Running head: SELF-ASSESSMENT OF NURSING STANDARD OF PRACTICE

Self-Assessment of Nursing Standard of Practice

Jaya Lingam
Ferris State University

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF NURSING STANDARD OF PRACTICE

Abstract
Nursing as a profession is a constant change. As nurses, we have to evaluate ourselves to the
standards and competencies that are established by American Nurses Association (ANA). This
paper is a reflection of my professional growth in nursing through self-assessment of the nursing
standards and evaluation to state if the standards are met not. Self-assessment of my current
nursing practice will help me identify competent behaviors, explore opportunities for
professional development and create a personal action plan with short-term and long-term goals,
and also an evaluation plan is developed to keep track of my ongoing progress in nursing
competencies as measured by the ANA standards.

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF NURSING STANDARD OF PRACTICE

Self-Assessment of Nursing Standard of Practice

American Nurses Association (ANA) defines Nursing as The protection, promotion, and
optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering
through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals,
families, communities, and populations (ANA 2010, p. 1). This definition serves as the
foundation for Scope and Standard of Professional Nursing Practice. ANA believes that in the
practice of nursing competence can be measured and evaluated by the individual nurse (selfassessment), nurse peers, and nurses in the roles of supervisor, mentor, and preceptor.
Competence can be evaluated using objective and subjective data of the individual knowledge
and actual performance appropriate for the specific situation (ANA 2010, p.13). There are
sixteen ANA standard of professional nursing practice. The first six standard of practice are
demonstrated by critical thinking model of known as nursing process and the remaining nine
standards of professional practice are demonstrated by professional performance. As I am getting
closer to graduation, I need to assess my knowledge to assure that I met the goals for the
Bachelors in Nursing (BSN) program. I will also develop a plan to maintain competence in these
standards.
Nursing scope and Standard of Practice
Standard of Practice
Standard 1: assessment
The registered nurse collects comprehensive data pertinent to the healthcare consumers
health and/or the situation (ANA 2010, p.32). I meet this standard consistently during clinical.
Before the shift begins I collect information of all my assigned patients from electronic health
record (EHR) such as lab work, intake and output (I&O), vitals, team talk, nurses notes, changes

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF NURSING STANDARD OF PRACTICE

in the kardex and physician notes. At the beginning of the shift, I first take hand off reports of
my patients from the previous shift nurses. I perform a full and focused assessment on my
patients. If there are any changes in the patient, I address it to the RN preceptor. For example, I
noticed one of patients levels of consciousness and lung sound had change, and I addressed to
RN preceptor. I assess the patients needs and during assessment, I identify not only the patients
medical needs but also psychosocial and socioeconomic needs, support system and unique
cultural needs. I document all my finding, in the patients chart in EHR, so that it is easily
accessible to the physicians and nurse practitioners. Depending on the assessment and findings, I
prioritize my patient and provide evidence based care.
Goal:
I will improve in prioritizing patients and provide evidence based care, performing my
assessments and documenting accurately by August, 2014.
Standard 2: diagnosis
The registered nurse analyzes the assessment data to determine the diagnoses or the
issue (ANA 2010, p.34). I believe that I am meeting the standard. Prior to making a diagnosis,
correct and accurate assessment has to be done. The diagnosis has to be validated and prioritized
to take appropriate steps for the nursing care plan which results in patients positive outcome. As
a student, I am not able to document the nursing diagnosis in the patients care record. However,
in the near future as a RN in my practice I will able to do so. I also believe that teamwork is very
important in collaborating and validating the diagnosis with other member of the
interdisciplinary team to have an enhanced patient outcome. In my clinical at Pine Rest I was
able to perform a good assessment of my patient with vascular dementia and develop an
appropriate nursing diagnosis for the care plan.

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF NURSING STANDARD OF PRACTICE

