When I started my journey in nursing it became clear to me that advancing my knowledge and skill would be necessary in my nursing practice to positively impact patient outcomes in delivery of safe, high-quality, patient centered care.  My decision to choose becoming an Adult and Gerontology Acute care Nurse practitioner was inspired by observing nurse practitioners in the facility I worked in work closely with patients and their nurses to ensure quality care for the patients under our care.  Adult-Gerontology acute care nurse provides services ranging from prevention to critical care to stabilize a given patients condition and prevent complications by restoring maximum health.  I have worked as a nurse for 15 years with the adult and gerontology population and started as a CNA, then LPN, RN pursued my BSN and now currently working towards a master’s degree, so I am building on knowledge and skills that align with today’s nursing demands. Becoming a nurse practitioner, I will be able to integrate and build upon existing core competencies (Cherry et. al., 2019).

Walden university is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) which is a national accreditation agency that serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nursing programs.  Knowing this I have confidence that the education I gain will explore strategies for improving health outcomes by gaining the knowledge and clinical skills to provide patient centered care that is comprehensive and geared toward adult and gerontology acute care.  The shifting demographics specifically population growth and aging continue to be the primary driver of increasing demand for provider specialties that predominately care for older adults will continue to increase (Walden University, 2018).

Getting involved with a professional organization that offers networking opportunities to enhance professional development is a goal I intend to pursue once I establish an organization that aligns with my current role and more importantly one that fosters my career growth.  If the organization can provide exposure and knowledge and a means of promoting opportunities to share best clinical practices, leadership skills and is a staunch nurse advocate in promoting rights for the nurses and healthcare consumers and improve communities.  It would be an added benefit towards my professional development (Echevarria, 2018).

References

Cherry, B., Caramanica, L., Everett, L. Q., Fennimore, L., & Elaine, S. (2019).  Leveraging the power of board leadership in professional nursing organizations.  JONA: The Journal of Nursing Administration, 49(11). 517-519.

Echevarria, I. M. (2018).  Make connections by joining a professional nursing organization.  Nursing, 48(12, 35-38.

Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).  Retrieved November 2, 2022, from http://www.waldenu.edu/masters/master-of-science-in-nursing.