Discussion : Learning Online

 

Completing courses online can present some challenges. Yet, it is possible—and advisable—to apply the skills you use to be successful at work in this unique learning environment. Consider, for instance, what you have learned throughout your career about the value of careful time management, planning, and effective use of technology. How might these skills help you to accomplish your academic goals while fulfilling responsibilities in other areas of your life?

This Discussion builds upon last week’s introduction to your chosen doctoral degree, and asks you to evaluate the skills that can help you to be a successful online learner.

 

To prepare:

 

• Review Section 1 in the Essential Guide to Online Learning in this week’s Learning Resources.
• Then review the strategies and tips in the documents linked in this week’s Learning Resources, such as “Technical Tips for Learning at Walden,” “Citing a Discussion Posting in APA Style,” and those presented in the Essential Guide to Online Learning. Look for strategies related to time management, planning, studying, and using technology that you think would contribute to your success as an online learner in each of these areas.
• Which of these strategies have you employed in the past (academically or professionally)? Of those you have not tried, which do you think would be most valuable? Why do you think so?

 

By tomorrow 6/6/17, post 550 words essay in APA format with 3 references from the list below, that include the level one heading as numbered below:

Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:

1)       Describe one strategy that you have used in the past (academically or professionally) that has empowered you in terms of one or more of the following skill sets: planning, time management, studying, and effective technology use. Explain how this strategy has been advantageous.

2)       Evaluate a strategy that you have yet to try but believe would be beneficial given your strengths and weaknesses.

 

 

Required Readings

 

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2006). The essentials of doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. Washington, DC:Author. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/DNP/pdf/Essentials.pdf

[For DNP students ONLY]

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2006). The research-focused doctoral program in nursing: Pathways to excellence. Washington, DC: Author. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/education-resources/PhDPosition.pdf

“The Research-Focused Doctoral Program in Nursing: Pathways to Excellence” (pp. 4–16)

This section of the AACN document outlines the roles and expected learning outcomes for PhD students, and core curricular elements included in PhD programs.

 

Walden University Student Readiness Orientation

 

Access the Student Readiness Orientation (SRO) through the “My Courses” section of Blackboard. It will be available to you for one year. You can find the same information and more in the e-Guide, a companion website to the SRO. The e-Guide is available throughout your time at Walden. It can be accessed through the MyWalden Portal.

 Walden University. (2011). Student publications: Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved from http://catalog.waldenu.edu/

Select the current version of the “Walden University Student Handbook” from the drop-down menu.

In the left navigation bar, click “Introduction and Legal Information.”

Then click “Vision, Mission, and Goals.”

Read the information on the Walden University webpage, paying particular attention to Walden’s Vision, Mission, Goals, Social Change, and Outcomes message.

 

Document: Becoming a Successful Online Learner (PDF) (See attached PDF file)

This document contains valuable information, tips, and strategies for becoming a successful online learner in the DNP program.

 

 Document: Citing a Discussion Posting in APA Style (PDF) (See attached PDF file)

The information in this document focuses on how to cite a Discussion posting or response in APA style.

 

Document: Technical Tips for Learning at Walden (PDF) (See attached PDF file)

Tips for working with various technologies, such as word-processing software, online classroom features, and your myWalden page, are addressed in this document.

 

 

 

Required Media

 

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011b). Introduction: The doctor of nursing practice [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu.

Please review this media in the Week 1 Resources.

 

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012a). Effective online communication: Scholarly writing in online discussion [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note:  The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

This media program presents valuable tips for writing scholarly Discussion posts.

 

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012f). Tips for effective online composition and communication [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note:  The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.

This media program provides essential insights and information regarding the differences between online and in-person communication, the importance of tone in your e-communications, and how to write effective e-mail messages. All of these skills are essential to your success as an online learner.

 

Optional Resources

 

Westwood, C. (2010). Six simple steps to ensure you achieve your aims. Nursing Management, 17(4), 28–29.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

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Application of Theory to Practice

This week’s Learning Resources present information about various types of theories. For this Discussion, you will examine some of these theories and evaluate how theory is utilized in research as well as how it informs your nursing practice.

To prepare:

• Review the Learning Resources focusing on the different types of theories that are relevant for nursing practice.
• Locate a scholarly article in the professional nursing literature that discusses a middle range or practice theory. Determine if the theory is descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive in nature.
• With this in mind, consider how nursing theory is utilized in research. For instance, how might this theory be useful for identifying a research problem?
• Then, reflect on your nursing practice. As indicated in Chapter 2 of Theoretical Basis for Nursing, theories differ in scope—from the more abstract metatheory and grand theories to the more concrete middle range and practice theories. Brainstorm examples of how theory is applied in your nursing practice. Identify one to share in this Discussion.

 

By tomorrow 6/6/17, post 550 words essay in APA format with 3 references from the list below, that include the level one heading as numbered below:

post a cohesive response that addresses the following:

1)      Summarize your selected article, identifying the middle range or practice theory utilized, and explaining whether the theory was descriptive, explanatory, predictive, or prescriptive. (Include the APA citation for the article.) (SEE ATTACHED PDF)

 

2)      Describe the value of theory for nursing research. Be specific.

 

3)      Share an example of how theory is applied in your nursing practice.

 

Required Readings

 

McEwin, M., & Wills, E.M. (2014). Theoretical basis for nursing. (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.

Chapter 2, “Overview of Theory in Nursing”

Chapter 2 presents the evolution of nursing theory and examines the different types of theories that serve as a foundation for nursing practice.

 

 

Gray, J.R., Grove, S.K., & Sutherland, S. (2017). Burns and Grove’s the practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence (8th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier.

