NRS 430 Topic 1 DQ 1 Discuss why you have decided to complete your BSN at this time
NRS 430 Topic 1 DQ 1 Discuss why you have decided to complete your BSN at this time
Topic 1 DQ 1
Apr 4-6, 2022
Discuss why you have decided to complete your BSN at this time, and the concerns you have about completing your baccalaureate degree. Based on the readings in the course resources, what strategies can you implement to be a successful student?
REPLY TO DISCUSSION
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Rose Francis
Posted Date
Apr 6, 2022, 12:31 PM
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It was a dream which was not fulfilled since long due to financial constraints and family priorities. But now after recently moving to this country, I have found a suitable time to further purse my nursing studies. There was a time when experience was a good replacement for a BSN, but those days are gone. Moreover, a BSN degree will open better job prospects, opportunities as a nurse and job satisfaction. A highly educated nursing workforce can help a nations’ population by high quality, patient–centered care. Deepening or upgrading my knowledge can provide quality nursing care to critical patients through critical thinking, planning, implementation and lastly by evaluation.
My primary concern is balancing full time work while pursuing studies as well as dealing with household chores at the same time. I am also concerned about completing my assignments on a tight schedule.
My strategies on being successful includes attending classes regularly, reading through course materials, and asking relevant questions. I will refer back to it throughout the semester, manage my study space, set a schedule and use available online resources. Academic writing skills may be useful for patient reports in a clear and concise manner. It will be beneficial for me to be aware of relevant online databases to expand my knowledge, search for and retrieve the most current information to the patient.
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Chioma Nwachukwu
replied toRose Francis
Apr 6, 2022, 3:55 PM
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Balancing work, family, school and other aspects of life can be a great deal for nurses and nursing students. Several habits can help a nurse become effective and make one excel. The most important habit is to master time known as effective time management. It involves making out time for every aspect of life;work, school, family, friends, and taking out time to relax after a stressful day.
Also, setting goals that are measurable and achievable sets a student apart for success. Cultivating a healthy lifestyle, focusing on a task at a time helps to prevent multitasking which makes you want to catch a glimpse of everything (Murphy, 2015).
Finally, in order to be successful in a nursing program such as RN to BSN, it is paramount to ask for assistance when overwhelmed or when necessary. Being proactive, appreciating and rewarding oneself for a job well done are all wonderful ways to achieve success. These habits keep one elated and healthy,setting the path to effectiveness and success.
https://minoritynurse.com/category/nursing-students/
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Carly Wallmeyer
replied toChioma Nwachukwu
Apr 7, 2022, 12:46 PM
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Replies to Chioma Nwachukwu
Chioma, you gave a great tool for Rose regarding her concern for balancing a full-time job, home life and school; ask for help. Sometimes it is hard to balance everything all at once. When we get overwhelmed, one aspect in our lives can suffer. To avoid this, we need to remember to ask for help. Caitlin Vogt states in The Importance of Asking for Help (2021), “Be specific, and make a list if you think that will organize your thoughts. When you can clearly articulate the assistance you need, your professor, counselor, classmate, or friend will have a better idea of how to guide you. You are helping them help you!” I agree with her statements. I tend to ask for help; however, I do not think that I am specific enough which can cause confusion. I think asking for help while being clear and precise, can help you balance your work, home life and school schedule.
Caitlin Vogt. (2021, August 9). The Importance of Asking for Help. https://myoptions.org/asking-for-help/
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Billie Gabbard
replied toRose Francis
Apr 7, 2022, 3:46 AM
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Rose,
You have identified many strategies to implement for success. Make sure to include some time for you.
Billie
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Rose Francis
replied toBillie Gabbard
Apr 8, 2022, 10:48 AM
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Thanks for your feedback. I also plan to manage my personal time carefully alongside the course.
Rose
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Judith Wogu
replied toRose Francis
Apr 8, 2022, 12:11 PM
Replies to Rose Francis
Hi Rose,
I concur with you that pursuing a dream would motivate you to become a successful student in nursing especially after settling the barriers that delayed the pursuit. Acquiring knowledge in the nursing field and the potential job openings as well as contributing to the healthcare of the people in a community would also be a motivating factor (Brown et al., 2021). The key puzzle would be student life-work balance considering the workload of the course as well as the working hours in a full-time nursing job. This would definitely compromise the timely delivery of school requirements as patient care at the full-time job remains uncompromised (Collier, 2018). It is true that regular class attendance and timely reading of class material eliminates the pressure that would result from accumulated workload of class coverage. Management of time and having a schedule for every day’s evets helps in maintaining high standards of study and work as well as rest. Application of efficient academic writing skills also fuels efficiency in undertaking class work.
