NR-110: Pathway to Professional Nursing (Military Option)  Assessment

Course Overview

The NR-110 Pathway to Professional Nursing course introduces military students transitioning to civilian nursing practice to foundational nursing concepts, professional ethics, communication standards, and clinical reasoning within U.S. healthcare settings. This course emphasizes evidence-based care, leadership development, and professional identity formation aligned with the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics.

Assessment 1: Professional Identity and Transition Reflection

Assessment Description

Students will prepare a written reflection paper (1,200–1,500 words) analyzing their transition from military service to the professional role of a registered nurse. The reflection should integrate theoretical frameworks of professional identity, ethical practice, and self-awareness within nursing. The purpose is to critically examine how military experiences shape values, discipline, teamwork, and decision-making in a civilian healthcare environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of the professional standards and responsibilities of the registered nurse role.
• Apply ethical principles and reflective practice in professional identity development.
• Relate military leadership and teamwork experiences to professional nursing behaviors.
• Develop strategies for effective communication and adaptation within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Guidelines

1. Format: APA 7th edition, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with proper citations and references.
2. Structure:
   1. Introduction – Purpose of reflection and brief background.
   2. Body – Connection of military experiences to nursing principles (discipline, ethics, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking).
   3. Integration of Nursing Theory – Apply at least one nursing theory or professional framework (e.g., Benner’s Novice to Expert, Watson’s Caring Theory).
   4. Professional Growth Plan – Identify goals for developing your nursing identity and leadership skills.
   5. Conclusion – Summarize key learning points and anticipated professional outcomes.
3. Submission: Upload to the course LMS by the end of Week 4.

Evaluation Criteria

• Depth of reflection and self-assessment (30%)
• Integration of theory and evidence-based concepts (25%)
• Clarity and coherence of writing (20%)
• Relevance to military-to-nursing transition (15%)
• APA formatting and academic integrity (10%)

Recommended Learning Materials

• American Nurses Association (ANA). (2021). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. Silver Spring, MD: ANA.
• Benner, P. (2020). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Prentice Hall.
• Yoder-Wise, P. S., & Sportsman, S. (2021). Leading and Managing in Nursing (8th ed.). Elsevier.
• Halstead, J. A., & Billings, D. M. (2024). Teaching in Nursing: A Guide for Faculty (7th ed.). Elsevier.
• American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). (2021). The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. Washington, DC: AACN.

This assessment brief focuses on military nurses’ transition to professional civilian nursing, emphasizing reflective practice, ethics, and leadership grounded in current educational standards and ANA competencies.