurse I am

constantly updating my practice with current research. In the past year and a half the agency that

I am employed with has initiated a Palliative Care program. I am actively working on this team

and do a lot of research as to current trends, development in this field and where it is going. My

commitment in this area directly relates to the measurement criteria of “critically analyzing and

interpreting research for application to practice” (ANA, p. 40). The weakness identified would

be that of “conducting research” (ANA, p. 40). This is something that I would consider more of


a branch or career opportunity in nursing, not an actual standard of nursing in general. As my

concept of this is lacking it shows an area of growth for me.

Resource Utilization

According to the ANA this standard is “the registered nurse considers factors related to

safety, effectiveness, cost, and impact on practice in the planning and delivery of nursing

services” (ANA, 2004, p. 42). With health care reform and expected reduced reimbursement to

home care this standard is one that I must consciously stay on top of. On admission to home care

a 38 page assessment is performed on each patient. With this assessment we are better able to

look at the patient as a whole and determine care needs. As a case manager it is my

responsibility to implement therapies and services that best meet these needs while being

conscious of visit totals. Another area that this is related to is wound care products. Using good

standards of practice with wound care and appropriate supplies is essential in controlling cost.

The measurement criteria of “assists the patient and family in becoming informed consumers

about the options, costs, risk, and benefits of treatment and care” (ANA, p. 42) is something that

I practice with each patient. This is something that is done at admit, through out the episode of

care and again at discharge. Working with palliative care I meet with families on a regular basis

to discuss treatment options, life decisions and overall care. My weakness in this standard would

be related to the measurement criteria that addresses “complexity of the task, and predictability

of the outcome” (ANA, p. 42). It is not always easy to predict what is going to happen to the

patient and their families. Having an alternate plan available and thought through is where I

could grow and develop in my profession.

Leadership


The legacee website has a quote by John Quincy Adams. “If your actions inspire others

to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader” (legacee). Personally I

feel this is a wonderful definition of leadership. As written by the ANA the standard for

leadership in relationship to nursing is “the registered nurse provides leadership in the

professional practice setting and the profession” (ANA, 2004, p. 44). Many of the measurement

criteria are incorporated into my practice. I have demonstrated “a commitment to continuous,

lifelong learning for self and others” (ANA, p. 44) as previously discussed under other standards.

I work with other employees as a trainer and “mentor” (ANA, p. 44). I am involved in

committee work on a regular basis and “demonstrates energy, excitement, and a passion for

quality work” (ANA, p. 44). As a Registered Nurse (RN) part of our duties in home care is to

supervise Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as well as home health aides (HHAs). This is a

policy and procedure as well as a regulated activity. The measurement criteria that is my

weakness would be “willingly excepts mistakes by self and others, thereby creating a culture in

which risk-taking is not only safe, but expected” (ANA, p. 44). First of all I am really hard on

myself. I will admit I have made mistakes. Thankfully, none of them have been harmful or life

threatening to my patients. However, that does not negate the fact that the mistake was made. I

ponder and stress about them for days. The second thing that I question with the criteria is that

of risk taking. I am not sure I agree with this. In health care is risk taking ever acceptable?

Working through my beliefs on this is an area of growth for my professional development.

Professional Goals

Five Year Goal

My five year professional goal is to be working exclusively in the Palliative Care field.

This will be evidenced by having a care coordinator position with direct relationship to palliative


patients. In relationship to the standards of professional performance, I have set the following

goals. By setting these goals they will have me obtain my primary goal.

I will show improvement in “developing, implementing, and evaluating policies,

procedures and/or guidelines to improve quality of practice” (ANA, 2004, p. 33) by the time I

hold the care coordinator position. This will be evidenced by my participation in these practices

and having established these in writing related to this field.

My second goal is to set up a professional recording keeping system by the end of the

semester. This will be evidenced by an organized and labeled file drawer which will be

maintained in my office at home. My weakness in the professional performance standard of

education will be met by implementing this system.

At the end of each work day I will take five minutes to evaluate and review my day as it

pertains to my nursing practice. This will be evidenced by a better understanding of my self and

changes that may or may not need to be made in my practice. By doing this my identified

weakness in professional practice evaluation will be met.

As to the standard of collegiality I have set this goal. I will continue to care too much.

However, I will implement ways to manage stress such as exercising/walking for 15-30 minutes

three nights weekly. My reduced stress will be evidenced by a reduction in headaches and

irritable bowel symptoms.

My collaboration goal is that I will improve my ability to work within the

interdisciplinary team and delegate my work load by the end of this semester. This will be

demonstrated by my documentation showing that others are involved with my patients care.

This standard of professional performance will play a large role in obtaining my primary goal.


My goal for the ethics standard is very similar to that of collegiality. The additional

element of this goal is “self-care” (ANA, 2004, p. 39). By addressing this aspect I am increasing

my likelihood of being in better health at my five and ten year goals. Self care goal is to improve

my overall health by the completion of the RN to BSN program spring of 2013. This will be

evidenced by an improved tolerance to activity such as hiking, a body weight and mass that is

within normal limits and emotional well being.

