A Critical Review of International Nursing Research

The provided content discusses the importance of personal and professional development in various fields, including nursing, teaching, science education, medical education, and counseling. The articles highlight the need for continuous learning and self-reflection to improve performance and achieve goals. Effective strategies for time management, professional development, and implementing personal development plans are also discussed.

Personal And Professional Development

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning...............................................................................1
1.2 The ways to encourage life long learning in personal and professional development.....2
1.3 The benefits of self managed learning to the individual and organization.......................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Own current skills and competencies...............................................................................4
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them........................................6
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs.............................6
2.4 Personal and professional development plan...................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Process and activities for implementing the development plan.......................................8
3.2 Undertaking development activities as planned...............................................................9
3.3 Own learning against aims and objectives set in the development plan..........................9
3.4 Development plan based on feedback and evaluation....................................................10
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
The personal and professional development refers to a formal medium by which an
individual develops himself in particular area of work to set out the objectives, strategies through
learning and training. Moreover, this is a process of improving capabilities of workforce through
the access of learning and training opportunity at organization or by observing other individuals
job performance (Clark Callister and Harmer Cox, 2006). This report outlines the various
approaches of self managed learning and life long learning with the benefits of self managed
learning to the individual and organization. This report will also help in understanding the own
skills and competencies against the professional standards and organizational objectives.
TASK 1
1.1 Approaches to self managed learning
Self managed learning is a wide meaning that defines a process in which individual take
the initiative for identification of their learning needs with or without help of other people for
achieving personal and professional goals and objectives (Dymoke and Harrison, 2006). The
study material for self managed learning can be collected from internet, books, news papers,
workshops, seminars and conferences etc. Here, some approaches to self managed learning are
defined below, by which I can pursue the self managed learning. The self managed learning
approaches are as follows, Seminars and conferences: Individual can learn through seminars and conferences.
These are the most effective approaches as they provide opportunity to people to present
their skills and knowledge about particular subject and other people end up with learning
new things from them. In these seminars and conferences people also share the new ideas
and technologies in which field the individual can develop himself to start learning.
Moreover, the individual can also sharpen their skills and knowledge by taking coaching
and attending workshops. Social Networks: In current generation, social media network is more popular between
the people which contains many of the information (Hunter, Laursen and Seymour,
2007). A huge range of social networks such as, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. where
people spend so much of their time. However, with help of these mediums people share
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their information and knowledge on a particular forum. People can learn a lot from these
sites by gaining information about current affairs and many other subjects. Internet: Internet is most popular approach for self managed learning. It contains huge
amount of data. The internet contains data and information of all the subjects which can
be beneficial for self managed learner.
 Books and Journals: Reading of books and journals is also a popular approach of self
managed learning. The books and journals helps in gaining in depth and theoretical
knowledge of particular subject (Moon, 2013). Thus, many people pursue self managed
learning by overview of books and journals.
1.2 The ways to encourage life long learning in personal and professional development
Lifelong learning can be defined as learning activities undertaken throughout the life with
the aim to improve skills, knowledge and competencies within a personal and professional
orientation. People should always involve their self in life long learning process for development
and growth. An organization can be also successful with its knowledgeable workforce. The ways
to encourage life long in personal and professional context are as follows, Team Work: Team work includes me in working together on a project or a task with my
team. In team work enables me to share the knowledge and ideas with other group
members. By idea sharing I gets suggestions from them which increase my knowledge
and help in life long learning process. Training and Development: Training and development is one of the most effective way
of life long learning process. It provides the opportunity to teach and share knowledge
with other people (Hunter, Laursen, and Seymour, 2007). Learning through what I teach
others helps me a lot in life long learning process. Training others is process of
dispensing knowledge and skills in other people. Which sometimes helps me in
increasing my decision making ability as well.
 Review of past data/Journals: The habit of reading is always been essential in learning
and development process. Reviewing past data/ Journals encourages me in lifelong
learning. Reading books not only increase the knowledge but helps in improving
vocabulary as well.
 Apprenticeship: In addition to it, I can even do apprenticeship with the company in order
to enhance my lifelong learning and this will aid me in securing good career in future.
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 Higher education: For boosting the lifelong learning, I will attain higher education as
well within the context of business management. This will support me in working with
quality at my workplace and hence I can attain the business objectives.
 Continuous professional development: Beside this, different certification course and
module will also support in gaining specific knowledge regarding different subject and
hence through it, my learning will gets enhanced.
1.3 The benefits of self managed learning to the individual and organization
In previous time, the people were not used give importance to self managed learning. In
old times they were used to getting training before the start of their career and with this training
they used to continue their job till the retirement. But now in today's competitive environment
self managed and life long learning is very much important for career growth. Thereby, some
benefits of self managed learning have been illustrated for the individuals and to the
organizations. Self managed learning to the organizations: In today's competitive environment it is
very important for organizations to encourage self managed learning in their workforce.