Goal:
I will improve and document assessment accurately to develop appropriate nursing
diagnosis by August, 2014.
Standard 3: outcomes identification
The registered nurse identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the
healthcare consumer or the situation (ANA 2010, p.35). I believe that Im meeting this goal; it
is very important to be culturally competent when identifying and discussing appropriate patient
outcomes. The outcomes should reflect the patients values and also patient background should
be considered. As I was developing plan care for my patient at Pine Rest, I also involved patient
family, support system and the patient strengths to formulate expected outcomes as they suggest
ideas for pathways to accomplish the established goals. The goals have to be measurable and
should be documented. I enjoyed formulating the care plan, since our first semester we have not
done a care plan.
Goal:
I will improve in formulating the plan of care using evidence based practice assessments
and diagnosis of the patient by August, 2014.
Standard 4: planning
The registered nurse develops a plan that prescribes strategies and alternative to attain
expected outcomes (ANA 2010, p.36). I believe that I have met part of this standard at this
time. The important competency in this standard is to provide for continuity in the plan (ANA
2010, p.36). When I am assigned to three patients and have two different nurse preceptors at
clinical, it is hard to accomplish patient care as planned. At times, nurses get really busy with
constantly changing assignment and tasks. For example, new admissions, transfers, surgeries,

SELF-ASSESSMENT OF NURSING STANDARD OF PRACTICE

test/labs being performed. Some nurses like nursing students and get us involved us all
perspectives of the patient care. Some nurses do not like students; Ive been told by a nurse not
to follow her around, and she does not like to be followed. On a day like this I do not achieve
anything as planned for the patient. Another problem I encountered is time management which is
important; sometimes I run out of time and do not get things accomplished as planned. It is very
important to stay organized and manage time wisely. I believe that I am making improvements
on this area. I accomplish things as planned when I am assigned to one nurse; I get my
assessments, med pass, documentation and other tasks completed on time. Initiating plan of care
and performing appropriate interventions for the patient and documenting it accurately will help
the interdisciplinary team to see implemented interventions on timeline.
Goal:
I will improve in time management and develop a strategy to work two nurses and
accomplish the entire task as planned by May, 2014 and I will continue to do same and be more
proficient by August, 2014.
Standard 5: implementation
The registered nurse implements the identified plan (ANA 2010, p.38). I believe that I
am meeting this standard by implementing the plan in a safe and timely manner and modifying it
per the needs of the patients. Any changes in the plan of care have to be done in collaboration
with the interdisciplinary team documented accurately. When implementing the plan evidence
based practice must be incorporated. In clinical, I have had patients with different ethnic
backgrounds, providing care for these patients is a challenge. As important aspect in providing
care is being culturally competent, I have had Hispanic patients with language barrier. An
interpreter was been used for communication. I drew pictures to communicate with patient and

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also look up on google translate just to ask the patients pain level. Being the patients advocate
is another important competency in this standard, I have advocated for patient many times.
During my clinical rotation in on oncology floor, patient had a wound on the right side of the
abdomen which was not documented. The physician was examining the patient and I notified the
physician about the wound, the physician asked me document the wound in my assessment and
he also took note of it. Many times I have called the pharmacy because of duplicate med orders
for the patient. I also implement patient education and health promotion into plan of care.
Goal:
I will become more proficient in implementing plan with new knowledge and evidence
based practice by August, 2014.
Standard 5A: coordination of care
The registered nurse coordinates the care (ANA 2010, p. 40). I believe that Im
meeting this standard by coordinating care with the multidisciplinary team and using available
resources (educational materials, policies and procedures of the hospital, peers and clinical
instructor). I also explain the plan of care to the patient and the family. I document all the care
given, and tasks completed in the EHR which will readily available for the interdisciplinary
team.
Goal:
I will improve and become more proficient in coordination of care by using available
resources for the patient by August, 2014.
Standard 5B: health teaching and health promotion
The registered nurse employs strategies to promote health and a safe environment
(ANA 2010, p.41). I believe that I am meeting this standard by educating my patients with health

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topics that promote their health. For example, for post-operative patients, it is important for them
ambulate. I teach the patients the importance of walking in the hallway and how it promotes
health and also assist them with daily living skills to promote independence. During my clinical
rotation in health department, along with the peer counselors provided breast feeding education
for lactating mothers and pregnant ladies. Along with director of the health department I
provided education on whooping cough for the community through radio station in Greenville
Michigan. I also participated in project fresh health promotion class for senior citizen and
pregnant women.
Goal:
Use every opportunity to educate patients on health promotion and participate in
educating the community on health promotion by August 2014.
Standard 5C: consultation and standard 5D: prescriptive authority and treatment
Both of these standards are for graduate-level prepared specialty nurse or advance
practice registered nurses. Both these standards are out of the scope of practice for registered
nurses (RN).
Goal:
Obtain my MSN by 2017.
Standard 6: evaluation
The registered nurse evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes (ANA 2010,
p.45). Evaluation is a very important part of the nursing process; it is final step of the building
block in the plan of care. Using standards one through five, I assess the patient to see if he/she
met the goal by indicated timeline. If the goal is not met, I determine what the alternatives are for
the patient in order to achieve the goal. I continuously check and review patients progress, team

