NURS 6003 – Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing

Academic and Professional Success Plan (Assessments 1–4)

Course and Assessment Overview

Course: NURS 6003 – Transition to Graduate Study for Nursing / Perspectives on Graduate Study for Advanced Nursing Practice
Assessment type: Multi-part Academic and Professional Success Plan (APSP) – written, template-based assignment

Suggested structure: Four linked module assessments (Parts 1–4) compiled into a single final document
Total length: Approximately 1,200–1,500 words across all parts (4–5 pages when compiled, excluding title page and references)

Weighting: Often distributed across the term (for example, four assessments worth 5–10% each) or combined as a major course assessment worth 20–30%

The Academic and Professional Success Plan is a structured, multi-module assignment that organizes your goals, networking strategies, use of institutional resources, and specialization choice into one integrated plan for success in the MSN program and in advanced nursing practice.

Assignment Context

NURS 6003 is designed to support students as they transition into graduate-level nursing education by clarifying academic expectations, strengthening scholarly skills, and encouraging early professional networking. The Academic and Professional Success Plan template is used throughout the course to document your evolving goals, strategies, and specialization decisions. Each section is submitted as an individual assessment and later combined into a comprehensive plan that can be revisited as you progress through the MSN program

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Identify academic and professional goals aligned with graduate nursing roles and Walden program outcomes.

• Develop strategies and professional networks that support academic success and long-term career growth.

• Use Walden resources, including the library, writing center, advising, and student support services, to plan for scholarly development.

• Compare nursing specializations and justify a chosen MSN specialization based on role expectations and future goals.

• Demonstrate graduate-level writing and reflective thinking across multiple short written components.

Structure of the Academic and Professional Success Plan

The plan is completed using a standardized template provided in the NURS 6003 course. Each module assessment populates a different section of the same document, allowing the plan to develop incrementally across the term.

Module 1 – Part 1: Academic and Professional Goals

(Approximately 300–400 words)

Focus: Clarifying academic and professional goals and linking them to Walden’s vision, mission, and MSN program outcomes.

• Identify at least one short-term academic goal for the first year of the MSN program, such as developing scholarly writing skills, strengthening literature-search techniques, or maintaining a specific GPA.

• Identify at least one long-term professional goal, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse leader, or contributing to policy or quality-improvement initiatives.

• Explain how Walden’s mission, vision, goals, and social change focus support these goals and your development as a scholar-practitioner.

Module 2 – Part 2: Academic Resources and Strategies

(Approximately 300–400 words)

Focus: Identifying academic resources and learning strategies that support graduate-level success.

• Describe specific Walden academic resources, such as the Walden Library, Writing Center, academic advising, or technical support, and explain how you will use them.

• Identify at least two academic strategies, such as structured study schedules, time-management systems, note-taking methods, or plagiarism-prevention tools, and explain how they support your goals.

• Integrate at least one scholarly source related to graduate student success or nursing education.

Module 3 – Part 3: Professional Resources and Networking

(Approximately 300–400 words)

Focus: Building a professional support network.

• Identify key academic and professional contacts, such as faculty, advisors, mentors, preceptors, colleagues, or professional organization members, and explain how each will support your development.

• Discuss how networking contributes to academic progress, career opportunities, leadership development, and long-term professional growth.

• Support your discussion with at least one scholarly or professional source related to networking or professional development.

Module 6 – Part 4: Specialization and Professional Goals

(Approximately 300–400 words)

Focus: Comparing nursing specializations and finalizing a specialization choice.

• Identify your preferred MSN specialization and one alternative option.

• Describe the focus and typical roles associated with each specialization, including practice settings, populations served, and leadership or teaching responsibilities.

• Compare the two specializations and explain why your chosen option best aligns with your professional goals, using program information or evidence where appropriate.
  https://academics.waldenu.edu/catalog/courses/nurs/6003

Submission Requirements

• Use the official Academic and Professional Success Plan template provided in the course; do not create a new structure.

• Write approximately 300–400 words per section, for a combined total of 1,200–1,500 words (4–5 pages).

• Follow program-required writing and referencing guidelines and maintain a formal academic tone.

• Submit each part according to the module deadlines outlined in the course calendar.

Marking Criteria (Academic and Professional Success Plan Rubric)

Clarity and Specificity of Academic and Professional Goals (25%)
Assesses how clearly and realistically goals are stated and how well they align with graduate nursing practice.

Use of Academic and Professional Resources and Strategies (25%)
Evaluates identification and justification of resources and strategies that support success.

Networking and Specialization Planning (25%)
Measures the quality of professional networking plans and specialization comparison.

Organization, Writing Quality, and Scholarly Support (15%)
Assesses clarity, organization, academic tone, and appropriate use of sources.

Completeness and Template Adherence (10%)
Evaluates whether all required sections are completed according to instructions.

Many new graduate nursing students assume that motivation alone will sustain them through an MSN program. However, students who progress most successfully are typically those who intentionally link their goals to structured use of institutional resources and professional networks. When the Academic and Professional Success Plan is treated as a living document rather than a one-time assignment, it becomes a practical roadmap that supports adaptation as responsibilities and professional interests evolve over time (Walden University, 2024).
https://www.waldenu.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/financial-resources/student-support

Research on graduate nursing education consistently highlights the importance of intentional planning, mentorship, and early engagement with academic support systems. Structured success plans help reduce attrition by clarifying expectations and strengthening students’ sense of academic self-efficacy, particularly for working nurses balancing employment and family responsibilities. By explicitly integrating goal setting, resource utilization, and professional networking, the Academic and Professional Success Plan aligns with evidence-based strategies shown to improve persistence and academic confidence among graduate nursing students (Jeffreys, 2018).

 Recent References

• Walden University (2024) Student Support and Success Resources. Available at: https://www.waldenu.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/financial-resources/student-support

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

• 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

• Miller, J. L. and Bruinsma, J. L. (2019) ‘Graduate student success: Academic support, time management, and institutional resources’, Journal of Nursing Education, 58(11), pp. 642–646. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20191021-05

• Huston, C. (2017) ‘Professional resilience in nursing: Remaining engaged and growing in the profession’, Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 48(9), pp. 397–399. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20170816-05

• Jeffreys, M. R. (2018) Nursing Student Retention: Understanding the Process and Making a Difference. 3rd edn. New York: Springer Publishing Company.

• This guide explains the NURS 6003 Academic and Professional Success Plan, outlining structure, grading criteria, and evidence-based strategies for success in Walden’s MSN program. Learn how to complete the NURS 6003 Academic and Professional Success Plan using Walden’s official template, including goals, resources, networking strategies, and MSN specialization planning.