D225 Final Exam

D225 Final Exam

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 short-term goal is to successfully complete the RN to BSN program within two academic terms. I am currently progressing ahead of schedule, having completed ten courses in the first six months, with only three courses remaining for the second term. I anticipate finishing the program by the end of May 2023, which is four months earlier than my original target of September 2023. This accelerated completion reflects my dedication and commitment to my studies. Through my coursework and hands-on experience with a Gastroenterology Nurse Practitioner during my fieldwork, I have been motivated to pursue my long-term ambition of becoming a Nurse Practitioner—a goal I set at the beginning of my 16-year nursing career. This achievement is a source of pride and excitement as I approach my BSN graduation.

2. What are your intermediate (three-year) goals?

Within the next three years, my objective is to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, specializing as a Nurse Practitioner. I plan to earn certification as a Certified Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) Nurse by taking the required exam. I already meet the eligibility criteria concerning required practice hours. Currently, I serve as a Triage Nurse and Diabetes Educator in an Internal Medicine outpatient practice. However, my role cannot be billed for diabetes education services until I am certified as a CBDCE. I have initiated discussions with the Office Director and Head Physician to establish this billing capability once certified, which will generate additional revenue for the practice and lead to a salary increase for me. The new role will also grant greater autonomy and opportunities to work as an independent contractor at other healthcare facilities.

3. What are your long-term (five-year) goals?

By year five, I aim to be firmly established as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Nurse (CBDCE) within my current workplace and as an independent contractor for other organizations. Additionally, I intend to pursue a Doctorate degree to further enhance my career advancement prospects and financial stability. Personally, I plan to purchase a dream home with a pool and invest in commercial property to open an event hall—an aspiration I’ve held for over two decades. Achieving success in both professional and personal goals will provide me with the time and resources to prioritize self-care, travel, and enjoy quality time with my family, especially my daughter and grandson. Ultimately, I envision retiring in good health and financial security, enabling a stress-free, fulfilling life.

Summary Table of Professional Development Goals

Time Frame	Goals	Current Status / Plans	Expected Outcome
One-Year	Complete RN to BSN program	On track; finishing early by May 2023	BSN degree completion; readiness for advanced study
Three-Year	Obtain MSN and CBDCE certification	Eligible for exam; discussions for billing underway	Increased autonomy, higher salary, ability to contract
Five-Year	Establish as CBDCE Nurse; pursue Doctorate; purchase dream home and event hall	Planning doctorate; personal financial goals set	Career advancement; financial independence; personal goals

4. What are the requirements to maintain your current certifications?

I currently hold certifications as a Delegating Nurse and Case Manager. These credentials do not require continuing education units (CEUs) or periodic renewal. However, I must maintain my CPR certification, which requires renewal every two years.

5. What are the requirements to obtain and maintain your desired future certifications?

To maintain my future certification as a CBDCE Nurse, I will need to fulfill 1,000 practice hours within each five-year certification period and complete 75 continuing education (CE) hours. This commitment ensures that I stay current in diabetes care standards and maintain board certification status.

6. What are the educational requirements needed to achieve your desired career goals?

Achieving the role of a CBDCE Nurse requires completion of an MSN degree, along with the fulfillment of 1,000 practice hours and 75 CE hours. These prerequisites are mandatory to qualify for the board certification exam.

7. What work experience is required to reach your professional goals?

In addition to the MSN degree and certification requirements, I must collaborate with organizational leadership—specifically, the Director of Operations and Head Physician—to propose the integration of certified diabetes education services into my practice. Previous discussions with the practice president support this initiative, paving the way for service implementation and billing approval.

8. How will your professional development plan empower you to be a change agent in your practice?

Pursuing advanced degrees and certifications will enable me to lead transformational change in diabetes care delivery. For example, once certified as a CBDCE Nurse, I will manage my own clinic schedule to assess patients and provide education on diabetes management, which can be billed directly—a service currently unavailable without certification. This autonomy and enhanced scope of practice will improve patient outcomes, increase practice revenue, and position me as an advocate and innovator within my healthcare setting.

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 enriches my understanding of genetics and genomics and their social, ethical, and legal implications in healthcare. This holistic approach equips me to advocate more effectively for patients by considering how genetic factors influence health disparities. Applying this knowledge allows me to tailor patient education and optimize care plans throughout the healthcare continuum.

2. What is the significance of the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) certificate?

The ELNEC certification enhances my ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered palliative and end-of-life care. It emphasizes maintaining patient dignity and autonomy during vulnerable health stages. This certification ensures that I am prepared to deliver high-quality care to patients facing terminal illnesses, improving their quality of life and supporting families.

3. What is the significance of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Quality and Safety certificate?

The IHI Quality and Safety certificate focuses on delivering care that minimizes harm while maximizing quality. This certification is essential in guiding my daily practice to ensure patient safety, equity, and the highest standards of healthcare delivery. It reinforces my role as an advocate for patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.

How will you use these certificates in your professional practice?

Certificate	Application in Practice	Example
AMNH	Educate patients on genetic influences in diseases, like hereditary diabetes, to improve preventive strategies.	Teaching patients about diabetes inheritance and risk.
ELNEC	Support patients facing serious illnesses with palliative care education and promote healthy lifestyle choices.	Counseling patients on diet and exercise to prevent disease progression.
IHI Quality and Safety	Advocate for safe, equitable healthcare and empower patients to voice concerns about treatments or medications.	Educating patients to safely self-administer insulin and recognize complications.

How do these certificates support your professional development plan?

Each certificate complements my professional growth by reinforcing core aspects of my nursing practice:

• AMNH enhances my knowledge base on genetics, directly impacting diabetes education.

• ELNEC prepares me to support patients through chronic disease management and potential end-of-life care.

• IHI Quality and Safety aligns with my commitment to providing high-quality, safe care and patient advocacy.

These certifications strengthen my credentials as a diabetes educator and prepare me for leadership roles in nursing care.

Why was the IHI Quality and Safety certificate chosen?

I selected the IHI Quality and Safety certificate because of its relevance to my daily responsibilities. As a nurse, ensuring patient safety and advocating for quality care are fundamental. This certification formalizes my commitment to these principles and enhances my ability to implement safety protocols and quality improvement strategies in clinical settings.

References

American Nurses Association. (2021). Nursing scope and standards of practice (4th ed.). ANA.

American Association of Diabetes Educators. (2023). Certification requirements and maintenance. https://www.diabeteseducator.org/certification

Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2022). Quality improvement essentials toolkit. IHI.

End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium. (2023). ELNEC training manual. https://www.aacnnursing.org/ELNEC

American Museum of Natural History. (2023). Genetics and genomics in healthcare. AMNH Publications.