NURS 6003 Professional Development Plan Transition
NURS 6003: Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing — Complete Assignment Brief, Discussion Posts & Grading Rubrics
Course Overview
NURS 6003 serves as the gateway course for all incoming MSN students at Walden University. Its central deliverable — the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan — is built incrementally across six modules. Each module combines a graded discussion board post with one installment of the plan. By the end of Week 10, students submit a complete, cohesive document that maps their academic network, professional ethics strategy, research analysis competence, specialty rationale, professional organization engagement, and specialty standards of practice.
Note to Students: Save your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template after every module submission. Parts 1–6 are submitted cumulatively, with Part 6 representing your final, polished document. File naming convention for all assignments: WK[#]Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension)
Module 1 (Week 1): Networking for Academic and Professional Success
Learning Objectives
- Analyze relationships among Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives in relation to your own professional and academic goals.
- Analyze the relationship between MSN Program Learning Outcomes and your goals as a scholar-practitioner.
- Identify and begin cultivating academic and professional collaborators for ongoing success.
Weekly Schedule
| Due By | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 1, Days 1–2 | Read all Learning Resources. Draft your initial Discussion post. Begin Part 1 of your Assignment. |
| Week 1, Day 3 | Post your initial Discussion response. Begin the Week 1 Quiz. Continue working on Assignment Part 1. |
| Week 1, Days 4–5 | Review peer posts. Draft your two peer responses. Continue working on Assignment Part 1. |
| Week 1, Day 6 | Post two peer Discussion responses. Continue Assignment Part 1 final draft. |
| Week 1, Day 7 | Wrap up Discussion. Complete Quiz. Submit Part 1 of your Assignment. |
Discussion: Networking Opportunities
To Prepare
- Review the Walden University and College of Nursing mission and vision statements, Walden’s goals and University Outcomes, and the MSN Program Learning Outcomes in this module’s Learning Resources.
- Reflect on your professional and academic goals as they relate to your program specialization.
- Consider academic and professional individuals and teams with whom you may collaborate as a student and as a practicing nurse.
By Day 3 of Week 1 — Initial Post
Post a brief introduction of yourself to your colleagues. In your post, include the following:
- An explanation of how Walden’s vision, mission, goals, and social change initiatives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your identity as a scholar-practitioner.
- An explanation of how the Walden MSN Program Outcomes and perspectives relate to your professional and academic goals and to your development as a scholar-practitioner.
By Day 6 of Week 1 — Peer Responses
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by suggesting additional individuals and/or teams with whom they might consider collaborating, or by offering additional networking strategies relevant to their specialty or goals.
Discussion Rubric — Week 1
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alignment: Walden Mission/Vision to Personal Goals | Thoroughly and specifically connects Walden’s mission, vision, and social change initiatives to stated professional and academic goals. | Connects Walden’s mission/vision to goals with minor gaps in specificity. | Makes a general connection but lacks specific evidence or examples. | Little or no connection made; response is mostly generic. | 30 |
| MSN Program Outcomes Connection | Clearly articulates how at least two MSN Program Learning Outcomes relate to professional goals and scholar-practitioner identity. | References MSN outcomes but the link to personal goals is partially developed. | Mentions MSN outcomes without substantive connection to goals. | MSN outcomes not referenced or connection is absent. | 30 |
| Peer Responses — Quality and Relevance | Both responses add specific networking suggestions or strategies tailored to colleagues’ specialties or goals; substantive and encouraging. | Both responses present relevant suggestions but could be more specific to each colleague. | Responses are present but largely general or repeat the colleague’s content. | Only one response posted, or responses lack meaningful content. | 25 |
| Scholarly Writing and APA 7 | Graduate-level writing; no grammar or APA errors; uses at least one APA-cited source appropriately. | Minor writing or APA errors that do not impede understanding. | Several writing or APA errors; some unclear passages. | Frequent errors; APA format not attempted. | 15 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan — Part 1: Developing an Academic and Professional Network
To Prepare
- Consider individuals, departments, teams, and/or resources within Walden University and within your profession that can support your academic and professional success.
- Identify at least two academic and at least two professional individuals, colleagues, or teams that might help you succeed in the MSN program and in clinical practice.
- Download the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template from this week’s Learning Resources.
