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Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1

Professional Development Plan

J. Jordan Furstenau

Ferris State University


Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to establish a professional development plan that reflects current

practice with measurement criteria outlined by the American Nurses Association (ANA). My

nursing practice strengths and weaknesses will be measured against professional practice

standards. Measurable and attainable goals will be developed for the next five and ten years. An

evaluation method for attaining the goals will also be established.


Professional Development Plan

Nurses practice under the standards developed by the ANA. These standards are

constantly changing and improving based on evidence-based practices and quality and safety

regulations. This paper describes several standards of professional performance established by

the ANA. Each standard is evaluated in order to reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses that I

possess as a nursing professional. I will reflect upon the standards in order to build a professional

development plan. This plan will include goals for my professional career as a nurse. I have

included time frames for achieving the goals along with an evaluation plan to measure my

professional progress.

Nursing Standards of Professional Performance

Standard 7: Ethics

Nurses are required to practice ethically. The ANA established standards of professional

performance that guide ethical nursing practice. Nurses must deliver care in a manner that

preserves and protects healthcare consumers’ autonomy, dignity, rights, beliefs and values

(ANA, 2010). I remain objective in my care and always respect the client’s right to autonomy

and dignity. At my job I am required to provide services while maintaining a high level of

veracity. Veracity is defined as telling the truth, or not lying which is fundamental to the

development and continuance of trust among clients (Chitty & Black, 2011). I strive to remain

honest in my work whether communicating with a client or performing a physical assessment

behind closed doors. I perform tasks according to the standard operating procedures (SOP) as

required of me at my place of employment. If I am unsure of how to complete a task, I take the

time to review the proper procedure, and then complete it accordingly.


The ANA describes an ethical standard of professional performance as, “recognizes the

centrality of the healthcare consumer and family as core members of any healthcare team.”

(ANA, 2010). A weakness in my nursing practice is my inability to include the family at my

place of employment. Family members are not allowed to participate in the plasma donation

process and I am not able to discuss information regarding donation with family members. I try

to provide all clients with information regarding plasma donation and answer all questions with

veracity while maintaining confidentiality.

Standard 8: Education

According to the ANA, the registered nurse must attain knowledge and competence that

reflects current nursing practice (ANA, 2010). It is my responsibility as a nursing professional to

remain informed of the current standards and best practices. I try to read as much research based

nursing material as I can. As I continue to pursue my bachelor’s degree I have been fortunate

enough to remain educated as a nursing professional. I always try to learn no matter what clinical

setting I am in. I have a personal philosophy that I can always learn something from someone. I

think that by remaining grounded in my approach to healthcare I will always be striving to

remain educated.

A weakness that I possess in the area of education involves sharing educational material

with the community. I am not very involved as a nursing educator in the community. I am not

associated with any organizations that participate in community education. By joining an

organization I could increase my effectiveness as a nurse educator. This would also increase my

ability to share educational findings and experiences with peers.


Standard 9: Evidence-Based Practice and Research

Evidence-based practice is a very important standard that impacts the work of healthcare

professionals on a daily basis. Standards of professional performance have been established

requiring the registered nurse to utilize current evidence-based nursing knowledge, including

research findings, to guide practice (ANA, 2010). At my job the quality department is

responsible for ensuring that we are following current good manufacturing practice (cGMP).

This impacts our standard operating procedures (SOP) and ensures that we are developing

healthcare products with excellent quality. We scrub with a providone iodine gel for at least

thirty seconds prior to venipuncture. In a study done that evaluated the effectiveness of

providone iodine, it was concluded that within thirty seconds of a minor friction scrub reduced

all organisms below detection level (Jeng & Severin, 1998). The company has required a

minimum thirty second scrub to all venipuncture sites. The quality department is very diligent in

enforcing this policy and staff is required to clearly move their head in the direction of a clock at

the beginning and ending of a scrub to verify a minimum scrub time of thirty seconds.

My lack of ability to communicate research finding is a weakness in my nursing care.

The ANA requires the sharing of personal or third-party research findings with colleagues and

peers. (ANA, 2010). At my job I am required to follow standard operating procedures for all

tasks. We are not able to research evidence-based practice on company time and are not

encouraged to do so either. I find sharing research findings very beneficial to the healthcare

community as this promotes evidence-based practice.

