2. PROFESSIONAL GOALS 2
Professional Goals
This essay is an explanation of why I am attending Russell Sage College. It is an
overview of personal and professional experiences as well as future goals. I express ideas about
my notions of the future as a Master’s prepared nurse.
Goals in Pursuing the Master’s in Nursing
I am a registered nurse, board certified (RN BC) in medical surgical nursing. I am
currently attending Russell Sage College obtaining a Masters in Nursing for Advanced Practice
Nursing/Nurse Practitioner with a concentration in Gerontology/Geriatrics.
Choosing Russell Sage College
I chose Russell Sage College because the graduate nursing program has strong
accreditations with the American Association of the Colleges of Nursing (AACN), National
Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE), and the National League of Nurses (NLN). The graduate nursing program is a hybrid
program which is allowing me to continue to work while I am achieving my degree. The
college partners with public health agencies and hospitals which allow for elaborate practicum
experiences.
Personal History
I have always aspired to advance my degree in nursing. I became a Registered Nurse
(RN) in 1981 and have been employed in the profession for thirty years. Now that my four
children are grown I plan to achieve my educational dreams. Obtaining the master’s degree in
nursing affords opportunities for professional nursing advancements and diversity. Most of my
nursing career has been in the acute care setting working on medical, surgical, oncology and
telemetry units. I currently work in a post anesthesia care unit (PACU) which has been a
3. PROFESSIONAL GOALS 3
wonderful experience. It is a combination of the use of all nursing skills in a more controlled
environment. I was also employed for seven years at a long term care facility on a ventilator
unit in a head trauma center. This was a humbling experience which entailed many ethical issues
regarding life and death.
The baccalaureate program elevated my knowledge in theory. I have discovered the
importance of evidence based practice to clinical decision making. I have evolved in the
research process formulating research ideas and have grown in the ability to critically evaluate
literature. I feel this evolution will elevate my graduate research. There is a new level of
professional socialization that has been occurring during the course of the master’s program
which has contributed to enhancing my professional aspirations and goals, according to Blais
and Hayes (2012), “professional socialization is the means of developing a professional
identity, incorporating values, skill, behaviors and norms for nursing practice” (p.21). I also
feel the master’s program will increase my knowledge, leadership and decision making skills. I
have realized the importance of nursing and that we need to make a statement as a credible
entity in the professional medical world. The expectation of the masters prepared nurse is to
lead the profession. Through this more credibility will be granted to the nursing profession. I
am looking forward to remaining a part of the Russell Sage graduate nursing program.
Nursing Philosophy
My nursing philosophy is to treat patients and staff with respect, to maintain safety and
give quality care to patients and families. I am a worthy contributor to any team with which I
am associated. I strive to observe situations from a patient perspective and appreciate their
interpretation of illness and pain.
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References
Blais, K. K., & Hayes, J. S. (2011). . In Professional nursing practice concepts and perspectives
(6th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education.