The Assignment
Complete Part 1 (Week 1) of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template. Be sure to address all of the following:
- Identify at least two academic individuals or teams and at least two professional individuals or teams to collaborate with.
- For each member of your network, provide: name, title, organization, whether they are an academic or professional contact, and a clear explanation of why you selected them and how they will support your success in the MSN program and as a practicing nurse.
Save your Assignment using the naming convention: WK1Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension)
Submit Part 1 by Day 7 of Week 1.
Assignment Rubric — Week 1 (Part 1)
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Network Members Identified (min. 2) | Two or more academic contacts clearly identified with full details; rationale for selection is specific and MSN-relevant. | Two academic contacts identified; rationale is present but could be more specific. | Fewer than two academic contacts, or rationale is vague. | Academic contacts missing or not differentiated from professional contacts. | 35 |
| Professional Network Members Identified (min. 2) | Two or more professional contacts clearly identified with full details; rationale directly connects to specialty and nursing career goals. | Two professional contacts identified; rationale partially connects to specialty goals. | Fewer than two professional contacts or insufficient rationale. | Professional contacts absent or undifferentiated. | 35 |
| Clarity and Depth of Rationale | Each network member entry demonstrates thoughtful, specific reasoning that links the contact’s role to the student’s academic or professional success. | Rationale present for most entries; some entries could be more detailed. | Rationale is brief or formulaic across entries. | Rationale missing or consists of a single generic sentence. | 20 |
| Template Completion and APA 7 | Template fully completed per instructions; no formatting or APA errors. | Template substantially complete; minor formatting issues. | Template partially complete; several formatting issues. | Template incomplete or not used. | 10 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Module 2 (Weeks 2–3): Academic and Professional Strategies and Resources
Learning Objectives
- Recommend solutions for academic questions or concerns specific to online MSN study.
- Analyze resources and strategies for academic integrity and professional ethics.
- Construct the academic integrity and strategies section of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan.
Weekly Schedule
| Due By | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 2, Day 3 | Post initial Discussion response. |
| Week 2, Day 6 | Post two peer Discussion responses. |
| Week 3, Day 7 | Submit Part 2 of your Assignment. |
Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions
To Prepare
- Review this module’s Learning Resources on academic strategies, Walden Writing Center tools, and online learning best practices.
- Reflect on a current academic or professional question or challenge you are facing as you begin the MSN program.
By Day 3 of Week 2 — Initial Post
Post a description of a question or challenge you currently face related to academic or professional success in the MSN program. Then do the following:
- Identify at least one academic resource or strategy from this module’s Learning Resources that could address your question or challenge.
- Explain how you will apply that resource or strategy to your situation.
- Describe one strategy from this module you will use to maintain the integrity and quality of your academic work throughout the MSN program.
By Day 6 of Week 2 — Peer Responses
Respond to at least two colleagues by suggesting an additional resource or strategy that may help address their stated challenge. Be specific to their situation.
Discussion Rubric — Week 2
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description of Academic/Professional Challenge | Challenge is clearly and specifically described; demonstrates self-awareness and relevance to MSN-level study. | Challenge described adequately; some lack of specificity. | Challenge described vaguely or is not clearly relevant to MSN study. | No challenge identified or post is off-topic. | 30 |
| Application of Resource or Strategy | Specific resource identified; application plan is detailed and feasible for the described challenge. | Resource identified; application plan partially developed. | Resource mentioned but application plan is vague or generic. | No specific resource identified. | 30 |
| Academic Integrity Strategy | Concrete, specific strategy for maintaining academic integrity described; links clearly to academic or professional context. | Strategy described but with limited specificity or context. | Strategy mentioned in general terms only. | No strategy identified. | 25 |
| Peer Responses and Scholarly Writing | Both responses add specific, tailored recommendations; graduate-level writing throughout. | Responses present; minor gaps in specificity or APA formatting. | Responses are general or only one peer response posted. | Peer responses absent or inadequate. | 15 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan — Part 2: Strategies to Promote Academic Integrity and Professional Ethics
To Prepare
- Review this module’s Learning Resources on academic integrity, Walden’s academic policies, and professional ethics in nursing practice.
- Reflect on the connection between academic integrity as a student and professional ethics as a nurse.
