Name
Western Governors University
E225 Emerging Professional Practice
Prof. Name
Date
My primary short-term goal is to successfully complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program by March 2025. Achieving this milestone is essential, as it provides the academic foundation and evidence-based clinical competencies required for safe and effective nursing practice. Completion of the BSN will strengthen my critical thinking, clinical judgment, and professional communication skills, all of which are fundamental for advancement into specialized and leadership nursing roles.
Following graduation and extending through December 2026, my intermediate objective is to obtain advanced certifications relevant to my role as a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) nurse. Specifically, I plan to earn the Adult Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) and the Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC). These certifications will enhance my proficiency in managing complex cardiac conditions, interpreting hemodynamic data, and delivering high-acuity postoperative care. Additionally, earning these credentials will reinforce my professional credibility and demonstrate a commitment to clinical excellence in critical care nursing.
By the end of 2028, my long-term goal is to become certified in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and establish myself as a clinical leader within my unit. Given that my hospital serves as the only ECMO-certified facility within a 200-mile radius, this specialization will place me in a unique position to positively impact regional patient outcomes. Achieving ECMO certification will allow me to contribute to advanced life-sustaining therapies, support interdisciplinary collaboration, and participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving survival rates in critically ill cardiac and respiratory patients.
The following table summarizes my current certifications, their scope, renewal requirements, and available employer support.
| Certification | Description | Renewal Requirements | Employer Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Life Support (BLS) | Provides foundational life-saving interventions, including CPR, airway support, and AED use. | Renewal every 2 years with ongoing skills validation. | Quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) training sessions. |
| Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) | Expands on BLS with advanced cardiac rhythms, pharmacology, and airway management. | Renewal every 2 years with hands-on simulations. | Scenario-based resuscitation and airway training. |
| Cardiac Surgery Unit Advanced Life Support (CSU-ALS) | Focuses on emergency management and postoperative care for cardiac surgery patients. | Valid for 2 years with continuous unit-based education. | Training led by cardiothoracic surgeons. |
Maintenance of my BLS and ACLS certifications is supported through employer-sponsored quarterly training sessions accredited by the American Heart Association. These sessions involve high-fidelity simulations, CPR skill validation, manual ventilation practice, and real-time feedback from instructors. Regular exposure to emergency scenarios ensures competency retention and clinical readiness. Without these ongoing opportunities, recertification would require completion of full certification courses every two years, making employer support a critical component of professional skill maintenance.
The following table outlines planned certifications and their renewal expectations.
| Certification | Validity Period | Renewal Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCRN | 3 years | 400+ direct patient care hours, 100 continuing education units (CEUs), active RN license | Emphasizes adult critical care expertise. |
| CSC | 3 years | 875 patient care hours, 40 CEUs, active RN license | Focused on adult cardiac surgical care. |
| Registered Nurse License (Missouri) | 2 years | Renewal fee; CEUs not required | Maintains legal authority to practice nursing in Missouri. |
I am currently enrolled in the BSN program at Western Governors University, with an anticipated completion date of March 2025. In parallel with academic coursework, I am gaining hands-on clinical experience through a practicum with a nurse practitioner, which has allowed me to explore the potential of pursuing graduate education as a Nurse Practitioner in the future. Upon graduation, my immediate professional priority will be obtaining the CCRN certification, followed by the CSC, to solidify my expertise in critical and cardiac care.
| Certification | Experience Required | Patient Care Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CCRN | Minimum of 2 years in critical care | 875 hours caring for critically ill patients within the year prior to the exam |
| CSC | Minimum of 2 years in cardiac surgery | 875 hours caring for adult cardiac surgery patients within 48 hours postoperatively |
With approximately 18 months of critical care experience and a structured professional development plan, I am positioned to evolve into a highly specialized CVICU nurse. Advanced certifications and focused education will enable me to mentor novice nurses, serve as a preceptor, and pursue leadership opportunities such as charge nurse roles. By integrating evidence-based practice, advanced clinical skills, and leadership development, I aim to influence unit culture positively, improve patient safety, and enhance support for patients and their families during critical illness.
Advanced Molecular and Nursing Healthcare (AMNH): This certification expanded my understanding of genetics, genomics, and ethical considerations in healthcare. It has strengthened my ability to collect comprehensive family histories and apply genetic knowledge to preventive and personalized patient care.
End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC): This education is particularly valuable in the ICU setting, where complex end-of-life decisions are common. It reinforces compassionate communication, symptom management, and advocacy for patient dignity during end-of-life care.
Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Nursing Education (SOGINE): This certification enhanced my awareness of healthcare disparities affecting LGBTQ+ populations. It provided practical strategies to reduce bias, foster trust, and deliver inclusive, patient-centered care.
The AMNH certification supports holistic patient assessments by integrating genetic and ethical considerations into care planning and patient education. ELNEC training equips me to identify appropriate timing for palliative care consultations and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to honor patient goals and preferences. SOGINE education strengthens my ability to advocate for inclusive policies and create a respectful environment that promotes equitable care for LGBTQ+ patients.
Collectively, these certifications address critical domains of modern nursing practice, including genetics and ethics, end-of-life care, and cultural competence. They promote lifelong learning, adaptability, and professional growth while enhancing my ability to deliver individualized, compassionate, and evidence-based care. This integrated approach ensures preparedness for evolving healthcare demands and diverse patient populations.
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (n.d.). Certification and renewal requirements. https://www.aacn.org/certification
American Heart Association. (n.d.). Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). https://www.heart.org
Western Governors University. (n.d.). Bachelor of Science in Nursing. https://www.wgu.edu
Western Governors University. (n.d.). D225 Professional Development Plan: Five-year goal framework for nursing.
