Running head: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Professional Development Plan Christine Demler Ferris State University NURS 324

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Abstract Nursing is a profession that is closely monitored and regulated by the American Nurses Association (ANA). The ANA provides nurses with the Standard of Professional Nursing Practices that all nurses should follow in their individual practice. I have discussed the ANA scope and standard of practices. I have outlined my professional development plan with my 5 and 10 year goals.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Professional Development Plan Within this paper I plan to spell out my plan for professional development. I have developed my five and ten year goals. Throughout my professional career I have continued my education and continue to develop my career. My career is a very important part of me and I want to be the best I can be. Standards of Professional Nursing Practice Standard 1: Assessment The registered nurse collects comprehensive data pertinent to the healthcare consumers health and/or the situation (ANA, 2012). In nursing, a comprehensive assessment is crucial in order to collect the needed information required to setup the correct care plan for our patients. In my area of expertise, the initial assessment is where I obtain the needed information required which allows me to develop the correct treatment plan for my client. The initial assessment can take place in the hospital setting, their home or where ever they may be at the time of assessment. Standard 2: Diagnosis The registered nurse analyzes the assessment data to determine the diagnoses or the issues (ANA, 2012). Diagnoses are determined from the information that has been obtained from the initial assessment. After I have made my initial assessment, I determine the diagnoses that are suitable for my client. The nursing diagnoses are somewhat similar to the medical diagnoses, whereas I review the medical diagnoses; the information collected from the initial assessment and then make my determination of what the nursing diagnoses should consist of.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Standard 3: Outcomes Identification The registered nurse identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the healthcare consumer or the situation (ANA, 2010). When setting up the care plan for my client, expected outcomes are discussed with them. During the initial assessment with the client, we discuss their goals and the outcomes they would like to see happen. Through that discussion, I identify the outcomes needed for my clients recovery. Standard 4: Planning The registered nurse develops a plan that prescribes strategies and alternatives to attain expected outcomes (ANA, 2012). The planning procedure follows the identification of the projected outcomes. After my client and I discuss the outcomes they would like to see happen, I develop the plan that will allow those outcomes to occur. Standard 5: Implementation The registered nurse implements the identified plan (ANA, 2012). She also coordinates the delivery of the care. Part of the implementation of the plan consists of teaching, health promotion, consultation, prescriptive authority and treatment. Within my expertise of nursing, the plan is implemented by scheduling my client for the needed medical treatments and therapies. As my clients personnel case manager, I provide ongoing teaching, health promotion, schedule consultation with healthcare providers and therapies. Within my scope of practice, orders are obtained for all of the medical treatment and therapies provided to my client.

Standard 6: Evaluation

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The registered nurse evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes (ANA, 2012). The nurse must continue to reassess and re-evaluate the patient/client and revise diagnoses as needed. With the revising of the diagnoses, the goals are to be re-evaluated and changed if necessary. As a nurse case manager, I am continually evaluating my clients overall plan of care and changing it as required. Standards of Professional Performance Standard 7: Ethics The registered nurse practices ethically (ANA, 2010). A code of ethics is used as a tool that guides the nurses profession. It is intended to guide the practice of registered nurses in all practice settings with all types of clients (Chitty & Black, 2011). The code of ethics is designed to protect the patient, the healthcare system and the nurse. On a daily basis all individuals have to make ethical decisions whether we are making that decision in the capacity of a nurse or not. Respect for humans as a function of human dignity is the primary ethical responsibility for nurses in practice (Chitty & Black,
2011).

In my professional practice ethics is very important to me. I believe that all of my clients should be treated with dignity and respect. The relationship between the nurse and the patient/client should always be based on truth. As a nurse case manager for catastrophic accident victims, the majority of my clients have suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury victims experience a great deal of paranoid behavior. Truth has to be an essential part of the nurse case management, client relationship. I have a client that has experienced two traumatic brain injuries and she is extremely paranoid. During her accident her dentures were lost. One of the goals I set for her was to obtain a