The Assignment
Complete Part 2 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template, addressing both sections:
- Section 1 — The Connection Between Academic and Professional Integrity: Write a 2- to 3-paragraph analysis of how academic integrity as an MSN student relates to professional integrity and ethical nursing practice. Use at least one APA-cited source to support your analysis.
- Section 2 — Strategies for Maintaining Integrity of Work: Identify and describe at least two specific strategies you will use to maintain academic integrity in your coursework and at least two strategies for upholding professional ethics in clinical practice. For each strategy, provide an example of how you will apply it.
Save as: WK3Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension). Submit by Day 7 of Week 3.
Assignment Rubric — Part 2
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis: Academic & Professional Integrity Connection | Thorough, specific analysis; clear logical connection established between academic integrity and nursing professional ethics; APA source integrated effectively. | Connection established with adequate evidence; source used but integration could be stronger. | Connection attempted but analysis is surface-level; source cited but not well-integrated. | Connection absent or analysis is largely opinion without scholarly support. | 40 |
| Academic Integrity Strategies (min. 2) | Two or more specific, actionable strategies identified; each includes a concrete example of application. | Two strategies identified; examples present but could be more concrete. | Fewer than two strategies, or examples are vague. | Strategies missing or too generic to be actionable. | 30 |
| Professional Ethics Strategies (min. 2) | Two or more professional ethics strategies clearly tied to clinical nursing practice; examples are realistic and specialty-relevant. | Two strategies present; examples relate to nursing but lack specialty specificity. | Fewer than two strategies, or strategies are not grounded in nursing practice. | Professional ethics strategies absent. | 20 |
| APA 7 and Graduate-Level Writing | No APA or writing errors; graduate-level scholarly voice maintained throughout. | One to two minor APA or writing errors. | Several APA or writing errors. | Pervasive errors; APA not attempted. | 10 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Module 3 (Weeks 4–5): Research and Scholarship
Learning Objectives
- Locate peer-reviewed research relevant to a chosen nursing specialty topic using the Walden Library.
- Analyze the elements of a research article using a structured analytical framework.
- Articulate the professional practice use of nursing theory and research concepts.
Weekly Schedule
| Due By | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 4, Day 3 | Post initial Discussion response. |
| Week 4, Day 6 | Post two peer Discussion responses. |
| Week 5, Day 7 | Submit Part 3 of your Assignment. |
Discussion: Research Analysis Skills
By Day 3 of Week 4 — Initial Post
Post a response that addresses the following:
- Describe one nursing research or evidence-based practice skill you currently feel confident about and one you believe needs the most development as you begin the MSN program.
- Identify at least one specific Walden Library database or resource you will use to locate peer-reviewed research in your specialty area and explain why you selected it.
- Describe how you believe research and scholarship will inform your practice as an MSN-prepared nurse in your chosen specialty.
By Day 6 of Week 4 — Peer Responses
Respond to at least two colleagues by identifying a complementary library resource or research strategy they might consider, or by offering constructive feedback on how research could be applied to their specialty.
Discussion Rubric — Week 4
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Skill Self-Assessment | Confident skill and area for development both clearly described with honest, specific self-reflection; MSN-program relevance is explicit. | Both identified; self-reflection adequate but not highly specific. | Only one skill dimension addressed, or reflection is vague. | Self-assessment absent or off-topic. | 30 |
| Database/Resource Identification and Rationale | Specific Walden Library database identified; rationale clearly connects the database’s content to the student’s specialty area. | Database identified; rationale partially connects to specialty. | Database named but rationale is generic. | No specific database identified. | 30 |
| Research-to-Practice Connection | Thoughtful articulation of how MSN-level research skills will directly influence advanced practice; uses at least one example. | Connection to practice made; example present but could be more developed. | General statement about research value without specific practice connection. | No meaningful research-to-practice link. | 25 |
| Peer Responses and APA 7 | Both peer responses are substantive, specific, and add genuine value; no APA errors. | Peer responses present and relevant; minor APA issues. | Peer responses thin or only one posted. | Peer responses absent. | 15 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan — Part 3: Research Analysis
To Prepare
- Use the Walden Library to locate one peer-reviewed research article on a topic of interest within your nursing specialty.
- Review the article and reflect on the professional practice implications of the theories and concepts it describes.