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talk and nurses notes in the patients chart. I do not hesitate to talk to the nurse, peers and clinical
instructor and I always welcome their feedback.
Goal:
I will continue to improve in nursing process and communicate effectively with the
interdisciplinary team and use evidence based practice in patient care by accurate documentation
of assessments by August 2014.
Standards of Professional Performance
Standard 7: ethics
The registered nurse practices ethically (ANA 2010, p.47). I believe that Im meeting
this standard by maintaining patient confidentiality, respecting cultural preferences, advocating
for my patients and also protecting patients rights and autonomy. If I perceive that something is
questionably unethical, I will the address the issue to the RN or the members of the
interdisciplinary team. For example, during my clinical rotation I was assigned to a patient with
end stage lung cancer and his code status was do not restate (DNR). According to the physician
he had few hours to live. The daughter of the patient visited and was very upset that her father
was DNR yelling at her mother at the bedside to change the status. I tried to talk the daughter,
but she was unwilling to listen to me. I advocated for the patient and his daughter that her father
wanted to go in peace. I addressed the issue with the RN, and the RN notified the manger and the
issue was resolved. I also educate my patient about informed consent before a procedure is done.
I maintain a therapeutic and professional role boundary. I use Code of Ethics for Nurses with
Interpretive Statement to guide my practice and to treat my patients with respect and their rights.
Goal:

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I will incorporate the code of ethic in patient care and will improve in advocating for my
patient by August 2014.
Standard 8: education
The registered nurse attains knowledge and competence that reflects current nursing
practice (ANA 2010, p.49). I am meeting this goal as a nursing student and will be graduating
with BSN in August 2014. I subscribe nursing magazine and try to keep information up-to-date
in the nursing world. The world of nursing is a constant change with practice using research and
evidence based practice. In my practice, I will keep up to date with licensure and continuous
education credits through employer, meetings, in-services, webinar, seminars and educational
conferences. I am planning to continue my education and pursue a master degree in nursing.
Goal:
Graduate with BSN in August 2014, obtain a graduate nurse permit in the State of Texas
for my practice, obtain RN license and further my studies MSN.
Standard 9: evidence-based practice and research
The registered nurse integrates evidence and research findings into practice (ANA
2010, p.51). Nursing as a profession is built on evidence since the time of Florence Nightingale.
The aim of evidence based-practice is to deliver high quality care to the patient. In order to
achieve this I need to able to critically evaluate ideas and experience and apply what I learned to
direct my nursing practice. The healthcare setting has constant change. Constantly new research
and technology emerge; I have to be competent in my field and have knowledge and skills to
support decision-making. As a nurse, I should have the range of communication skills that will
engage me with the patient and interdisciplinary team. As a nurse I also should be observant and
able to identify the needs of my patient. In order to meet the needs of a patient or community I

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will use the PICO (patient, intervention, comparison and outcome) question using evidence
based practice and research. I am always eager to learn new thing and incorporate into my
practice.
Goal:
I will improve in incorporating evidence based practice to provide high quality care for
my patients by August 2014.
Standard 10: quality of practice
The registered nurse contributes to quality nursing practice (ANA 2010, p.52). Patient
safety is the cornerstone of high quality nursing care. In the first semester of nursing we learned
about safety in med pass using the five rights the right patient, the right drug, the right dose,
the right route, and the right time. We always included the right that is the right reason. As we
progressed into the nursing program we learned more safety measures in performing a task. With
evidence based practice and research more safety measures are being introduced into practice.
When I am doing wet to dry dressing change or Foley catheter I use sterile technique to avoid
infections. When I was in interventional radiology (IR) the physician used real-time ultra sound
guidance during central line insertion to prevent complication. One of the newest devices that I
used on the floor is the curos disinfecting port protectors for needleless IV ports to disinfect in
3 minutes. If not removed, ports stay clean and protected for seven days. Pressure-relieving
bedding materials are used to prevent pressure ulcers for high risk patients. Improving quality of
care through pain management is very important. In Spectrum Health the patient information is
always up dated with patient pain medication. When I pain pass meds I update the board and also
do pain assessment in thirty minutes. I answer patient call lights and use bed alarms, gait belt
and walker for fall risk patients to prevent falls and injuries. Nurses need to know what proven

