Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness

Discussion

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to reflect on your readiness to practice as a DNP-prepared nurse and consider what you learned in this course and how this knowledge will impact your practice.(Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse)

Instructions

Each week, you have been reminded that reflective inquiry allows for expansion of self-awareness, identification of knowledge gaps, and assessment of learning goals. As you reflect on your own readiness to practice as a DNP-prepared nurse, it is important to consider what you learned in this course.(Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse)

As you review the course outcomes and your experience in this course, address the following:

1. Analyze and evaluate how your thinking was challenged in this course related to project management and financial management competencies.(Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse)
2. Considering this new knowledge, examine how this learning prepares you to practice as a DNP-prepared nurse.

Please click on the following link to review the DNP Discussion Guidelines on the Student Resource Center program page:

• Link (webpage): DNP Discussion GuidelinesLinks to an external site.

Course Outcomes

This discussion enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:

1. Examine the role of the DNP-prepared nurse in leading financial planning and management across healthcare settings. (POs 2, 4, 9)
2. Formulate a needs-based organizational assessment to inform strategic leadership decision-making. (POs 3, 5, 7)
3. Develop strategies to lead project planning, implementation, management, and evaluation to promote high-value healthcare. (POs 3, 5, 7)(Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse)

Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse

Project and financial management competencies are crucial in taking up positions as a DNP-prepared nurse. Throughout the course, I learned that DNP-prepared nurses take up executive and leadership roles requiring in-depth knowledge of healthcare economics. Jones et al. (2018) assert that financial management is crucial in reducing economic risks and managing income to reach set goals. Due to the complexity of healthcare, DNP-prepared nurses are expected to manage the associated economic and business challenges. Therefore, DNP-related positions require nurses to understand the complexities of budgeting, grant writing, health insurance, and reimbursement.(Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse)

On the other hand, I have learned that project management knowledge is central to managing various healthcare processes aimed at improving the functions of medical facilities. Santos et al. (2020) assert that project management in healthcare provides a crucial way of assigning organizational resources and is useful in addressing healthcare challenges, introducing innovations, and finding solutions to present problems. In this regard, knowledge of project management is crucial competency nurses use to resolve operational issues and implement crucial policies to enhance healthcare outcomes and promote positive relationships among stakeholders. Besides, I have noted that project management acts as healthcare organizations’ oversight and promotes better operations. Significantly, the end goal of healthcare project management is to promote positive patient outcomes.(Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse)

Given the knowledge I have gained through this course, I believe I am adequately prepared to help tackle the financial and project management intricacies in the healthcare landscape. For instance, I will be able to help create and manage annual budgets and apply fundamental economic concepts and financial models to reshape healthcare delivery. Moreover, I will be able to help interpret and manage financial statements and resources, respectively, and ascertain appropriate billing in healthcare settings. With my understanding of project management, I believe I can contribute to resource allocation, maintaining healthcare productivity, and promoting communication among staff. The latter is crucial for establishing diagnoses, treatments, and patient education. (Reflection on Learning and Practice Readiness as DNP Prepared Nurse)

References

Jones, C., Finkler, S. A., Kovner, C. T., & Mose, J. (2018). Financial Management for Nurse Managers and Executives-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Santos, C., Santos, V., Tavares, A., & Varajão, J. (2020). Project management in public health: A systematic literature review on success criteria and factors. Portuguese Journal of Public Health, 38(1), 37-48. https://doi.org/10.1159/000509531