The Assignment
Complete Part 3 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template. Address the following elements:
- Clearly state the topic of interest you selected and why it is relevant to your specialty.
- Provide a complete, correctly formatted APA 7 citation of the article, including a link or database search path.
- Identify and describe in detail one professional practice use of a theory or concept discussed in the article.
- Analyze at least one strength and one limitation of the research presented in the article.
- Explain how the findings could influence your future practice as an MSN-prepared nurse.
Save as: WK5Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension). Submit by Day 7 of Week 5.
Assignment Rubric — Part 3
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topic Selection and Specialty Relevance | Topic clearly stated and explicitly connected to the student’s chosen MSN specialty with a well-reasoned justification. | Topic stated; connection to specialty is adequate but not fully elaborated. | Topic stated but specialty relevance is unclear or missing. | Topic absent or unrelated to any nursing specialty. | 20 |
| APA Citation Accuracy | Citation is complete, accurately formatted in APA 7, and includes article link or database search path. | Citation is mostly accurate; one or two minor APA formatting errors. | Citation is present but contains several formatting errors. | Citation missing or severely incomplete. | 15 |
| Theory/Concept Application to Practice | One theory or concept from the article is clearly identified and linked to a specific, realistic professional practice scenario. | Theory/concept identified and connected to practice; scenario could be more specific. | Theory/concept mentioned but practice application is superficial. | No theory/concept identified from the article. | 30 |
| Strength and Limitation Analysis | At least one strength and one limitation clearly analyzed using research appraisal criteria; analysis reflects graduate-level thinking. | Strength and limitation identified; analysis adequate but could apply more rigor. | Only one dimension (strength or limitation) addressed, or analysis is superficial. | No analytical evaluation of the research attempted. | 25 |
| Practice Implications and Writing Quality | Specific, forward-looking implications for MSN practice articulated; graduate-level writing with no APA errors. | Implications stated; writing competent with minor errors. | Implications vague; writing contains several errors. | No implications stated; significant writing problems. | 10 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Module 4 (Weeks 6–7): Your MSN Specialty: Advancing Nursing Practice
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate MSN specialization options and apply a structured decision-making process to specialty selection.
- Identify and examine a professional nursing organization relevant to the selected specialty.
- Articulate a professional and academic rationale for specialty choice.
Weekly Schedule
| Due By | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 6, Day 3 | Post initial Discussion response. |
| Week 6, Day 6 | Post two peer Discussion responses. |
| Week 7, Day 7 | Submit Part 4 of your Assignment. |
Discussion: Choosing a Nursing Specialty
By Day 3 of Week 6 — Initial Post
Post a response that addresses the following:
- Explain your choice of nursing specialty within the MSN program. Include the factors that most influenced your decision — personal experiences, career aspirations, population of interest, or professional goals.
- Describe any difficulties you encountered (or are still working through) in making this decision.
- Identify one professional nursing organization related to your selected specialty and explain how membership could support your professional development.
By Day 6 of Week 6 — Peer Responses
Respond to at least two colleagues. You might offer feedback on their specialty rationale, suggest an additional organization they might explore, or share a perspective that adds to the considerations they described.
Discussion Rubric — Week 6
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty Choice and Rationale | Specialty clearly stated; rationale is multi-dimensional (personal experience, career goals, population interest) and compelling. | Specialty stated; rationale present but relies primarily on one factor. | Specialty stated but rationale is minimal or generic. | Specialty not stated or rationale entirely absent. | 35 |
| Challenges in Decision-Making | Honest, specific description of decision-making challenges; reflection demonstrates critical thinking. | Challenges acknowledged; reflection adequate. | Challenges mentioned superficially. | No challenges described. | 25 |
| Professional Organization Identification | Real, relevant organization identified with explanation of membership value tied specifically to professional development goals. | Organization identified; membership value explained at an adequate level. | Organization named but no substantive explanation of membership value. | No organization identified. | 25 |
| Peer Responses and APA 7 | Both responses are engaging, specific, and constructively add to colleagues’ reasoning; no APA errors. | Both responses present; minor gaps or APA issues. | Responses thin or only one posted. | Responses absent. | 15 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan — Part 4: Justification of Nursing Specialty and Professional Organization
The Assignment
Complete Part 4 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template. Address the following:
- Step 1 — Comparison of Specialties: If you compared two or more specialties before making your decision, document the key differentiators that influenced your final choice.
