NURS 6001 – Foundations of Graduate Study

Professional Development Plan Paper (Assignment)

Course and Assessment Overview

Course: NURS 6001 – Foundations of Graduate Study (graduate/MSN level)
Assessment type: Individual written Professional Development Plan (PDP) essay
Suggested timing: Early in the course (often Week 2–3), following discussion of mission, vision, and goals
Length: 3–4 page paper (approximately 1,000–1,200 words, excluding title page and references)
Weighting: 15–20% of course grade (configurable by program)

The purpose of this assignment is to develop a clear, evidence-informed Professional Development Plan that connects your academic goals, career aspirations, Walden University’s mission and social change focus, and your strategies for success as a graduate-level scholar-practitioner.

Assignment Context

NURS 6001 introduces students to graduate-level expectations, scholarly writing, and the role of the nurse as a scholar-practitioner committed to positive social change. This assignment builds on early course discussions of Walden University’s and the School of Nursing’s mission and vision by asking you to translate those concepts into a structured plan for learning, professional growth, and contribution to nursing practice.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Articulate short-term and long-term academic and professional goals relevant to your nursing specialization

• Explain how Walden University’s and the School of Nursing’s mission, vision, and commitment to social change align with your goals

• Identify strategies and institutional resources that support success in graduate-level study

• Demonstrate graduate-level scholarly writing, including appropriate use of evidence and formal referencing

Preparation

1. Review Walden University’s mission, vision, and social change statements, as well as the School of Nursing’s mission and vision

2. Revisit your Week 1 discussion on mission, vision, and personal goals, noting any instructor feedback

3. Explore Walden Library and Writing Center resources, including guidance on scholarly writing and APA referencing

4. Reflect on your current nursing role, intended specialization, and the changes you hope to influence in your workplace or community

Task Description

Section 1: Introduction and Professional Background

In a brief introductory paragraph, describe your current nursing role, years of experience, and your chosen or intended graduate specialization (e.g., Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership, or Public Health Nursing).

Section 2: Academic and Professional Goals

In approximately 1–1.5 pages, describe your academic and professional goals.

• Identify at least one short-term academic goal related to performance and progression in the MSN program

• Identify at least one long-term professional goal related to your nursing career

• Explain why each goal is important and how it reflects your values and interests as a nurse

Section 3: Alignment with Walden Mission, Vision, and Social Change

In approximately 1 page, explain how your goals align with Walden University’s and the School of Nursing’s mission, vision, and commitment to social change.

• Summarize key elements of the mission and vision in your own words

• Describe how your goals reflect the role of the scholar-practitioner who promotes positive social change

• Connect your specialization and practice interests to populations or health issues you aim to impact

Section 4: Strategies and Resources for Graduate-Level Success

In approximately 1–1.5 pages, identify strategies and resources you will use to succeed in graduate-level study.

• Describe at least two academic strategies, such as regular library use, structured study schedules, or writing center support

• Describe at least one professional engagement strategy, such as participation in professional organizations, mentorship, or continuing education

• Explain how you will monitor progress and revise your plan as needed throughout the program

Section 5: Conclusion

In a short concluding paragraph, summarize how your Professional Development Plan will guide your growth as a graduate-prepared nurse and support your contribution to nursing practice and your community.

Paper Requirements

• Length: 3–4 pages (approximately 1,000–1,200 words), excluding title page and references

• Format: Formal academic paper following program-required formatting and referencing style

• Sources: Minimum of three to five current scholarly or authoritative sources, in addition to Walden mission and vision documents

• Submission: Submit via the NURS 6001 assignment link by the specified due date

Marking Criteria (Professional Development Plan Rubric)

The paper is evaluated on:

• Clarity and relevance of academic and professional goals (25%)

• Alignment with mission, vision, and social change (25%)

• Identification and justification of strategies and resources (25%)

• Organization, writing quality, and scholarly support (15%)

• Professional tone and depth of reflection (10%)

Graduate-prepared nurses often underestimate how quickly academic demands, professional responsibilities, and personal commitments can converge. Developing a Professional Development Plan early in the program helps translate long-term aspirations into concrete, manageable actions. Anchoring goals in Walden’s mission and social change focus strengthens the plan by connecting everyday study habits and use of institutional resources to meaningful improvements in nursing practice and community health.

Professional development planning is increasingly recognized as a critical competency for graduate nursing students, as it supports intentional career progression and resilience in complex practice environments. Evidence suggests that nurses who engage in structured goal-setting and reflective planning are better prepared to integrate advanced competencies, maintain academic persistence, and sustain long-term professional engagement. Embedding these strategies within a social change framework further enhances nurses’ capacity to influence systems, policies, and population health outcomes (American Nurses Association, 2021).

References

• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2021) The Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25982

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2021) The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. Washington, DC: AACN. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Academic-Nursing/Essentials

• Benner, P. et al. (2010) Educating Nurses: A Call for Radical Transformation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

• Falkson, S.R. et al. (2020) ‘Mentoring and professional development in advanced practice nursing’, Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 32(9), pp. 602–609. https://doi.org/10.1097/JXX.0000000000000360

• Walden University (2024) Walden University Mission, Vision, and Values. https://www.waldenu.edu/about/who-we-are

• American Nurses Association (2021) Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice (4th ed.). Silver Spring, MD: ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org