Doctoral students

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 9, 2007

I'm not a student now, but have a PhD. I'll be supportive if you would like.

I loved my PhD program. It was a very happy time of my life -- in spite of having a couple of serious health problems during those years. I loved the classes and companionship/support of my fellow students. My first piece of advice is to get to know the other students -- both those students in your classes and the students ahead of you in the program. The "older" students can give you tips on how to succeed in the school, which faculty members to ask to serve on your committee, etc. They have a wealth of valuable information -- but you'll never learn it unless you get to know them. Hang out with them, ask them about their experiences and recommendations, etc.

Good luck,

llg

1234567 · Mar 9, 2007

Thank you for responding. Did you live on campus or commute? What did you find the hardest? What would you change if you could do it again? Did you take weekends off to seek a balance? How many years did it take you?

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 10, 2007

I lived about 2 blocks from the school (in Denver) and walked to classes. I took a job as a research assistant to earn a little money and spent about 5-6 hours per week day in the school either working on my job or going to class. I really immersed myself into the school and got to know everyone and everyone knew me. I did not take weekends "off" because the schoolwork was not terribly stressful -- though I usually did little schoolwork on Saturdays. "Being a grad student" was simply my lifestyle. The work was integrated into my life. I didn't compartmentalize it.

I didn't find anything terribly difficult. I loved the classes and can't think of any that I didn't enjoy. In fact, that's how I chose that particular program. I liked all the courses in their curriculum. They were courses I would want to take as electives if they hadn't been required.

I took a long time to graduate (a little over 5 years) because I had some serious health problems in the middle. I injured my shoulder at the beginning of my 2nd year and had to take a couple of "incompletes" which I finished the following year. Then I had to take a full semester off because of a serious inner ear problem and I had ease back into school. It essentially took a year out of my life during which I did not make much progress on my dissertation. Had I not had the 2 health problems, I would have been done in about 4 years, maybe 4.5 years.

Yes, it was hard financially ... but I really enjoyed it and am glad I now have my PhD.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 10, 2007

llg is always full of fantastic information!

I am in debt up to my eyeballs for my BSN/MSN/post-MSN certificate, so can't do doctorate. However, I want to add my congratulations and best wishes.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 10, 2007

What is your area of research interest, 1234567?

I have a few regrets about my dissertation, but I do not really regret the decisions I made based on the information I had at the time. At the time, I couldn't forsee where my career would take me -- so, I don't spend time or energy now regretting the decisions that were the best I could make at the time. But I now wish I had chosen a different topic.