My Goals and University Vision and Mission

After being a nurse for 11 years, I feel the healthcare field is changing its dynamics and feel naturopathic medicine has become more excepted over recent years. Around five years ago, I developed an interest in naturopathic medicine and would like to pursue that after completion of my Nurse Practitioner degree. My current professional goal is to eventually open a naturopathic office treating patients and also have a separate component for energy healing, massage, acupuncture, and other treatment modalities in the alternative medical field. “Principles of Naturopathic Medicine—that include such things as stimulating the healing power of the body and addressing the underlying causes of disease, rather than focusing on alleviating symptoms. The practice of naturopathic medicine requires understanding illness within the context of a person’s whole life (Education, 2020). When searching a University to advance my degree, I did not yet know naturopathic and alternative medicine would be my focus. Therefore, my goal was to pursue a degree for Family Nurse Practitioner. Since I began at Walden University, I was able to slowly gain more detail and focus on what I believe to be my true interest.

I came to Walden University after finishing my BSN at Grand Canyon University. Once finished with my BSN, I found Grand Canyon’s NP program was not credentialed in Michigan and therefore had to find a college to transfer too. Several factors played a role in my choice at Walden University. Two of my biggest concerns were cost and flexibility. Like many, I compared the cost with other schools but that would not be the make it or break it in my decision. One very big concern was flexibility since I work two jobs. I found while completing my degree at Grand Canyon, that homework and assignments were consistently due throughout the entire program, on the same days. This type of consistency throughout the program, made it possible for me to work two jobs and create a work schedule that was consistent and able to be planned out ahead of time. I found that to be more beneficial than anything and was looking for an NP program with the same type of format. Walden had that same exact format, which was a huge two thumbs up for me. After learning cost and its scheduling consistency, I began to research Walden’s mission, vision, and goals, for its University. I liked that Walden’s vision of knowledge being, “judged worthy to the degree that it can be applied by its graduates to the immediate solutions of critical societal challenges, thereby advancing the greater global good” (University, Vision, Mission, and Goals, 2019). I personally think of myself as a humanitarian and also make decisions based on the greater good of the people. By increasing my knowledge in this program, I feel I can be part of creating solutions for the greater good of society.  Walden’s mission to create a diverse community within the professional healthcare system to allow healthcare professionals to advance their skills and knowledge in order to create a positive social change, allows everyone at all levels of healthcare to have an opportunity to make a difference in the community (University, 2019). Attending a college that promotes diversity among its students, for me, is beneficial in promoting different perspectives within healthcare and among students. One of  Walden’s goals are to “provide innovative, learner-centered educational programs that recognize and incorporate the knowledge, skills, and abilities” (University, Vision, Mission, and Goals, 2019). My goal is to also do my best to develop these skills to better treat patients within my chosen field.

University Outcomes

Walden University outcomes are in alignment with my outcomes to have the ability to “facilitate positive social change where they work, in their communities, and society” (University, Vision, Mission, and Goals, 2019). My goal is to have the ability to create positive changes within my work environment and within my community and neighborhood. I relate these outcomes to having the ability to be an advocate of creating better outcomes within the healthcare system and having the knowledge to promote those outcomes to the community where I live and work. This also includes having the knowledge and expertise to know how to improve the healthcare field. 

MSN Learning Outcomes

As most of us know, not only is high-quality healthcare an objective among our communities, but so is cost-effective healthcare. Everyone deserves both, and as stated in Walden’s learning outcomes, I considered this to be a primary goal in learning my role as an NP student. Good healthcare is well rounded and includes both of these criteria in order to benefit the patient. Learning how to “critique evidence-based literature” (University, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), 2019) is also important for me to continue to educate myself in the future as the healthcare field changes with new technology and medical discoveries. Walden also has a learning outcome to teach its students to develop the ability to correctly communicate not only to their patients, but to the community, other professionals within the healthcare field, and diverse populations (University, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), 2019). Communicating appropriately within this profession is beneficial in the advancement of my career.

Academic and professional individuals are vital to the success of completion of this program, but also important to helping you throughout your career. I am currently a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners which gives me access to professional individuals and vital information within my chosen field. I have also developed a relationship with two prior Walden students who have recently graduated the Nurse Practitioner program and have helped me connect with my current preceptor and two other preceptors in the future rotations. These prior students have been extremely valuable to me as resources for the program and as a support team for questions and answers regarding any first-hand information I may need regarding the program. By collaborating with these individuals, doors have opened for me to complete my degree and most likely obtain an NP position in the future.

 

References

Education, C. o. (2020). Naturopathic Medicine. Retrieved from Council on Naturopathic Medical Education: https://cnme.org/naturopathic-medicine-an-overview/

University, W. (2019).

University, W. (2019, October 4). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Retrieved from Walden University Catalog: https://catalog.waldenu.edu

University, W. (2019, October 4). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved from Walden University Catalog: https://catalog.waldenu.edu

 

response

I think it is great you are moving towards a career in naturopathic medicine. Every year more and more patients are looking for more “natural” ways to heal, as opposed to using the traditional Western medicine we all know. I, myself use naturopathic medicine for any type of ailments I come across, however, still must treat patients using Western medicine. I am not sure where you are looking to practice, but my cousin graduated college in California as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and is now in New York practicing. Since we are also learning about networking, I thought this would be a good opportunity to start off your professional network.  Having a professional connection with someone may not actually get you the job you’re looking for, but that certain someone you were referred to may be able to provide additional resources and point you in the direction you need to go (Schmidt, n.d.). According to my cousin, California and New York are the most involved and receptive to naturopathic medicine but it is gaining popularity in other parts of the world. You can connect with her through social media, if interested, since that is a great way to connect with others in the same profession. “Tens of millions of people use the internet, and social media is where you can find potential partners, mentors, and collaborations” (Wofford, 2018). Using LinkedIn is a great tool that I currently use and have made multiple professional connections through there. It could be a place to start while trying to finish your degree.