- Step 2 — Justification of Nursing Specialty: Write one substantive paragraph identifying and justifying your reasons for choosing your MSN specialization. Incorporate any relevant feedback received from peers in this week’s Discussion.
- Step 3 — Professional Organization: Identify and examine one professional organization related to your selected specialty. Explain the organization’s mission, the resources it provides to members, and the steps you would take to become a member. Address how membership will support your professional goals.
Save as: WK7Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension). Submit by Day 7 of Week 7.
Assignment Rubric — Part 4
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty Comparison / Decision Differentiators | Key differentiators clearly documented; demonstrates thorough consideration of multiple options before final selection. | Differentiators documented; consideration of options somewhat limited. | Minimal documentation of the comparison process. | No comparison addressed. | 25 |
| Specialty Justification Paragraph | Paragraph is compelling, specific, and integrates peer feedback where relevant; reasons are professional and academic in nature. | Justification paragraph present and adequate; peer feedback partially incorporated. | Paragraph present but lacks specificity or integration of feedback. | Justification paragraph absent. | 35 |
| Professional Organization Analysis | Mission, member resources, and membership process all addressed; connection to personal professional goals is explicit and persuasive. | All three elements addressed; connection to personal goals partially developed. | Some elements missing or connection to personal goals is vague. | Organization analysis absent or largely incomplete. | 30 |
| APA 7 and Writing Quality | No APA or writing errors; professional, graduate-level tone throughout. | One to two minor errors. | Several errors; tone inconsistent. | Pervasive errors. | 10 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Module 5 (Weeks 8–9): Professional Development Goals and Academic Strategies
Learning Objectives
- Develop professional development goals that integrate academic accomplishments.
- Align professional goals with Walden’s commitment to social change.
- Articulate a concrete plan for progressing within your chosen nursing specialty.
Weekly Schedule
| Due By | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 8, Day 3 | Post initial Discussion response. |
| Week 8, Day 6 | Post two peer Discussion responses. |
| Week 9, Day 7 | Submit Part 5 of your Assignment. |
Discussion: Professional Development Goals
By Day 3 of Week 8 — Initial Post
Post a response that addresses the following:
- Identify at least two professional development goals you have for your career as an MSN-prepared nurse in your selected specialty.
- Explain at least two strategies for incorporating your academic accomplishments at Walden into those professional development goals.
- Describe how those goals align with Walden University’s emphasis on social change and improving the health of communities.
By Day 6 of Week 8 — Peer Responses
Respond to at least two colleagues by offering constructive feedback on their goals or by suggesting one additional strategy for incorporating academic work into their professional development.
Discussion Rubric — Week 8
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Development Goals (min. 2) | Two or more goals are specific, measurable, and directly tied to MSN specialty practice; reflect graduate-level ambition. | Two goals stated; specificity or measurability could be strengthened. | Goals present but are broad or not clearly MSN-level. | Fewer than two goals, or goals are not professionally relevant. | 30 |
| Academic-to-Professional Integration Strategies | Two strategies clearly link specific academic activities (e.g., coursework, practicum, research) to professional goals; rationale is logical. | Two strategies present; connection to academic work partially explicit. | Strategies mentioned but the academic-professional link is vague. | No strategies identified. | 30 |
| Social Change Alignment | Goals are clearly and specifically linked to social change in healthcare; connection is population-focused and realistic. | Alignment with social change present; connection could be more specific. | Social change mentioned superficially. | No social change alignment addressed. | 25 |
| Peer Responses and Writing Quality | Both responses add meaningful content; graduate-level writing with no APA errors. | Both responses present; minor writing issues. | Responses thin or only one posted. | Responses absent. | 15 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan — Part 5: Professional Development Goals
The Assignment
Complete Part 5 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template. Address the following:
- Identify and describe at least two professional development goals for your career as an MSN-prepared nurse in your selected specialty.
- For each goal, identify at least two specific strategies for incorporating academic activities and accomplishments from your MSN program into your professional development.
- For each strategy, explain how it aligns with Walden’s emphasis on social change and improving population health.
- Be specific. Generic goals (e.g., “become a better nurse”) are insufficient. Goals should reference your specialty, a patient population, a practice setting, or a measurable professional milestone.