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techniques and interventions they can use to enhance patience outcomes. Spectrum Health
Learning Institute Online (SHILO) is an online simulation class assigned to nurses and
technicians on quality of practice. As a nurse technician at Spectrum Health I keep myselfupdated with safety. In order to address all these safety needs for nurses, the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) with funding from Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,
prepared a comprehensive fourteen hundred page, hand book for nurses on patient safety and
qualityPatient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses (ADHRQ
Publication No.08-0043). I believe that I am meeting this goal at this time.
Goal:
Healthcare today has constant change, so as a nurse I will keep myself updated with
patient safety and quality through employers continuous education credit, attend seminars and
meeting through my practice.
Standard 11: communication
The registered nurse communicates effectively in a variety of formats in all areas of
practice (ANA 2010, p.54). Communication is a very important tool in the nursing profession.
We as nurses communicate to patients, patients family, other nurses, co-workers, charge nurse,
managers, supervisors, physicians, interdisciplinary team, pharmacy, other health care facilities
and many more. At the beginning of the shift I take handoff report from off going nurses. Trust
of my patients and their families is an important part of providing effective nursing care. If they
do not trust me any communication that I attempt may be disregarded. While communicating
with patient, I try to be honest in informing about their care. Another important part of
communication with patients and their family is being aware of their culture. I use SBAR
(situation, background, assessment and recommendation) tool to help me convey appropriate and

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necessary information. I have not taken any phone orders from physicians. However, if I do, I
will make sure that I read back all the orders correctly to the physician to ensure that I have
written the order correctly to prevent errors. During huddle time, I communicate with the techs
about patient care. I effectively document all my finding in the patients EHR. I communicate
with nurses on the floor and I participate in the post conference. I believe that I am meeting this
standard at this time
Goal:
I will effectively communicate with patients and their families, nurses, physician and
other members of the team by August 2014.
Standard 12: leadership
The registered nurse demonstrates leadership in the professional practice setting and the
profession (ANA 2010, p.55). Leadership skills are very essential in nursing practice. Patients
and their families seek counsel from a registered nurse as trusted and highly skilled
professionals. A nurse leader oversees the care given by other nurses and helps other nurses on
the floor, treats fellow nurses with respect, trust and dignity. As a nurse leader she also resolves
conflict among staff. A nurse leader participates in a professional organization, for example,
American Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association.
As a student nurse, I am a member of Ferris Student Nurse Association and American
Nurses Association. I have applied for membership in Michigan Nurses Association. Even
though I am a nursing student, family and friends look up to me and ask me for information and
advice. I believe that I have met only a part of this standard. Upon graduation and obtaining RN
license and start my practice as RN, I will be able to accomplish more competencies in this
standard.

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Goal:
Graduate with BSN by August 2014.
Standard 13: collaboration
The registered nurse collaborates with the healthcare consumer, family and other in the
conduct of practice (ANA 2010, p.57). I believe that I am meeting this standard by being a team
member. In the nursing profession, collaboration is achieved when the nurses partners with other
team members of the health care system to provide quality care. Collaboration between
physicians, nurses and other health care professionals increases team members awareness of
each others type of knowledge and skills, leading to continued improvement in decision making.
Last month on the first day of clinical in two south at Butterworth Hospital, the patient that I was
assigned to, had stroke and was admitted through the emergency department. The patient was on
continuous pulse ox and six liter of oxygen. I noticed that he was destating and I immediately
notified the RN. The RN and the charge nurse rushed to the room. The patient continued to
destat. The RN notified the physician immediately and the charge nurse called the respiratory
rapid response team and I cleared things in the room for the team to work on my patient. I
worked along with the respiratory team to care for my patient and as a team we work on him for
more than an hour giving the patient artificial breathing using Ambu bag. There was no
improvement and, since the patient was partial DNR, the team was unable to do anything more.
During this time, the nurse manger got in touch with patients family and informed them about
the situation. The nurse and physician also communicated with the patients wife and explained
the situation to her. The physician notified us that the patients wife requested for comfort care
for her husband. The patient oxygen was at 10 liters and morphine was given. I sat by the patient
since there was no family member at the bed. The charge nurse learned that I was already late for

