I have started to look into PhD programs as well as other options for post master's education. My MSN is almost done, I am not becoming a NP as I did not feel strongly about it.
Currently I have a very good job that I like but I would like to educate more and also do some research. There are a couple of PhD programs I am still looking at. In addition, I also looked into options for a post - master's NP education track (which would be part-time).
I found a program for a doctor in education with specialization in nursing education. With those studies, there is of course a research focus that needs to be connected to the nursing education field.
I am definitely gravitating towards research and with it some education though I also very much like what I am doing now and probably want to keep this position which is 32 hours/week. Is the doctor of education a degree that is actually utilized in nursing education? I have asked the University for some information about where graduates with this degree work.
Since you have a PhD - how many hours a week did you dedicate to it?
Thanks for your insight!
Sorry for the delayed response. I didn't visit this thread for a while.
I quit my job and went to PhD school full time -- working 20 hours per week as a research assistant. But then, I didn't have children and was willing to "live poor" for a few years.
Also, I had known I wanted to go back to school for several years -- so I had saved up some money to help me get by during those lean earning years. Finally, I received some fellowship money that helped out -- and took out a small ($12, 500) student loan. Between all of those things -- savings, part time job, fellowship, and loan -- I was able to get by for a few years. I graduated at 41 years of age and was easily able to repay my student loan and replenish my savings in just a couple of years. Now, after 20 years of working full time again, I have plenty of money in my retirement accounts.
Sorry for the delayed response. I didn't visit this thread for a while.
I quit my job and went to PhD school full time -- working 20 hours per week as a research assistant. But then, I didn't have children and was willing to "live poor" for a few years.
Also, I had known I wanted to go back to school for several years -- so I had saved up some money to help me get by during those lean earning years. Finally, I received some fellowship money that helped out -- and took out a small ($12, 500) student loan. Between all of those things -- savings, part time job, fellowship, and loan -- I was able to get by for a few years. I graduated at 41 years of age and was easily able to repay my student loan and replenish my savings in just a couple of years. Now, after 20 years of working full time again, I have plenty of money in my retirement accounts.
Thanks for your reply!
I guess it would be hard for me to quit my job and go all PhD student/research as my first child will go to college this month and we pay for it. In the meantime I had the opportunity to talk to another PhD nurse in person I ran into and she said that she was at home after having her child and the PhD sort of fit in, she did not work while in the PhD program. I also talked to one of the clinical instructors but I do not think I would enjoy working on the floor as a clinical instructor.
llg, PhD, RN
13,469 Posts
Sorry for the delayed response. I didn't visit this thread for a while.
I quit my job and went to PhD school full time -- working 20 hours per week as a research assistant. But then, I didn't have children and was willing to "live poor" for a few years.
Also, I had known I wanted to go back to school for several years -- so I had saved up some money to help me get by during those lean earning years. Finally, I received some fellowship money that helped out -- and took out a small ($12, 500) student loan. Between all of those things -- savings, part time job, fellowship, and loan -- I was able to get by for a few years. I graduated at 41 years of age and was easily able to repay my student loan and replenish my savings in just a couple of years. Now, after 20 years of working full time again, I have plenty of money in my retirement accounts.