References
Brown, J., McDonald, M., Besse, C., Manson, P., McDonald, R., Rohatinsky, N., & Singh, M. (2021). Nursing Students’ Academic Success Factors: A Quantitative Cross-sectional Study. Nurse educator, 46(2), E23–E27. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000000882
Collier A. D. (2018). Characteristics of an effective nursing clinical instructor: The state of the science. Journal of clinical nursing, 27(1-2), 363–374. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.13931
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Cassidy Wright
replied toRose Francis
Apr 10, 2022, 3:17 PM
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Hi Rose,
Finishing your BSN will help open so many more opportunities in the nursing world, it will also help increase your pay. I am so happy for you to be able to fulfill this long sought after goal/ dream of yours. Balancing all of the finances that come along with it is defiantly hard but in the end it will pay itself off. You will also feel so much more accomplished and educated in the end and feel more confident in providing evidence based practice/ quality nursing care to your patients. Great job getting started!
-Cassidy
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Chioma Nwachukwu
Posted Date
Apr 5, 2022, 10:28 PM
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I decided to complete my BSN to develop my skills further through the use of evidenced based practices and research that will improve patient care and outcome. Also, I am doing this degree for a better career opportunity. I wish to use the GCU learning resources which are available online and other recommended resources within my reach to enhance my knowledge. Effective time management to balance work and study will be a good strategy to help me excel as a student.
However, the most concern would be organizing my writing with citations and keeping up with assignments before the due date . I believe GCU would provide the resources and support needed to overcome these challenges.
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Billie Gabbard
replied toChioma Nwachukwu
Apr 6, 2022, 4:18 AM
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Hi Chioma,
Based on the readings this week, were there any tips you might use to help you with time management for assignments? Have a plan will help keep you on track. There are sources of information from GCU that can assist you with the writing elements.
Billie
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Alexandria Cortes
replied toChioma Nwachukwu
Apr 10, 2022, 7:14 PM
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Hi Chioma,
GCU has provided great learning resources which includes how to create proper citations. Obtaining a BSN will help us learn, as nurses, to implement evidence based practice into our patient education. I believe this is important because health care is always evolving and it is our duty to stay up to date with the latest practices. Below, I attached a link to some tips for time management which include figuring out how you are spending your time (Lucidchart, 2020). With this, you can decide where parts of your life are easier to cut back on and which parts require more time.
10 tips for Mastering Time Management at work. Lucidchart. (2020, September 16).
https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/time-management-at-work
CW
Cassidy Wright
Posted Date
Apr 5, 2022, 7:33 PM
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Replies to Rose Francis
I have decided to complete my BSN for a few different reasons. One reason is to further my knowledge in the most recent evidence based practice of nursing in order to provide better patient care. Academic nursing research is crucial to providing quality nursing care because it gives the foundation for evidence-based practice (EBP) that is often the catalyst for changes that impact patient outcomes (Falkner 2018). The next reason is my place of work requires that all ADN nurses obtain a BSN or higher within 3 years of hire, and lastly the more education I achieve the higher I get paid. All three of these reasons point back to an overarching idea that I am here getting my BSN to further myself along in my career and become a better nurse. I don’t have many concerns with getting started in my bachelorette program except the sole fact that I’d rather be outside enjoying playing sports or doing activities outside rather than being on the computer. I have never been one to like sitting on a computer for any period of time really. A few strategies that I can implement is time management, using evidence based practice sources of information, and remembering to ask for help when I don’t understand or am feeling overwhelmed. Enlist your family to keep a master calendar so everyone knows when you’re working, going to class and studying. And be sure to schedule some free time for the things you like to do, whether it’s working out, reading, listening to music or spending time with your family. That balance will help you get through the rigors of nursing school (Murphy 2015).
Falkner, A. (2018). Effective Writing and Research. CCC web books by AWS & CDD. Retrieved April 5, 2022, from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Philip Murphy 2015, October 13. 7 habits of Highly Effective Nursing Students. Minority Nurse. Retrieved April 5, 2022, from https://minoritynurse.com/7-habits-of-highly-effective-nursing-students/
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Pepper Wooters
replied toCassidy Wright
Apr 5, 2022, 11:00 PM(edited)
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Hi Cassidy,
I liked what you said about creating a master calendar. My husband is a list guy. He makes his daily list the night before to ensure things get done the following day. We also share a calendar on our phones. Though, I think getting a visual calendar the kids can see too will help them understand why I’m locked in my bedroom on my computer. I can see them saying it’s not fair I get screen time, and they don’t. We can plan family time, and we can track it to make sure we are balancing enough family time.
