Reflection for DNP II

This semester for me has been intense in the beginning to now knowing which direction I am heading in.  It is hard to believe that we are already getting close to the presentation of our project for graduation! It has gone very quickly from the time I began this program.

Before applying to the DNP program, I must have called or emailed Dr. Manry, a dozen times (maybe not that many); I was not sure at my age (over 59, LOL!) if I should be in a doctorate program. However, working with students that were DNP or those that were MSN bridged to DNP; they were so pleased with the knowledge they received and what it added to their practice.  I decided “why not, I just want to complete the program before retirement and hopefully before passing!”  The truth, I have no regrets. I am very happy that I am able to offer an organization or facility the wisdom I have collected through the years and perhaps help those coming up in this profession.  And I will have a doctorate! Dang! At my age!

I was devastated at the beginning of this semester with the dismissal of my IRB to UNM.  It was also unbelievable to me that the head of the IRB would not give an answer for 7 weeks, even though he knew he was not going to sign the proposal. Where are ethics? But, with the assistance of Dr. Manry and Dr. Keenan, we switched to a survey method of data collection.  And it proved to be excellent. They both were so supportive and helpful.  And I was determined to not let that rejection slow me down!   The information which I have researched this semester is so very important to the Nurse Practitioner.  How we can practice safely and provide safety for our patients.  Guidelines are so easy to follow, they are road maps to our practice. Designed to be evidence-based. It still amazes me that others in our profession do not utilize them.  More to come on that at “Scholars Day.”

In summary, I would like to share a piece of my “Reflection Paper” with you:  “With the addition of the title of “DNP”, it will bring recognition and with that some entitlement in practice.  With years of experience as an FNP and CNM (no longer an active CNM), I have the background to be valuable to most areas of practice.  And for that, I am thankful.  Education is something we will never have taken away from us.  Being an RN(Age 22), BSN(36), MSN/FNP (Age 41), CNM(age 42), and now DNP (Age 61), on the horizon has built the woman I am today.  We are never too old to learn and be the best at the care we give to our patients and to each other.”

It has been wonderful interacting with all of you this semester.  I am looking forward to next semester completing this program and our projects with you!  Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to you all!

Kay

 

6 thoughts on “Reflection for DNP II”

  1. Kay,
    You definitely had some major set backs with your project but look at you now! You not only succeeded with your project, you crushed it. As for being older, I’m right up there with you at 55. Yes, I am the oldest in my BSN-DNP class. Actually, most of the students are my children’s ages!! As my fellow students are having babies, my children are having babies. As you said, we are never too old to learn. BUT…..it is harder to retain somethings.

    Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you next semester and the completion of this program!

  2. LOL! I have no doubt I may be the oldest period! Does not matter, when it comes down to practice, it is who we are within that “team.” Age is a number, right Paula?! Thankyou for your kind comments.
    Kay

    1. Age as a number. Well yes, but then I take it as a suggestion. My mind says you can do things like you were 18, but my body says “yeah, right.” I am so glad things worked out for you. Congratulations. One more semester! Will you be able to attend graduation in person?

  3. There have definitely been some challenges for you, you did such an amazing job overcoming them and perservering. IT is amazing to me that the semester is almost over. I am excited to here our final analysis and presentation. Age is just a number, there is always time for education and personal improvement.

    1. Thank you, Violet. It will be very nice to see our projects presented!

      I had a feeling about 2 weeks after submitting my IRB to UNM, that something was not right. It was the strangest situation. Things turned out well in the end! One thing I learned when waiting for the IRB answer was to always go with a gut feeling. If things are not moving forward, then that needs to be dealt with head-on.
      Thanks for your very kind comments!
      Kay

  4. Your story of continuing education is an inspiration. I always admire hearing the stories of how we come to fulfill our dreams. Through all of the setbacks, I’m sure you’ll be celebrating even bigger on graduation day. It had to be so frustrating to have the IRB deny your application. I’m glad you were able to prevail and still turn in quality work and have a successful experience through it all. Good luck to you as you continue through the program.

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