Nursing Competency Statement

Like most other professions, nursing is controlled by government regulatory agencies and professional organizations. For instance, boards of nursing in various states are the government entities mandated to regulate nursing at the state level, while the American Nurses Association is a professional organization that governs nursing at the nation level. Regulatory agencies and professional organizations are guided by the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

My inspiration to pursue a lifelong career in nursing derived from witnessing a close individual succumb to a painful and chronic disease when I was the tender age of 6. I pondered and researched endlessly on the symptoms and damage caused by that disease until I comprehended its origin and everlasting effects. The memory of witnessing that individual die will continue to plague my memories and serve as a reminder of why I continue to strive for my goals today. From that point on, I knew exactly the person I aspired to be in the future—a nurse. I was fascinated with acquiring knowledge about the human body and diseases. In high school, I applied to a local hospital to become a candystriper to gain more insight about the medical field and nursing. I was placed into the endoscopy department and it was there where I truly established my determination to take on the challenge of becoming a nurse. I witnessed and experienced a myriad of things during my time there. I grasped how to become more compassionate and to prioritize one’s life and safety above everything. The hospital became my personified version of Utopia.

As I complete my final 144 hours needed to earn my second baccalaureate degree, my practicum comes to an end. The purpose of this paper is to perform a self-assessment of how I have progressed throughout the 12-month accelerated nursing baccalaureate program. Areas of focus based upon my own strengths and weaknesses include: clinical skills, leadership and management skills, professional conduct and behavior, and professional communications. Overall, I believe that I have grown an immense amount as a person, while my nursing skills and knowledge have developed significantly since my first day in the accelerated nursing program through my last day of practicum.

Over the past three and a half years of undergraduate education, I have received a very comprehensive education that has prepared me to function as a professional nurse after graduation next week. I have appreciated and truly enjoyed taking courses both within and outside of the University of Southern Maine nursing curriculum, and don’t believe I am able to count the ways in which this education has challenged me to become an enhanced learner and well-rounded person. I have identified three courses that have brought me to the role I will now assume as a professional baccalaureate-prepared nurse: one of which is a core course; another, a non-nursing course; the last, a non-clinical nursing course,

Self-improvement is my goal as a nurse and I always try to pay attention to professional growth. After I received my nursing license, I started online classes for my baccalaureate degree. I have encouraged two of my coworkers to go back to school and get baccalaureate degree. I was able to help them understand the advantages of advancing their education. BSN degree will advance the knowledge in management, education, communication, evidence-based practice, all valuable keys in complex and changing future of health care system.

Before entering the Lehman College Nursing program., my motives for becoming a nurse wasn’t always been as set in place as they are now. Knowing full well that my decision to enter the nursing field was one I was not entirely certain of, I decided to embark on the journey nonetheless. During my first year of study at Lehman College I was kept very busy trying to juggle all of my courses and at the same time decide if this was indeed the program for me. When I entered the Lehman College nursing program, after getting to know my teachers, their expectations of me, as well as starting into the clinical experience, I discovered that I seemed to fit in very well into the program. Not only was I doing well in the academic aspect of the nursing program

First let’s emphasize that the eight competencies are integral to learning and education. It can be said that one builds on the other. As a bedside nurse for so many years I am propelled towards the second competency the “Facilitate learner development and socialization” (Billings & Halstead, 2016, p. 10).

For the past three years I have been employed at Property Pro's as an independent contractor. I have experience being a leader, motivating others, being creative, and working in a team. Although I love my current role, I feel I’m now ready for a more challenging occupation which is why I have chosen nursing. I attended WITC while I was in high school to receive my Certified Nursing Assistant. I used these skills at IRIS, where I worked for 6 months with an elderly woman. I started the Pre-Nursing Program in Spring 2015. I had taken a semester off so I could work to be able to afford college. I have loved attending college so far and look forward to my adventure at WITC throughout the next two

The idea of returning to school to master new skills to compete in the workplace is an excellent goal for any working adult. However, it is important for the working adult to understand success is base upon the journey taken and the path chosen by someone. One must realize there will be many barriers and difficulties along the way; however, with dedication, ability to prioritize, and motivation to stay focus, I will succeed and graduate with my Master degree in Nursing in October 2017. For me to be successful in achieving this goal, there are different pathways that I must chose and followed. These are assessing my learning styles, finding ways to manage my time, money, and stress, and setting S.M.A.R.T goals.

According to the American Nursing Association (ANA), Nursing is a field that protects, promotes, and optimizes one’s health and abilities, prevents illness and injury, alleviates suffering through diagnosis and treatment as well as advocates for the care of individuals, their families, communities, and the general populations. While in the military, I was on a spectrum where we fight to serve not only our country, but protect our families and communities as well. Now, as a military veteran, the experience of combat inspires me to help save the lives of others. I see nursing as an extension of the protection and care offered to people through promoting their health, alleviating suffering while helping people achieve safe and healthy lives.

While most seniors had already committed to a college around March and the beginning of April, I found myself stuck. I have been running against the clock in order to weigh the costs and benefits, find out what is most important to me in a college, and ultimately, make the proper, knowledgeable decision. I have been constantly going back and forth with my parents on attending a two year college versus a four year, and a regional campus versus a main campus, and decided to make the decision regarding what matters most to me. Throughout narrowing my choices down I am proud to say that I have made the decision to attend Northern Kentucky University, just nine days before the deadline. Though it is not the financially smart decision, I believe

consequently, in taking another step forward to advance my nursing career, I will continue to approach all my curricular activities in the same manner. I will use my interaction with doctor, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants who I work with to gain

When I was younger, I was always told that I would make a great nurse, so when my first year at NDSU finally came I choose nursing as my major. But, as I continued through my first semester, I realized nursing was not for me, but science and healthcare were. So I began to research other majors that would allow for both of these, plus involved many laboratory classes.

Over the course of my nursing education, which included clinical rotations in multiple specialty areas and a 3-month internship at NCH, I have obtained skills in patient assessment and have established a foundation in providing quality nursing care.

I am striving to achieve professionalism and growth in roles and values while going through the bachelor’s degree in nursing program. I plan on taking each class one at a time, try to do my best, and gain the knowledge needed to grow in the nursing profession. By October 2010, I should obtain my bachelor’s degree in nursing, which will provide new opportunities, such as management, and educator positions. A bachelor’s degree in nursing will provide the opportunity to further my education to a master’s degree level.