Self managed learning helps the organization in identifying its top employees. By self
managed learning the firm can see motivation interest and behavior in workforce.
Moreover, Self managed learning minimizes the problem of transfer of learning and it
can be implemented in organizations workforce with minimum expenses. In addition to
it, through this set of learning, training and development cost for the company will reduce
and even I can impart training on certain areas. This will support in boosting the
competency of the company through which overall performance will get enhanced.
Moreover, my company will be benefited from my self managed learning attitude as I
will be able to take critical decision through which key objectives of the organization will
get attained. Also, I will be able to allocate the resource in optimum manner from this
learning.
 Self managed learning to the individuals: In recent years self managed learning is
become main requirement of the individuals. Self managed learning is not time
dependent, individual can engage themselves in learning as per their suitable timings and
situation. Moreover, Self managed learning is compatible with all learning styles that
enable individuals to improve their knowledge, skills and capabilities in their preferable
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ways. In addition to it, my communication skill will improve from this style of learning.
This will help me in influencing people from which I can get high growth opportunities.
Additionally, I can think critically through which I can lead even better. Moreover, my
leadership skill will also sharpen from it.
TASK 2
2.1 Own current skills and competencies
Currently I am working as a Director in EU Trans Ltd., which is a logistic company
based in UK. In this regard, following is my skills audit as per professional standards:
Professional Skills Current
Level
5=strong
1 = weak
Best Current Example Ways to Improve
Communication Skills 5 I am able to communicate
with different individual
Reading and participating
in debate
Listening Skills 3 I am not that strong in
listening skills
I need to listen calmly to
others
Leadership Skills 4 I am good in leading my
team
It can be improved by
taking more initiatives
Planning and
Organizing
2 I am not able to plan my
work
Scheduling and
prioritizing my work so
that I can complete the
work that has high
priority.
Presentation Skills 4 I can deliver presentation to
large audiences also
By participating in
extempore, I can enhance
my presentation skills. It
will also resolve my stage
fear.
Problem Solving 2 Many a times I take wrong
decision
I need to consult with my
mentors for improving
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problem solving skills
Professional
knowledge
3 I have somewhat
professional knowledge but
I need to improve it further
Books
Internet
Magazines
Self- Management 2 I am weak in arranging my
work and priorities
Preparing checklist
Team work 2 I am not able to work with
others in proper
coordination
Understanding team
dynamics
Technology Skills 4 I am good in technological
aspect as I am tech savvy
person
I can enhance it further
through internet surfing
Time Management 3 I am able to meet deadline
of my work sometime only
Prioritization, time table
2.2 Own development needs and activities required to meet them
In addition to it, SWOT analysis has been carried out by me to evaluate my current skills
and competencies. SWOT analysis will help me in evaluating my strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats to develop my self according to EU Trans Ltd. professional standard.
SWOT analysis of my current skills and competencies is as follows,
STRENGTHS:
 My strengths are uncompromising
knowledge of my job such as strategic
business planning, Budgeting and strategies
for the growth of the business etc.
 Moreover, I possess effective
communication and leadership skills. As a personal specialty I am self discipline,
creative, able to work under pressure and
optimist person.
WEAKNESSES:
 Lack of focus.
 Weak interpersonal communication.
 Lack of technical knowledge.
 Disorganization.
OPPORTUNITIES: THREATS:
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 Shaping trends in work which can create
more jobs and growth opportunities for me. Opportunity for professional development
in my field.
 I have a threat of barriers in my growth
such as lack of advance education and
training.
 Change in my job position.
Being a director in EU Trans Ltd., I have to enhance my skills and knowledge for
business growth. Thus, for the purpose of my personal and professional growth my development
needs are as follows,
 Lack of focus.
 Weak interpersonal communication.
 Lack of Technical knowledge.
 Disorganization.
With regards to my weaknesses and to overcome these growth barriers I would need to
engage my self in various development activities. These are as follows,
 I will improve my communication skills by attending team meetings in EU trans Ltd.
Also, I will join seminars and workshops to improve my knowledge.
 Through the meditation and habit of reading I can overcome the focus problem. Thus, I
will do meditation for establishing focus on my work.
 To improve my technical knowledge I will take personal coaching and attend the
workshops which can increase my knowledge in technical fields.
 Further, disorganization can be managed through effective time management. I will
improve my time management so that I will be able to overcoming the problem of
disorganization.
