NURS 6003 Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions
NURS 6003 Discussion: Strategies for Addressing Questions
Congratulations on your recent RN graduation. I, too, had a difficult time this past year trying to balance work and school while having to homeschool my kids during the pandemic. However, excelling in my BSN program with everything I had going on showed me how strong and hardworking I can be and has given me the confidence to pursue my MSN.
You mention self-direction, self-efficiency, and time management are also areas you need to work on. To be successful, you must have time management skills and planning tools (Laureate Education, 2018). One thing that helped me a lot was getting a big calendar and writing down all assignments, discussions, and responses due dates, and my work schedule, and any other family appointments or events. Having a visual idea of everything I needed to complete for the week helped me identify and set aside time to complete schoolwork. This allowed me to stay organized and on track. I also had times of lacking motivation. When this occurred, I would decide on a reward for completing an assignment to help motivate me. It could be something small like a long hot bath, favorite dessert, movie night with my kids, or something big like a weekend trip. Nurses should engage in self-care activities regularly to help decrease stress levels (Kelbach, 2021).
Good luck and best wishes as you continue through your program. If you have any questions or need any help, please reach out to me.
References
Kelbach, J. (2021, May 24). The Ultimate Guide to Self-Care for Nurses. Registered Nursing.org. https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/ultimate-guide-self-care-nurses/
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Your Toolbox for Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Strategies for Addressing Questions
Keeping Motivated
When I came back from 16 hours duty yesterday and went back to the hospital for a double, I was asking myself, why am I doing this to myself? I want to do so many things after work and enjoy my leisure time, like watching movies in Netflix or singing my heart out in the Smule app. Or maybe during my off days I’d like to spend time with my 5-year-old son, So, why did I let myself suffer of not being able to do what I want to do? Because now I needed to alot time for my studies. “Does my classmate also felt the need to keep motivated?” In the required readings, I’ve read that, “Students perceive online courses differently than traditional courses. Negative perceptions can lead to unfavorable learning outcomes including decreased motivation and persistence.” (Kauffman, 2015). But now I got to learn strategies to be successful in my online schooling because I have to think of my future, of what entails once I become successful with this course. So, I focused on my personal and professional goal, this helped me get motivated. According to Online Colleges, (2018), 10 Traits of Successful Online Learner includes Self-direction, which is an independent approach to learning, this includes developing good habits with time management and study techniques. “What time-management hacks you like to share?” In the Video file, Your Toolbox for Success (2018) Time management skills, Test taking strategies, Planning tools like Calendars and Communication strategies are essential resources and strategies to be utilized throughout the program.
Writing
Another major dilemma I have is writing, knowing that the only way we are heard and graded in class are through writing. I must admit I am not that confident with my writing skills. “What writing tips can you share?” Until now I struggle what to write or how to write discussions. When writing I always ask myself, am I doing the right thing? A great resource I learned is the Walden University Writing Center, although I still have to get used on navigating the site. “Do you know any other sites that can provide techniques to writing efficiently?”, “Where can I learn more how to cite and write references? According to the Video file Tips for Effective Online Composition and Communication (2018), Academic writing can seem overwhelming, but we have to start somewhere. It is good to know that there are resources that we can fully utilize to help us. Like make a paper review appointment or attend a writing webinar.
Technology Use and Financial
When I decided to study Master of Science in Nursing PMHNP it was primarily because I want to advance my career, I was at first unsure of what I was getting into. Especially that this is my first time to study utilizing online learning. Some of the immediate concerns that came into my mind when I enrolled was, “Will I survive this course, even if I am not that technologically skilled in using the computer?” and “How am I going to pay for this education?” I have never tried having a student loan before and this is something new for me. Fortunately, my Student Enrolment specialist Mikayla Bostic assured me of how the process will be and my Student Advisor Sasha Butler was always available to listen and answer all my questions. I am grateful that Walden provided me these Academic resources who I can utilize to work with my queries. In the Video file, The Walden Journey to a Masters of Nursing: Strategies and Resources for Success, (2018) stated that their Academic advisors are the first line of defense in Master’s program and that they are dependable and approachable.
Clinicals
Who else can help me in this endeavor? Especially that I do not have that much connections yet. Even the question of “Who will be my preceptor during my clinicals?” sometimes crossed my mind but I am positive I will eventually find one. At work I am already looking for possible preceptor. And my professional network Ms. Belmonte and Ms. Brown-Heard are willing to support me by helping me form connections with NPs and Psychiatrists in our Hospital. And I know this does not end in my hospital, reaching out to professional classmates here in school and being a member to American Nurses Association (2018) are all great sources for Professional success.
References
Kauffman, H. (2015). A review of predictive factors of student success in and satisfaction with
online learning. Research in Learning Technology, 23, 1–13. https://journal.alt.ac.uk/index.php/rlt/article/view/1648/pdf_13
Online Colleges. (2011, July 14). 10 Traits of a Successful Online Learner.
Retrieved January 14, 2019,
from https://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/07/14/10-traits-of-a-successful-online-learner/
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). Your Toolbox for Success [Video file].
Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). Tips for effective online composition and
communication [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in
Nursing: Strategies and Resources for Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Resources to succeed. Retrieved November 14, 2018,
from https://www.nursingworld.org/resources/