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Graduate Study: Challenges and Strategies for Personal Success

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Graduate Study: Challenges and Strategies for Personal Success
Running head: GRADUATE STUDY: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES FOR PERSONAL SUCCESS

Graduate Study: Challenges and Strategies for Personal Success

fjazon

HCS/504

October 24, 2011

Elwanda Whitaker

Introduction

Why go out of my comfort zone and take up graduate school, knowing the hardship and sacrifices that goes with it? This paper will attempt to answer this question by laying out the reasons and benefits of pursuing graduate studies. It will explore my goals, the challenges and the strategies that I will implore to attain these goals. It will also touch some of the strengths, weaknesses, and the methods of improving my personal communications.

Graduate Study: Challenges and Strategies for Personal Success

According to Rovaris Sr. (2006),” Graduate school is fast becoming an entry-level requirement for many of the more desirable academic and other professional positions” (para 2). I noticed that health care facilities are hiring more entry level nurses who completed certain form of advanced studies. Nursing recruiters are constantly asking potential applicants if they have a masters degree. Is this becoming the norm?

Reasons for pursuing graduate school

Working at the health care setting for almost two decades made me feel complacent and sometimes work seems so tedious and routine. Then one day, I noticed, some of the younger and newly hired nurses had completed certain advanced degrees in nursing. I said, “Wow, I wanted to do that to.” But the other side of my brain is saying, “It has been twenty years since the last time you step inside an academic school, you have a full time job, three kids that needs constant guidance and you’re getting old. Are you sure you want to do this?” Listed below are the reasons I’m pursuing graduate school even with the dreaded thought of going back to school. • Career advancement (something to brag about) • I enjoy learning • Advance my career without significantly


References: Communication Quotes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.essentiallifeskills.net/communicationquotes.html Goldman, D. (2009). Obama’s big idea: Digital health records. CNNMoney. Retrieved from http://www.money.cnn.com/2009/01/12/technology/stimulus_health_care/ Klein, T. (2009). Improving communication skills: Effective listening strategies. Marriage Suite 101. Retrieved from http://www.tanya_klein.suite101.com/improving_communication_skills_9117728 Kramer, L. (2007). A personal reflection: Graduate study challenges and strategies for success. Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, 26(4), 158-159. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Rovaris Sr., D. (2011). Graduate school: A necessary step for your future success. IMDiversity, Inc. Retrieved from http://www.imdiversity.com/villages/channels/grad_school/articles/grad_necessary_step.asp
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