Professional Short-Term Goals in Nursing - Essay Example

Personal Goals Today we are living in a very fast paced and competitive society, characterized by an era of globalization, where competition and quality consciousness are the key words. Therefore, in order to succeed the individual has to prepare herself for the emerging situations physically, mentally and emotionally. Though, definition of success varies from individual to individual, depending upon a range of factors like ambition in life or the circumstances under which the individual has been brought up. In my opinion long term success means recognition as a dedicated individual to the cause and an expert in the field of my choice. By profession I am into Nursing. Nursing literally means the work of caring for the sick or injured or infirm. This in my opinion is a noble profession of fulfilling the medical needs of a patient and providing the best care to him to make him forget his pain and agony. Being a head Nurse, I know that I have to live by example, in order to motivate all my team members to make their best contribution towards patient care. Professional Short term goal: One professional short term goal for me would be to prepare my team of committed nurses in such a manner that we could get the 'best team of nurse's award' for the year 2008. I understand this would entail a determination on our part, mutual understanding and lot of hard work. A chain is said to be as strong as the weakest link in it. A team is also composed of a number of people with differing abilities, and motivation levels. We do realize that a cohesive team of highly motivated Nurses can therefore do wonders for the profession, people's care and growth of the organization. Fu-Jin Shih et al (2006) stated that 'humanity as demonstrated by empathic and respectful attitudes' is one of the core values of Nursing. In order that all fellow Nurses in my team inculcate this very idea, I'll be working hard with the team. One long term Professional Goal: I understand long term success means living up-to the expectations of the society, helping the humanity and being recognized as a person with a heart while realizing one's goals of becoming an expert in the chosen field. "Service to humanity is service to God", this saying has been a great influence in my opting for 'Nursing' as a career. Nonetheless, the recognition as a worthy servant of humanity makes the efforts worth enjoyable. Once, as a team leader, I am able to establish my credentials, I'd like to be part the core managing team, so that I can take some bold initiatives towards the welfare of patients as well as the Nurses at my workplace. Though it might appear too ambitious to become true soon enough, but I know it is very important for a team leader that she is able to take all possible welfare measures for her team members. This would ultimately benefit the organization. Training and development of Nurses is one of my target areas where I'd like to focus on once I am on the management board. A number of studies have come out in support of the notion that training had a positive impact, particularly in the extent to which the work practice of employees such as nursing assistants can affect the well being of users (Burgio & Burgio, 1990). Personal Short term goal: It is very important that the personal life remains an encouraging force in the pursuit of professional goals. If once can leave for days' works with a happy smile from family members and children, it is bound to translate into better customer care at the work place. Therefore, for the sake of happiness of my family I intend to take a week to fifteen days leave from my office so that I could have an enjoyable Europe tour with my family. This would surely bring smiles on the faces of kids, which in turn will help me to forget all worries and refresh me for a fresh innings of professional service. I am in the process of arranging enough money for the tours and within next one two months I'll be talking to travel agencies to finalize the itinerary. Personal Long Term goal: Being into the hospital services, I've picked up a unique affinity towards the profession. Though, the hospital services in itself is quite a challenging profession, but I do realize the happiness one gets after the patients regains his/ her health and thanks the hospital authorities for the service and support. Therefore, in the long run I'd like to own a hospital myself. I understand it requires lot of financial support, as well as putting in place lot of other things. But, I am on that path already, and trying to provide the best available education to my children so that as they go to school, they become trained doctors and start making plans for their own hospital, with me as a patron looking after the well being of all staff. In order to fulfill the goals set for myself, one must be able to fulfill the minimum criteria required for aiming high. Some such criteria, which I consider a prerequisite for my goals are; Resource Mobilization: I must be able to arrange enough resources for my dreams to become a reality. Resources include not only the financial one's but the support and backing of my family, friends as well as my colleagues at the workplace. Effective Communication: As a nurse I fully realize the importance of being a good communicator. The Nurse is supposed to listening to their stories, answer their questions, calm down their fears, and show them dignity and respect. This helps them in lessening their burden in some small way. Modern methods of science and management provide innovative ways of training for Nurses, encompassing all aspects of the profession. Sell (2002) points out towards the modern training systems in vogue now a days, which give an edge to the modern day Nurses. Modern means of communication like internet, mobile telephony, online medication coupled with modern diagnostic techniques provides much more accurate and detailed status about the health of the patient. Such information on the one hand provides better medication facilities, while on the other hand the Nurse is supposed to monitor a range of symptoms regularly and then communicate the relevant things to the patient or the accompanying person. Teamwork: Structure and composition of a team forms the basis of its working. How many members are there in the team, what are the responsibilities assigned to the team, who all are the members, and who is the leader; these are the questions which need to be looked into for the effective functioning of a team. Education: Though at times, it appears that with experience gained over the years one can easily take control. But the way technology is changing; one needs to be quite aware about the theoretical aspects as well. Therefore, adequate levels of education for the team members go a long way in completing the journey towards desired goals. Important milestones: As part of the desired goals some of the important milestones which will test my preparedness for achieving those goals could be; For professional goals: Feedback of patients in the next 1-2 months Response of the management toward the motivated services provided by the team of Nurses in the next 4-5 months Acceptance of our entry into the 'best team of nurses' award Subsequent follow ups For personal goals: My cumulative bank balance in the coming months Sanction of my leave Meeting with tour operators Level of enthusiasm in my family Admission of my children in good colleges Academic reports of the children Management of time: This would surely require meticulous planning of resources and time on my part, because I will have to divide my time, resources and energy in proportionate measures in order to fulfill my commitments at home as well as at the workplace. If, I am duty-bound to devote my time towards the hospital services, I am equally answerable towards my family bonding as well. References: 1. Fu-Jin Shih, Meei-Ling Gau, Yaw-Sheng Lin, Suang-Jing Pong and Hung-Ru Lin (2006), Death And Help Expected From Nurses When Dying, Nursing Ethics 2006 13 (4), Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd 2. Burgio, L. D. & Burgio, K. L. (1990) Institutional staff training and management: a review of the literature and a model for geriatric, long-term-care facilities, International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 30(4). 3. Sell (Dr.), SL Van Kalofissudis (2002), The Theory of Nursing Knowledge and Practice. Available online at http://www.nursing.gr/theory/Holistic.html (march 8, 2007) Read More