About a year into getting my Master's Degree, I wrote Getting My Graduate Degree: Is It Worth It? the article mentioned above about my experience up until that point. It wasn't long after that, that my life turned upside down and inside out. School was both a welcome distraction and a pain in the buttocks.
The work itself during the first three semesters was very similar to the management track. It wasn't until about the fourth semester that the focus was on informatics. I did miss the in-class experience in the beginning. I thought that not having face-to-face interaction would somehow decrease the amount that I could learn. But in this day of technology, all things are possible. Face-to-face doesn't have to mean that the person is in the room with you. And of course, with the emergence of Covid, the entire nation has learned to Zoom. We have become creative in the ways that we communicate, teach, and learn.
The online program utilized several approaches to teach, such as monitored - multiple-choice testing, research papers, and self recordings. I was expected to master all forms of media, which stretched my knowledge base (and my patience) of what I'm capable of. These skills have already helped me in my present job as Clinical Coordinator of a GI lab, and of course, prepared me for a future in informatics.
Much of what I learned was based on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP). Nursing practice bases its principles on what has gone before us, and what is the most effective method that improves patient care. The proven best method becomes our standard of care. I learned how to choose peer-reviewed research as well as interpret the information that was given in the articles. Learning the APA method was a change for me, because I had used MLA in creative writing. At this point, I am confident in my ability to do technical and research writing.
When I started studying coding, creating flow charts, dashboards, ERD, and much more, it stretched my brain. At the beginning of constructing my flowchart, I had a complete meltdown. I think I even cried in frustration, but my course instructor gently talked me off the ceiling and walked me through it. The instructors did not tell me exactly what to do, but guided me to the right information. Now, I actually enjoy making a flowchart. I understand the purpose and have learned how to do the shapes and arrows in order for the flowchart to make sense.
I feel that I learned a lot, so that made it worth it. My hospital reimbursed a lot of the tuition which was a huge help, and as far as my age - we are never too old. Why do we put limitations on ourselves?
I do know one thing, I've never had a more stressful year in my personal life. I am getting a divorce after 37 years of marriage. I found out earlier last year that there was cheating, along with other ugly things. That will take me a long time to work through and because of Covid, the court date keeps getting delayed. Also, my oldest daughter relocated here from Michigan with her husband and five children. Three of those are under five. I love reconnecting with her and getting to know her husband. They helped me in my worst moments by protecting me from my ex., and basically saved my life. However, there is a noise level with the small children that made it very difficult to work on homework.
Work proved to be added stress due to low staffing. I had a difficult time getting my work done because I often have to work on the floor. I love working on the floor, but I also have a large responsibility as the clinical coordinator to keep the place running. Also, we are doing a whole new build-out, which is absolutely amazing! There has been a lot of work and time that goes into that as well. My staff is fantastic, and I couldn't do it without them.
For me, going back to school was worth it. I don't regret any of it, because knowledge is power. What the future holds, only God knows. He has carried me through so many hardships, and I trust my future to Him. For now, I will rest in that.
As for my immediate future, I plan to continue redecorating my house and write creatively as well as for allnurses. I want to find myself, explore new things, and treasure my freedom. When Spring comes, I am going to grow as many herbs and vegetables that my property will hold. Gardening soothes my soul and makes me happy.
Going back to school is a very personal decision, one that takes commitment, money, and time. No one can tell you how to live your life, just do what's in your heart and follow your gut.
