Many of us who have higher degrees climbed the career ladder one rung at a time over a number of years. My first education was a diploma in nursing, then I went to college and received a Bachelor of Arts degree. It was 17 years before I returned to school to work on my Master’s degree. Working full-time, it took me five years to get a doctoral degree in education. Today with many on-line classes you can get a great education, spending more time studying and less time traveling.
Janice Smith, a current student in the Adult/Gerontological CNS track who will complete her Master’s in August.
Why did you decide to return to school to get your Master of Science in Nursing degree?
It has been a long-term goal of mine. I received my Diploma in Nursing in 1978. I completed a distance accessible RN to BSN program that was available to me at that time. I delayed getting my Master’s until my youngest child was 10 years old.
What was your clinical job before you started the Master’s program?
I worked as a staff/charge nurse in emergency and critical care units.
Your major tract in the Master’s program was Adult/Gerontological Health Care/Clinical Nurse Specialist. Why did you select this tract?
Many of the patients I care for are middle-aged adults and older adults so this tract seems to fit my needs best. I plan to work as a CNS in the emergency room after graduation.
What advice would give a nurse as far as how to balance working and continuing their education?
Support of your family is important. I have a wonderful husband who helps with the cooking, childcare, and household chores.
Have you worked full-time while pursuing your Master’s degree?
I worked full-time until I started the courses that required more clinical time. For the past year I have worked two 12-hour shifts on weekends.
Does your employer provide tuition support for your Master’s education?
Yes, my employer provides funding for my graduate study for a maximum total of $10,000.
Were the courses you took helpful in your clinical work during your time as a student in the program?
New content on research and evidence-based practice have been helpful in my practice setting.
Did you take classes in the nurse educator tract?
Yes, I am taking taking these classes and plan to complete the last course, the preceptorship, after graduation.
For questions about how master's preparation can advance your career contact:
Anita Wingate, RN, PhD
(913) 588-1634
awingate@kumc.edu
For questions about admission to the KU Master of Science in Nursing program contact:
Deborah (Debbie) Stratton, MS
Graduate & RN Recruiter, Student Affairs
(913) 588-1623
dstratton@kumc.edu
©
The University of Kansas Medical Center