Good luck to you this quarter and on your endeavors towards naturopathic medicine!

References

 

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). BluePipes. Retrieved from 5 Reasons Nurses Should Engage in Professional Networking : https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously/

Wofford, P. (2018, May 24). Nurse.org. Retrieved from 10 Networking Tips for Nurses Who Hate Networking: https://nurse.org/articles/tips-for-nurse-networking/

 

 

response 2

I enjoyed learning about naturopathic medicine. That is a term I had never heard about before. I researched the naturopathic medicine and found there is a national association for the practice. This association is for providers who wish to be recognized and qualified as specialty professionals who practice naturopathic medicine (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, n.d.). I believe alternative medicine is quintessential, especially in a time where Americans are less active and have poor nutrition. The prevalence of obesity in children has doubled in two to five-year-olds and went up five times the amount in the six to eleven age range (U.S.Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). America will continue down the path it is currently walking if providers continue only to treat symptoms with prescribed medications. Naturopathy is interesting because it actually “de-emphasizes” the provider prescribing medications and encourages alternative approaches to fix the underlying health condition (Bradley, 2019). 

In order to see changes like these, health care professionals must work together to influence society. In his article about networking, Schmidt (n.d.) suggests that nurses who network increase their ability to change health care as a whole. I believe our society is heading towards the principles and practices of naturopathic medicine, which is the next step in the right direction of health care.

 

References

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. (n.d.). Membership: Join/Renew. https://naturopathic.org/page/JoinUs.

 

Bradley, R., Harnett, J., Cooley, K., McIntyre, E., Goldenberg, J., & Adams, J. (2019). Naturopathy as a Model of Prevention-Oriented, Patient-Centered Primary Care: A Disruptive Innovation in Health Care. Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 55(9). https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3390/medicina55090603

 

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking [Blog post]. Retrieved June 04, 2020, from https://blog.bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriousl/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Facts & Statistics, Facts & Statistics (2020). https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/index.html.

 

 

Discussion: Networking Opportunities

In this module, you begin laying the foundation for your academic and professional success. Your efforts begin with a vision that includes your own definition of success. Your vision may vary from those of your colleagues, but this does not mean you have to take these first steps alone.

Walden University and the College of Nursing also have a vision and mission, which include helping you to make your own vision a reality. Members of your new academic community, such as faculty, support teams, and fellow students, can also be helpful. Current practitioners and other member of the professional community can also help you to clarify your vision.

This Module’s Discussion asks you to consider how the Walden mission and vision as well as the College of Nursing’s mission and vision apply to your professional and academic goals. You will also begin to identify individuals and teams who can help you along the way as you begin designing the “blueprint”—your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan—that will guide you toward your own vision for academic and professional success.

To Prepare:

• Review the Walden and College of Nursing mission and vision statements, Walden’s goals and University Outcomes, and the MSN Program Learning Outcomes presented in this Module’s Learning Resources.
• Reflect on your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
• Consider how the information in these resources fit with your own goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.
• Also consider academic and professional individuals and teams with whom you may collaborate in support of your efforts as a student at the university and as a professional within your organization and career.

By Day 3 of Week 1

Post a brief introduction of yourself to your colleagues. Include an explanation as to how Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner. Also include an explanation for how the Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your becoming a scholar-practitioner.

By Day 6 of Week 1

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by suggesting additional individuals and/or teams with whom you wish to collaborate or by offering additional networking strategies.

Networking Opportunities

My journey started back in 2014.  I started out as a bedside nurse before I moved up to a mental health specialty. I profited a lot from being exposed to many various responsibilities along the way, ranging from being general staff nurse to mentoring new nurses. Being a member of our unit’s mentoring program, it had a great impact on my career advancement. I became the point of contact for advising, supporting, and/or coaching new members. I supervised the program and worked side by side with our new mentees.  Though the experience helped me move into a leadership role, it also brought out new challenges.  Stepping into a leadership role calls for a set of entirely different skills. Serving in this leadership position is what led me to seek leadership skills and join the team that shapes healthcare policies and empower staff to deliver the best possible care for patients.

After long periods of surfing the internet and consulting with colleagues, I chose Walden University as it suffices my academic goal. Walden University mentions a shared vision which “allowed professionals to continue working while earning a degree.” (History: About Us: Walden University). One of my academic criteria included the ability to continue working while I climb up the ladder in the academic world. It’s not strange that my chosen program’s learning outcomes include, “advancement of the nursing profession and social change.” (Online Master’s in Nursing – MSN Nurse Executive: Walden University). This objective summarizes my future goal as a scholar-practitioner: combining my clinical expertise with leadership skills to bridge the gap between bedside care and administrative roles. Of course, embarking on this role will require helping hand from various sides. I chose two colleagues for advisement and training. As a former English Language Learner (ELL), I recognize the anxiety that comes with scholarly writing. As mentioned in their mission statement, the Writing Center “supports learners in understanding and developing scholarly writing skills needed for academic, civic, and global engagement”. (Walden University, About: Mission and Values. n.d). Therefore, I am planning to partake in Walden’s Writing Center programs and resources.

References

About: Mission and Values. Academic Guides. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/about/mission.

History: About Us: Walden University. Significant Milestones. https://www.waldenu.edu/about/who-we-are/history.

Online Master’s in Nursing – MSN Nurse Executive: Walden University. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/msn-nurse-executive.