Discussion: Examining Nursing Specialties
You have probably seen one or more of the many inspirational posters about decisions. A visual such as a forked road or a street sign is typically pictured, along with a quote designed to inspire.
Decisions are often not so easily inspired. Perhaps you discovered this when choosing a specialty within the MSN program. This decision is a critical part of your plan for success, and you no doubt want to get it right. This is yet another area where your network can help, as well as other sources of information that can help you make an informed choice
Reflect on your decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program, including your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program/specialization.
ASSIGNMENT
Post an explanation of your choice of a nursing specialty within the program ( PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTIONONER). Describe any difficulties you had (or are having) in making your choice, and the factors that drove/are driving your decision. Identify at least one professional organization affiliated with your chosen specialty ( AMERICAN PSYCHUATRIC NURSE ASSOCIATION) and provide details on becoming a member.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Choosing a specialty within the MSN program is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. In this assignment, students are asked to reflect on their decision to pursue a specific nursing specialty and describe any difficulties encountered in the decision-making process. The chosen specialty is the psychiatric nurse practitioner, and the professional organization discussed is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Answer:
My decision to pursue a specialty within the MSN program was not an easy one. After completing my undergraduate degree in nursing, I was unsure which direction to take my career. However, after researching different nursing specialties and talking to other nurses, I was drawn to the field of psychiatry. I find the idea of helping individuals with mental health disorders to be both challenging and rewarding.
One difficulty I encountered in making my choice was the fear of not being able to handle the emotional toll that comes with working in the field of psychiatry. However, after talking to other psychiatric nurses, I realized that this fear was common and that with proper training and support, I would be able to manage it.
The factors that drove my decision to specialize in psychiatric nursing were my interest in mental health, the growing need for mental health services in our society, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients.
The professional organization affiliated with my chosen specialty is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). To become a member, one must complete an application and pay a fee. Membership benefits include access to educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy for the field of psychiatric nursing. Joining APNA will allow me to stay up to date with current research and best practices in psychiatric nursing and connect with other professionals in the field.
