I want a Phd, now what?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 27, 2009

Do not neglect the "fit"

Thank you for sharing your story, UVA Grad Nursing. I hope people read it and learn from it. My PhD experienced was mixed in that regard. My school was a great fit for its coursework and culture ... but I was most interested in a field that NO ONE in the country was paying much attention to. So, there was no school that was a perfect fit. My school had someone with interests related to mine, but we ended up with a major philosophical difference and my Committee Chair ended up kicking her off my committee because she just wasn't fitting with where I and the rest of my committee wanted to go.

So ... I graduated with no problems, but without the mentorship and "connections" in my field to pursue that direction. I have landed on my feet (as usual), but I often wonder how different my life/career would be if I had been fortunate enough to have a good mentor who could help me make that transition from PhD student to practicing scholar.

"Fit" is so much more important than some people give it credit for.

Did you ever go back to finish?

oldnightnurse · Sep 28, 2009

A friend of mine is working on her DNP through a college in Florida, NOVA, she was not required to take a GRE. This friend loves the college and her courses, yet it is very expensive.
p.s...I am not a young girl 40+...

I just finished my RN to BSN at Nova. Part of the program was online and part was face to face. You're right - the school is very expensive. Due to my own experience with the school (not the main campus) I can say that I do not ever intend to pursue another degree there. The location where I was based was the single most unorganized group of mammals I believe I have ever come in contact with!

It sounds like your friend is having a far better experience; I'm glad to hear that! There may well be hope for Nova, however my experience left such a bad taste for me that I'll likely seek my highest degree elsewhere. I am not young either (50), and plan to start an MSN (ARNP) program in the spring. I'm thinking of going the education route if I decide to go for a PhD. By the time I'd even finish it I'd probably be 65 and would need to sit in a high chair to lecture...lol!

llg - thanks for the excellent advice to aec rn bsn - it is helpful to several of us!

Kathy

aec rn bsn · Sep 29, 2009

This thread has been so helpful to me. Thank you all so much for all your input. This helped me realize how naive I am to what it takes to get a PhD. I am currently looking into getting an MSN, (as a result of llg's advice) before I jump into the PhD route.