Save as: WK9Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension). Submit by Day 7 of Week 9.
Assignment Rubric — Part 5
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Development Goals (min. 2) | Goals are specific to the student’s specialty, measurable, and reflect genuine MSN-level professional ambition. Examples reference a patient population, setting, or milestone. | Goals are adequate and specialty-relevant; measurability partially established. | Goals present but broad or not clearly specialty-focused. | Fewer than two goals or goals lack any professional substance. | 35 |
| Academic Integration Strategies (min. 2 per goal) | Each goal has two or more concrete strategies linking specific coursework, practicum, or research activities to professional development. | Strategies present per goal; some lack explicit connection to academic activities. | Fewer than two strategies per goal, or connection to academics is vague. | Strategies absent for one or more goals. | 35 |
| Social Change Alignment | Social change connection is specific, population-focused, and realistically linked to the student’s specialty practice setting. | Connection to social change is addressed for most goals but could be more specific. | Social change connection is generic or only partially addressed. | No alignment with social change included. | 20 |
| APA 7 and Writing Quality | No errors; consistent graduate-level scholarly voice. | Minor errors; writing quality adequate. | Several errors; inconsistent voice. | Pervasive errors. | 10 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Module 6 (Week 10): Specialty Standards of Practice and Final Submission
Learning Objectives
- Review the scope and standards of practice relevant to the chosen MSN specialty.
- Synthesize all components of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan into a cohesive final document.
- Demonstrate readiness to progress through the MSN program as a scholar-practitioner.
Weekly Schedule
| Due By | Task |
|---|---|
| Week 10, Day 3 | Post initial Discussion response. |
| Week 10, Day 6 | Post two peer Discussion responses. |
| Week 10, Day 7 | Submit Part 6 and Final Complete Plan (Parts 1–6). |
Discussion: Scholar-Practitioner Reflection
By Day 3 of Week 10 — Initial Post
Post a reflection that addresses the following:
- Describe how the scope and standards of practice for your chosen specialty will guide your development and practice as an MSN-prepared nurse.
- Reflect on your growth over the course of NURS 6003. Identify one area of academic skill and one area of professional insight that has developed most significantly for you during this course.
- Describe one goal from your completed plan that you are most committed to pursuing and explain why.
By Day 6 of Week 10 — Peer Responses
Respond to at least two colleagues by affirming one specific aspect of their reflection and offering one forward-looking suggestion for their success in the MSN program.
Discussion Rubric — Week 10
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standards of Practice Reflection | Specific standards from the specialty scope and standards document referenced; reflection clearly links standards to personal development and future practice. | Standards referenced; link to personal development partially developed. | Standards mentioned in general terms without specific reference. | No standards of practice addressed. | 30 |
| Course Growth Reflection | Specific academic skill and professional insight both identified; reflection is candid, evidence-based, and demonstrates self-awareness. | Both dimensions identified; reflection adequate but less specific. | One dimension addressed or reflection is vague. | No reflective growth addressed. | 30 |
| Priority Goal and Commitment | One goal clearly identified and supported with a specific, persuasive rationale for commitment; links to specialty, values, or patient population. | Goal identified; rationale present but could be more compelling. | Goal identified without substantive rationale. | No goal identified. | 25 |
| Peer Responses and Writing Quality | Both peer responses include a specific affirmation and a forward-looking suggestion; graduate-level writing throughout. | Both responses present; minor gaps in specificity or writing quality. | Responses thin or only one posted. | Responses absent. | 15 |
Total Possible: 100 points
Assignment: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan — Part 6 and Final Submission (Parts 1–6)
To Prepare
- Review the scope and standards of practice or competency document for your chosen MSN specialty from this module’s Learning Resources.
- Review and refine all previous parts of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan in light of feedback received from your instructor and peers throughout the course.
The Assignment
Complete Part 6 of your Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template. Then compile and submit the complete, final version of your plan (Parts 1–6). Part 6 must address the following:
- Review the scope and standards of practice (or competencies) for your chosen MSN specialty. Identify at least three standards that are directly relevant to your current practice or your future goals.
- For each standard identified, explain in one to two paragraphs how you plan to meet or exceed it as you progress through the MSN program and into advanced practice.