I read Balancing Work and Nursing School from All Nurses Schools; There were some points I read which made me think of your post too.
- Expect disruptions
- Set a realistic schedule
These two help remind me that we are human and don’t expect to do more than humanly possible. And things can’t always go perfectly all the time. Life happens, good and bad.
All Nursing Schools website. (2019, October 18). “Balancing Work and School”
https://www.allnursingschools.com/articles/balancing-act
Pepper
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Billie Gabbard
replied toCassidy Wright
Apr 6, 2022, 4:20 AM
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Cassidy,
Including your family into the calendar process is a great idea. Inclusion helps the family to understand the importance of time for schoolwork, yet also provides times for family events.
Billie
- CW
Carly Wallmeyer
replied toCassidy Wright
Apr 6, 2022, 11:21 PM(edited)
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Cassidy, I love your strategy of work, life, and self care balance. I am a people pleaser and tend to put others before my self. I rarely say no. I say yes to staying over, I pick up the extra shift, I will babysit, run errands and take on more projects than I can manage. Because of this I do not want to lose track of my priorities. I do not want my work , family or education to suffer because I am over exstended. Laurie Leinwand (2016) states, “Saying no helps you establish healthy boundaries and enables others to have clarity about what they can expect from you.” I need to find the importance in setting boundaries for my self to become successful. Saying no can allow me to create those boundaries and choose where I want to put my time and energy. Saying yes to everyone makes me feel a sense of loss of control, stressed and overwhelmed. By saying no, essentially, I can control my own schedule. This can help me prioritize my time with less stress an anxiety. According to Walden University (2022), managing your time mentally and verbally, creating a space to do school work, using resources provided by your university, accepting criticism, and motivation are all strategies to balance work, school and family life. I plan to work on mentally and verbally setting aside time to focus on my school work.
Laurie Leinwand. (2016, November 10). Why Is Saying ‘No’ So Important? GoodTherapy.
https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/why-is-saying-no-so-important-1110165
Walden University. (2022).Balancing Family, School, Work, and Life While Earning Your Degree Online
Walden University LLC. All rights reserved. https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/resource/balancing-family-school-work-and-life-while-earning-your-degree-online
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Stephanie Jackson
replied toCassidy Wright
Apr 8, 2022, 10:48 AM
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Hi Cassidy, we use a family “master” calendar and it is a life saver! I just need to start adding my new coursework to it then I think that will really help with my time management plus I like that I can take a quick glance and see what I should be doing that day. It is also a great way to see when I have some time to do things that I enjoy. That is one great way to set ourselves up for success.
Another point you brought up is asking for help. That is one thing that is vital to my success not only as a student but as a nurse. We should never hesitate to ask for help when needed, it’s how we grow. We are all here to help each other and should utilize each other (in addition to GCU) as resources. I am really looking forward to learning from everyone!
steph
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Pepper Wooters
replied toStephanie Jackson
Apr 8, 2022, 5:37 PM
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Stephanie & Cassidy
I like the continuing thread about asking questions. In my work life, I’m always encouraging new grads and hires to ask me questions, no matter the questions, and not to be afraid to ask. But on the flip side, I’m a pretty introverted person, so you would think the online class would be nice. Though, in reality, it’s more crippling because it allows me to hide still and be in the back. I find it hard to communicate with intention and feeling in the online setting. I really need to open up and ask questions without my fear of judgment. I have seen too much and been a victim of hazing among senior nurses to newer nurses. It shuts you down from asking questions, and being vulnerable to criticism becomes more challenging not to take personally.
So I’m going to try and break out of my shell and ask those questions. Practice what I preach, right…
Pepper
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- SJ
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Stephanie Jackson
replied toPepper Wooters
Apr 9, 2022, 2:32 PM
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Pepper, i really hate to hear that! I have been very fortunate when it comes the nurses I work with. I work in a small hospital and we really feel like a family. The atmosphere is such that I honestly never have a problem asking questions and I have even been asked questions by seasoned nurses who have 20+ more years experience than I do. Hazing can definitely hinder someone from stepping out of their comfort zone and asking for help. And I’m right there with you in regards to this online class making it easier to “sit in the back”. I’ve really got to push myself too. And trust me, no judgement here. Ask away!!
