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Whew! That’s the best way to describe my first few weeks of graduate school. Though I haven’t been out of school for long, getting back into the groove of doing homework and reading textbooks has been quite the challenge. I’m currently enrolled in two courses Advanced Pathophysiology and Confronting Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Environments.
Advanced Pathophysiology is a standard course for all masters level students. It encompasses how the body processes and systems work. This class consists mostly of quizzes every week, which I prepare for by completing each units learning objectives. So far I’m doing excellent in this class, my midterm is next week though so hopefully I’ll see the true fruits of my labor.
Confronting Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Environments is Drexel’s take on Politics and Policy within the Healthcare arena in terms of Nursing. The policy side of nursing was never one that interested me, but since beginning this course I have found a new love for it. I have a paper due soon on Legislative Bills, which I chose the “Access to Birth Control Act”. During my research I have found so many issues facing healthcare due to a legal system that doesn’t always give people their due diligence. Who would’ve known pharmacists in over half the states have refused to sell birth control to patients with prescriptions due to their own personal and religious beliefs . During the course I’m allowed to touch on many controversial topics, which I’m enjoying. However, this course consists of dreaded Discussion Boards, that I could definitely live without!
Finding time to juggle working full-time, school, and having a social life is increasingly stressful. In a perfect world, school would be my #1 priority, but I still have to ensure I have a roof over my head and can afford to live so I do have to work full-time. As school picks up and I start clinicals, I hope I will be able to cut back on the hours I do have to dedicate to work to ensure I accomplish my goal of comepleting NP school.
So far this journey has been the ultimate test of “Are you sure this is what you want to do?” But without a doubt I know I want to be a Nurse Practitioner, and I will succeed! I know classes are only going to get harder and my program requires a “B”in every course, so I have to stay focused! I know that it’s achievable and each day I’m one step closer to my dream.