Nursing Career Vision, SWOT Analysis, and Professional Goals

The general philosophy of nursing is centered on assisting others through professionalism, compassion, and accountability (Kutin, 2013). The philosophy of nursing is a commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to patients in a safe environment that improves patient outcomes. My personal philosophy is a responsibility and commitment to the public — as a nurse — to provide patient-centered, holistic, and safe care.

These statements are reflected in the values, vision, and personal interests recorded in Part A through a consistent focus on patient-centered care and lifelong learning. Through lifelong learning, I will enhance my skills and abilities to provide patient-centered, holistic, and safe care through increased professionalism, compassion, and accountability. This enhanced professionalism, compassion, and accountability will be achieved through improved scientific knowledge, technical skills, and human values gained through lifelong learning (Gokenbach, 2012).

Based on my assessments, I have identified several goals that I will prioritize in my nursing education and practice. One of my priority goals is to attain the necessary foundational competencies and skills for becoming a successful nurse through my BSN program. Graduate-level nursing education provides the foundational competencies and skills required for success in nursing practice. The foundational skills obtained during the graduate training program help develop critical qualities for success throughout a nursing career. I will achieve this goal upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. In this case, the date of my graduation will serve as an indicator of the achievement of this goal and as the starting point for a successful career in nursing practice.

My second priority goal is a commitment to lifelong learning, since I believe that education in the nursing field does not end at graduation. Davis, Taylor, and Reyes (2014) define lifelong learning as a formal and informal process that entails seeking and recognizing new ideas, knowledge, and skills relating to a specific field of practice. The formal and informal nature of lifelong learning implies that it incorporates activities in both personal and professional life to enhance knowledge, which is in turn translated into an enhanced capacity to provide high-quality healthcare (Witt, 2011). I will accomplish this goal within the first five years of my nursing practice by participating in conferences and other learning opportunities that provide certifications. While lifelong learning is an ongoing process, increased participation in learning conferences and workshops and the attainment of relevant certifications will serve as indicators of my progress. Additionally, obtaining a doctorate degree within the next five to seven years will be a key indicator of achievement of this goal.

My third priority goal is to become a leader in the nursing field by working in a management or supervisory nursing role and mentoring new nurses. I intend to achieve this goal within the next 10 years through working as a nurse manager or supervisor in a professional nursing organization. The achievement of this goal will be assessed by examining my position in the professional nursing organization where I am working 10 years from now.

To achieve my first goal of developing foundational skills for nursing practice, I will continue pursuing my graduate degree in this field. I will focus on my current studies to continue learning about my specialty area in nursing and to develop the essential qualities that will enable me to become a successful nurse.

To achieve the second goal of commitment to lifelong learning, I will continually stay current with issues relating to nursing. Upon graduation with a BSN degree, I will enroll in a relevant post-graduate program to enhance my competencies and skills. I will also attend conferences, undertake additional courses, and obtain certifications — all of which are considered crucial strategies for continuous education in nursing (Steelman, 2014).

The achievement of the third goal will involve continually applying the knowledge I gain into practice and taking responsibility in the delivery of nursing care. I will also advance through the ranks of my professional nursing organization by positioning myself as a nurse leader and mentor.

The priority of these goals is consistent with my statements of values in the sense that enhanced delivery of healthcare quality can only be achieved through improving personal competencies and skills. The priorities provide a roadmap for enhancing my competencies and skills, which will in turn contribute to the delivery of high-quality nursing care and better patient outcomes.

The goals are congruent with one another in the sense that continuous education requires developing foundational skills and qualities in the nursing field. These foundational skills serve as the starting point for becoming a leader, which is achieved through continuous education. In essence, the foundational skills provide the basis for lifelong education, which in turn helps develop the leadership skills and capabilities needed to provide holistic, safe, and patient-centered care.

Davis, L., Taylor, H., & Reyes, H. (2014, March). Lifelong learning in nursing: A Delphi study. Nurse Education Today, 34(3), 441–445.

Gokenbach, V. (2012, May 8). 5 things that make a good nurse great. Retrieved May 11, 2017, from http://www.nursetogether.com/5-things-that-make-a-good-nurse-great

Kutin, J. (2013, March 8). 3 attributes that make up a nurse's philosophy. Retrieved May 11, 2017, from http://www.nursetogether.com/3-attributes-make-nurses-philosophy

Steelman, V. M. (2014, May). Engaging in lifelong learning to lead the way. AORN Journal, 99(5), 557–559.

Witt, C. L. (2011, August). Continuing education: A personal responsibility. Advances in Neonatal Care, 11(4), 227–228.