steph
- JW
Judith Wogu
replied toCassidy Wright
Apr 8, 2022, 12:12 PM
Replies to Cassidy Wright
Hello Cassidy,
It is true that completing BSN may be motivated by the need to provide better nursing care through advanced knowledge through improved knowledge on evidence-based nursing practice. This impacts on the patient outcome as there are minimal chances of errors and application of the best practice also increases reliability hence marketability in the nursing profession. This also translates on the financial benefits of acquiring advanced knowledge in nursing (Patterson et al., 2021). BSN is a tasking career and may require better planning that involves minimal time for leisure as opposed to other courses. This worsens if you also have a job hence the need to balance class work, job and leisure. The strategy for success that includes time management is inevitable in becoming a successful BSN student (Rezakhani et al., 2020). It is necessary to maintain a favorable social life as well as academic life balance. This requires scheduling for family as well considering the academic needs while in a nursing school
References
Patterson, J. A., Chrisman, M., Skarbek, A., Martin-Stricklin, S., & Patel, S. E. (2021). Challenges of Preparing Nursing Students for Practice: The Faculty Perspective. The Journal of nursing education, 60(4), 225–228. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-20210322-08
Rezakhani M. H., Aghamohammadi, V., Jafari, M., Absalan, M., & Nasiri, K. (2020). Challenges Faced by Nursing Students to Work with Nursing Personnel: A Qualitative Study. Advances in medical education and practice, 11, 313–319. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S246901
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Alexandria Cortes
replied toCassidy Wright
Apr 8, 2022, 8:42 PM
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Hi Cassidy,
I love your idea about creating a master calendar for the family, that way you know everyone’s schedules. I am getting my BSN for the same reason. As nurses, we have to keep ourselves up to date with the most recent evidence based practice. Trying to implement time management is definitely a learned skill for me so it will take some practice but we can get through it together as a class!
SJ
Stephanie Jackson
Posted Date
Apr 5, 2022, 2:10 PM
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Replies to Rose Francis
I had actually wanted to start working on my BSN a couple of years ago and the pandemic hit! Now it just seems that this is the new normal for healthcare and I should go ahead and start. I am currently in a leadership position and I feel that I could benefit greatly from a BSN.
My biggest concern is writing papers and citing evidence based practices correctly. It has been over ten years since I’ve been in school and I’ve never taken online classes before. However, there seems to be great resources that GCU offers to assist with APA style research papers as well as databases to access to include EBP.
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Billie Gabbard
replied toStephanie Jackson
Apr 6, 2022, 4:21 AM
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Replies to Stephanie Jackson
Thank you, Stephanie. Were there any tips from this week’s reading that you find helpful as to begin this journey?
Billie
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Stephanie Jackson
replied toBillie Gabbard
Apr 8, 2022, 12:48 PM
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Absolutely!
I can designate block time for certain tasks throughout the day. Doing this can ensure that I make time every day for school tasks. Prioritization of tasks can also help me decide what should be done first so that I don’t fall behind.
Reducing distractions and using a designated space for school work can also aid in focusing on study material. Find a quiet place and make it the focal point for study time. Be dedicated when it comes to finishing projects on time and as questions when unsure. By being proactive, the feeling of that added pressure from procrastinating can be relieved.
Murphy, P. (2015, September 23). 7 Habits of Highly Effective Nursing Students. Minority Nurse.
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Carly Wallmeyer
replied toStephanie Jackson
Apr 6, 2022, 11:22 PM(edited)
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Stephanie, I can relate to your concerns. Writing a well organized paper with proper citations is my concern as well. I encourage you to explore the resources available to us. I was browsing through the Student Success Center and it seems to be a one stop shop for help. I will be using the Writing Center within the Student Success Center to help with my writing skills. The Writing Center offers both in-person and online help. It offers essay writing tutorials, information on APA format, and even essay examples. They also offer help and tutorials on power point presentations (Writing Center, 2022). I love that GCU provides us with such great resources and that our professors are encouraging us to use them. I have not written a paper in a long time and was very hesitant. Falkner (2018) states, “When the basics, such as information literacy, are learned early, the process of academic writing becomes seamless and achievable.” I hope the foundation and building blocks will make essay writing second nature.
Angel Falkner (2018). Dynamics in Nursing: Art and Science of Professional Practice. CCC web books by AWS & CDD. Grand Canyon University (Ed.). https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Writing Center. (2022). Student Success Center. Grand Canyon University. https://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/v3.1/#/tools/writing-center/10/0/35
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Stephanie Jackson
replied toCarly Wallmeyer
Apr 9, 2022, 2:36 PM
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Carly, I have never had so many resources at my disposal! I have done a lot of navigating the student success center the last couple of days and was able to utilize some of the tools offered for our 2nd discussion question this week. It was very helpful.
