Nurse Practitioner Professional Career Planner
Week 10: Preparing for Certification, Licensure, and Beyond
Nationally recognized competencies and practice standards ensure our profession is meeting the benchmark for excellence in healthcare delivery to include acute, chronic, and preventive care. Research has proven that the care provided by NPs improves patient outcomes significantly. The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) developed NP competencies to use as a guide for ensuring NPs have mastered their program of study and are ready to transition from the role of RN to the role of NP and pursue national certification with one of the current certifying bodies. Throughout your program, you have developed important knowledge and skills related to these competencies. Understanding and articulating the degree to which you are knowledgeable about and ready to demonstrate these competencies will position you to be a valuable and contributing member to any organization that you work with in the future. Our profession ensures that it is fulfilling the norm for quality in the delivery of healthcare by adhering to nationally recognized skills and practice standards. These standards cover acute care, chronic care, and preventive care. Research has shown that patients fare much better when they receive care from nurse practitioners (NPs). The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) developed NP competencies to use as a guide for ensuring that NPs have mastered their program of study and are ready to transition from the role of RN to the role of NP and pursue national certification with one of the current certifying bodies. The NONPF developed the NP competencies in order to ensure that NPs have mastered their program of study and are ready to transition from the role of RN to the role of NP. You have gained significant knowledge and abilities throughout the course of your study that are connected to these competencies. You will be in a position to be a valued and contributing member to any organization that you work with in the future if you understand and articulate the degree to which you are aware about these competencies and are ready to exhibit them.
This week, you will review the NONPF competencies and also finalize and submit your professional career planner. Applying your knowledge of the core competencies for nurse practitioners to the creation of your career planner will help you articulate and highlight your experience and potential to contribute to a future organization.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Create a nurse practitioner career planner
Identify resources that support personal career development
Analyze how the nurse practitioner program contributes to mastery of National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties competencies
Propose plans to engage in community social change as a nurse practitioner
Explain legislative and advocacy activities related to nurse practitioner practice
Learning Resources
Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)
American Nurses Credentialing Center. (n.d.). Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (across the lifespan) certification (PMHNP-BC).
https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/psychiatric-mental-health-nurse-practitioner/
Scroll to ANCC Study Aids – Free for sample test questions and study guides to help you prepare for your certification exam.
Buppert, C. (2021). Nurse practitioner’s business practice and legal guide (7th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Chapter 12, “Lawmaking and Health Policy”
Chapter 14, “Standards of Care for Nurse Practitioner Practice”
Chapter 15, “Measuring Nurse Practitioner Performance”
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. (2017). Nurse practitioner core competencies. https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.nonpf.org/resource/resmgr/competencies/20170516_NPCoreCompsContentF.pdf
The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. (n.d.). National organization of nurse practitioner faculties. https://www.nonpf.org/
Stewart, J. G., & DeNisco, S. M. (2019). Role development for the nurse practitioner (2nd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Chapter 11, “Concepts of the Professional”
Chapter 12, “Health Policy and the Nurse Practitioner”
Chapter 14, “Mentoring”
Zakhari, R. (2021). The psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner certification review manual. Springer Publishing Company.
Chapter 1, “Preparing to Pass the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Exam” (for review as needed)
Chapter 16, “Practice Test”
Document: Career Planner Guide
Required Media (click to expand/reduce)
APRN Central. (2019, October 27). Goal digger: Test taking strategies [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STAT1WpQgSM
DrRegisteredNurse. (2020, February 16). Test-taking strategies to pass the NCLEX in 75 questions part 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81E3dAxrO2c
Walden Graduation and Next Steps
In this video, Dr. Judi Kuric discusses important topics related to the transition from coursework to advanced nursing practice. (35 min)
Accessible player
Walden University. (2020). Test taking strategies: Preparation for your certification exam [Video]. https://waldenuniversitycne.rievent.com/a/QGDWRV?utm_source=ce&utm_medium=catalog
Assignment 1: Nurse Practitioner Professional Career Planner
As you approach the end of your Master of Science in Nursing program and prepare for a career as a nurse practitioner, you will want to create a cover letter, resume, and portfolio that best represent your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a professional in the field of nursing.
For this Assignment, you will create a Career Planner, which includes these elements, that you can use as you pursue your next professional role.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
To Prepare
Review the Career Planner Guide. This document contains the requirements for the Assignment as well as resources to consult.
Seek out other resources on cover letters, resumes, and other professional resources, as needed. The Walden University Career Services site has information on many topics of relevance.
