Student Name Western Governors University D225 Emerging Professional Practice Prof. Name Date D225 Final Exam A. Five-Year Professional Development Plan 1. What are your short-term (one-year) goals? My immediate objective is to complete the RN to BSN program efficiently within two academic terms. I am currently progressing ahead of schedule, having already finished ten courses in the first six months, with only three remaining for the next term. I expect to graduate by the end of May 2023, which is four months earlier than my initial goal of September 2023. This accelerated timeline underscores my strong commitment to my education. Additionally, my clinical experience with a Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner during my practicum has inspired me to pursue my long-standing ambition of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. Completing my BSN is a significant milestone, fueling my enthusiasm as I approach graduation. 2. What are your intermediate (three-year) goals? Over the next three years, I plan to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization as a Nurse Practitioner. Concurrently, I aim to earn certification as a Certified Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) Nurse by passing the board exam. I already fulfill the practice hour requirements for eligibility. In my current role as a Triage Nurse and Diabetes Educator at an Internal Medicine outpatient clinic, I am limited in billing for diabetes education services until certification. I have initiated conversations with clinic leadership to enable billing post-certification, which will increase practice revenue and lead to a salary raise for me. This advancement will also open opportunities to work independently as a contractor in other healthcare settings, increasing my professional autonomy. 3. What are your long-term (five-year) goals? By the five-year mark, I intend to be an established CBDCE Nurse both within my current workplace and as an independent contractor. I also plan to pursue a Doctorate degree to enhance my career trajectory and financial stability. On a personal level, I aspire to purchase my dream home, complete with a pool, and invest in commercial real estate to open an event hall—an ambition I have nurtured for over 20 years. Achieving success professionally and personally will allow me to prioritize self-care, travel, and spend quality time with my daughter and grandson. Ultimately, my vision is to retire healthy and financially secure, enjoying a stress-free and fulfilling lifestyle. Summary Table of Professional Development Goals Time Frame Goals Current Status / Plans Expected Outcome One-Year Complete RN to BSN program On track; early finish expected by May 2023 BSN degree completion; preparation for advanced study Three-Year Obtain MSN and CBDCE certification Eligible for exam; billing discussions ongoing Greater autonomy, increased salary, ability to contract Five-Year Established as CBDCE Nurse; pursue Doctorate; purchase home & event hall Doctorate planning; financial goals set Career growth; financial independence; personal achievement 4. What are the requirements to maintain your current certifications? I currently hold Delegating Nurse and Case Manager certifications. Neither requires continuing education units (CEUs) or periodic renewals. However, maintaining my CPR certification is essential, which mandates renewal every two years to ensure current resuscitation competencies. 5. What are the requirements to obtain and maintain your desired future certifications? To sustain my CBDCE Nurse certification, I must complete 1,000 practice hours within each five-year certification cycle and accumulate 75 continuing education (CE) hours focused on diabetes care. These requirements ensure ongoing competency and adherence to the evolving standards in diabetes education. 6. What educational qualifications are needed to achieve your desired career goals? Becoming a CBDCE Nurse necessitates earning an MSN degree, alongside completing the required practice and continuing education hours. These qualifications are essential to qualify for the board certification examination and to practice at an advanced level. 7. What work experience is required to reach your professional goals? Beyond academic achievements, I need to engage actively with organizational leadership—specifically the Director of Operations and Head Physician—to integrate certified diabetes education services within my clinical setting. Prior discussions with senior leadership have indicated support for this initiative, facilitating future billing capabilities and service expansion. 8. How will your professional development plan empower you to be a change agent in your practice? Advancing my education and certification will position me as a leader in diabetes care transformation. Once certified as a CBDCE Nurse, I will have the authority to independently manage clinic schedules, evaluate patients, and provide billable diabetes education services—functions currently unavailable without certification. This autonomy will improve patient outcomes, enhance practice revenue, and solidify my role as an advocate for innovative healthcare delivery. B. Importance and Application of Certificates Obtained in This Course 1. What is the significance of the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) certificate? The AMNH certificate deepens my understanding of genetics and genomics, emphasizing their social, ethical, and legal implications in healthcare. This comprehensive perspective enhances my ability to advocate for patients by addressing genetic contributions to health disparities. Integrating this knowledge into patient education allows for more personalized and effective care planning. 2. What is the significance of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) certificate? The ELNEC certification strengthens my skills in delivering compassionate, patient-centered palliative and end-of-life care. It promotes respect for patient dignity and autonomy during critical health stages. This credential ensures that I am equipped to support terminally ill patients and their families, improving quality of life during vulnerable times. 3. What is the significance of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Quality and Safety certificate? The IHI Quality and Safety certificate highlights the importance of minimizing harm while maximizing healthcare quality. This certification guides my practice to uphold patient safety, equity, and high standards of care. It also reinforces my role as a patient safety advocate and leader in quality improvement initiatives. How will you apply these certificates in your professional practice? Certificate Application in Practice Example AMNH Educate patients on genetic risks and inheritance of diseases such as diabetes Teaching hereditary diabetes risk to patients ELNEC Provide palliative care education and promote lifestyle changes to manage disease progression Counseling patients on

