This is the last School Me Saturday post for 2023. And it will be a 2023 personal report post.
There is something about the end of the year that promotes introspection, of looking inside yourself to count your accomplishments. Do not count the failures. These are just learning opportunities.
This past year I survived TWO PhD semesters! In a six-semester program that is 2/3 of the way through. I almost called my chair a liar when she told me that I only had 4 classes to go, the rest of the time will be project and dissertation. Mind-blowing.
I learned about so much as well. Nursing Theory, more statistics, types of research. This past semester had a bit of a different feel with 2 of the three classes being mandatory classes in Policies and Ethics, and Health Disparities. I dare say I learned a lot in the two.
I continued to function as a research assistant and was assigned to a PhD nurse who was just starting a project. I got to design and create the survey that she will be using. I got to learn more programs, including Canva and Qualtrics which is the survey program. I love to learn stuff. This next semester will have more things to learn in data cleaning, and using my nascent skills in statistical modeling. But that is next year me’s problem. This post is about 2023 and all that I have learned.
The Tuesday night Writing Group has kept me in good stead to stay on target. This is a group I joined at the very beginning of this endeavor, and I use the three hours weekly to focus my attention and my thoughts. I know I am the only 2nd year who engages with the writing groups but they are very instrumental to my process.
I worked as a graduate assistant over the summer for a group of RN to BSN nurses who were in their last classes. We explored writing and citation, and I spent a lot of time reassuring them. Anyone who knows me in real life knows I am not that person, but I allowed myself to be that person for them. Well, I say I am not that person, but I am relentlessly cheerful and see the bright side. Not for nothing was my MedSurg nickname of Pollyanna Puke.
I survived the busy season in the operating room. To recap, many people have met their deductible and therefore MUST HAVE SURGERY NOW!!! This makes the end of the year, and the beginning of the year very busy in the OR. I still haven’t learned how to say no, and I’ve been doing a bit of evening shift charge during the week.
2023 was a busy year; I’m still on the bridge toward graduation.
Mantras always help. My favorite is “The only way out is through.”
Next week on School Me Saturday I will explore looking forward for adult learners.
Dispatches from the Evening Shift 