- Include a concluding paragraph that synthesizes your academic and professional journey as described across the full plan. Address your identity as an emerging scholar-practitioner and your commitment to social change in nursing.
Final Submission Requirement: Submit one document containing all six parts of your plan. Ensure Parts 1–5 reflect instructor feedback from previous submissions. Your plan should read as a coherent professional document. Do not submit individual parts separately for this final assignment.
Save as: WK10Assgn+LastName+FirstInitial.(extension). Submit by Day 7 of Week 10.
Assignment Rubric — Part 6 and Final Submission
| Criterion | Excellent (4) | Good (3) | Fair (2) | Poor (1) | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specialty Standards Identification (min. 3) | Three or more specific, real standards from the specialty’s scope and standards document identified; selection is clearly relevant to the student’s practice context. | Three standards identified; relevance to practice context adequate. | Fewer than three standards, or standards are vaguely described. | No specific standards of practice identified. | 25 |
| Plan for Meeting Each Standard | Each standard has a specific, realistic, and well-articulated plan for how the student will meet or exceed it through MSN coursework, practicum, or professional activity. | Plan present for each standard; specificity could be improved for one or more. | Plans are brief or generic; do not clearly link standards to MSN activities. | No plan provided for one or more standards. | 30 |
| Concluding Synthesis Paragraph | Concluding paragraph powerfully synthesizes the student’s scholar-practitioner identity; incorporates social change commitment; reflects growth demonstrated across the plan. | Synthesis paragraph present; scholar-practitioner identity and social change addressed with adequate depth. | Synthesis paragraph present but lacks integration of scholar-practitioner and social change themes. | Concluding paragraph absent or does not address the required themes. | 20 |
| Quality of Complete Final Plan (Parts 1–6) | All six parts are complete, coherent, and reflect revisions based on prior instructor feedback; the document reads as a polished professional plan. | All parts submitted; minor gaps or incomplete revisions in one to two sections. | One or two parts are substantially incomplete or unrevised. | Multiple parts missing or unrevised; document is incoherent as a whole. | 15 |
| APA 7 and Graduate-Level Writing Quality | No APA or writing errors throughout the full plan; voice is consistently professional and scholarly. | One to three minor errors in the full document. | Several errors; inconsistent scholarly voice. | Pervasive errors across the document. | 10 |
Total Possible: 100 points
NURS 6003: Academic and Professional Success in MSN Study
Walden University’s mission centers on producing scholar-practitioners whose academic training translates directly into positive social change, and for MSN students entering a specialty like psychiatric-mental health nursing, that mission provides an immediate framework for setting professional development goals that go well beyond individual patient care. Building a strong academic and professional network from the first week of the program is one of the most practical steps a graduate nursing student can take, since the Walden Writing Center, faculty advisors, and professional organizations like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association each address a distinct dimension of the support that advanced practice requires. Academic integrity in MSN-level work is not simply a matter of avoiding plagiarism — it directly mirrors the professional ethics that govern clinical decision-making, documentation accuracy, and patient advocacy, as noted by the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses, which frames integrity as foundational to the nurse’s contract with the public (American Nurses Association, 2015, https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/). Choosing a nursing specialty is rarely a straightforward decision, and students who take the time to compare their personal values and career aspirations against the scope and standards of multiple specialties tend to arrive at a more confident and durable professional identity. The cumulative structure of the Academic Success and Professional Development Plan ultimately asks students to demonstrate that their academic journey and their professional trajectory are not parallel tracks but one integrated path toward advanced practice.
Peer-Reviewed References
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/code-of-ethics-for-nurses/
- Broome, M. E., & Marshall, E. S. (2021). Transformational leadership in nursing: From expert clinician to influential leader (3rd ed.). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1891/9780826185921
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2023). Evidence-based practice in nursing and healthcare: A guide to best practice (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
- Woo, B. F. Y., Lee, J. X. Y., & Tam, W. W. S. (2020). The impact of the advanced practice nursing role on quality of care, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost in emergency and critical care: A systematic review. Human Resources for Health, 15(63). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-017-0237-9
- Mikkonen, K., Elo, S., Tuomikoski, A. M., & Kääriäinen, M. (2020). Mentor experiences of international healthcare students’ learning in a clinical environment: A systematic review. Nurse Education Today, 40, 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.02.013