Student Name Western Governors University D225 Emerging Professional Practice Prof. Name Date D225 – Task 1: Emerging Trends in Professional Nursing Practice Current Employment and Career Goals I am currently employed as a registered nurse in a county jail, where my responsibilities encompass both medical and mental health care for the inmate population. My primary role is based in the booking area, where I conduct initial health assessments for inmates upon their arrival and begin their healthcare plans. The facility also has a medical education department dedicated to staff training and development. My short-term career goal is to join this education team to enhance and standardize the training protocols for new and existing staff. Looking forward, my mid-term objective is to transition into a management role, specifically as the assistant director of nursing (ADON). This position would allow me to oversee nursing staff and proactively address healthcare deficiencies within the facility. Ultimately, my long-term ambition is to serve as the health services administrator, managing the entire healthcare operation to ensure the provision of quality medical care to the underserved inmate population. Certifications and Licensure Certification Maintenance Requirements Multi-State RN License Complete required continuing education every two years according to Florida state regulations Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification Renew every two years by attending an American Heart Association-approved course demonstrating BLS skills Currently, I hold a multi-state registered nurse license and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Both credentials require ongoing maintenance; the RN license mandates biennial continuing education per Florida law, while the BLS certification must be renewed every two years by completing an approved course where life support skills are demonstrated. Educational and Professional Development In my current facility, many members of management do not hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). For instance, the current health services administrator is a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Although a BSN is not a formal requirement for management positions here, I believe earning this degree will provide me with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to improve healthcare delivery standards. I am actively pursuing my BSN at Western Governors University (WGU), with only a few courses remaining. The primary hurdle is completing the required field experience hours. Fortunately, I have arranged to complete these practical hours at my current facility under the supervision of my preceptor, the assistant director of nursing and former member of the education department. This hands-on experience is invaluable in aligning my academic learning with real-world professional aspirations. Gaining Diverse Work Experience To develop into an effective educator and leader, I recognize the importance of gaining experience in multiple departments within the facility. Although I have worked primarily in booking for over five years, my exposure to the jail infirmaries is limited, and I have no experience in the acute care clinic. While cross-departmental experience is not mandatory for career advancement here, I believe it is crucial for cultivating a comprehensive understanding of the facility’s healthcare operations. I plan to request additional training opportunities and volunteer for shifts in other departments to broaden my clinical expertise and operational insights. Current Training Practices and Proposed Improvements How is staff training currently conducted, and what improvements do you propose? At present, new staff training involves shadowing various randomly assigned employees over three shifts without a designated trainer or standardized training materials. This inconsistent approach often results in trainees receiving fragmented information or missing essential policy reviews. If I join the education department, my goal would be to develop a structured training program featuring clear learning objectives and comprehensive materials. Additionally, I would advocate for the creation of dedicated trainer roles within departments to ensure consistent and accurate onboarding aligned with facility policies. Impact of Additional Certifications and Courses How have your additional certifications and courses influenced your professional practice? The Advanced Molecular and Nursing Health (AMNH) certification deepened my understanding of how genetics influence drug interactions. This knowledge highlights the importance of collecting detailed medical and family histories to customize medication regimens. Given the high incidence of substance abuse disorders among inmates, understanding genetic predispositions enables safer medication decisions, such as avoiding controlled substances in at-risk patients. The End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) certification emphasized a holistic nursing approach, integrating emotional, spiritual, and mental health with physical care. This perspective is essential in a diverse inmate population where cultural and religious beliefs strongly influence health choices. For example, accommodating a hypertensive inmate’s preference for meditation over medication respects patient autonomy and fosters trust. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) course, Introduction to Healthcare Improvement, introduced the Six Aims for Improvement framework—safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered care (Provost, Lloyd, & Murray, 2020). In correctional health, where patient autonomy is often limited, applying this framework involves prioritizing inmates’ rights and informed consent, ensuring they understand treatment benefits and risks. Application of Learning to Facility Improvement How do you plan to apply knowledge gained from your courses to improve your current workplace? I plan to collaborate with the education department to develop educational materials that emphasize the role of genetics in pharmacokinetics and the importance of incorporating family history into routine inmate assessments. Institutionalizing this practice through policy would significantly enhance medication safety and personalized care in the facility. Moreover, by adopting holistic nursing principles, I aim to improve communication and interpersonal skills among healthcare staff. Emphasizing patient-centered care will foster a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, which is vital in the challenging correctional environment. Ultimately, I aspire to use this knowledge to influence policy changes and raise the overall quality of healthcare as I progress into leadership roles. Reflection on Healthcare Improvement Challenges What insights have you gained regarding challenges in healthcare systems? The IHI course shed light on common systemic challenges in healthcare worldwide, many of which are relevant to correctional health. These include resource limitations, inconsistent staff training, and difficulties in patient engagement. Learning about effective strategies for overcoming such challenges has inspired me to consider tailored solutions for my facility, such as standardized training programs and enhanced patient education efforts. Addressing

