Professional Goal Paper
A DNP-prepared nurse is a nurse who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
degree. It may also mean a nurse prepared to be a nursing leader to actively shape and
improve patient outcomes, policy, process, and the future of nursing (Reynolds & Sabol,
2023). DNP-prepared nurses have similar roles as APRNs and provide the highest quality of
care in clinical settings. The roles of DNP-prepared nurses are similar to those of
administrators or nurse executives in non-clinical settings. Moreover, DNP graduates are
well-equipped with leadership, economic, and organizational skills that enable them to create
positive outcomes in healthcare (Reynolds & Sabol, 2023). DNP-prepared nurses are well-
equipped to navigate complex decisions required to improve patient outcomes and integrate
scientific research into practice. This professional goal paper will state three
professional goals of a DNP-prepared nurse and 3 specific and measurable outcomes related
to each goal.
Professional Goal Paper
As I begin my career as a DNP-prepared nurse, I have identified three key professional goals. First, it is essential to understand that a DNP is a terminal degree. It equips nurses with the highest level of practice-based nursing knowledge. This knowledge is crucial for improving access to care, promoting health equity, and addressing various healthcare challenges (Beeber et al., 2019).
One of my primary goals is to engage in research and scholarship activities. For instance, I aim to become an author or co-author of scholarly articles. By doing so, I can contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and evidence-based practice (Kesten et al., 2022). This engagement is vital for my professional development and the nursing field.
My second goal focuses on promoting interprofessional collaboration. I believe that enhancing teamwork is crucial for improving patient outcomes (Rivaz et al., 2021). Collaboration with other healthcare professionals allows for the sharing of knowledge, skills, and expertise. This sharing can significantly impact patient care and recovery.
Finally, my third goal involves engaging in health policy advocacy. Advocating for policies that enhance health equity is essential. Additionally, I aim to improve access to care and promote effective healthcare delivery at various levels (Rivaz et al., 2021). By focusing on these areas, I can help create a more equitable healthcare system.
In summary, these three professional goals will guide my career as a DNP-prepared nurse. I look forward to making meaningful contributions to the nursing profession and improving patient care.
