Question

Reflecting on this course, consider and answer the following questions: How do you envision using the AACN essentials and information learned in this course to identify, guide, and evaluate your MSN project? How do you envision using the concepts learned in this course in your future nursing practice?

Answer 1

I have learned so much these last eight weeks in this class. I really never imagined learning so much. I feel like I have a better understanding about a lot of things, including research, roles and scopes of practice for the Master’s-prepared nurse, proper communication, how to succeed in an online learning environment, and how to search databases for scholarly articles. It has been a pleasant surprise to walk away feeling like I have more knowledge and not just have “made it through.”

I envision using, at least in part, all of the AACN Essentials, both in the practicum project and in my future nursing practice. The AACN Essentials, in my opinion, are the very foundation of what a Master’s-prepared nurse should be and they are just that: essential. It is what makes, in my case, an FNP successful, safe, and effective as an Advanced Practice Nurse.

In my future practice, there is not a doubt in my mind that I will be able to apply all of these concepts of the Essentials, in some form or another. I feel more empowered and like I will have a solid foundation to practice. These Essentials will be able to assist me in giving the right care to my future patients within my scope of practice, even though the FNP scope depends greatly on each state, as well as the education received within a certain patient population (Kleinpell, Hudspeth, Scordo, &Magdic, 2012).

Resource:

Kleinpell, R.M., Hudspeth, R., Scordo, K.A., &Magdic, K. (2012). Defining NP scope of practice and associated regulations: Focus on acute care. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 24(1), 11-18. Doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2011.00683.