AACN Competencies and the School Mission, Vision, and Outcomes
In a 2013 Gallup poll, 82% of respondents ranked nurses as having high to very high levels of honesty and ethical standards, with nursing consistently rated as one of the most trusted professions (Gallup, 2010). This trust stems from key values such as integrity, compassion, and professionalism. These qualities are not only associated with the nursing profession but are also vital in both academic and personal growth. As a nursing professional, you are expected to uphold these values while aligning with institutional standards.
AACN Competencies and the School Mission, Vision, and Outcomes
For this discussion, we will explore how the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) competencies align with Walden University’s mission, vision, and outcomes, and how these can be integrated into your professional and academic journey. You will also consider how to incorporate social change into your goals.
Preparing for the AACN Competencies Discussion
- Review the AACN Essentials: For DNP students, the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice lays the foundation for advanced nursing practice by emphasizing evidence-based care, leadership, and quality improvement.
- Examine Walden’s Mission, Vision, and Goals: Walden University emphasizes social change, global citizenship, and high academic standards that nurture nursing professionals to become leaders in their field.
- Explore Commonalities: Reflect on how AACN’s vision for nursing education mirrors Walden’s mission. Both institutions promote ethical practices, leadership in healthcare, and the importance of making a positive impact on society.
Discussion Points
1. Connection Between Walden’s Mission and AACN Competencies
Walden University’s mission, vision, and outcomes are aligned with the AACN’s competencies, especially in fostering leadership, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice. Both the AACN and Walden emphasize the importance of integrating empirical data and reflective practices to influence healthcare outcomes. Walden’s commitment to social change also aligns with the AACN’s emphasis on advocating for underserved populations and improving healthcare systems.
As a professional, aligning with these values can support your growth in leadership and evidence-based practice. For example, if your goal is to improve patient outcomes in a specific population, both Walden and AACN will guide you in developing the necessary skills to drive healthcare innovations that address real-world challenges.
2. Plan for Incorporating Social Change into Academic and Professional Goals
One of the core components of Walden’s mission is to promote positive social change. Here’s how you can incorporate this into two of your professional or academic goals:
- Goal 1: Leadership in Healthcare: As part of your professional development, you can focus on implementing policies that advocate for equitable healthcare access for vulnerable populations. Utilizing AACN’s competencies on policy advocacy and quality improvement will help you become a voice for social change in healthcare, ensuring that your leadership has a measurable impact.
- Goal 2: Evidence-Based Practice: In your academic pursuits, incorporating evidence-based practices into your research and clinical decisions will contribute to improved care quality and patient safety. This goal aligns with AACN’s focus on evidence-based interventions, and through Walden’s social change focus, you can ensure that your research addresses disparities in healthcare.
Conclusion
By aligning your professional and academic goals with the AACN competencies and Walden University’s mission, you are well-positioned to become a leader in healthcare. Focus on evidence-based practice, policy advocacy, and leadership to make meaningful contributions to both your career and the broader community.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Washington, DC: Author.
Walden University. (2011). Student publications: Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from http://catalog.waldenu.edu
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