PW
Pepper Wooters
Posted Date
Apr 5, 2022, 1:00 AM
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Replies to Rose Francis
There are many reasons I decided to return to school to complete my BSN. If I had to name some off the top of my head, they would be; am I not equal to my coworkers who carry a BSN. Am I not as bright as them? Would I have more opportunities, and some hospitals offer more per hour based on educational levels.
Still, the precipitating factor for me was a series of events that crippled me in my fight to deliver the best care to my little patients. This experience shook me to the core. All the other reasons didn’t seem to matter as much as this one. As a result, here I am, bettering myself to better their care. I find myself being the voice for children who cannot put the words together to say; I deserve better.
As it states at the beginning of our reading, “Academic nursing research is crucial to providing quality nursing care because it gives the foundation for evidence-based practice (EBP) that is often the catalyst for changes that impact patient outcomes.” (Falkner, 2018) I feel that getting my BSN is the start to building the knowledge I need to help break barriers and create much-needed change in my field of pediatric care and, more specifically, vascular access in pediatrics.
My biggest concern is failing, not finding the time to create quality work and life balance. Trying to juggle a full-time job, a family, and school is no easy feat. However, I need to organize my time and create a structure to have valuable and meaningful time in all areas of my life. It’s time to put on my big girl pants!
I like to find practical and efficient tools or formats in my workflow, which helps with time management and consistency. So when reading the section on Tools for Success, it popped out to me when it stated, “Becoming information literate is a crucial skill for students to master early on to lay a framework for success throughout the baccalaureate program.” (Falkner, 2018) My goals are fine-tuning my searches among the databases, having my favorite links to journals tailored to my field of study, easy APA help (GCU Library, n.d.) and getting my grounding on maneuvering through halo online education. This first class will be a steep learning curve, but if I stay organized with my tools, it will only get easier as I move from one class to the next.
Falkner, A. (2018). Dynamics in nursing: Art & science of professional practice. Grand Canyon University (Ed). https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1
Grand Canyon University. (n.d.) Reseach and Resources. GCU Library. https://library.gcu.edu
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Billie Gabbard
replied toPepper Wooters
Apr 5, 2022, 3:09 AM
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Pepper,
I am excited to see your efforts to seek research. GCU has awesome databases and resources. Starting with a solid literature search helps provide information needed for the assignments.
Billie
- JW
Judith Wogu
replied toPepper Wooters
Apr 9, 2022, 8:13 AM
Replies to Pepper Wooters
Hi Papper,
It is true that competition at the workplace requires advancement in knowledge in nursing. This gives you an edge over competitors in the same field at the workplace and makes you more competent in your duties (Bouws & Weeda, 2019). The need to deliver the best to customers and the belief that the patients deserve the best care enhances best patient outcomes through evidence-based knowledge imparted by the course. Pediatric care requires meticulous application of advanced knowledge that would be best offered in BSN. Quality work-life balance is a challenge considering the demands at work and the needs of social life as well as classwork. The load requires proper time management through planning and adherence to planners for a balance of the three needs. Practicing enhances efficiency and time management as well as consistency fuels success as a BSN student who also works (Miller, 2019).
References
Bouws, M., & Weeda, J. (2019). Navigating Nursing Transitions: Joy in the Journey?. Journal of Christian nursing : a quarterly publication of Nurses Christian Fellowship, 36(1), E1–E4. https://doi.org/10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000580
Miller C. L. (2019). A Career in Nursing: Calling or Choice?. Journal of Christian nursing : a quarterly publication of Nurses Christian Fellowship, 36(4), 236–237. https://doi.org/10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000647
CW
Carly Wallmeyer
Posted Date
Apr 4, 2022, 11:58 PM
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Replies to Rose Francis
I have decided to continue my education to further my knowledge, become more of an asset to my field, and expand my career. I am completing the bridge program for MSN in education. I currently precept new employees to my unit, I teach at education health fairs and am a part of the employee moral committee on my unit. I have grown to love teaching and would like to become more involved in education on my unit. With an MSN-E, I plan to work towards becoming the perinatal educator for the labor and delivery, NICU and post-partum units. I have just begun the program, so my plan may change; however, I know that I want to educate in the field that I am working currently. This is the perfect time for me to obtain my MSN-E because I just went part time at work in order to continue and further my education.
I am generally concerned about being in a completely online program and essay writting. I am grateful for the flexibility in the online program, but I have never attended school in this setting. Because of this, it has been an adjustment navigating and understanding the process. Working and exploring the Navigating Halo program has been very beneficial prior to starting class. This tool has been helpful by allowing me to learn how to navigate the classroom. The halo navigations system also gives me the opportunity to explore each link and learn more about them (Navigating Halo, 2021).
