OMG, DNP School Preparations

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The moment I received my acceptance letter to the DNP program I was elated, nearly in tears. I texted my spouse, notified my parents and sister. I had waited so long for this time.

Approximately three minutes later the doubts crept in. What had I gotten myself into? What if I can't balance my schedule? Suppose I go through the program, increase my student loan debt and then don't get a decent job...or even worse, get a job that I don't enjoy?

I've been through this before. It reminds me of Shel Silverstein's poem Whatif. Being Type A like so many in the nursing community, I didn't spin my wheels for long before I took decisive action.

Third bedroom transformed into an official office with storage and shelving? Done. Removal of important papers that I might someday review” otherwise known as trash: disposed. Online workshops? Yes. Drug screen, fingerprints, mother's maiden name and so-forth: check, check, check!

I even went beast mode on an office supply list. When that didn't float my boat I realized what I'd been missing. As soon as I received my acceptance letter my yoga practice flew out the window. I also neglected my typically healthful diet.

Now that I'm practicing again and have taken over the kitchen once more I feel 100 times better. That underlying anxiety that felt like hot embers has transformed to simple awareness of the challenges to come in a few short months.

I'm ready. Now instead of hearing the Whatif poem I hear my calm, slow breaths. It's going to be a fast summer. When the fall gets here I will continue to balance work, school, family and me time like I have many times before. No sweat

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am finishing my MSN in Dec and have an appt to go right into my DNP. I think i I wait, I won't do it and that is a bucket list kind of thing. The MSN is fulfilling one (a diploma from Duke) and then next will be make my children call me Dr Mom (jk)

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Thanks, mm! Best wishes in your upcoming progression!