In nursing, a PhD is considered the pinnacle of academic degrees that promises its holders the prospects of success in higher education, research, administration, clinical management, and research. The purpose of this paper is to highlight some personal triumphs and pitfalls while obtaining my BSN to PhD and to answer the question- knowing what I know now, what could I have done differently?
Methods:
This is a personal story of my journey and experience through the BSN-PhD program. I share insight on things that I believe helped me to be successful and prepared me to it the ground running once I was done with my education, but also what helped me to be successful in navigating the dissertation process, which as we all know can be a gruesome process. I also share personal pitfalls and obstacles that i succumbed to in the process. for example I explore reasons why I believe I failed my comprehensive exams the first time around. I also answer the u=fundamental question of "knowing what I know now, what could I have done differently?"
Results:
This will be a discussion of some important issues related to doctoral education. The main elements of my presentation will include the following:
a). examining the types of doctoral programs available in nursing and making a case for the BSN to PhD route.
b). choosing the best university depending on individual needs such as available financial aid and scholarships, completely online programs versus hybrid programs, the program's fit with individual research trajectory.
c). making it through the the first year including, fighting stereotypes, balancing life, work, and school, maintaining your sanity while still remaining committed to your work, and making the most of your mentoring relationships
d). tackling major milestones such as diagnostic exams, choosing a dissertation topic, comprehensive exams, proposal and dissertation defense. I also share a personal story of why i think I failed my first comprehensive exams
e). You are done. Now what! This is the question for many people after they graduate and in this section of the discuss issues such as whether or not to pursue a post doc, academia versus industry, tenure track versus clinical track, landing the right job for you, and how to hit the ground running regardless of where you end up.
Conclusion:
Many nurses know that they want to enhance their education by obtaining doctoral degrees, however, finding appropriate programs that meet individual goals is usually a challenge. Additionally, students are seldom mentally prepared to face challenges in doctoral programs. This can result in a lot of anxiety and negative consequences while in the program. Providing these insights on how to successfully navigate ones doctoral degree and beyond can alleviate some of the unnecessary pressure associated with being doctoral student.