2.3 Development opportunities to meet current and future defined needs
Development of skills and training has been always necessary for the growth of
individual and the organization as well. With regards to analysis of my current and future
development needs I have analyzed some growth prospect which can be fruitful in creating
effective opportunities for personal and professional development. These opportunities are as
follows, Review of Books and Journals: Books contains the wide range of data available for all
subjects. Thereby, it opens the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to meet
current and future development needs. Through the review of books and journals I will
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engage myself in life long learning process. Moreover, I can get in-depth knowledge for
increasing knowledge. Internet surfing: In recent time internet is providing huge opportunities to develop the
knowledge and capabilities through in various fields. Internet surfing not only provides
knowledge for global affairs but also it helps in communicating with other people all
around the world. Thus, it can be said that internet contains so many opportunities to
meet current and future defined needs.
 Workshops and seminars: Through workshops and seminars I will be able to increase
my technical efficiency. Moreover, it will help me in communicating with people and
enables me for idea sharing and knowledge sharing. Thus, workshops and seminars have
so many development opportunities to meet the current and future defined needs.
2.4 Personal and professional development plan
Goals /
Objectives
Current
Proficiency
Skills that
needs to
develop
Available
Opportunities
Criteria for
judging skill
development
Time scale
Languages English Spanish,
French and
German
Coaching,
books and
workshops
Effective
communication
6 Months
Technical skills Microsoft
office,
Windows,
Internet
Broadcasting,
knowledge of
computer
hardware and
software
including
applications
and
programming
Coaching and
professional
training
Tests and
Assessments
6 Months
Time
Management
Planning
and
organizing
Prioritizing
and event
management
Workshops,
Time bound
activities,
Improved work
management
and increased
2 Months.
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puzzles etc. proficiency.
Communication
skills
Good
communicat
ion
Interpersonal
communicatio
n
Seminars,
debates and
social
networks
Effective
communication
at workplace
4 months.
TASK 3
3.1 Process and activities for implementing the development plan
I will have to participate in various process and activities in order to implement the
development plan. My development plan showcase that I will need to learn various other
languages. Currently I can only communicate in English but I want to learn some other
languages such as, Spanish, German and French. Thereby, to learn these languages I will take
coaching from a professional trainer and read books of these particular languages. Which will
increase my vocabulary and enable me to communicate effectively in these languages. For
developing these skills I will need 6 month time frame to be efficient. For monitoring the same, I
will take test on regular basis for different languages and record my score in order to seek
whether I am improving or not.
Further, I have weak technical skills which I need to improve to be compatible with
current work environment. Currently, I have basic technical knowledge in computer. I have some
knowledge of MS office and internet surfing. But according to my job this technical knowledge
is not sufficient. I will have to develop my technical skills by improving knowledge of all
hardware and software applications and programming. Thereby, to develop my technical skills I
will join coaching where a personal trainer will train me on these development needs. However,
these technical developments can be judge through tests and assessments. It will take 6 month
time duration to develop my technical skills. In this, I need to monitor by setting target and
achieving the same by engaging more into online test.
Moreover, I have problem of disorganization which can be managed through effective
time management. At present I am able to do simple planning and organizing. But I need to be
perfect in prioritizing the tasks and managing the work event effectively. Since, Disorganization
is a result of my personal inefficiency. Thereby, I will improve this by participating more in time
based activities, puzzle solving and multitasking. Time management can be judged on improved
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work management and increased efficiency. This will require 2 month time scale for
improvement. For monitoring time management, I will set strict deadline for some of the work
and ensuring that it getting complete or not. This will aid me in identifying my loopholes and
hence better strategies will be developed in this context.
Along with this I have weak interpersonal communication skills that I can improve by
participating in seminars, workshops, debates and social media etc. these mediums for
communication will help me to share my opinion and ideas with other people and I will be able
to increase interpersonal communication with my workforce.
3.2 Undertaking development activities as planned
In order to undertake the development activities as planned I will take assistance from
number of resources such as coaching, books, workshops, internet and self managed learning etc.
to improve my languages and technical skills I will take assistance from personal trainer who
will provide training to me for developing these skills. For coaching and workshops I will have
to enroll my self in some specific subject coaching institute. I will have to purchase books of
related subject and will start learning through books and internet as a self managed learning.
Further, my other resources for improving my skills and competencies are seminars and
workshops, which can enhance my communication skills and disorganization issue. These
seminars on specific event or topic include a series of presentations and discussions which helps
in increasing the knowledge. Further, to improve my interpersonal communication skills social
media network can be very much beneficial. Social media network such as Facebook and other
specific sites offers so many opportunities to communicate with people of my profession or
personal group. However, by communicating with them I will be able to improve my
interpersonal communication skills. Thus, I will take help from all these resources to undertake
these development activities.