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post conference, so she came and took over for me. This was teamwork; we all communicated,
trusted and respected each others role in taking care of the patient.
Goal:
I will improve in collaborating with the team to render high quality of care for my patient
by August 2014.
Standard 14: professional practice evaluation
The registered nurse evaluates her or his own nursing practice in relation to professional
practice standards and guidelines, relevant status, rules and regulations (ANA 2010, p 59). In
order for a nurse to grow professionally, periodical evaluation is very important, this allows the
nurse to get the base line for his/her professional growth. As a nursing student I have been
evaluated at the end of each clinical rotation to see my baseline for professional growth. I always
ask my nurse preceptors and my clinical instructor for feedback on my performance. I welcome
constructive criticism from nurses, clinical instructors and peers, it challenges my competencies
and allows me grow professionally. The ANA (2010) states that the registered nurse: engages in
self-evaluation of practice on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas in
which professional growth would be beneficial (p. 59). Writing this paper is one of the
examples of self-evaluation that allows me to ponder on my strength and weakness. If I have not
met the standard I will set a goal, make changes and find ways to improve at meet the standard.
Self-evaluation should be periodically, since health care changes constantly.
Goal:
I will engage myself more often in self-evaluation by August 2014
Standard 15: resource utilization

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The registered nurse utilizes appropriate resources to plan and provide nursing services
that are safe, effective, and financially responsible (ANA 2010, p.60). There are plenty of
resources available for nurses. Nurses are expected to utilize resources that are appropriate for
providing safe and high quality care for patients. I believe that I have met this standard by using
resources in clinical for my patients. I am able to delegate care appropriately and consult the
right professionals when issues arise. Spectrum Health has lot resources available to nurses to
provide safe and effective patient care. Policies and procedure for safe patient care and patient
educational materials available hard copy and online; Phones for healthcare staff for effective
communication and interpreters for non-English speaking patients. EHR for effective
communication between the healthcare team and continues education and in-services for nurses
to provide safe patient care.
Goal:
Incorporate and utilize available resource to deliver safe and high quality patient care by
August, 2014.
Standard 16: environment health
The registered nurse practices in an environmentally safe and healthy manner (ANA
2010, p.61) I believe that I have met this standard by making sure that the patient rooms are
clean and if need, I assist the environmental service to clean the room. If I notice any default
equipment or other safety threats I will call the maintenance or environmental supervisor
immediately. For example, I noticed in one of the patient room that the water was leaking from
the bathroom to the patients door into hallway. I placed towels and called the maintenance
immediately. After passing meds, I keep the patient room clean and disposed of needles into
sharps containers and clean patient bedside table if necessary.

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Goal:
Improve and maintain environmental safe for patients and coworkers by August 2014.
Code of ethics for nurses
Provision 1
The nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the
inherent dignity, worth and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by consideration of
social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems (ANA Ethics,
p.3). I believe I have met this standard by providing care for my patients numerous times. I have
a great compassion for taking care of patients; I provide care regardless of their age sexual
orientation, economic status, religious beliefs and ethnicity. My entire patients are treated with
respect and dignity. For example, I provide privacy to all my patients during patient care.
Goal
I will improve and be culturally competent by August 2014.
Provision 2
The nurse's primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, or
community (ANA Ethics, p.5). I believe that I have met this standard by providing optimal care
for my patients. During my clinical, I have stayed by the bedside of my patient who was passing
to provide support for the family and patient. I had given care for my patient before and after
surgery. I also have provided support for my patient who had hard time with breastfeeding and I
sat with her during breastfeeding education and counselling and also gave her tips about
breastfeeding.
Goal
I will improve in my commitment to patients and their family by August 2014.

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Provision 3
The nurse promotes, advocates for, and strives to protect the health, safety, and rights of
the patient (ANA Ethics 2001, p.6). I believe that I have met this ethical standard by providing
patients with their rights. During med pass I explain the drugs before administrating something
patients refuse certain drugs, bath or turn, I document it in the EHR; I also promote health and
advocate for my patients. For example, I encourage my patient to walk the hallways.
Goal
I will improve in advocating and providing safety for my patient by August 2014
Provision 4
The nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and determines
the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurse's obligation to provide optimum
patient care (ANA Ethics, p.8). I believe that I have met this goal by being responsible
and accountable for my actions. For example, performing my assessment, med pass and other
tasks needs to be performed on time. By doing this I provide optimal care for my patients. I
delegate tasks to the nursing assistants when needed, for example, blood sugars, vitals, baths, and
ambulating patients.
Goal
I will improve in delegating task to nursing assistants by August 2014
Provision 5
The nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to
preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional
growth (ANA Ethics, p.9). I believe that I have met this goal by demonstrating my professional
growth. I have been a nursing assistant for the long period of time and I enrolled in nursing

