The innovator characteristics described previously are developed through
lifelong learning. Generally, one learns how to learn in school. The clinical and
theory skills gained in college should be applied upon entering the nursing
practice world. Just as you are learning to apply theory to patient situations
throughout your nursing education, nurses must continue to do the same
throughout their nursing careers. MacIntosh (2003) found in her research that
as new graduates developed a “reputation for professional expertise” (p. 735),
an important stage was pursuing learning and growth.
There are formal and informal ways of gaining knowledge and growing pro-
fessionally throughout one’s career. Explore whether your facility offers partial
payment for this learning. Many facilities provide partial tuition reimburse-
ment for graduate classes or continuing education credits. Many state boards of
nursing require continuing education credits for registered nurse (RN) license
maintenance; hourly classes, online modules, or daylong conferences provide
this continuing education.
Formal means of learning are accomplished by enrolling in a higher degree
program, such as a master’s or doctoral program of study. There are four Ad-
vanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certifications: certified registered
nurse anesthetist, certified nurse–midwife, clinical nurse specialist, and certi-
fied nurse practitioner (APRN Joint Dialogue Group Report, 2008). APRNs
then focus on at least one of six populations: family/individual across the life
span, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, neonatal, women’s health/gender-related,
or psychiatric-mental health (APRN Joint Dialogue Group Report, 2008).
Education for APRNs is available in master’s, doctorate, and postgraduate
certificate programs of study. Options for a master’s degree include a focus in
areas beyond clinical practice, such as education, leadership, or informatics, or
the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) role. The CNL is “a leader in the healthcare
delivery system in all settings in which healthcare is delivered. CNL practice will
vary across settings” (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN],
2013, p. 4). In general, nursing doctoral programs are of two types: Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). PhD programs focus
on generating theory and research to build the body of nursing knowledge. DNP
programs focus on creating expert clinicians who are able to apply research to
clinical practice. In the future, the DNP degree may be necessary to become
certified as an APRN. In the past, admission to doctoral programs required some
practice experience in a specific clinical specialty; however, because of the need
for educators and researchers in nursing, more doctoral programs admit new
baccalaureate graduates directly into their programs (AACN, 2005). Explore
possible graduate programs that fit your learning style (i.e., online programs
or in-person classes), your future goals, and the potential job market in your
area. Ultimately, choose the program that fits you best.
17.2 Developing Oneself 455