3.3 Own learning against aims and objectives set in the development plan
The aims and objectives are important for the personal and professional development and
also these aims and objectives helps in improving the organizational performance. In my
personal development plan I had mentioned that I need to improve my interpersonal
communication skills technical skills and disorganization. With regards to evaluate my personal
and professional development, I am at the extreme level of achieving my aims and objectives. In
order to improve myself, I had planned and involved myself in various activities which helped
9

me to be confident with my career objective. In order to develop my weaknesses I took training
form professional trainers and coaches to enhance my technical skills. Moreover, self managed
learning is helping me significantly in improving my knowledge of different languages and in
gaining in-depth knowledge of all subjects. My participation in seminars and conferences
improved my communications skills. However, my communication skills are at present on
moderate level but to be proficient I will have to make some extra efforts. Moreover, before
making development plan disorganization was my weakness but now with effective time
management and time bound activities I can organize work better. This enabled me for effective
work management and increased proficiency. However, I have now realized that I need to
improve my team work skills as well as I am lacking in this respect also. I further realized that I
am not able to work with group members that belong to different culture. Due to this, my
competency and performance level also get hampered. Therefore, I need to work upon it so that I
can work with other with full zeal and productivity.
3.4 Development plan based on feedback and evaluation
Goals/
Objectives
Current
proficiency
Skills to be
developed
Available
opportunity
Criteria for
judging skill
development
Required
Time
Duration
Languages Proficient Fluency in
oral
communicatio
n
Self managed
learning
through books,
Internet.
Effective
written
communicatio
n
2 Months
Technical Skills Moderate Computer
software
Knowledge
Coaching and
workshops
Practical and
work based
use.
1 Month
Time
management
Proficient Work pressure
handling
Meditation
and time
bound
activities
Increased
proficiency
and efficient
work
management
1 Month
10

Communication
skills
Moderate Communicatio
n with new
people at
organization
Self grooming
and social
networks
High
confidence.
2 Months
Team work Weak Need to work
with other
without any
flaws and
issues
Mentoring and
adjusting with
other members
Self-
assessment
whether I am
working with
others in
desired
manner or not.
3 months
TASK 4
Covered in PPT.
CONCLUSION
The personal and professional development is a process of training, self managed
learning and life long learning etc. Personal and professional development helps in enhancing the
skills, knowledge and capabilities of an individual which is beneficial for their current and future
career growth. Hence, it has been concluded in this report that personal and professional
development is essential for individual for growth opportunities. Moreover, this report also
evaluates the importance of interpersonal and transferable skills required in personal and
professional development of the individual and organization.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Ali, P.A. and Panther, W., 2008. Professional development and the role of mentorship. Nursing
standard. 22(42). pp.35.
Alsup, J., 2006. Teacher identity discourses: Negotiating personal and professional spaces.
Routledge.
Alterio, M., 2004. Collaborative journalling as a professional development tool. Journal of
Further and Higher Education. 28(3). pp.321-332.
Clark Callister, L. and Harmer Cox, A., 2006. Opening our hearts and minds: The meaning of
international clinical nursing electives in the personal and professional lives of nurses.
Nursing & health sciences. 8(2). pp.95-102.
Day, C., Kington, A., Stobart, G. and Sammons, P., 2006. The personal and professional selves
of teachers: stable and unstable identities. British educational research journal. 32(4).
pp.601-616.
Desimone, L.M., 2009. Improving impact studies of teachers’ professional development:
Toward better conceptualizations and measures. Educational researcher. 38(3). pp.181-
199.
Dymoke, S. and Harrison, J.K., 2006. Professional development and the beginning teacher:
Issues of teacher autonomy and institutional conformity in the performance review
process. Journal of education for teaching. 32(1). pp.71-92.
Hunter, A.B., Laursen, S.L. and Seymour, E., 2007. Becoming a scientist: The role of
undergraduate research in students' cognitive, personal, and professional development.
Science education. 91(1). pp.36-74.
Hunzicker, J., 2011. Effective professional development for teachers: A checklist. Professional
development in education. 37(2). pp.177-179.
Lawless, K.A. and Pellegrino, J.W., 2007. Professional development in integrating technology
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Loucks-Horsley, S., Stiles, K.E., Mundry, S., Love, N. and Hewson, P.W., 2009. Designing
professional development for teachers of science and mathematics. Corwin Press.
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Lown, B.A., Newman, L.R. and Hatem, C.J., 2009. The personal and professional impact of a
fellowship in medical education. Academic Medicine. 84(8). pp.1089-1097.
Moon, J.A., 2013. Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice.
Routledge.
Munro, K.M., 2008. Continuing professional development and the charity paradigm: Interrelated
individual, collective and organisational issues about continuing professional
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Throop, R.K. and Castellucci, M., 2010. Reaching your potential: Personal and professional
development. Cengage Learning.
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influence personal and professional development?. Counselling and Psychotherapy
Research. 11(2). pp.148-155.
Webster-Wright, A., 2009. Reframing professional development through understanding
authentic professional learning. Review of educational research. 79(2). pp.702-739.
Wilson, S.M. ed., 2004. The wisdom of practice: Essays on teaching, learning, and learning to
teach (pp. 219-248). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
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