Table of ContentsCareer PlanningTransition to Professional Nursing RoleHolistic Life BalanceStresses and ChallengesLifelong LearningProfessional ContributionsWorks CitedCareer PlanningTwo years ago, the The idea of ​​reaching this pivotal point in nursing school seemed so far-fetched that I tried to navigate the map that would ultimately lead to the path to success. As the curtains close on this chapter, I have to say that earning my bachelor's degree in nursing was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, things I have ever done. As I reflect on the vast possibilities before me, the future I imagined is slowly taking shape, as I evolve from just a nursing student to a professional nurse. The purpose of this article is to highlight the transition from being a nursing student to the role of a professional nurse in the state of Florida, the strict criteria for licensure in Florida, and my career plan for the next two years. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay Transitioning into the Professional Nursing Role Upon completion of nursing school, I will be looking for employment opportunities in the state of Florida. However, before you can get a job as a nurse, certain criteria set forth by the Florida Board of Nursing must be met. According to the Florida Board of Nursing, to acquire a license, the nursing student must be a graduate of a Florida approved or accredited nursing education program, be a graduate of an approved nursing education program or recognized by the jurisdiction in which he or she is based and have received an NCLEX Code from the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) or graduated from a military nursing training program who received an NCLEX Code from the NCSBN (Florida Board of Nursing, 2018). While seeking jobs for new graduate nurses, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital, and Baptist Hospital offer a wide variety of opportunities ranging from medical-surgical to intensive care unit (ICU) for new nurses at the end of their residency program. One of the motivations for seeking employment at Jackson Memorial and Baptist Hospital is that they are trauma hospitals, so this will allow me to develop my critical thinking skills and master my prioritization and time management. The main obstacle to working in these trauma facilities, particularly in the ICU, is that the workload can become overwhelming as patients receive comprehensive care. The fact that Holy Cross is a teaching hospital is one of my main motivations for being interested in them, because I know the environment will always be open to further education. The troublesome factor in working in this facility is that the nurse to patient ratio is high, which can eventually create nurse burnout, poor performance, and a high risk of medication errors. To apply for employment through one of these StaRN programs, the new graduate must meet certain criteria to be considered for the program, such as possessing a valid Florida nursing license prior to applying online directly on the establishment's website. Second, being a full-time student and working full-time, I was faced with the task of balancing each individualized role. Finding a balance can sometimesbe quite difficult, and as I move from the role of a student nurse to the role of a professional nurse, the balance in my life will change. The nursing profession can be very stressful because the environment is often chaotic and unpredictable. To maintain balance in my professional and personal life, I will need to implement self-care strategies that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being, such as meditation. A recent study by the American Nurses Association showed that nurses who meditate before providing care to their clients have clearer, organized thoughts, higher energy levels, and a more positive attitude ( American Nursing Association, 2018). To help achieve and maintain balance, I have practiced the art of meditation in my personal life, which has yielded fruitful results. Implementing this technique in my professional and personal life as well as managing my time effectively will contribute to a more stable transition. Additionally, as I progress in my nursing profession, the art of maintaining balance will evolve over the next five years. However, to maintain a balance, I will need to develop new strategies and techniques that will allow me to stay grounded, such as keeping my personal and professional lives in two separate entities, managing my time effectively, asking for help when necessary and question tasks that I am unsure about. Stress and ChallengesNursing is one of those professions known to have a high-stress work environment, often due to conflict between nurses and nurse managers, inadequate compensation, poor patient-to-nurse ratios, and increased workload (Sharma, et al., 2014). Newly graduated nurses also face many challenges when entering the workforce. Among the many stressors that new graduate nurses face are: increasing numbers of patients with complex illnesses and multiple comorbidities, lack of access to experienced mentors and coaches, generational diversity in the workplace , as well as performance anxiety and bullying (Hofler, 2016). Given these challenges and stressors, I believe the best way to manage these challenges is to make patient care and safety the focal point of everything. To help manage the stressors and challenges of the first year as a nurse, I would apply for nursing positions through the Specialist Training for Registered Nurses (StaRN) apprenticeship program. By seeking jobs facilitated by this program, I will receive continuing education and mentoring, to improve my skills and gain confidence to become a careful nurse and provide care in accordance with facility protocols. As I move into the nursing profession, solutions to challenges and stressors will be easier to identify and overcome if I create a positive work environment, prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner, whether I discuss problems and possible solutions with managers, whether I collaborate with others. team members and resolve any confusion that needs to be resolved. Lifelong Learning Nursing is constantly evolving and continuity of education is fundamental to providing competent patient care. As a registered nurse hungry for experience and up-to-date information, my career goal for the first year is to expand my knowledge by taking courses and.0000000000000404