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

new set of dentures. It has been a long ongoing process and the end is near. The adjuster has not been the most cooperative in this process. Between the dentist office and the insurance adjuster, payment has been received for the dentures. My client either did not understand or had forgotten that she had been told she would not receive the final set of dentures until the adjuster paid for the dentures. When the dentists office received the payment, they called my client to setup an appointment for the wax fitting. During the call the receptionist mentioned to her they had just received the payment. My client being paranoid thought and accused me of keeping the truth from her. I explained to her I always tell the truth and I would never keep anything like that from her; it was simply the timing of my last update to her from the dentist, receipt of the payment and the scheduling of her wax molds by their office prior to me speaking to either her or them again that week. Standard 8: Education The registered nurse attains knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing practice (ANA, 20120). The registered nurse continues to obtain knowledge throughout their practice. Nurses may seek knowledge through improving their professional skills, continuing education, and independent learning programs. The nursing profession is a continuing education in its self. I attend multiple conferences per year and I am continually seeking to acquire knowledge. I participate in continuing education programs on a regular basis. I feel education is a very important part of my career and I like to share my learning opportunities with others in my profession.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Standard 9: Evidence-Based Practice and Research The registered nurse integrates evidence and research findings into practice (ANA, 2010). The registered nurse utilizes evidence-based nursing knowledge, including research findings, to guide practice (ANA, 2010). Within the nursing profession evidence base practice is most important. As a nurse case manager I am always researching out new therapies and medical techniques that may help with my clients rehabilitation. Evidence based practice decisions that are researched can be most beneficial for my clients. I currently have a client that I have been spending a great deal of time researching material for his needs. When he was 17 years old, he woke up one morning and was unable to move on his left side. His family took him to the MD Clinic in Detroit. At that time, they were unable to give him a true diagnosis. The closest they could come was a possible diagnosis of myolysis. He had not experienced any other symptoms until his auto accident earlier this year. At that time my client experienced a traumatic brain injury and has been experiencing multiple neurological symptoms. He has been to the U of M Neurological Department along with seeing multiple specialists and we still do not have any answers. I have spent a great deal of time researching myolysis and other neurological possibilities. My research is ongoing, not only for a diagnosis, but also a physician that can help him.

Standard 10: Quality of Practice

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The registered nurse contributes to quality of nursing practice (ANA, 2010). The nurse demonstrates quality of practice by providing documentation in an ethical and responsible manner. Quality of practice is demonstrated through participation of the nurse through the quality of care they may provide. A nurse must be creative, innovative; team orientated, and demonstrates the ability to be a leader. In my current position, providing documentation in an ethical and responsible manner is of most importance. Much of my documentation appears in court with my clients. I am currently participating in developing and implementing new policies and procedures to help with improving our quality of practice. Our company is in the mist of new and exciting changes. Standard 11: Communication The nurse communicates effectively in a variety of formats in all areas of practice (ANA, 2010). The nurse maintains communication with other providers to minimize risks associated with transfers and transition in care delivery (ANA, 2010). Communication is a very important part of effective nursing. Good communication skills are necessary when communicating directly with the health care team, patients/clients and family in order to promote good health care. As a nurse case manager part of my job is to foster good communication between the client, family, medical providers, insurance adjuster, attorney and other entities as applicable to enhance positive outcomes. Most of my clients experience difficulty speaking for themselves. It is important as a nurse case manager to communicate effectively in my scope of practice.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Standard 12: Leadership The registered nurse demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting and the profession (ANA, 2010). The nurse abides by the vision, the associated goals, and the plan to implement and measure progress of an individual healthcare consumer, or progress within the context of the healthcare organization (ANA, 2010). The registered nurse is given the responsibility to oversee the nursing care that is provided. She is responsible for the quality of care the patient/client receives. As a leader, one must demonstrate respect, trust and dignity with their patients/clients and colleagues. In my current practice, I play a leadership role as the older, more experienced nurse case manager. I am one of the case mangers that the staff can come to with questions. I have mentored many nursing colleagues over the years. I participate in many professional organizations. One of my favorite organizations I am involved in is Rehabilitation Insurance Nurses Council (RINC) of Western Michigan. This is an organization that is involved with education on clients with traumatic brain injuries. Standard 13: Collaboration The registered nurse collaborates with healthcare consumer, family, and others in the conduct of nursing practice (ANA, 2010). The nurse communicates with the healthcare consumer, the family, and healthcare providers regarding healthcare and the nurses role in the provision of that care (ANA, 2010). The registered nurse partners with other team members in the collaboration process of team-building. The nurse promotes team-building, cooperation, respect and trust among the healthcare staff. In my professional expertise, the nurse case manager is the collaborator of the assessment, planning, facilitation, and advocacy, and is a fundamental component of the

