NURS 6003 week 2 Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions

NURS 6003 week 2 Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions sample 1

Introduction

I have spent about three quarters of my nursing career in the state of Arkansas. Once I finally started feeling comfortable with my surroundings, my unit, and my decision making as a seasoned nurse, my family moved to Washington state. I have constantly asked myself questions about my current and future nursing practice since our move. I have noticed that Washington is very selective about nursing education, continuing education, and even who they allow to practice within the state. Washington is not a compact state. Nursing licensure is highly regulated. While the Arkansas State Board of Nursing was very thorough, the Washington State Nursing Commission goes above and beyond to ensure their licensed professionals are held to higher standards (NCSBN, 2020).

1. Are APRNs addressed in nursing compact state agreements?
2. What different fields can I choose to work in as a Family Nurse Practitioner?
3. If I choose to open an independent practice, where do I start?

Formulating Questions for MSN Studies

It took almost ten years for me to finally decide to return to school to obtain a master’s degree. In that time, I would ask questions like “When will I find the time to complete coursework?” and “How does anyone with a family and a full-time job finish an advanced degree?” Looking back, it was justification for putting off the inevitable. Now that I have taken the step and enrolled in Walden University, I am able to look ahead and ask questions that are more closely aimed at reaching my goals. In the State of Washington, nurses with advanced degrees have full practice authority. Washington State Legislature states “The ARNP is prepared and qualified to assume primary responsibility and accountability for the care of patients (WAC 246-840-300, 1997/2016).” This brought up many questions related to MSN studies.

1. Will I be adequately prepared to diagnose patients?
2. Should I take the Advanced Pharmacology course alone so that I am able to really soak in the information?
3. Will I gain the experience necessary to confidently interpret diagnostic tests?
4. When should I start seeking out clinical placement?

Conclusion

            Regardless of all the questions that pop up, I am excited about my choice to begin graduate studies. It will open new doors for myself and my family. Having an advanced degree will show my children that hard work helps to achieve a desired outcome. I am certain that bigger questions will present themselves as I explore all that Walden University’s MSN program has to offer. Knowing that I have a network of professionals, doctoral-level instructors, and colleagues behind me will make a sizable difference (Walden University, 2020). I understand that all I must do is ask.

References

National Council of State Boards of Nursing (2020) Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

WAC 246-840-300 (1997 & rev. April 4, 2016) https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=246-840-300

Walden University (2020) College of Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.waldenu.edu/about/colleges-schools/college-of-nursing