Nursing Career Development Plan Using Covey's 7 Habits

A pattern of personal success begins with a plan. Planning is, in fact, one of the core principles of leadership in any field. In Principle-Centered Leadership, Stephen Covey (1992) states, "careful planning helps us maintain a sense of perspective, purpose, and ordered priorities" (p. 77). Without perspective, purpose, and ordered priorities, one can become distracted, discouraged, and dismayed when goals have yet to be met. Covey's flagship book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People includes several references to the importance of planning. In fact, several of the seven habits relate directly to the importance of planning and strategizing for success. The first set of habits is related to self-mastery and independence. Cultivating self-mastery and independence requires three core habits, according to Covey: being proactive, beginning with the end in mind, and putting first things first. A personal and professional development plan hinges on these three habits of highly effective people.

My personal and professional development plan is related to a career in nursing. I am enrolled in an advanced degree program — the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) — because I have already been proactive in achieving my dream of becoming a nurse. Covey (1989) advises that we take strong initiative in making our dreams happen, rather than depending on other people to pave the way for our success. Sometimes, we have to do the heavy lifting. Pursuing higher education is not easy. It requires long hours, substantial work, and a financial investment. Yet it is precisely because I have to work hard that I know I am practicing one of the seven habits of highly effective people. I am taking full responsibility for manifesting my dreams by taking these risks, being proactive, and pursuing the MSN degree. The degree is absolutely essential for me to achieve my goals, as it is impossible to become a nurse without a proper education.

Planning should be "centered on an overall purpose or vision and on a commitment to a set of principles" (Covey, 1992, p. 98). Within the context of pursuing a nursing degree and nursing career, the overall purpose and vision is that of helping others. Helping others requires a specific set of skills applicable not only to patients but also to other professionals. My grand vision for the future extends beyond caring for patients and toward shaping the broader outcomes of healthcare. Nurses and nurse leaders can have a major impact on the policies and procedures that govern health care and nursing practice. Therefore, "beginning with the end in mind," I am pursuing an MSN degree both to care for patients and to make a difference in the future of health care delivery.

When creating a professional development plan, it is important to remember the value of prioritization. Habit 3 of highly effective people, "putting first things first," helps me to narrow down what is important on the path to success and eliminate everything else. We have limited amounts of time and energy as human beings. As Kruse (2012) puts it, "You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage — pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically — to say 'no' to other things." Pursuing a degree has encouraged me to critically analyze my time management skills and strategies, which are closely related to my ability to put first things first.

Of course, family and personal health remain top priorities, because I cannot serve others as a nurse without first taking care of my own well-being. The most thoughtful personal development plan takes into account the need for balance. Covey (1989) followed Seven Habits of Highly Effective People with a series of other texts that incorporated family life, children, and aspects of leadership and living not related to the corporate world, demonstrating the importance of a holistic life.

As a nurse, I especially understand the importance of treating the whole person. In my own life, I can see how a holistic approach helps me to understand my priorities and pursue them effectively. Relationship building is a cornerstone of an effective holistic professional development plan. Especially in a human-centered profession like nursing, building strong and solid relationships can help me achieve an enduring impact on my profession and my patients.

In one of Covey's (2006) books, The SPEED of Trust, the author discusses the importance of trust in relationships. Covey (2006) advises his readers to create "trust accounts" with each and every person: "By behaving in ways that build trust with one, you build trust with many" (p. 135). In nursing, trust is developed at every step of the professional development plan. I trust myself first, for only I know what my personal boundaries, interests, inclinations, and comfort zones are. Then, I learn to trust my mentors — including instructors and professional leaders in my places of employment. I trust my family and friends, and I also learn to trust my patients as I work with them. Trust creates a bankable form of social equity that will help me achieve my personal and professional goals.

One of the ways I have exhibited trust is by working closely with my academic advisors, who help me progress toward the MSN degree. A plan of study is an essential part of my professional development plan. Reviewing the courses offered in my degree program, I can identify which ones are required for graduation. Even though I find research methods and other technical courses challenging, I trust that these courses will provide me with the essential background needed to deliver evidence-based practice as a professional nurse. When I encounter difficulties — such as those presented in research methods courses — I know that I need to further set my priorities and devote my time wisely to coursework and learning. The Stephen Covey Time Management Model (n.d.) shows how deadline-driven activities, such as school assignments and coursework, fall in the Quadrant 1 section of urgency and importance. These are the moments when I need to shut off the television and avoid social media distractions.