I plan to use the researching database, an essential tool, through the GCU library. There I can look up peer-reviewed articles by searching key concepts. I will be using the three Boolean operators AND, OR and NOT to narrow my search. Once I find articles, I will use the abstract to see if the article pertains to topic in question (Falkner, 2018). From there, I will use GCU’s writing center to reference how to formulate my papers. Using proper tools for APA formatting and citations will benefit me as well. Overall, I plan to use the proper tools to research appropriate articles, formulate a well-organized paper and avoid plagiarism in any of my work.
Angel Falkner (2018). Dynamics in Nursing: Art and Science of Professional Practice. CCC web books by AWS & CDD. Grand Canyon University (Ed.). https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Navigating Halo (2021). Grand Canyon University Technical support. Library. Student Success Center. https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/1
- BG
Billie Gabbard
replied toCarly Wallmeyer
Apr 5, 2022, 3:11 AM
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Carly,
Your concerns with essay writing are quite natural when attending an online program. There are many resources in the Student Success Center….a great place to start.
Billie
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- CW
Carly Wallmeyer
replied toBillie Gabbard
Apr 7, 2022, 12:20 PM
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I have been poking around the Student Success Center and have found it very helpful. Thank you
- PW
Pepper Wooters
replied toCarly Wallmeyer
Apr 6, 2022, 7:45 PM
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Hey Carly,
I first wanted to mention that I think it is great you are getting your MSN-E to be a unit-based educator. I have worked in my current unit for almost seven years, and we have gone through five different educators. I feel it is unfortunate, and we see a constant change in learning methods, styles, and practice standards. In addition, I have seen the change in people’s skill levels coming off of orientation differ with each educator.
When you talked about not attending school in this setting, I’m with you on that! I genuinely like the in-class environment. I get to remove all the distractions from the world and soak in the knowledge the teacher exhibits. I have already been feeling a little overwhelmed with learning to navigate this virtual world.
I read Tips for Successful Students from the University of Saskatchewan from our syllabus went to the University’s website and found they have many PDF files relating to tips and tricks. “SLS Study Skills: Study Skills Tip Sheets” (Univ. of Saskatchewan, 2022). They have a great selection of strategies under the Online and Remote Learning Success section. Maybe there is something there for all of us during these online times.
I already dig the first PDF, and they are easy to read. I’m going to go put up a kitty poster that says “Hang in There” and my Rosie the Riveter Poster. It sounds cheesy, but sometimes I just need some visual reminders to tell me I can do this.
Pepper
The University of Saskatchewan Libaray. (2022, March 28). SLS Study Skills: Study Skills Tip Sheets. https://libguides.usask.ca/studyskills/wallofhandouts
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Carly Wallmeyer
replied toPepper Wooters
Apr 7, 2022, 12:02 PM
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Replies to Pepper Wooters
Thank you Pepper! I do appreciate any resources I can get. It seems that online class were growing and now since COVID have become increasingly popular. There are many benefits such as learning at your own pace and being able to complete the work at any time of the day. Online learning makes it possible for many individuals to go back to school while balancing a work and personal life. Even though online learning is growing and the demand for higher education increases, we need to remember that there are risks. Plagiarism can increase with larger access to an abundance of resources. Plagiarism, intentional or unintentional, has a higher increase in probability (Falkner, 2018). Luckly we have the Student Success Center to avoid this.
Angel Falkner (2018). Dynamics in Nursing: Art and Science of Professional Practice. CCC web books by AWS & CDD. Grand Canyon University (Ed.). https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/1
JW
Judith Wogu
Posted Date
Apr 4, 2022, 10:49 PM
Status
Published
Replies to Rose Francis
Topic 1 DQ 1
It has been my desire to return to school to earn my bachelor’s degree in nursing since I graduated as an RN but have not been able to enroll due to a couple of challenges hindering me. Fortunately, I ran across an old friend who told me that she has her Bachelors degree and back again for her masters. She gave me the reason to leave my comfort zone to this wake up call.
To advance my nursing career, continuing education is necessary to attain my goal in a managerial position. Obviously, many hospitals and other healthcare facilities have preferences for nurses with a Bachelors degree. Also, there are more job opportunities in different fields of nursing. The desire to be enlightened and current with evidence-based practice will improve my competency.
Meanwhile, I have been a face-to-face student and have never enrolled in an online class, so I am concerned about taking my classes online and worried if I will be able to navigate the virtual learning process. Also, being a mother of six lovely children and working full time might be challenging with the school workload.
