A Time of Reflection

When I look back at my educational journey to achieve my MSN, I am filled with so

many different emotions. This is a journey that I never planned on taking. Getting my BSN was

an experience I never wanted to repeat. I thought I was happy and I was comfortable in my

charge nurse position at the hospital. Little did I know that those feelings would all change.

One of the emotions I feel is gratitude. First to my husband, for encouraging me and

supporting me throughout these last couple of years. I would have been able to get through

without his understanding. I am also very grateful for all of the wonderful professors that I have

had the opportunity to cross paths with along the way. Almost all were very knowledgeable in

their field and accepted any questions I asked. I am also grateful for all of my classmates

throughout this journey. Our common goal has led to many intriguing and educational

conversations via discussion board posts.

I am filled with excitement at any opportunity I have to be able to share knowledge that I

have gained through this experience. Although, I am not currently in a leadership position, I use

knowledge that I have gained throughout this journey every single day. I have learned so much

about the importance of research and evidence-based practice in our profession to provide the

highest quality of patient care. Researching current information is a skill that is learned through

experience and takes a lot of practice to perfect. I absolutely loved learning about the financial

job responsibilities of nursing leadership. The topic of human resources was also very

interesting especially when thinking of ideas to prevent turnover and increasing job satisfaction,

both of these were problems that I had personally witnessed happening at the hospital where I

worked.
 When it comes to nursing leadership, I do believe that some strengths come with

experience. Communication is a key to success in any business, let alone healthcare. I feel that I

have great listening skills, but I need to continue to work on how to have conversations during

difficult situations. I have a fear of upsetting people or hurting them in some way. I often do not

know what to say in trying times. I often have a hard time delegating, whether it is lack of trust

in the individual or the fear that I am going to make that person mad. I tend to take on the task

myself, risking being overwhelmed and not providing the type of care that I want for my

patients. As a leader, I will need to learn how to get past this as I believe that one of the most

important attributes of nursing is providing the highest quality care possible.

I believe that there is always room for growth, no matter what we are dealing with. I will

continue to seek learning opportunities and new knowledge at any time that it is available. In

healthcare, there is no end to learning. There is always going to be something new and exciting.

Finally, I feel a sense of empowerment. I was able to complete this program all while

being a wife, a mother of 4 small children, and working a full-time nursing job. It is a sense of

accomplishment that I can’t even describe. I am enthusiastic about what the future may hold for

me and what potential nursing positions that I am now qualified. I went into nursing because I

want to help people. I believe that the knowledge and experience I have gained from this

educational journey better prepares me to do just that, help people.

Congratulations to you all on this amazing achievement!! - Becki