Clinical coordinator pursuing family nurse practitioner degree and leadership

Nursing

I have worked for many years as a clinical coordinator in an emergency room setting. It is not an easy job, but one that comes relatively easily to me because of my knack for organization and communication. This role has allowed me to merge my primary predilection toward caring for others, with my strengths as a staff leader and patient advocate. My work and that of my staff has led to improved patient outcomes in our institution, and I am proud of what I have accomplished. The career of a nurse is never stagnant, though. I personally quest for continued learning and professional development. After much consideration, I have decided to return to school and become a Family Nurse Practitioner. There are several reasons why I feel this area in particular is suited to my personal nursing philosophy and professional goals. For one, I value the increased autonomy of nurses in providing for patient care. I have long advocated for nurse autonomy, as nurses already provide the bulk of direct patient care. Empowering nurses is a long-term objective. I envision my role as Family Nurse Practitioner as leading toward greater responsibility as a policy maker and possibly also as a nurse educator.

A second reason why I am undertaking a Family Nurse Practitioner program is my desire to work more closely with patients. My current position is focused on staff coordination and although I have some interactions with patients, the time I spend with each one is limited. I would like to change that, as my original intent when becoming a nurse was to care for others. Caring occurs on many levels of the healthcare system, and although I see my work as definitely improving the ability of patients to be cared for, as a Family Nurse Practitioner, my interactions with individual patients will be more personal in nature. I look forward to this change of pace and working environment. Occasionally, my interactions with patients are fragmented, which takes away from the holistic and whole person models of nursing care that I aspire to. My goal would be to work with patients throughout the course of their lives, providing care for their families within a culturally sensitive and culturally appropriate framework. I am interested in complementary and alternative interventions, and am committed to prevention and education as key components of nursing care.

My work as clinical coordinator in an emergency room environment has improved my confidence enormously, and I feel more than ready to undertake the responsibility as a nurse practitioner. I now require the upgrade in my skills and education, and so my short-term goal is to receive my degree and work as a nurse practitioner in a clinical setting. My long-term goals include maintaining a private practice and then, devoting my life to improving some of the structural problems in the American health care system and working within the realm of public policy. Until then, I will work tirelessly to promote health and well-being among my patients and within the community.