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program and will be graduating with my BSN in August. I provide safety for patients and protect
myself. Some patient needs two people assist I call for assistance or help another nurse, tech or
peer with the patient.
Goal
I will graduate with my BSN degree by August 2014.
Provision 6
The nurse participates in establishing, maintaining, and improving healthcare
environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality health care
and consistent with the values of the profession through individual and collective action (ANA
Ethics, p.11). I believe that I have met this standard by following hospital policies and
procedures, improving health care environment by using isolation precaution, proper use of
equipment and also see to that patient room are clean.
Goal
I will improve in looking up hospital policies and procedures for patient safety by August
2014.
Provision 7
The nurse participates in the advancement of the profession through contributions to
practice, education, administration, and knowledge development (ANA Ethics, p.12). I believe
that I have not met this ethical standard at this time. However, my goal is to obtain masters in
nursing and doctorate in nursing practice (MSN-DNP). As a nurse practitioner, I will contribute
to education, administration and knowledge development.
Goal
I will obtain my MSN-DNP degree by 2020.

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Provision 8
The nurse collaborates with other health professionals and the public in promoting
community, national and international efforts to meet health needs (ANA Ethics, p.12). I
believe that I have this ethical standard by participating in peer counselling for breasting moms
at Montcalm county health department. And I also volunteer for project in Montcalm County to
educate the pregnant women and senior citizen about healthy eating that is health promotion.
Goal
I will collaborate with health professional in the community to provide health promotion
by August 2014.
Provision 9
The profession of nursing value, for maintaining the integrity of the profession and its
practice, and for shaping social policy (ANA Ethics, p.13). I believe that Ive met this standard
by being a member of American Nursing Association (ANA) and also Ferris Student Nurse
Association (FSNA). I have supported our senators in implementing mental health screening in
schools. I have supported Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (MICNP) and singed online
petition and also mailed a letter to the Senator Judy Emmons for to pass S.B. 2 which would
define the scope of practice for nurse practitioners in Michigan. Recently, I sent her a thank you
letter for voting YES.
Goal
I will become a member in Texas Nurses Association by August 2014.
Professional Development Plan
Goals

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My overall goal is to attain competency in all the standards. I have developed goals that
are realistic and attainable. I divided them into short-term and long-term goals. My short-term
goals areto obtain BSN degree, and I will continue to volunteer at commission of ageing and
public health department. To obtain a graduate nurse permit in the State of Texas and to obtain
nursing residency in oncology in Texas for which I have applied. During this time, I will take my
NCLEX and obtain my RN license and certification in oncology (ONC). My long-term goals are
to obtain MSN degree by 2017 and continue to work towards DNP and obtain my degree by
2020. I will towards learning Spanish language and a preceptor for nursing students.
Action Plan
I have created a plan of action to attain and maintain my goals. I will graduate with my
BSN by August 2014. I will continue to volunteer in Commission of Aging and the Public
Health department. I will obtain graduate nurse permit in the State of Texas in August 2014 and
start my Nursing residency in Oncology in September 2014. I will obtain certification in
Oncology (ONC) certification within two years of employment. During this time, I will continue
to work towards my MSN degree with projected graduation in 2017. I will also take Spanish
classes in order to communicate effectively with Hispanic patients.
Evaluation Plan
I will develop a chart with all my projected professional goals and their timeline. I will
also record the progress and changes as a part of my evaluation process. The chart will enable me
to stay on track and make modification when necessary. I have used this tool in the past and
guided me to success. For example, I use my degree tool in myFSU site to keep track of my
classes.

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Conclusion
Nursing profession is constantly changing based on current evidence-based practice
recommendations. For a nurse to stay competent in the field, continual self-assessment and
learning is needed. ANA nursing standards of care provide guidance for nurses to provide highquality patient care. And also using code of ethics for nurses will guide my practice and help me
provide quality, safe, ethical, evidence-based nursing for my patients. In order to remain
competent within the standard of care, I have developed personal goals, short-term and long-term
to achieve the high-quality patient care that ANA requires from me as a nurse.

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References
American Nurses Association [ANA] (2010). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.).
Silver Spring, MD: Nurse books
American Nurses Association (2001). Code of Ethics for Nurse, retrieved from Nursing
world.<http://www.nursingworld.org/codeofethics>