The Assignment
Develop a cover letter, resume, philosophy statement, and other professional resources that meet the requirements outlined in the Career Planner Guide.
Nurse Practitioner Professional Career Planner
Cover Letter
Leniz J. Kim
8165 New England Road Stewart, Ohio 45723
5th November, 2021.
Human Resource Manager
Amazing Health Group
Indianapolis, MD, USA.
Dear sir/madam
RE: Application for a Family Nurse Practitioner Position
I am writing this letter to apply for the position of family nurse practitioner at Amazing Health Group on 20th October. I am a family nurse practitioner currently pursuing my master’s degree in nursing at Walden University. I have 7 years of experience as a registered nurse. I am passionate about transforming organizations to deliver quality and safe care. I am dedicated to taking care of patients with diverse health conditions. I am applying for the position to widen my scope of experience in the healthcare sector.
I am currently working at Pebbles Nursing Home as a pool nurse and administrator. Working as a pool nurse has led to broad skills in patient safety and infection control. As an administrator, I have gained experience in safety regulation and regulatory compliance. I have skills in diagnosis, physical assessment, and interpreting patient history.
I work with teams and independently to deliver quality, timely, and safe care for patients. I develop strategic treatment plans using evidence-based strategies.
I will bring to the organization the skills identified above, a cooperative attitude, and a learning spirit. I believe I will make a significant change in the organization. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Leniz J. Kim
Resume
Career Profile Summary
I am a result-driven and adaptable person with a 7 year experience in nursing. I have assessed, diagnosed, and treated patients with diverse healthcare needs. I have experience due to the exposure to different healthcare settings. I have exceptional knowledge in case management and quality assurance. I am currently working at Pebbles Nursing Home as a pool nurse and administrator.
Career Objective
To integrate extensive scientific knowledge in clinical care to enhance patient’s lives and create positive social change to all populations without discrimination.
Education Background
Master of Science Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner – Walden University 2018- present.
Critical Care Course – Washington Adventist Hospital – 2017
Bachelor of Science Nursing – Walden University – 2014-2017
Higher School Diploma – Maryland High School
Skills and Competencies
Proficient in infection control using the regulatory standards in place.
Proficient in drug administration
Proficient in specimen collection.
Work Experience
Patient care technician (Float Pool)
Washington Adventist Hospital 2014-2017
Duties
– Recording patient data
– Maintaining patient data
– Monitoring patents for changes in symptoms.
Telemetry Nurse CCU/ICU
Nurse Finders
Maryland Southern Hospital 2017-2021
Duties
Maintaining accurate patient records
Recording patient data such as symptoms and vital signs.
Involving family members in care.
Accomplishment
Performing patient assessment and diagnosis without supervision.
Reporting patient changes to physicians.
Ensuring hand washing as a strategy to prevent hospital acquired infections.
Using therapeutic communication to achieve diverse patient needs.
Community Service
Fundraising for breast cancer in Maryland – 2015
Blood pressure screening with Shady Groove – 2016
Diabetes prevention health education campaign -2017
Obesity health campaign – 2019
Licensure
RN: Maryland Board of Nursing: Current.
Referees
The referees are available upon request.
Portfolio
Personal Philosophy Statement
As a nurse practitioner, I will strive to provide quality and holistic care to patients. I pledge to advance my skills to deliver evidence-based care. I will strive to provide care to all patients without discrimination. I will offer care to patients with integrity, love, and observe ethical considerations including justice and fairness.
Personal Goals
Short Term Goals
Become a family nurse practitioner after completing the MSN program.
Practice cultural sensitivity and community engagement.
Advocate for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Long Term Goals
Enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Program to advance my knowledge in evidence-based practice.
Become a nurse preceptor to mentor other nurses and transfer skills for quality patient care.
Self-Assessment
Nursing is an art that involves using scientific knowledge to care for patients with different needs. I have been working as a pool nurse and administrator. I have been in various departments including ICU and telemedicine. The different departments have made me gain knowledge about my preferred field. I have decided to enroll as a family practitioner since I am passionate about taking care of patients with diverse chronic healthcare needs.
Enrolling in Masters of Science Nursing has been an eye-opener in my career. I have realized the value of research and evidence-based practice. I have been striving to ensure I read more articles on research to improve my knowledge.
I have been exposed to different patients with chronic health conditions. I have used research to understand the causes and possible treatment options. My preceptor has been instrumental in my journey of Master of Science in Nursing. Working at Shady Grove Hospital has helped me gain the confidence to attend to patients with diverse health issues.