Standard 10: Quality of Practice

Quality of practice standards of professional performance have been established requiring

the registered nurse to communicate effectively when appropriate to question healthcare practice


for safety and quality improvement (ANA, 2010). I will always speak up when I have an idea for

quality improvement. I am interested in identifying trends that occur and finding solutions to

improve the outcome. I have tried to change operational procedures at my place of employment

but have been unsuccessful. For example, I tried to implement an SOP change that would require

all personnel to don face shield while working with cleaning products. I noticed a trend in

employee incidents and requested a procedural change to no avail. I work at a plasma donation

center and have come to find they are very resistant to change as the entire company operates

under the same operating procedures.

My biggest weakness in the area of quality of practice is my lack of ability to use

creativity and innovation to enhance nursing care. At my place of employment, every task that I

am required to complete is clearly described as a standard operating procedure. I have very little

ability to use innovation or creativity as I would be violating company procedure. I try to suggest

ways to improve quality of practice. The standard operating procedures are not easily changed

and I have yet to be effective in changing any of them.

Standard 11: Communication

I believe that communication is one of the most important professional practice standards

provided by the ANA. I think that communication is the bridge between the information and the

provider. If the connection is lost then care is jeopardized tremendously. The ANA requires a

registered nurse to possess the ability to assess his or her own communication skills (ANA,

2010). Communication is my weakest quality as a nursing professional. I have much to learn and

improve upon as an effective communicator. My greatest strength is my ability to assess and

identify my lack of communication skills.


I had a situation in which my professional communication did not go as well as I had

planned it to go. The situation began when I reported to a donor that she was ineligible to donate

plasma. She became agitated and stated she wanted all of her information returned to her. This

included her social security number, address and date of birth. I tried to calmly address the

donors concerns and stated that BioLife Plasma Services follows HIPAA laws and her

information would not be shared. She refused to hear this and stated she wanted to speak with

my supervisor. I was caught off guard by the woman’s tone of voice and confrontational attitude.

I think that the anxiety that I felt came across as being uncooperative with the woman’s wishes.

After talking with my supervisor the woman felt more at ease and left the center. I found out that

she was having financial problems and that she was very skeptical of the government and her

privacy. I was not able to provide a therapeutic approach to the conversation between the upset

donor and myself. This is a weakness in my ability to communicate with clients. I could have

focused on her concerns in order to encourage a more effective communication between us.

Standard 12: Leadership

Leadership is a skill that all nurses must strive to possess. A nurse must be able to take

control of a situation and use critical thinking skills to create an effective plan of care. A

registered nurse should be able to demonstrate a commitment to continuous, lifelong learning

and education for self and others as well as treat colleagues with trust, respect and dignity (ANA,

2010). I always treat my co-workers with respect. I think that developing trusting relationships

with co-workers based on respect is conducive to a healthy work environment. I strive to be a

leader in my place of work and promote a respectful work environment in which colleagues

communicate and work together effectively.


My weakness in the area of leadership is my inability to communicate effectively in

stressful situations. I find that I would rather take over and try to do all of the work during times

of crisis and this is not the quality of an effective nursing leader. I have to trust that my

colleagues are competent and have the ability to delegate tasks effectively. I know that more will

be accomplished if proper delegation takes place.

Standard 13: Collaboration

The registered nurse is required to collaborate with the healthcare consumer and family in

the conduct of nursing practice. The ANA establishes guideline regarding collaboration which

includes adhering to standards that govern behavior among peers and colleagues to create a work

environment that promotes cooperation, respect and trust (ANA, 2010).

I try to promote collaboration at my job. A strength that I possess is promoting

communication among work peers in order to promote a healthy work environment. We establish

a communication plan that involves speaking to each other with respect and honesty. When an

employee has a problem concerning another employee, it is their responsibility to respectfully

communicate the issue with the employee that it involves. When I have a problem with the

actions of another employee, I speak with that individual in private and discuss my concerns. We

try to work things out together in order to promote a work environment that promotes

cooperation and respect.

Collaboration involves communicating with the healthcare consumer regarding care and

necessary procedures and the nurse’s role in provision of that care (ANA, 2010). I have always

had a hard time communicating with individuals exactly what I am trying to explain. For

example, I struggle with the ability to provide the client a clear understanding of what is

expected. I have always struggled with my communication skills and although I have improved


greatly, I still have a long way to go. I must clarify any questions that are asked and repeat any

misunderstood instructions.