Chapter 5, “Research Problem and Purpose”

Chapter 5 explores a process for identifying, selecting, and refining research topics and articulating the purpose of the research.

 

 

Algase, D. (2009). The centrality of theoretical thinking and the value of empirical evidence. Research & Theory for Nursing Practice, 23(4), 251–252. doi:10.1891/1541-6577.23.4.251

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This article explores the concept that humans are natural theorists along with the importance of using empirical evidence to support theories.

 

 

Gould, D, Moralejo, D., Drey, N., & Chudleigh, J. (2010). Interventions to improve hand hygiene compliance in patient care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9).

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This systematic review examined recent hand hygiene intervention studies seeking to improve hand hygiene compliance.

 

 

Kolcaba, K., Tilton, C., & Drouin, C. (2006). Comfort theory: A unifying framework to enhance the practice environment. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(11), 538–544.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

The use of Comfort Theory by a not-for-profit New England hospital to provide a coherent and consistent pattern for enhancing care and promoting professional practice when applying for Magnet Recognition Status is described in this article.

 

 

McCurry, M. K., Revell, S. M. H., & Roy, S. C. (2010). Knowledge for the good of the   individual and society: Linking philosophy, disciplinary goals, theory, and practice. Nursing Philosophy, 11(1), 42–52. doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2009.00423.x

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This article explores many facets of the social concept nursing, and how nursing contributes to the good of society. The philosophical underpinnings, perspective, goals, and application to practice of the social mandate are examined.

 

 

O’Connell, K. (2009). Theories used in nursing research on smoking cessation. Annual Review of Nursing Research, 2733–2762. doi:10.1891/0739-6686.27.33

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

This article identifies theories, theoretical frameworks, and conceptual models that can be applied to a specific topic. In addition, the article discusses ways nurses can devise new theories through their expert knowledge of clinical issues.

 

Optional Resources

 

 

Brilowski, G., & Wendler, M. (2005). An evolutionary concept analysis of caring. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 50(6), 641–650.

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 

Connor, M.J. (2004). The practical discourse in philosophy and nursing: An exploration of linkages and shifts in the evolution of praxis. Nursing Philosophy, 5(1), 54–66. doi:10.1111/j.1466-769X.2004.00152.x

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 

 

Falk-Rafael, A. (2005). Advancing nursing theory through theory-guided practice: The emergence of a critical caring perspective. Advances in Nursing Science, 28(1), 38–49.

 Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 

Knight, C. M., Moule, P., & Desbottes, Z. (2000). The grid that bridges the gap. Nurse Education Today, 20(2), 116–122. doi:10.1054/nedt.1999.0374

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.Bottom of Form

Scenario 2:

A 17-year-old girl comes to your office with a complaint of abdominal pain and missed periods. She thinks she may be pregnant. She requests pregnancy testing and does not want you to tell her parents if she is pregnant.

 

References

 

1. Burns, C. E., Dunn, A. M., Brady, M. A., Starr, N. B., Blosser, C. G., & Garzon, D. L.  (Eds.). (2017). Pediatric primary care (6th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.

 

Chapter 8, “Developmental Management of Adolescents” (pp. 121-140)

This chapter explores adolescent development and anticipatory guidance during adolescence. It also examines common issues in adolescents related to physical and sexual, psychosocial, and cognitive development.

 

Chapter 15, “Sexuality” (pp. 285-298)

This chapter covers the assessment and management of normal sexual development. It also identifies red flags for abnormal sexual behavior among children and adolescents.

 

2. Hagan, J. F., Jr., Shaw, J. S., Duncan, P. M. (Eds.). (2008). Bright futures: Guidelines for health supervision of infants, children, and adolescents(3rd ed.). Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

“Promoting Healthy Sexual Development and Sexuality” (pp. 169–176)

This chapter explores strategies for promoting healthy sexual development and sexuality among pediatric patients from infancy through adolescence. It also examines sexual behaviors among adolescents, including onset of intercourse, pregnancy rates, and sexually transmitted infections.

 

“Adolescence” (pp. 515–575)

This chapter explores the care of adolescents ranging from 11 to 21 years. It focuses on their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social transitions relating to their family, friends, school, and jobs.

 

3.Schapiro, N. A. (2009). Confidentiality and access to adolescent health care services. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 24(2), 133–136.

Personal SWOT Analysis

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is to assist you in identifying your strengths that will assist you in leading change and improvement in the advanced practice role. This journal work will help inform your work for the Unit 9 Assignment.

Directions:

A common practice used by companies to analyze themselves and their competitors is an analysis called “SWOT.” This process can inform key decisions and strategies. This exercise isn’t just for businesses; it can be helpful for nurses in evaluating their goals and aspirations too.

SWOT stands for:

S trengths – Factors that are likely to have a positive effect on (or be an enabler to) achieving the objective

W eaknesses – Factors that are likely to have a negative effect on (or be a barrier to) achieving the objective

O pportunities – External factors that are likely to have a positive effect on achieving or exceeding your objective, or goal not previously considered

T hreats – External factors and conditions that are likely to have a negative effect on achieving your objective, or making the objective redundant or unachievable

With the goal of graduating and practicing as an APRN, the first step is to understand more about yourself and your external environment. Complete a brief SWOT analysis in your Journal. Be sure to include references where appropriate.

Assignment Requirements:

your Journal Assignment should:

•be no more than 1–2 paragraphs (less than 1 page) in length;

•clearly establish and maintain the viewpoint and purpose of the Assignment. The journal reflects the student’s own thoughts or professional experiences and does not rely on material from other sources;

•follow the conventions of Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.);

•be well ordered, logical, and unified, as well as original and insightful; and

display superior content, organization, style, and mechanics;

• •     References may be included and if references are used, the references should be prepared in APA format.