To be successful in this program, I will have to be able to manage my time effectively and efficiently. Also, by avoiding distractions and adhering to my schedule to achieve my desired goal. It is important for me to study material thoroughly to help me retain the information being passed on. I will also incorporate exercise to help me relieve stress.
- BG
Billie Gabbard
replied toJudith Wogu
Apr 5, 2022, 3:12 AM
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Replies to Judith Wogu
Hi Judith,
Each week will get easier with the online process. Take this week (no major assignment due) to explore the resources available. You got this!
Billie
- AC
Alexandria Cortes
replied toJudith Wogu
Apr 5, 2022, 1:48 PM
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Replies to Judith Wogu
Hello Judith,
There are definitely more nursing oppurtunites when you have your BSN rather than just your ADN. I am getting mine because the hospital I work for requires it however I am also happy to be furthering my education. Also, six kids and working full time?! You are a rockstar! Your time management skills must be great, good luck to you in this program.
- CW
Cassidy Wright
replied toJudith Wogu
Apr 5, 2022, 7:07 PM
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Replies to Judith Wogu
Hi Judith,
Thats great that you were able to find inspiration from a friend and go back to school for you BSN. Its not easy to jump back into school especially if you have other challenges that are hindering you. Great job! I think time management is the key to taking online classes as well. I have done a few online classes in the past, and I have found that one of my best ways to organize my studies and due dates is to go to the grade book tab and just see exactly what is due (for points) and when and then just go from there. Best of luck, I’m sure you will do great if you already survived nursing school in the past.
-Cassidy
- MM
Migdalys Moliner Sochay
replied toJudith Wogu
Apr 6, 2022, 6:25 PM
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Replies to Judith Wogu
Hello Judith,
Time management and setting an schedule will help you in your studies. Organization is very important. Good luck in your studies.
Migdalys
- SJ
Stephanie Jackson
replied toJudith Wogu
Apr 9, 2022, 2:42 PM
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Replies to Judith Wogu
Hi Judith, I too am new to the online degree program but I am confident that with the resources that GCU offers and the support we can give each other, that we can do this. It is very exciting that you are aiming to further your career in a management position, that is one of the great things about being a nurse. Always a way to learn, get better, and advance your career.
AC
Alexandria Cortes
Posted Date
Apr 4, 2022, 7:28 PM
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Replies to Rose Francis
I have decided to complete my BSN at this time because my hospital requires me to obtain my BSN within the first 3 years of working as a Registered Nurse. I also chose to complete my BSN to advance my education and become a well-rounded nurse so I can provide the best care to my patients.
I plan to use evidence based research when completing assignments. This is crucial when discussing health care and health care advances (Falkner, A., 2018). I want to be able to provide education to my patients with this same approach; learning how to obtain and translate evidence based practice into ways that my patients can understand is a very important part of providing great patient care. Educating patients about health and interventions is an essential role of nursing.
Falkner, A. (2018). Effective Writing and Research. CCC web books by AWS & CDD. https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/1
- BG
Billie Gabbard
replied toAlexandria Cortes
Apr 5, 2022, 3:14 AM
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Replies to Alexandria Cortes
Alexandria,
Using the research to support your papers is a great point. As nursing continues to transition, evidence-based practice is so important to ensure safe outcomes for our patients.
Billie
- CW
Cassidy Wright
replied toAlexandria Cortes
Apr 5, 2022, 7:03 PM
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Replies to Alexandria Cortes
Hi Alexandria,
Being able to teach your patients from an evidence based approach is crucial to being a well rounded and competent nurse. Education is essential to helping patients gain more health literacy and awareness about how to prevent progression of disease. Great job taking the leap and getting your BSN.
-Cassidy
- CN
Chioma Nwachukwu
replied toAlexandria Cortes
Apr 6, 2022, 4:44 PM
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Replies to Alexandria Cortes
Hello Alexandra,
Getting back to school at an older age can be quite challenging. Some individuals have utilized and implemented ideas that help to achieve success. This involves balancing work and school and it takes the following.
Setting a designated place of study within the home or office environment. Organize this place for keeping books, computers and important study materials. prepare a to do list and write down each schedule stating the deadline. It is equally important to add a friend or an instructor to serve as a reminder.
In addition, avoiding last minute rush helps one organize self and stay focused. Tasks become less daunting when they are done in a timely manner. Daily or weekly schedules should be set in an achievable manner.
Also, healthy lifestyle such as deep breathing, exercises and socializing with others prevents burn out. and promote relaxation.