Standard 14: Professional Practice Evaluation

The registered nurse must be able to evaluate his or her own practice in relation to

professional practice standards and guidelines (ANA, 2010). I try to remain objective when I

evaluate my work as a nursing professional. I use several different techniques to evaluate my

strengths and weaknesses as a nurse. Through evaluation the nurse is able to determine whether

or not the work performed was effective or ineffective (Chitty & Black, 2011). I try to determine

what actions cause positive effects and what actions cause negative effects. By deciphering

between positive and negative effects I am able to evaluate my performance as a nurse.

I have a hard time communicating weaknesses among fellow staff members. An

important competency required for professional practice evaluation is the ability to provide peers

with formal or informal constructive feedback (ANA, 2010). I find that when asked to give

feedback regarding my peers I struggle to provide valuable information. I find that I don’t pay

much attention to other nurses as they complete their required tasks. I trust in their abilities and

when I see a problem I will bring it to their attention immediately. An effective team member

can provide constructive feedback and I must strive to meet this professional standard.

Standard 15: Resource Utilization

The professional performance standard involving resource utilization becoming

increasingly important as the American healthcare system focuses on ways to decrease costs.

Resource utilization by a registered nurse involves, “delegates elements of care to appropriate

healthcare workers in accordance with any applicable legal or policy parameters or principles”

(APA, 2010). I try to delegate tasks at my workplace according to training, experience and


ability. I know that more experienced personnel will be more effective at difficult assignments. If

time allows I try to encourage learning and growth among team members. I have a hard time

identifying healthcare consumer needs at my place of employment. I am required to follow

operating procedures that do not allow for much variance from standard procedures. I find

myself focusing on completing tasks accurately rather than focusing on the specific needs of

each client.

Standard 16: Environmental Health

Environmental health is an important aspect of nursing in healthcare field. Nurses must

strictly follow health and safety standards in order to ensure the delivery of quality, competent

care (Strasser, 2012). Healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable in the area of

environmental health and safety. Environmental health standards of professional performance

have been established requiring the registered nurse to promote a practice environment that

reduces health risks for workers and healthcare consumers (ANA, 2010). I was able to promote a

safe work environment at my job by observing a trend in employee incident reports. A door to

the employee locker room was the cause of several injuries among staff. As employees were

preparing for their shift and grabbing their lab coats the door to the room would be pushed open

quickly, striking employees just inside the door causing injury. I suggested the door be removed

and replaced with a door with a window in order to prevent further injuries. The door was

replaced and there has not been an employee incident reported being caused by that door ever

since.

An environmental health standard of profession performance requires nurses to advocate

for the judicious and appropriate use of products in health care (ANA, 2010). This environmental

health standard is a weakness that I possess. I could spend more time as a nurse advocate to


promote appropriate use of products in health care. I am very busy trying to balance school, work

and family life. I could do more in this area of environmental health. By becoming a nurse

activist, I could contact public officials in order to advocate for the appropriate use of products in

health care. I could form a petition, send in letters or call local public officials.

Future Plans

Five Year Goals

I have developed a set of goals that I plan to attain within the next five years. (Appendix

A) I have developed these goals through the evaluation of my weaknesses. I tried to

accommodate for the steps necessary based on my career plans in nursing. I have recently begun

my pursuit of my Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing (BSN). I plan to get hired working in a

critical care unit at a hospital. I also plan to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) in

order to get accepted into a graduate program. I really need to work on becoming a well-rounded

nursing professional. By focusing on this task within the next five years I will be able to improve

as a nurse and succeed in my plans.

Ten Year Goals

I have developed a set of goals that I plan to attain within the next ten years. (Appendix

A). I have focused on developing my skills as a nurse in order to succeed in my ten year career

goals. I plan to graduate from a graduate level program. I have not yet decided exactly what

career path I will take but as I continue to learn and grow I know I will eventually decide. I do

know that I want to be in a position with a high level of responsibility that includes autonomy

and respect. I expect barriers along the way and I understand that overcoming them is a big part

of learning and growing as a professional.

Evaluation


I have twenty-seven credits remaining to complete my BSN at Ferris State University. I

have completed my resume and have been searching for critical care job opportunities. I will join

a professional organization once I have gained some experience working in a hospital. This will

benefit my career as a nurse and increase my leadership skills. I plan on taking my GRE in order

to complete all necessary requirements for acceptance into a graduate program. I am expecting

my first child to be born in July 2012. This will be one of many challenges I will enjoy

overcoming and persevering through.

