MY CONCERNS AS I BEGIN MSN PROGRAM

MY CONCERNS AS I BEGIN MSN PROGRAM

Introduction

Beginning by just taking a single step is the first stride towards achieving one’s goals despite the fear of beginning something new. Before taking the first step to enrol in master program, I have had fears including how scary the new program would be, and how I will manage my time considering bachelor degree was demanding. Besides, I have other responsibilities being a parent, a full time working nurse, and now, a student. However, I believe in my focus, and my main goal is to pursue my masters in nursing and become a better nurse by effectively managing my time and setting my priorities right.  Meiring (2017) cites the importance of focusing on essential issues according to Pareto’s principle, which states that 20% of focused efforts produce 80% results and vice versa. The purpose of this paper is to address the concerns I have, which my colleagues will respond to me as we all embark on this educational journey.

Time management

The cost of education is high, coupled with high costs of living. Therefore, balancing all these aspects is essential, and I have to study, work, and pay bills. My first question, therefore, is, how am I going to get the best out of all what I do by utilizing the time each task is allocated? As a nurse, I am supposed to provide quality care to my patients, document, and submit patient assessments to the state on time. I am also supposed to allocate time for my course work assignments, personal reading time, and to care for my family. Meiring (2017), stipulates that every human being has an equal amount of time. However, it all depends on how we utilize this valuable resource. Kelly (2017) argues that time management encompasses the planning and organizing how to allocate time for each activity to be accomplished.

Peer support

My second question is, how am I going to benefit from the input of my course-mates? E-learning enables me to work as I study. However, I think it would be good if we physically met with each of them and discuss issues about our program. Yi (2016) states that online learning enables us to study from wherever we are and is valuable for individuals who are unable to attend physical classes due to other commitments.

Transitioning

My last question is, how am I going to prepare for my transition after completion of the master program? After completion of the program, I will have to sit for the board exams, which I have to pass to qualify as a nurse practitioner. My concern is how I will filter what to focus on and what not to consider the vast content I read each day as I prepare for the board exams? Besides, how will I ensure that I fit into my new role as a nurse practitioner after qualification to be NP?  According to Rebeiro et al. (2017), nurses need preceptors, mentors, and role models to fit into their new roles and function effectively. Currently, I have mentors who have encouraged me to pursue my education, even though I had other responsibilities.

In conclusion, the fear to fail is the beginning of failure. As I begin this journey, my primary concerns are time management considering the number of responsibilities I have, lack of peer support, and how to prepare for my new role as a nurse practitioner.

References

Kelley, C. B. (2017). Time management strategies: purposeful rounding and clustering care. MedSurg Nursing, 26(1), S1-S1.

Meiring, A. (2017). Time management: how to improve outcomes through management inputs. Professional Nursing Today, 21(3), 2-3.

Rebeiro, G., Evans, A., Edward, K. L., & Chapman, R. (2017). Registered nurse buddies: Educators by proxy?. Nurse education today, 55, 1-4.

Yi, H. (2016). The advantages of online collaborative learning in second language writing: A review of the literature. Read and Write Periodical, (10), 7.