The goal to address my weakness in the professional performance standard of research is

this. I will activity participate in a research project in relationship to Palliative Care by my five

year goal. This will be evidenced by joining a research team in this field. Research related to

this field will help my professional growth in this area.

For the standard of resource utilization my goal is to develop alternative plans in

relationship to complex situations as related to palliative care patients by the time I reach my five

year goal. This will be evidenced by having clearly written guidelines for these issues. This goal

will help me to achieve my five year goal of working exclusively in Palliative Care as a care

coordinator.

My goal related to the professional performance standard of leadership is to address my

lack of knowledge and beliefs on risk taking related to health care. This will be evidenced by

reading through related materials, talking through these ideas with colleagues and peers and

having an improved comfort with this topic. This goal should be accomplished within a year

time frame.

Action plan. My plan is to implement each of these goals and the corresponding actions

that have been described with each over the next five years. By doing this, my goal of working

exclusively in the Palliative Care field should be obtainable.


Ten Year Goal

My ten year goal in nursing does not change much from that of five years. As a

relatively established nurse my goal of working exclusively in Palliative Care is one that I plan to

retire from. This is an area of nursing that I have contemplated for a long time on. It has been

developed from working in different settings that all help to support this direction in my nursing

career. The difference between the five and ten year goal would be that of being in a

management role vs. a direct care role.

Action Plan. To obtain my ten year goal I will need to be in line with a company that

has potential for management growth. After demonstrating my abilities in the Palliative Care

field I will seek employment as a manager in this area at this time.

Evaluation Plan

A check list for each goal has been developed (Appendix B) and will be routinely

scrutinized to determine if each goal is being met. This check list will be reviewed at the end of

each year which will coincide with current practice of reviews at work. This will make it easier

for me to remember and implement. As each goal is met it will be checked off and progress

towards my five and ten year primary goals will be tracked in this method. If goals are not being

met after five years the plan will be reviewed and updated according to life goals at that time.


References

American Nurses Association, Initials. (2004). Nursing: scope and standards of practice. Silver

Spring, MA: Nursebooks.org.

Kearney-Nunnery, R. (2008). Advancing your career concepts of professional nursing.

Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.

Segen, J. (2002). Concise dictionary of modern medicine. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

Companies, Inc.

http://www.legacee.com/Info/Leadership/Definitions.html


Appendix A

Student ID Number: 12132023 Advisor:Christina BookheimerFirst Middle Last [email protected]

Current Status

Grade Point Average Notes:

Total Number of credits at the 300-400 level: 50 Minimum of 40 requiredTotal Number of Ferris State University Credits: 50 Minimum of 30 requiredTotal Number of Credits Earned: 121 Minimum of 120 are required

Pre

fix

Cre

dit

Com

plet

ed=X

or

Sem

este

r

Loc

ation

FSU

Cre

dits

300

or H

ighe

r

Pre

fix

Cre

dit

Com

plet

ed=X

or

Regi

ster

ed=R

Sem

este

r

Core: 8 credits required Major: 66 credits

RN license or CCHS 101 3 X ADN or Diploma 40 X

RN license or CCHS 102 1 X NURS 310 3 201101

RN license or CCHS 103 1 X NURS 324 3 R 201008

CCHS 315 3 201105 FSU 3 3 NURS

325 1 R 201008

Communications: 12 credits required NURS 340 3 201108

ENGL 150 3 X 199208

WSCC

NURS 350 3 201105

ENGL 250 3 X 199308

WSCC

NURS 440 3 201205

ENGL 321 3 201101 FSU 3 3 NURS

450 3 201208

Communications ElecCOMM 105, 121, 200, 221, 201 or 251

COMMXXX 3 20130

1 FSU 3

NURS 495 4 201209

Nursing Elective

Scientific Understanding (SU): 7 credits required

NURS 300, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318 or 319

NURS 315, 314 3

201201,

201301

SU Elective (inc lab) BIOL 205 5 X 199208

WSCC

GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS

SU Elective CHEM LAB 3 X 19930

8WSCC

GLOBAL CONSCIOUSNESS GC 3XX 3 201301

Social Awareness (SA): 9 credits required

SA Foundation course PSYC 150 3 X 199208

WSCC

SA Elective PLSC 121 3 X 199501

WSCC

SA Elect (200+ level) PSYC 341 3 X 199301

WSCC 3

Quantitative: 3 credits required


MATH 115 or 117 or ACT Subscore 24+

MMTH 117 3 20120

1 FSU 3 3

Cultural Enrichment (CE): 9 credits required

Legend --X=Completed and R=Registered.Semester = year + 01 for spring/Winter semesteryear + 05 for summer semesteryear + 08 for fall semester

CE Elective 300+ LEVEL CE 3XX 3 201108 FSU 3 3

CE Elective 300+ LEVEL CE 3XX 3 201205 FSU 3 3

CE Elective (200 level or higher) PHIL 220 3 X 19930

1WSCC

Totals 18 18

To Be Completed When Conducting a Graduation AuditI hereby certify that to be eligible to graduate from Ferris State University, I must fulfill the requirements as stated in the University Bulletin and as indicated above. Should I interrupt my studies and not continuously enroll until these requirements are met (not including summer semester), and if changes are made in my curriculum, I may need to complete requirements other than those stated above.

