NR 452 RUA Career Planning for Nursing
Introduction
Upon graduating and passing the NCLEX examination, I registered nurse in Nevada. The Nevada State Board of Nursing has established specific minimum requirements to obtain an RN license in Nevada. These include graduating from an approved nursing school with a nursing degree (RN), passing the NCLEX licensing examination, possessing a U.S. Social Security number, completing and submitting a fingerprint card, and having the board receive and clear the fingerprint reports.
As I explore potential employment opportunities as a new graduate, three notable employers in Nevada catch my attention: University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, Acadia Health Care, and Spring Valley Surgery Center. These employers stand out due to their offerings, such as mentorship programs, acceptance of new graduate nurses, and competitive benefits. However, these employers may not provide specific graduate programs, require at least one year of experience, or have high competition for positions.
University Medical Center (UMC) Hospital, for instance, offers a graduate residency program within its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Aspiring candidates for this program should have at least one year of experience after graduating from an accredited nursing school. Application requirements include a current license from the Nevada State Board of Nursing to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN), an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider (BLS) certification, and a Neonatal Resuscitation Protocol (NRP) certification either at the time of hire or within one year of employment.
NR 452 RUA Career Planning for Nursing
Acadia Healthcare presents a New Graduate Mentorship Program at Seven Hills Hospital, focusing on psychiatric care. This program spans 18 months and facilitates the transition of new graduates into strong team leaders. Hold an active RN license without restrictions from the State of Nevada and possess an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider (BLS) certification.
While not specifically designed for new graduates, the Spring Valley Surgery Center offers registered nurse positions and welcomes applications from new graduate nurses. So an active RN license, an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider (BLS) certification, and an advanced life support (ACLS) certification.
As I embark on my professional nursing career, my career goals include securing a position as a registered nurse in Nevada and seeking an entry-level role within an acute care setting. By gaining two to four years of valuable experience in such a setting, I aim to enhance my skills, build confidence, and establish a strong foundation for my practice.
Achieving Holistic Life Balance: Managing Personal and Professional Life
I have devised a plan for the first year and the next five years to effectively manage my personal and professional life. My approach involves separating work and personal life, establishing priorities, and dedicating time to self-care. I aim to balance my responsibilities harmoniously by implementing these strategies.
NR 452 RUA Career Planning for Nursing
To begin with, I will ensure a clear separation between work and personal life. This entails committing to perform my job to the best of my ability without dwelling on complaints or negative aspects. Instead, I will adopt a proactive mindset, seeking solutions to challenges while maintaining a positive outlook. Creating to-do lists and organizing my tasks will help me manage my time efficiently and enable me to schedule activities at home that prioritize quality time with loved ones. Additionally, I recognize the importance of self-care in maintaining a healthy life balance. I will dedicate specific time slots for exercise routines and incorporate therapeutic techniques such as music therapy, receiving massages, and practicing yoga into my routine (Blum, 2014). These practices will help rejuvenate my mind and body, allowing me to manage stress better and maintain overall well-being.
Identifying stressors and challenges is crucial for effective planning. In the first year, the major stressor will be securing a job without prior experience, which will likely involve competing with other new nursing graduates. To address this, I will present myself in the best possible light, leveraging the skills and education acquired during my studies and clinical experiences. Additionally, I will actively seek out self-improvement opportunities in the nursing field.
Looking ahead to the five-year mark, the potential stressor is the risk of experiencing burnout due to an increased workload. To mitigate this, I will develop effective coping mechanisms. Participating in self-care programs such as relaxation training, seeking social support, and engaging in regular exercise will be integral to reducing stress levels (Kravitz, 2010). Additionally, I will establish achievable goals to manage my workload effectively, seek assistance from team members when needed, and actively seek emotional support from my network. I am confident in achieving a holistic life balance by implementing these strategies and remaining proactive in managing potential stressors and challenges. Balancing personal and professional commitments will allow me to lead a fulfilling and rewarding life while maintaining overall well-being.
NR 452 RUA Career Planning for Nursing
Embracing Lifelong Learning in Nursing
As I embark on my nursing career, my goals for the first year revolve around gaining valuable experience and finding employment in an acute care setting. To apply my skills and knowledge while further developing my expertise. Looking ahead to the first five years after obtaining my nursing license, I aspire to pursue higher education by returning to school to pursue a master’s degree. I am particularly interested in specializing as a certified registered nurse anesthetist or a family nurse practitioner.
Recognizing the importance of professional contributions, I plan to engage with nursing associations actively. I aim to join the esteemed American Nurses Association (ANA) within the first year. This membership will enable me to stay informed about current practices in the nursing profession, ensuring advancements. To assess my practice and identify areas for further growth and improvement.
At the five-year mark, I intend to further engage in professional organizations by joining a specialty association. Depending on the path I choose to pursue, this could involve becoming a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists or a family nurse practice association. By being an active member of these specialized associations, I will access valuable resources, continued professional development opportunities, and a network of fellow nurses with similar interests and aspirations. Through active engagement in professional associations, I can enhance my practice, stay updated with the latest developments, and connect with like-minded professionals in the nursing field. This commitment to lifelong learning and professional contribution Whole.
Summary
A solid commitment to lifelong learning characterizes my nursing journey. By seeking out employment in acute care settings, pursuing further education, and actively participating in professional associations, I aim to grow and contribute to the nursing profession continuously.
References
Blum, C., Vol. 19. Retrieved from:
Kravits, K., McAllister-Black, R., Grant, M., & Kirk, C. (2010). Self-care strategies for nurses: A psycho-educational intervention for stress reduction and preventing burnout. Applied Nursing Research: ANR, 23(3), 130-138. doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2008.08.002 Latif, R. A., & Nor, M. M. (2016. Education in Medicine Journal, 8(3), 21-33. doi:10.5959/him.v8i3.422 Nevada State Board of Nursing (2016). Instructions for Application for RN/LPN License by Examination. Retrieved from:
http://nevadanursingboard.org/wp content/uploads/2017/09/Final-app-for-lic-by-exam.pdf