I eventually want to get accepted into a graduate program in a health care specialty.

Professional nurses will have a tremendous impact on nursing education and leadership

development as health care continues to advance (Folan et al., 2012). I want to eventually be

working as a healthcare professional in an area that I enjoy. I realize there will be hardships

along the way to reach all of my professional career goals. I will have to stay motivated and

diligent as I continue on my path to success.

Conclusion

Nurses must continue to learn and teach in order to remain professionals in the healthcare

community. The standards of professional practice that the ANA has established must be at the

core of every nurse’s practice. I must continue to learn and improve as a nurse as I focus on

successfully attaining my five and ten year goals. I will always keep in mind the weaknesses I

possess and work hard to convert them into strengths. There is a lot of work to be done along the

path of my nursing career. I will stay focused and honest in order to reach my goals and strive to

remain a safe and effective healthcare professional.


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

Folan, P., Tarraza, M. D., Fardellone, M., Leners, C., Ross, E., Delaney, M., & Fitzpatrick, J. J.

(2012). Leadership initiatives to disseminate the institute of medicines future of nursing

report. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from Pubmed.

Jeng, D. K., & Severin, J. E. (1998). Providone iodine gel alcohol: a 30 second, onetime

application preoperative skin preparation. American Journal of Infection Control (5),

488-94. McGraw Park, IL: Allegiance Healthcare Corporation. Retrieved April 22, 2012

Strasser, P. B. (2012). Occupational and environmental health nursing: the foundations of quality

practice. Workplace Health & Safety, 60(4), 7-151. Retrieved April 20, 2012, from

Pubmed.


Appendix A

Five Year Goals Expected Completion Date Successful Completion

Complete BSN May 2013

Hired in critical care July 2012

Join professional organization October 2012

Complete GRE November 2012

Ten Year Goals Expected Completion Date Successful Completion

Complete MSN May 2016

Hired as nursing professional July 2016


Checklist for Submitting Papers

CHECKDATE, TIME, & INITIAL

PROOFREAD FOR: APA ISSUES

yes 1. Page Numbers: Did you number your pages using the automatic functions of your Word program? [p. 230 and example on p. 40)]

yes 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]

yes 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]

yes 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]

yes 5. Margins: Did you leave 1” on all sides? [p. 229]yes 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]

yes 7. Line Length and Alignment: Did you use the flush-left style, and leave the right margin uneven, or ragged? [p. 229]

yes 8. Paragraphs and Indentation: Did you indent the first line of every paragraph? See P. 229 for exceptions.

yes 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]

yes 10. Typeface: Did you use Times Roman 12-point font? [p. 228]yes 11. Abbreviation: Did you explain each abbreviation the first time you used it? [p. 106-

111]yes 12. Plagiarism: Cite all sources! If you say something that is not your original idea, it must

be cited. You may be citing many times…this is what you are supposed to be doing! [p. 170]

yes 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]

N/A 14. Quotes Over 40 Words: Did you make block quotes out of any direct quotes that are 40 words or longer? [p. 170-172]

yes 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.

yes 16. Headings: Did you check your headings for proper levels? [p. 62-63].Yes 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, & STRUCTUREyes 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.)yes 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 doesn’t make sense, you need to rephrase or break the sentence into 2 or more smaller sentences. Did you do this?

yes 20. Wordiness: check for the words “that”, and “the”. If not necessary, did you omit?yes 21. 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?

yes 22. Avoid contractions. i.e. don’t, can’t, won’t, etc. Did you spell these out?yes 23. Did you check to make sure there are no hyphens and broken words in the right margin?yes 24. Do not use “etc.” or "i.e." in formal writing unless in parenthesis. Did you check for

improper use of etc. & i.e.?yes 25. 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?

yes 26. 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…..

yes 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.”

yes 28. Did you run a Spellcheck? Did you proofread in addition to running the Spellcheck?yes 29. Did you have other people read your paper? Did they find any areas confusing?yes 30. Did you include a summary or conclusion heading and section to wrap up your paper?yes 31. Does your paper have sentence fragments? Do you have complete sentences?yes 32. 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.

J. Jordan Furstenau 4/27/12

Documents

Professional Development Plan · Web viewThe purpose of this paper is to establish a professional development plan that ... nursing practice. Nurses must deliver care in a ... A weakness