CHRIS BOOKHEIMER

Student Signature Date

Program Coordinator/Advisor Date

Department Head Date


Appendix B

Evaluation Check List for Professional Development Plan

Goal 1: Quality Practice Goal Date: November 2015 _______

Goal 2: Education Goal Date: December 2010 _______

Goal 3: Professional Practice Evaluation Goal Date: Daily

Goal 4: Collegiality Goal Date: Daily

Goal 5: Collaboration Goal Date: December 2010 _______

Goal 6: Ethics Goal Date: May 2013 _______

Goal 7: Research Goal Date: November 2015 _______

Goal 8: Resource Utilization Goal Date: November 2015 _______

Goal 9: Leadership Goal Date: November 2011 _______


CHECKLIST FOR SUBMITTING PAPERS

CHECK

DATE,

TIME, &

INITIAL

PROOFREAD FOR: APA ISSUES

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? Is it

written in the past tense? 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. Do not bold your 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 person’s name? Do not space after periods in abbreviations. Space twice after punctuation marks at the end of a sentence. [p. 87-88]10. Typeface: Did you use Times Roman 12-point font throughout, even in your header? [p.

228]

9. Abbreviation: Did you explain each abbreviation the first time you used it? [p. 106-111]

11. Plagiarism: Cite all sources! If you say something that is not your original idea, it must

be cited. DO NOT COPY THE EXAMPLE AND USE IT AS YOUR OWN! You may be

citing many times…this is what you are supposed to be doing! Is there a citation for every

paragraph? [p. 170]

12. 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, except


for block quotes? [p. 170-172]

13. Quotes Over 40 Words: Did you make block quotes out of any direct quotes that are 40

words or longer? Did you place the period after the text rather than after the citation? [p.

170-172]

14. 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). Do all paraphrased citations look like this? [p. 171 and

multiple examples in text on p. 40-59]

15. Headings: Did you check your headings for proper levels and format? [p. 62-63].

16. General Guidelines for References: Do not bold the word 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

13. Did you follow the assignment rubric? Did you make headings that address each major

section? (Required to point out where you addressed each section.)

14. Watch for run-on or long, cumbersome sentences. Read it out loud without pausing

unless punctuation is present. If you become breathless or it doesn’t make sense, you need

to rephrase or break the sentence into 2 or more smaller sentences. Did you do this?

15. Wordiness: check for the words “that”, and “the”. Don’t use the terms ‘I feel’ or ‘I

think’. If not necessary, did you omit?

16. Conversational tone: Don’t write as if you are talking to someone in a casual way. For


example, “Well so I couldn’t believe nurses did such things!” or “I was in total shock over

that.” Did you stay in a formal/professional tone?

17. Avoid contractions. i.e. don’t, can’t, won’t, etc. Did you spell these out?

18. Did you check to make sure there are no hyphens and broken words in the right margin?

19. Do not use “etc.” or "i.e." in formal writing unless in parenthesis. Did you check for

improper use of etc. & i.e.?

20. Stay in subject agreement. When referring to 1 nurse, don’t refer to the nurse as “they”

or “them”. Also, in referring to a human, don’t 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? Likewise, don’t refer to “us”, “we”,

“our”, within the paper…this is not about you and me. Be clear in identifying. For example

don’t say “Our profession uses empirical data to support ….” . Instead say “The nursing

profession uses empirical data…..

21. 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.”

22. Did you run a Spellcheck? Did you proofread in addition to running the Spellcheck?

23. Did you have other people read your paper? Did they find any areas confusing?

24. Did you include a summary or conclusion heading and section to wrap up your paper?

25. Do not use “we” “us” “our” “you” “I” etc. in a formal paper! Did you remove these

words? Only use these if you are the subject of your paper.

26. Does your paper have sentence fragments? Do you have complete sentences?

27. Did you check apostrophes for correct possessive use. Don’t use apostrophes unless it is

showing possession and then be sure it is in the correct location. The exception is with the


word it. It’s = it is. Its is possessive.

28. Did you use proper punctuation, particularly commas? If you are unsure of when to use

them, please contact the writing center.

Signing below indicates you have proofread your paper for the errors in the checklist:

________________________________________________________DATE:________________

A peer needs to proofread your paper checking for errors in the listed areas and sign below:

________________________________________________________DATE:________________

chrisbookheimer.weebly.comchrisbookheimer.weebly.com/uploads/1/...c_professional… · web viewas...

Documents