How is school going so far?

I started this week, I am part time with 2 classes, nursing theory and epidemiology... I am scared... we have to write a rural concept paper and do a nursing theory paper and presentation.. My theorists is Betty Neumann. .. what classes do you have???

Hallo! I started my masters as well! I am an "undecided," though I am leaning towards CNS with the intention of obtaining my NP as a post-masters degree.

I am taking:

- Patho

- Theory

- Research

For my projects in theory, I've picked the concept of empathy for my concept analysis; emotional intelligence as a borrowed theory; and Florance Nightingale as my theorist, because I wanted to know more about her. I mean, she was pretty much "the one" in our profession.

As far as studying....whenever I am not working my 24 hours a week, I am at home doing some type of work, whether it is reading, studying, projects, papers, etc. But, I am also taking 6 classes, so I feel like if I don't spend all that time doing things then I will get behind.

After studying for my upcoming patho test, I've decided I'll be studying that particular subject immediatly. The other two classes are mostly paperwork, so limited studying required!

Just starting week two with two classes: theory, and "roles". Both are online, and the only action seems to be postings in the "introductions" threads.

I've already posted my first assignment in the theory class, and made a couple of posts looking for clarification of the assignments for the "roles" seminar. Other than that, not much going on. I've read all of the assigned chapters for both classes, and I'm ready to get going!

For my projects in theory, I've picked the concept of empathy for my concept analysis; emotional intelligence as a borrowed theory; and Florance Nightingale as my theorist, because I wanted to know more about her. I mean, she was pretty much "the one" in our profession.

I'm with you on Nightingale; I'm going to do my theory paper on either her or Benner (the novice-to-expert stuff). Frankly, they are the only two nursing "theorists" I can stomach at this point.

EI can be a good theory to work with, I did some undergrad-level research in the subject for my psych degree. Tip: avoid the Goleman stuff, go straight to Salovey and Mayer, they did the original research that Goleman ripped off and "popularized." Also, you may want to look into the LEAS, it is a really interesting measure developed to measure some aspects of EI.

i feel as though i'm not studying enough. i'm taking 3 classes. advanced health assessment, selected topics in pathophysiology of the adult and an independent study. for the independent study i'm supposed to be looking at developing some type of policy and procedure regarding pts from the clinic being sent to the er or being admitted directly to the floor. i have no clue where to start and feel slightly overwhelmed. it's hard because i'm also working full time and have a part time job. keeping hope alive and just trying to take it one day at a time.

I'm with you on Nightingale; I'm going to do my theory paper on either her or Benner (the novice-to-expert stuff). Frankly, they are the only two nursing "theorists" I can stomach at this point.

EI can be a good theory to work with, I did some undergrad-level research in the subject for my psych degree. Tip: avoid the Goleman stuff, go straight to Salovey and Mayer, they did the original research that Goleman ripped off and "popularized." Also, you may want to look into the LEAS, it is a really interesting measure developed to measure some aspects of EI.

If you're interested in Benner, also check out Tanner -- she wrote with Benner but she has also developed a very interesting model based on the idea of nursing judgment (as opposed to the usual language of critical thinking, or nursing process). She's also done a lot of work on how to deal w/the nursing shortage (and she's an amazing phenomenological researcher)

This might be a good starting place if you're interested:

Tanner, C.A. (2006). Thinking like a nurse: a research-based model of clinical judgment. Journal of Nursing Education, 45(6), 204-211

and here's a little more about her and her publications: http://www.ohsu.edu/son/faculty/tanner.shtml

Thanks for the tip, I'll read up on her.

Hi fellow students,

I know that some of us have started our NP programs this week. How does everyone feel so far?

I am having doubts myself about whether or not this is right for me.

Anyone else?

Although I just officially started the NP program, I had already taken a few MSN level courses--theory, research, sadistics, and patho, which I earned A's in all. Well on Wednesday, October 1st, we took our first PE/DD exam. Avg grade was a 70, so avg person failed. I happen to be a bit above avg...I failed too. This was a first for me; and way disappointing considering I spent sooooooooooo much time reading and studying. The only excuse I have is that I was (and still am) sick--I'm thinking I had food poisoning. Instructor expressed his disgust with our poor performance (although there is a long history of many failing his class). Maybe this isn't for me. :-(