Running head:
APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
1
APN Professional Development Plan
Keyauna Littlejohn
Chamberlain College of Nursing
NR510: Leadership and Role of the APN
March 2018
APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
2
APN Professional Development Plan
The Advanced Practiced Nurse is one who encompasses enhanced training, education,
and skill including holding necessary certifications that allows for offering of safe and effective
delivery of healthcare services in all settings. The International Council of Nurses (2018) lists its
definition of the Advanced Practiced Nurse as one that has a specialized knowledge for a skillset
with critical decision-making skills and proficient clinical ability essential for expanded practice.
There is a physician shortage that is known to many, making the Advanced Practice Nurse very
valuable knowing that all who may need healthcare services will receive them. Advanced
Practiced Nurses are helping to bridge the gap. With more nurses seeking advancement in their
careers expanding on knowledge and clinical competence and achieving their MSN degrees,
proper care can be delivered in various health settings. Professional Development Plans are used
for multiple purposes. It is a tool that allows the Advanced Practiced Nurse to reflect on their
chosen path. It allows for self-awareness for the nurse while soul searching through ones’
strengths, goals, and weaknesses. The PDP can help the APN with networking and marketing
strategies and getting affiliated with local and national professional organizations allowing for
growth and career opportunities (Hudson, 2018).
APN Scope of Practice - Virginia
The scope of practice for Advanced Practiced Nurses varies from state to state but it
primarily outlines regulations and gives the nurses guidance to ensure professionalism and
ethics. The scope of practice illustrates requirements and responsibilities for practicing APN.
Scientific evidence and research is used in the healthcare setting and utilized by the Advanced
Practiced Nurse. Health education, leadership, research, and mentorship are some of the
dimensions that are vital in the enhancement of nursing practice.
In the state of Virginia, nurse
3
APN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
practitioners are licensed depending on graduate education and specialty certification.
NursingLicensure.org (2018), states that education requirements for nurse practitioners in
Virginia are to complete an approved graduate program in a clinical specialty. To be considered
approved, it must be accredited by an acceptable organization. The Joint Committee has
approved the American College of Nurse Midwives, Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs/Schools, and
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NursingLicensure.org, 2018). After
