- Explain how your personal, academic, and professional goals align with Walden University’s vision, mission, social change outcomes, and SDoH framework. Be specific and provide examples.
My Goal aligns with health equality, access to care, and reducing disparities, mental Health Stigma in Minority Populations and cultural competency in mental health care.
- Explain how your personal, academic, and professional goals align with AACN’s The Essentials.
- Explain how you plan to incorporate a commitment to social change into your program of study (DNP) and professional practice.
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Alignment with Walden University’s Vision, Mission, Social Change Outcomes, and SDoH Framework
My personal, academic, and professional goals strongly align with Walden University’s vision, mission, and commitment to social change. Walden University emphasizes social responsibility, health equity, and improving access to care—values that resonate deeply with my goal of reducing disparities in mental health care, particularly among minority populations. The university’s Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) framework acknowledges that factors such as economic stability, education, and access to quality healthcare significantly impact mental health outcomes. By pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Walden, I will be better equipped to address these determinants through evidence-based interventions and advocacy efforts.
One key area where my goals align with Walden’s mission is in combating mental health stigma in minority communities. Many individuals in underserved populations experience barriers to seeking mental health care due to cultural misconceptions, lack of access, and systemic inequalities. Through my studies at Walden, I intend to conduct research and implement community-based initiatives aimed at increasing mental health awareness and culturally competent care. For example, I plan to develop and promote mental health education programs tailored to specific minority groups, ensuring that interventions are both accessible and culturally sensitive.
Additionally, Walden’s emphasis on social change inspires me to become a leader in mental health advocacy. As a future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I aspire to contribute to policy reforms that enhance mental health services for vulnerable populations. By engaging in research and policy discussions, I hope to influence legislation that expands access to mental health care and integrates mental health services into primary care settings.
Alignment with AACN’s The Essentials
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) outlines core competencies in “The Essentials,” which serve as a foundation for doctoral nursing education. My academic and professional objectives align closely with these competencies, particularly in areas related to clinical prevention, population health, advocacy, and leadership.
One of the key competencies in “The Essentials” is Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health. This competency emphasizes the role of advanced practice nurses in promoting health and preventing disease at the population level. My focus on addressing mental health disparities among minority populations aligns with this essential by advocating for culturally competent mental health interventions and ensuring equitable access to care. For instance, I aim to integrate mental health screenings into routine primary care visits for at-risk populations, thereby increasing early detection and intervention.
Another essential that aligns with my goals is Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking. As a future DNP-prepared nurse, I will leverage leadership skills to advocate for policy changes that address systemic barriers to mental health care. I plan to collaborate with stakeholders to improve mental health policies and implement evidence-based strategies that enhance patient outcomes.
Lastly, Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice highlights the need for expert clinical judgment and decision-making in addressing complex healthcare needs. Through my DNP education at Walden, I will develop the skills necessary to assess and manage diverse mental health conditions, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive, culturally appropriate care.
Incorporating a Commitment to Social Change into My Program of Study and Professional Practice
My commitment to social change is central to my educational journey and professional practice. Throughout my DNP program at Walden, I plan to engage in research projects and community initiatives that address health disparities in mental health care. One of my primary goals is to develop culturally competent care models that improve mental health outcomes for minority populations. This may include implementing community-based mental health education programs, increasing access to telepsychiatry services in underserved areas, and collaborating with community organizations to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
Beyond my studies, I am committed to integrating social change into my professional practice by serving as an advocate for mental health policy reforms. I intend to work closely with policymakers and healthcare organizations to push for legislative changes that improve funding for mental health services and expand insurance coverage for psychiatric care. Additionally, I will mentor and educate future nurses on the importance of culturally competent care, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare providers is well-equipped to address mental health disparities.
In conclusion, my personal, academic, and professional goals are deeply aligned with Walden University’s vision, AACN’s “The Essentials,” and the principles of social change. By leveraging my education and leadership skills, I aim to reduce mental health disparities, improve access to care, and promote cultural competency in psychiatric nursing. Through research, advocacy, and community engagement, I will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive mental health care system.