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