Completed with my Masters

So the time has finally come when I can utter the words "I'm done!" As I transition into the next phase of life, I am going to be revamping this blog. More into a Q&A, assist others excell in their educational endeavors type of setting. For those who follow me, if there are any topics you may be interested in, leave a comment and let me know. 

The real work begins NOW!

I am proud to share with my followers some great news. I have officially been accepted into a Masters in Nursing program. For those who are unfamiliar with my journey, I encourage that you look back at my previous posts. Now… the order of events.

I applied to two different Masters specialization a in January. Both were of interest to me and both applications were to highly competitive programs. I first received the news that I did not make it into one program in the end of April. This lead to the nail biting decision of my second program. When I reviewed my application status, it stated I was wait listed. My heart dropped. I had many questions… what does it mean? Do I get automatic enrollment for spring if all others accepted their admission offers? Would I have to reapply? Long story short… I planned to contact my advisor everyday for an update. Monday she called with the great news that I was ACCEPTED!

This is still surreal to me. I've worked extremely hard to demystify what counselors think about me on paper so it's only right that I think this is a dream. So now, my plan will continue as expected: MSN Education, FNP certificate or DNP. 

My first semester will start off with: Health Assesment and Teaching Stratagies. My estimated graduation date is Spring 2016. Then… the rest of my life begins. 

I conqoured Nursing Reserach

Okay, I've been MIA for sometime, but I come bearing good news. I passed Research!!!!!!! Yes I was completely nervous for two reasons. When I took research in undergraduate I constantly got flustered with the discussion of statistics, and my paper was mundane and didn't drive my passion. This time around I did struggle a bit with discussing the statistics but I felt more equipped to search other avenues for clarity then just my professors lecture notes. I am extremely passionate about nurse education and the learning process of new nurses, so this helped really drive my ambition through my discussion post amongst classmates and within my limited integrated literature review.

Since completing research, I decided to take my last course as a non degree seeking student and will be applying to the nurse education program. Now do get me wrong, I love bedside nursing and I always envisioned my MSN being in Family Nurse Practitioner but truth be told, I would probably phase out and start teaching eager students. I've served as a preceptor for many practicum students on my current unit and I would love to give more direction and instruction in this aspect. After completing this degree, I plan on getting a certificate in FNP, then proceed to obtain my DNP.

I feel that this is the best option for two reasons:

1. I am currently paying for classes out of pocket which is a great factor in program sequence and school choice.
2. I can complete the degree from virtually anywhere which frees up some traveling possibilities for me.

I am thankful that I have received a lot of direction through my interaction with other advance practice nurses, and professors that believe in my success.

Next time I update, I'm hoping to have more great news to share. Stay tuned!

Research, I love you… I hate you

So as my class ages and I forge ahead to week three of Nursing Research I've compiled intel on how my professors operate.
Here are the rules:

1. The days of getting an exact example of what your assignment should look like is over. My professors have outlined certain sections that should be included in the paper. As far as what exactly goes where, that's up to is to figure out.… then ask questions of of seems unclear.

2. My professors are actually there to help us success. In the courses requiring multiple research projects, the library becomes our best friend. The professors have actually partnered with the librarian and has made her a permanent fixture during our lectures and on our discussion board in order to help us. I think that's so neat. She is really passionate about her job and helping us dissect the research.

With these rules in place I am opening more and more to the idea of enjoying this class. In undergrad it was always a struggle.

An update on my computer…
So the whole Washington thing is not going to work out for me. So tomorrow, I will be purchasing a laptop from best buy early morning. I'm trying to set myself up for success so I will have to charge it to the game. I wanted to wait for an IMac or even an MacBook Pro but I will have to just wait until next year.

This week I have another live class… I'm interested to see how it will go because now we are getting to the "meat" of the course.

Apparently I had a two week summer,

Nursing Theory is complete, I passed the course with an A! Amen. Now on to rolling with the big boys!

Nurse research officially opened up on Monday. When I took a look at the syllabus and assignment requirements, I almost cried. My professor wants 5 posts per week. If the post has a continuous conversation, we are expected to discuss it thoroughly. With these new requirements, I'm nervous. Only because my computer crashed towards the end of last semester. My initial is due on Friday, and my final is due on Sunday. Not much area for me to drag me feet when it comes to responses. I'm also nervous because I will be doing community service on Mondays so this requires that I work on Sundays ( I work night shift). See my dilemma?

I'm sending my faithful laptop to Washington and will be sleeping out side my college library all weekend lol.

On the other hand, some new concepts that I'm learning about…

PICOT questions
BET website

Hopefully I'll be able to expound on these topics by the end of next week.

The end is near

So we are 2 days from an official end to the semester. Within this semester, I've learned a lot of dos and dont's. I've also learned a lot about myself as a person. Living in a world where "cants" and fear of attempting because failure may ensue is not an environment to thrive in. There have been many of nights where I've reviewed assignments, and classmates posts and thought to myself that I am not on their level. Today I tell myself … BS!

In other news. I will be taking the Trauma Nurse Core Course in hopes of renovating my résumé to look more appealing. I'm just nervous. Every time I take a look at my study guide I cringe. I tote that book around with me everywhere and still haven't got past airway. Either way, by September I will have a better outlook on where things are going for me.

This is getting better and better

I decided to hold off on applying for Fall 2013 due to some unforeseen circumstances. I want to excel and do well in the program so at this point I do no want anything to jeopardize my success. Especially after many of my counterparts have went above and beyond to encourage and ensure I have the tools to complete my trade.

I discussed completing a Problem Analysis Paper for Nursing Theory with you all last post. Well the results are in. I received an A on he paper. Now to me this is very shocking because is several reasons: a) I worked on the paper 2 weeks prior to the due date. I knew all along what my problem analysis would be but I did not know how to present my ideas in an "scholarly format." The last paper I ever completed was my paper on Magnet designation in 2011 for my undergraduate research course so I was very nervous going into this assignment. Then b) I worked in that paper until the day to was due and turned it in right at 1500. I have made a complete turn around on how I feel about Nursing Theory. To me it's rather fun! The only points I got docked on was grammar and some information needing to be in the Significance vs Background section. My hope is to start and complete the next half of my paper this week. Unfortunately for me, my computer just crashed on me so I will be having a bit of delay I completing my research and typing the paper to my best advantage. I am considering getting a iMac desktop because dealing with the Dells and Toshiba's has not been to my advantage. At this point all I'm doing is losing important files and picture collected over the years.

Next course starts May! Nursing Research… I can hardly contain my excitement. I'm looking to conquer this writing fear!