Finally, one must always remember the motivation that led to the start of a project such as education. This might include; better prospects, promotion and the big picture. These serve as the drive needed to complete and achieve successful projects.
Balancing work and Nursing School; October 8, 2019 https://www.allnursingschools.com/articles/balancing-act/
- MM
Migdalys Moliner Sochay
replied toAlexandria Cortes
Apr 6, 2022, 6:19 PM
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Replies to Alexandria Cortes
Dear Alexandria,
Bachelor’s degree in nursing is an opportunity to gain evidence based information from the classes and apply it in our daily practice. Nurses with bachelor’s degree or higher education have professional advancement, generous recompense and occupation chances.
Migdalys
MM
Migdalys Moliner Sochay
Posted Date
Apr 4, 2022, 6:19 PM
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Replies to Rose Francis
I have decided to complete my BSN to advance my career. My concerns about completing my baccalaureate degree is not having enough time to perform properly. Based on the reading in the course resources, I can implement time management as an strategy to be a successful student.
- BG
Billie Gabbard
replied toMigdalys Moliner Sochay
Apr 5, 2022, 3:15 AM
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Replies to Migdalys Moliner Sochay
Migdalys,
What strategies will you use to manage your time?
Billie
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- MM
Migdalys Moliner Sochay
replied toBillie Gabbard
Apr 5, 2022, 8:35 PM(edited)
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Replies to Billie Gabbard
I have decided to do my BSN to advance my career. Coming back to school was a personal decision. In my perception it was the next step in order to get proper education. My plan is to provide the best care possible to my patients. I am a dreamer and I am willing to work for my dreams. I am captivated by the idea of learning.
My concerns related to completing my BSN degree was time management. I enjoy family time and taking care of my body. I read the article Tips for successful students and I learned that I have to control time and not let time control me. Another thing that I learned from the article was that I should avoid procrastination. This article was great because it gave me a sense of structure.
Adapted and shortened in 2005 by Alison Lake and Carl von Baeyer from a web page by Steve Thien, Kansas State University, which was based on the following articles in The Teaching Instructor. Larry M Ludewig, “Ten Commandments for Effective Study Skills,” Dec 1992. John H. Williams, “Clarifying Grade Expectations,” Aug/Sep 1993. Paul Solomon and Annette Nellon, “Communicating About the Behavioral Dimensions of Grades,” Feb 1996.

Based on the readings in course resources I found strategies to implement to be a successful student. I learned from the article the importance of taking understandable notes. Another strategy is to ask questions because there are no stupid questions. I learned that setting a schedule is important and avoiding multitasking. Organization and having a plan of action is another tactic to apply.
Adapted and shortened in 2005 by Alison Lake and Carl von Baeyer from a web page by Steve Thien, Kansas State University, which was based on the following articles in The Teaching Instructor. Larry M Ludewig, “Ten Commandments for Effective Study Skills,” Dec 1992. John H. Williams, “Clarifying Grade Expectations,” Aug/Sep 1993. Paul Solomon and Annette Nellon, “Communicating About the Behavioral Dimensions of Grades,” Feb 1996.
Grading Rubric Guidelines
Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
Scholarliness
Demonstrates achievement of scholarly inquiry for professional and academic decisions. |
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Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
Application of Course Knowledge –
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles and concepts learned in the course lesson and outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations |
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Performance Category | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
Interactive Dialogue
Replies to each graded thread topic posted by the course instructor, by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT, of each week, and posts a minimum of two times in each graded thread, on separate days. (5 points possible per graded thread) |
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Summarizes what was learned from the lesson, readings, and other student posts for the week. |
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Minus 1 Point | Minus 2 Point | Minus 3 Point | Minus 4 Point | Minus 5 Point | |
Grammar, Syntax, APA
Note: if there are only a few errors in these criteria, please note this for the student in as an area for improvement. If the student does not make the needed corrections in upcoming weeks, then points should be deducted. Points deducted for improper grammar, syntax and APA style of writing. The source of information is the APA Manual 6th Edition |
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0 points lost | -5 points lost | ||||
Total Participation Requirements
per discussion thread |
The student answers the threaded discussion question or topic on one day and posts a second response on another day. | The student does not meet the minimum requirement of two postings on two different days | |||
Early Participation Requirement
per discussion thread |
The student must provide a substantive answer to the graded discussion question(s) or topic(s), posted by the course instructor (not a response to a peer), by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT of each week. | The student does not meet the requirement of a substantive response to the stated question or topic by Wednesday at 11:59 pm MT. |
Also Check Out: Write a 750‐1,000 word paper discussing the influence of the IOM report on nursing practice NRS 430