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

10

healthcare team. The nurse case manager with the health care team identifies immediate, short-term, and long-term needs. Standard 14: Professional Practice Evaluation The registered nurse evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations (ANA, 2010). The nurse interacts with peers and colleagues to enhance her or his own professional nursing practice or role performance (ANA, 2010). The registered nurse is required by professional practice standards to provide the appropriate care per age and developmental status. Nurses are expected to provide the proper care to patients that are culturally and ethnically sensitive. The registered nurse must be able to interact well with their peers and colleagues. In my work place all nurses participate in peer review. We also participate in selfevaluations prior to our evaluation from our nurse manager. The self-evaluation allows the nurse to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Standard 15: Resource Utilization The registered nurse utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide nursing services that are safe, effective, and financially responsible (ANA, 2010). The nurse assists the healthcare consumer and family in identifying and securing appropriate services to address needs across the healthcare continuum (ANA, 2010). Nurses need to provide the necessary care and yet be resourceful at the same time. Delegation is a very useful tool if it is done correctly. When delegating elements of care to others, the nurse must always keep in mind he or she is still responsible for the patients/clients total care. The nurse must be an advocate for their patient/client. They must advocate for the best

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

11

possible care while taking into consideration the resources availability, cost to the patient/client, risks involved, and the benefits of the treatment or care. As a nurse case manager my role is to advocate for my client and access quality healthcare to promote optimal levels of health and well-being, while ensuring improvement in safety, medication reconciliation, and adherence to the treatment plan. I assist with scheduling appointments, facilitate transportation to medical appointments if applicable, obtain durable medical equipment as necessary, and monitor the receipt and intake of medication. I assist in obtaining homecare when required. When advocating for my clients needs, I must also keep in mind the need to be resourceful with the cost of the healthcare needed. Standard 16: Environmental Health The registered nurse practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner (ANA, 2010). The nurse promotes a safe environment for the patients/clients, families, colleagues and the community. Nurses utilize scientific evidence to assist in avoiding a safety risk when using new products or a new treatment for their patients/clients. As a nurse case manager safety is always a concern. Many of my clients cannot ambulate without assistance or perform active daily living activities without a great deal of assistance. Whether my client is already home or is hospitalized, I make a home visit to evaluate for any environmental hazards. If there appears to be a safety or environmental hazard, I will arrange for the proper therapies to evaluate and make their recommendations for the client.

Five and Ten Year Goals

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

12

Five Year Goals In the next five years I have several goals I hope to achieve. The first goal is to finish the RN to BSN program. I plan to take two classes per semester and graduate in the spring of 2014. My second goal is before the end of this year, I plan to be co-owner of Right Consulting Group for whom I am currently employed. Right Consulting Group is a consulting group made up of registered nurse case managers. We work with clients that have experienced a catastrophic accident, either auto or motorcycle, along with Workmans Compensation cases. My third goal is to become a nursing supervisor with Right Consulting Group. I have experience in supervision and would like to share my experience with my fellow colleagues. Ten Year Goals In the next ten years my number one goal is to continue being a partner in Right Consulting Group. Ten years from now my husband will already be retired and I would like to be able to spend quality time with my husband, children, and grandchildren. I will always be active in the nursing profession at some level, whether it is sitting behind a desk doing quality control or writing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures. My nursing profession is and has always been very important. Conclusion In conclusion I feel the Standard of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance are very important tools and guidelines to follow. Nursing is a respected profession and following set standards and guidelines helps to keep our profession in order.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

13

The Standards of Professional Performance describe a competent level of behavior in the professional role, including activities related to ethics, education, evidence-based practice and research, quality of practice, communication, leadership, collaboration, professional practice evaluation, resource utilization, and environmental health. All Registered nurses are expected to engage in professional role activities, including leadership, appropriate to their education and position. Registered nurses are accountable for their peers, and ultimately to society (ANA, 2010). I strive very hard to be the best possible nurse I can be. I am very proud to be part of such a great profession.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

14

Reference American Nurses Association [ANA] (2010). Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (2nd Ed.). Silver Spring, Maryland: Author
Chitty, K. & Black, B. (2011). Professional Nursing Concepts & Challenges. Maryland heights: Saunders Elsevier.