Foundations of Graduate Study
Review the scope and standards of practice or competencies related to your chosen specialty in the resources for this week.
Review the MSN specializations offered at Walden by viewing the week resource, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Examine professional organizations related to the specialization you have chosen and identify at least one to focus on for this Assignment.
Reflect on the thoughts you shared in the Discussion forum regarding your choice of a specialty, any challenges you have encountered in making this choice, and any feedback you have received from colleagues in the Discussion.
The Assignment:
Complete the following items and incorporate them into the final version of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.
With the resources specific to the MSN specialization and the, Walden University. (n.d.). Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), shared in this week, write a paragraph or make a Nursing Specialty Comparison table, comparing at least two nursing specialties that include your selected specialization and second-preferred specialization.
Write a 2- to 3-paragraph justification statement identifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate feedback you received from colleagues in this Week’s Discussion forum.
Identify the professional organization related to your chosen specialization for this Assignment, and explain how you can become an active member of this organization.
Sample Answer
A Comparison of Selected Specialization and Second-Preferred Specialization
My selected specialty is a psychiatric mental health practitioner and the second preferred specialization is a family nurse practitioner. The difference between the two professions is the breadth and depth of the assessment that each professional offers. The two specialties provide training and education required to assess mental health disorders. The psychiatric specialty, however, provides extensive education to conduct an in-depth assessment of mental health disorders. The FNP has to collaborate with a PMHNP for comprehensive mental care. As part of FNP, may diagnose and treat patients with mental health disorders such as substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. They can develop care plans and even offer medication, but they do not specialize in mental health. A PMHNP, on the other hand, specializes in mental health and offers comprehensive care to patients, including psychotherapy case management, psychopharmacotherapy, consultation services, administration, and education. A PMHNP can practice in all areas of healthcare, including family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, outpatient, obstetrics, and gynecology. An FNP, on the other hand, provides care to people of all ages.
Justification Statement Identifying Your Reasons for Choosing Your MSN Specialization
The choice to specialize in psychiatry was influenced by various reasons, including passion, past experiences, advantages associated with the specialty. I have a passion for treating mental health disorders. Mental health disorders affect the quality of life of individuals even without recognition from individuals. Statistics indicate that suicide is the second leading cause of death for individuals between 10 to 34 years (Kumar et al., 2020). Mental health disorders are on the rise hence the need to address them and increase safety in society. It is therefore satisfying to work within the specialty. Past experiences with issues related to mental health, including stigma, underutilization of mental health care, and shortage of mental health services, also influenced the decision to choose psychiatry.
The other reason was the advantages associated with the specialty. The demand for mental health nurse practitioners is high. The stigma surrounding mental illnesses is decreasing, increasing the number of people seeking mental care. According to Phoenix (2019), it is projected that there will be a shortage of over 15,000 psychiatric by 2025, hence the need to enter the profession to increase assess to mental care. The career path in the specialty varies and offers various options. It is easier to find a position in the specialty that fits personal goals. One can easily choose the population to focus on and the clinical setting of choice. One may work at a health unit in a hospital or mental health facility and may specialize in pediatric or geriatric mental health. The specialty also has predictable daily schedules, especially when working in community-based clinics. It is, therefore, easier to maintain a schedule and ensure a balance between work and social life. The specialty also has motivating pay.
Professional Organization Related to Chosen Specialization
A professional organization for a psychiatrist is the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Membership of the professional organization is open to all psychiatric mental health nurses. According to Echevarria (2019), six values of membership that should determine the decision to join an association include professional development, networking, advocacy, mentorship, career growth, and service to the profession. The Association champions psychiatric mental health nursing and mental health care by developing positions on key issues, disseminating knowledge and developments, and collaborating with the relevant stakeholders. Membership to the Association is open to interested APRNs and RNs working in a variety of settings. Membership in the Association provides a platform to transform mental health care. According to Cherry (2019), nurses can make significant changes and influence the future nursing profession through leadership in a professional organization. APNA offers such opportunities with greater potential as membership is open to all professionals; hence comprehensive changes can be achieved.