Student Name Western Governors University D225 Emerging Professional Practice Prof. Name Date Five-Year Professional Development Plan What are your short-term goals? My immediate objective is to successfully complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, which I expect to achieve by March 2025. This foundational education is crucial as it will equip me with essential clinical knowledge and skills, forming the basis for future specialization and advanced nursing practice. What are your intermediate goals? From graduation until December 2026, my goal is to obtain certifications that are critical to my role as a cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) nurse. Specifically, I plan to acquire the Adult Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) and Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC). These credentials will strengthen my clinical expertise and professional credibility in managing critically ill cardiac patients. What is your long-term professional objective? By the end of 2028, I aim to become certified in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and emerge as a skilled leader within my unit. Since my hospital is the sole ECMO-certified center within a 200-mile radius, this certification will uniquely position me to contribute significantly to advancements in critical care and improve patient outcomes in the region. Current Certifications and Their Requirements Certification Description Renewal Requirements Employer Support Basic Life Support (BLS) Covers essential life-saving skills such as CPR, airway management, and AED use. Renewal every 2 years with quarterly practice sessions. Quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) training sessions. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Builds on BLS; includes emergency medication protocols, EKG interpretation, and advanced airway skills. Requires renewal every 2 years with quarterly hands-on practice. Scenario-based CPR and airway management training. Cardiac Surgery Unit Advanced Life Support (CSU-ALS) Focuses on post-operative care and emergency responses for cardiac surgery patients. Valid for 2 years; ongoing employer-led training by cardiothoracic surgeons. Training sessions led by cardiothoracic surgeons. How do you maintain BLS and ACLS certifications? My employer facilitates quarterly training sessions accredited by the American Heart Association, where we engage in simulated scenarios, CPR practice, and manual ventilation. These hands-on sessions provide real-time feedback, ensuring my skills remain current and proficient. Without such continuous practice, I would need to complete the full certification process every two years. Future Certifications and Maintenance Certification Validity Period Renewal Requirements Notes CCRN 3 years 400+ direct patient care hours; 100 CEUs; active RN license Focus on adult critical care nursing. CSC 3 years 875 patient care hours; 40 CEUs; active RN license Specialized in post-operative cardiac care. Registered Nurse License (Missouri) 2 years Renewal fee; no CEUs required Maintains legal nursing practice in Missouri. Education and Experience Requirements I am currently pursuing my BSN at Western Governors University, anticipating graduation in March 2025. Alongside coursework, I am gaining practical experience through a clinical practicum with a nurse practitioner, exploring the possibility of pursuing a Master’s degree with a Nurse Practitioner specialization. After graduation, I plan to prioritize obtaining my CCRN certification, followed by the CSC. Certification Experience Required Patient Care Hours CCRN Minimum 2 years in critical care 875 hours with critically ill patients in the last year before the exam. CSC Minimum 2 years in cardiac surgery 875 hours with adult cardiac surgery patients within 48 hours post-op. How will your professional development plan help you become a change agent? With around 18 months of critical care experience, my focused goals and certifications will support my growth into a highly specialized cardiac ICU nurse. These qualifications will enable me to take on mentorship roles, such as precepting new nurses, and pursue leadership positions like charge nurse. Through advancing my clinical knowledge and leadership skills, I aim to positively influence the unit’s culture, enhance patient care quality, and support patients and their families effectively. Certificates and Their Impact on Professional Practice What certifications have you completed and how do they influence your nursing practice? How will these certificates be applied in your professional nursing practice? The AMNH certification encourages ongoing education about genetics and ethical considerations, which I will incorporate into holistic patient assessments and education. ELNEC equips me to recognize when palliative care discussions are needed and to coordinate interdisciplinary care that respects patient wishes. The SOGINE training strengthens my commitment to inclusivity and advocacy for LGBTQ+ patients, helping to reduce care disparities. How do these certificates support your overall professional development plan? Together, these certifications address essential areas: genetics and ethics, end-of-life care, and cultural competence. They promote continuous professional growth by keeping me informed on evolving healthcare challenges and enhancing my ability to provide individualized, compassionate care. This comprehensive approach ensures adaptability to the dynamic healthcare landscape and the diverse needs of patients. References American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (n.d.). Certification and renewal requirements. https://www.aacn.org/certification American Heart Association (AHA). (n.d.). Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). https://www.heart.org D225 Professional Development Plan: 5-Year Goal Framework for Nursing Western Governors University. (n.d.). Bachelor of Science in Nursing. https://www.wgu.edu